Best used sports cars

At number one, we have the Audi TT Roadster. It's an easily recommendable sports car, because it strikes an ideal balance between the silly and sensible. On one hand, it's sharp and nimble to drive, plus its engine line-up is strong, ranging from a modest 178bhp unit to a potent 395bhp one (in the TT RS). On the other, the TT is comfortable and a class leader for interior quality, not to mention there's a decent amount of space for two on offer. It's reliable, too. And the cherry on top: used prices are reasonable across the board.

"The reason we love the TT in all its forms is that it's so adaptable. There are engine options to suit everyone, and it's such an easy car to buy, drive and own. This roadster is wind-in-the-hair fun too." - Mark Pearson, used cars editor

We found: 2019 Audi TT 2.0 TFSI S line, 44,580 miles, £20,980

Read our full used Audi TT Roadster review

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You might be wondering why the Porsche Cayman coupé ranks above the Porsche Boxster convertible in our books. Well, both are fantastic to an almost equal extent, but the Cayman offers a slightly superior driving experience by being lighter and having a stiffer structure (for even better handling), yet also more comfortable. The Cayman is slightly more practical than the Boxster, too. Like the Boxster, it offers beautifully balanced and engaging handling, precise steering and, in this earlier generation, glorious flat-six engines.  

"You'll notice we've gone here for the earlier car with the six-cylinder engine. We make no apologies. The later 718 Cayman is a great car too, but these earlier ones will please the enthusiast more." - Mark Pearson, used cars editor

We found: 2016 Porsche Cayman S, 59,300 miles, £32,950

Read our full used Porsche Cayman review

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Wait: surely the Porsche 911's smaller, less powerful drop-top sibling can't rank higher than it? Well, it does in our eyes – and not just because it's available for less money and will be better on fuel. The Porsche Boxster also drives just as well, if not even better. It feels light and agile, not to mention its 3.4-litre flat-six engine produces a healthy 311bhp (in S guise) and is great fun to take all the way up to the redline. That being said, even entry-level cars with the 261bhp 2.7-litre engine are a joy to drive. 

"Such a marvellous car to punt around almost any road, the Boxster offers fresh-air fun. Like the Cayman, not cheap, but worth it if you can find a good one of this age." - George Hill, used cars writer

We found: 2016 Porsche Boxster 2.7, 34,284 miles, £31,999

Read our full used Porsche Boxster review

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Ever since the first version was introduced in 1989, the Mazda MX-5 has been putting smiles on the faces of drivers – without bank-breaking buying and running costs. Now in its fourth generation, the model remains true to the original formula; it's a back-to-basics machine that embodies lightness, compactness and playfulness. Sure, its largest engine (a 2.0-litre four-cylinder) in its most powerful form produces only 181bhp, but that's more than enough to explore the car's capabilities. That means you can have a lot of fun at even modest speeds, turning any favourite road into a playground. 

"Not a speed-fest by any means but the MX-5 is such a lovely thing to drive. One of my favourites and good value too." - George Hill, used cars writer

We found:  2018 Mazda MX-5 2.0 [184] GT Sport Nav+, 46,000 miles, £10,995

Read our full used Mazda MX-5 review

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If you want rapid performance, truly entertaining and involving handling and a comfortable ride thrown into a neat-looking sports car that won't break the bank to run the Alpine A110 is the car for you. It's definitely the car for us. It offers proper pace in a small, lightweight package, and executes it brilliantly. In fact, we think it's one of the most entertaining and rewarding used sports cars you can buy at any price. 

"A victim of its own brilliance. It's so popular that used prices are still quite high, otherwise, it might have finished even higher up this list." - George Hill, used cars writer

We found: 2019 Alpine A110 1.8 Turbo DCT, 45,000 miles, £35,000

Read our full used Alpine A110 review

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The Audi R8 combines old and new school in a magnificent way. Its 5.2-litre V10 engine isn't turbocharged like most modern competitors, but with 602bhp (in pre-facelift Plus form) and Audi's sophisticated quattro four-wheel drive system, the R8 can take off like a rocket while making it easy to put that power to good use on twisty roads, even when the weather could be better. What's more, because of its luxurious interior and well-judged ride, this supercar is remarkably easy to live with. 

"Not cheap, admittedly, but what an old-school supercar thrill. It's wide enough to make width restrictors a problem, but by gum, it's worth it." - Mark Pearson, used cars editor

We found: 2016 Audi R8 V10 Plus, 48,000 miles, £63,945

Read our full used Audi R8 review

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You can't have a top 10 sports car list without a Porsche 911; you'll be hard-pressed to find a single version that isn't brilliant. For under £60,000, you can pick up an excellent 2016 Carrera S model. This generation is the last to feature some non-turbocharged engines in the 'regular' models, and, in Carrera S form, that means a 394bhp 3.8-litre flat six with a super-smooth power delivery and an amazing noise to accompany it. It's a polished, high-quality, surprisingly practical sports car that's intoxicating to drive. 

"Make no mistake, this is a brilliant car. The only reason the 911 finishes in this position is because it's so damn expensive, even used. That's how popular and good they are." - George Hill, used cars editor

We found: 2016 Porsche 911 Carrera S, 45,684 miles, £51,995

Read our full used Porsche 911 review

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The plug-in hybrid BMW i8 is fast, great fun to drive and very capable. Its 228bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine drives the rear wheels, and a 129bhp electric motor drives those at the front. This contributes to a rapid 0-60mph time of 4.2sec, yet it can run on electricity alone when needed. It's an easy car to live with day to day, thanks to its impressively low running costs, handy rear seats and decent practicality. It's likely to be a sound investment as well, especially if you buy an earlier, cheaper example, because now that it's off sale, used prices are only likely to go up.

"The one car here possibly like no other. It's still a head-turner all these years later and it's surprisingly good to drive." - George Hill, used cars writer

We found: 2016 BMW i8, 55,000 miles, £33,995

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Following up the legendary Mercedes-AMG SLS was no easy feat, but the Mercedes-AMG GT did exactly that – and did it very successfully. In S guise, its twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine produces 515bhp for scintillating performance. Throw in involving handling, sleek looks and a sonorous exhaust note and the GT makes quite a lasting impression – even if it does without the dramatic gullwing doors of its predecessor. It's an expensive way to have a good time, but you're unlikely to regret your expenditure.

"Oh my word, hold on to your hat, this AMG GT really means business. It's an acquired taste for some, but believe me, it's tremendous fun on the right road." - Mark Pearson, used cars editor

We found: 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT S, 73,272 miles, £50,950

Read our full used Mercedes-AMG GT review

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The Jaguar F-Type has a muscle-car-like quality about it. This is especially prevalent in any of its lairy V8 guises, although we actually prefer the more tameable – and generally cheaper – V6. Its 3.0-litre engine is still a riot, with 335bhp in standard form and 375bhp for the V6 S version. All V6 and V8 F-Types are supercharged and provide an engaging soundtrack to accompany their entertaining handling. Used prices aren't ridiculously high, either.

"Such a good-looking car, you could almost forgive it anything. Check its history carefully, but get a good one and you'll be smiling all the way to the south of France." - Mark Pearson, used cars editor

We found: 2017 Jaguar F-Type V6 S, 50,962 miles, £22,990

Read our full used Jaguar F-Type Convertible review

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