Mercedes B-Class

Kia Sorento

Toyota Yaris Cross

Audi Q7

Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron

Audi A8

Jaguar I-Pace

BMW 3 Series

top-10-great-used-sports-cars

<p>A sports car is very much a purchase of the heart. Whether you're intrigued by the thought of style, performance or an exciting&nbsp;drive, you want something that'll make you grin from ear to ear. A car that'll make you feel like it's Christmas every time you hop in the driver's seat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Satisfying these cravings can cost a lot of money, though, so&nbsp;buying your sports car used makes a lot of sense. Price&nbsp;is but one factor that we take into account when judging which sports cars are&nbsp;the&nbsp;best, though; they need to be thrilling, of course,&nbsp;plus none&nbsp;that&nbsp;we recommend will be a burden to live with.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Take your pick of these 10. All are sublime to drive, sometimes for different reasons.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><em>Slideshow story: please click the right-hand arrow above to continue, or simply scroll down if you’re reading on your mobile </em></strong></p>


Top 10 used sports cars

Sports

<p dir="ltr">Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the i8 plug-in hybrid sports car, which costs more than £100,000.</p>

<p dir="ltr">BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has six in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 and X6.</p>

<p dir="ltr">All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.</p>


<p>Any Z4 is a striking, suave, plush&nbsp;sports car inside and out, but&nbsp;we highly recommend going for the M40i over its lesser variants – the 20i and 30i – if you can. With its 335bhp 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine, it's the version that&nbsp;best delivers the performance and driving thrills you want from such a car. It would rank higher in this list&nbsp;if rivals weren't more polished and engaging.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>We found:&nbsp;</strong>2019 BMW Z4 M40i, 12,000 miles, £40,950</p>

<p><strong>Find a used BMW Z4 for sale&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/bmw/z4?used=true&amp;nearlynew=true&amp;yearFrom=2019">here</a></strong></p>


10: BMW Z4

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Strong six-cylinder M40i</li>
	<li>Comfortable</li>
	<li>Luxurious interior</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Four-cylinders are lacklustre</li>
	<li>Subpar sports car handling</li>
	<li>Inconsistent brake feel</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.</p>

<p dir="ltr">As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.</p>


MERCEDES-BENZ

AMG GT

<p>Following up the legendary SLS is 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&nbsp;515bhp&nbsp;for scintillating performance. Throw in&nbsp;involving handling, sleek looks and a sonorous exhaust note, and the GT makes quite the lasting impression – even if it does without the&nbsp;dramatic gull-wing doors of its predecessor. It's an expensive way to have a good time, but you're unlikely to regret your expenditure.</p>

<p><strong>We found:&nbsp;</strong>2018<strong>&nbsp;</strong>Mercedes-AMG GT S, 40,000&nbsp;miles, £79,000</p>

<p><strong>Find a used Mercedes-AMG GT S for sale&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/mercedes-benz/amg-gt?used=true&amp;nearlynew=true">here</a></strong></p>


9: Mercedes-AMG GT

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Huge performance</li>
	<li>Entertaining handling</li>
	<li>Wonderful noise</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Restricted visibility</li>
	<li>Some rivals are better to drive</li>
	<li>Expensive to buy and run</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">Jaguars are consistently among the best-handling cars of their kind, with the firm’s model range encompassing the XE, XF and XJ saloons, the F-Type sports cars and multiple SUVs.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Jaguar was actually relatively late to launch its first SUV, the F-Pace, but it quickly followed it up with the smaller E-Pace and the all-electric I-Pace.</p>

<p dir="ltr">That SUV range will keep growing, too, with larger and more luxurious SUVs planned to take on the Porsche Cayenne and the Range Rover from sister brand Land Rover.</p>


JAGUAR

F-TYPE

<p>The F-Type has a muscle-car-esque quality about it. This is especially prevalent in its lairy V8&nbsp;guise, although we actually prefer the more tameable – and generally cheaper – V6. Its 3.0-litre engine is still a riot, with 335bhp in&nbsp;standard form and 375bhp for the V6 S version. All variants of F-Type, bar a turbocharged four-cylinder,&nbsp;are supercharged and provide an engaging soundtrack to accompany their entertaining&nbsp;while handling. Used prices aren't ridiculously&nbsp;high, either.</p>

<p><strong>We found:&nbsp;</strong>2017 Jaguar F-Type V6 S, 44,000 miles, £39,950</p>

<p><strong>Find a used Jaguar F-Type Convertible for sale&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/jaguar/f-type?used=true&amp;nearlynew=true">here</a></strong></p>


