Sports Cars For Sale - Which Is Right For You?

Added: 01/21/2006

OK, so you're fed up with driving a mundane, economy saloon and want something with a little more flair and performance. Perhaps something that makes a statement associated with speed or maybe just something that possesses a character of its own. You can't quite afford anything new, but there are plenty of used sports cars for sale, and each one has a uniqueness only associated with the sport cars breed. However, before you reach a decision on what's the right sports car for you, it would prove worthwhile making yourself aware of the popular ones available in your price range. Today more than ever before the chances of owning a car that you really like is being made a reality simply because many of the hot cars produced by manufacturers simply don't hold their value. After just two or three years used sport cars that were once highly desired can be a serious proposition to anyone to whom they were previously out of reach.

A variety of breeds are available in the used sports cars for sale section of the market including convertibles, hot hatches and saloons, in addition to coupes and two seater roadsters. Below are four of the most popular sports cars for sale in the UK. The values for the cars shown are drawn from approximations relative to 2/3 year old vehicles with 24/36,000 miles on the odometer and a Full Service History (FSH). Every major manufacturer has recognised the need to include sports car sales in their range because demand remains high, which is good for customers because there's a wide range of vehicles to choose from.

£10,000 to £15,000

Possibly one of the most powerful sports cars for sale in the used market at around this price is the Subaru Impreza WRX. Launched in 2000 the Subaru offers fantastic performance both in a straight-line and in terms of its tenacious road holding and handling. It's sold either as a four door saloon or as a three door hatchback. These are not large cars and although comfortable, there isn't a great deal of room, but then you don't by one for interior space. Performance is generated from a 4 cylinder, 2 litre unit and tuned between 261 and 305 bhp. Expect 150 mph and a 0-60 time under 6 seconds. These rugged machines are reliable and market demand is good, so you will likely have to negotiate to get the best deal, anticipate £15k. You would buy one of these because you want the best performance package available for money together with strong reliability and residuals. What you also get is a significant street credibility rating.

The Honda Civic Type-R was launched in 2001 and has proved very popular with the motoring enthusiast fraternity. Powered by a 2 litre 4 cylinder engine that delivers a healthy 197 bhp the Civic Type-R can reach more than 140 mph and blast from 0-60 in under 7 seconds. As used sport cars the Honda is backed by a badge synonymous with great engines and reliability. Add to that a perfectly balanced hot hatch design that can be hurled around corners without drama and it quickly becomes apparent why the Type-R has sold in such large numbers. Honda do tend to retain their values better than most and the Type-R is no exception. Insurance costs are high, but you can rest assured that you have bought yourself an investment. For a 2003 expect a dealer to ask around £12k.

£8,000 to £9,999

The Renault Clio 182 is a 3 door sports hatch powered by a 2-litre, 182 bhp 4 cylinder engine. The performance available is a maximum 140 mph and 0-60 in around 7 seconds. The Clio 182 was launched in 2004 and is an improvement over the previous 172 by virtue of increased power and better handling. As used sport cars, the Renault has proven fairly reliable, although the body and engine both rattle and squeak. The Clio does not retain its original value well, so finding a usefully cheap good buy is on the cards. Expect to pay around £7k from a private seller and up to £9k from a dealer. You would buy one of these if you wanted a quick hot hatch, that few people actually recognised as being what it is.

The MG TF was launched in 2002 and is available in three versions. A 1.6 (115 bhp), a 1.8 (160bhp) and a CVT automatic with 120 bhp. However if you want to enjoy performance then the 1.8 (160 bhp) car is for you, as it can propel the MG to a top speed of more than 135 mph and has a 0-60 time below 7 seconds. Sports cars for sale of this type will appeal to someone with minimum passenger requirements, although the seating for two is comfortable. Reliability has been improved with no major mechanical faults reported. The best investment is 1.6, the heaviest loser is the 1.8 (160 bhp). That said, the CVT automatic is going to appeal to a limited market and though it may retain a little more value, when it actually com es to selling it expect a longer wait than for either manual version. A 2002 1.6 from a dealer would retail at around £8k, although sports car sales in summer may push the price up. A 2002 1.8 (160 bhp) from a dealer would be around £9k. The CVT automatic of 2002 might be a little more at £9,500. You would buy one of these because you enjoy the wind in your hair, and to impress the girl/boyfriend.

If you really feel the need to step away from the idea of a car as simply a means of travelling from A to B, and want something that can bring a smile to your face each time you climb in behind the wheel, then visit any used sport cars dealership and begin your search.

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