8: Jaguar F-Type Convertible

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Good performance</li>
	<li>Attractive styling</li>
	<li>Lots of fun to drive</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Tiny boot</li>
	<li>Fiddly infotainment</li>
	<li>Not cheap to run</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">Porsche is best known as the quintessential sports car maker, but its line-up is increasingly diverse, interesting and successful, from its SUV family to the Panamera hatchback and shooting brake and, in time, a planned family of electric vehicles.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Whatever your choice, What Car?’s testers rate the cars highly; Porsche has an unusually high percentage of five and four-star cars.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Without exception, its sports cars are class leaders or among the class leaders, standing out for combining driving thrills with surprising luxury and comfort. Likewise, its SUVs are among the sharpest handling, as well as offering high levels of practicality and quality. Meanwhile, the Panamera is a true rival to the very best large executive saloons.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Porsche also sees itself as an electric car pioneer and has already enjoyed sales success with its plug-in hybrid range. Its first all-electric sports car is imminent, signalling the firm’s intent to stay relevant for many years to come.</p>


PORSCHE

<p>You can't have a top 10 sports car list without a Porsche 911. All of them are simply brilliant. For around £60,000, you can pick up an excellent 2014 Carrera S model. This&nbsp;generation is the last to feature flat-six engines without turbos in all models and, in Carrera S form, that means a 394bhp 3.8-litre unit&nbsp;with super smooth power delivery and an amazing noise to accompany it. If you have a bit more money to spend, one of the later turbocharged cars becomes available – either way, you're getting a fantastically accomplished, upmarket sports car that drives like a dream.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>We found:&nbsp;</strong>2014 Porsche 911 Carrera S PDK, 37,000&nbsp;miles, £62,000</p>

<p><strong>Find a used Porsche 911 for sale&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/porsche/911?used=true&amp;nearlynew=true">here</a></strong></p>


7: Porsche 911

<h3>Pros</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Rapid performance</li>
	<li>Wonderful handling</li>
	<li>Beautifully finished interior</li>
</ul>

<h3>Cons</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Road noise</li>
	<li>Still expensive, even used</li>
	<li>Stingy kit</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV have all won their classes at the What Car? Car of the Year Awards in recent years, while the TT coupé is the most decorated car in the history of the ceremony.</p>

<p dir="ltr">At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.</p>


AUDI

<p dir="ltr">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 all-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 remarkably easy to live with.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr"><strong>We found:</strong>&nbsp;2017 Audi R8 V10 Plus, 46,000 miles, £89,000</p>

<p dir="ltr"><strong>Find a used Audi R8 for sale<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/audi/r8?used=true&amp;nearlynew=true">&nbsp;here</a></strong></p>


6: Audi R8

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Addictive V10 engine</li>
	<li>Fluid handling</li>
	<li>Refined cruising manners</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Not as playful on the limit as some rivals</li>
	<li>Very thirsty when driven hard</li>
	<li>Still not exactly cheap to buy</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">The TT Roadster is a chic small sports car that has a very smart interior, as well as efficient engines and sharp handling. It's an incredibly well-rounded package, despite only possessing two seats. If you choose of the more powerful engines offered, such as the 227bhp 2.0-litre petrol, it's quick, too. And the cherry on top: reasonable used prices across the board. What more could you want?</p>

<p dir="ltr"><strong>We found:</strong>&nbsp;2018 Audi TT Black Edition 2.0 TFSI, 43,000 miles, £25,500</p>

<p dir="ltr"><strong>Find a used Audi TT Roadster for sale<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/audi/tt?used=true&amp;nearlynew=true&amp;derivative.category=convertible">&nbsp;here</a></strong></p>


5: Audi TT Roadster

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Fabulous interior</li>
	<li>Crisp handling</li>
	<li>Efficient engines</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Stingy equipment</li>
	<li>Some wind noise at speed</li>
	<li>Not the cheapest convertible</li>
</ul>


BOXSTER

<p>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. No, the Boxster also drives just as amazingly, if not even better. It feels light, agile and quick on its feet, 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 standard cars with the 261bhp 2.7-litre engine are a joy to drive.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>We found:&nbsp;</strong>2016 Porsche Boxster S, 28,000&nbsp;miles, £37,995</p>

<p><strong>Find a used Porsche Boxster for sale&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/porsche/boxster?used=true&amp;nearlynew=true">here</a></strong></p>


4: Porsche Boxster

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Brilliant handling</li>
	<li>Surprisingly comfortable ride</li>
	<li>Classy interior</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Not as well equipped as some</li>
	<li>Fuel consumption heavy</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">Mazda can be summed up in a single word: bold. Not only do its cars generally look like nothing else on the market, but it’s also invested heavily in innovative engine technology.</p>

<p dir="ltr">So, while many car makers have moved to smaller turbocharged engines, Mazda instead offers larger motors that are still efficient. For example, the entry-level petrol option in the Mazda 3 is a 2.0-litre unit –&nbsp;far larger than what you’ll find in most rivals – but it remains very clean.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Highlights of Mazda’s line-up include the MX-5 sports car, which has won our Convertible of the Year Award multiple times, and the CX-5 large SUV, which was named as our inaugural best car for dog owners.</p>


MAZDA

MX-5

<p>Ever since the first version was introduced in 1989, the Mazda MX-5 has been putting many smiles on the faces of many drivers – and without breaking the bank when it comes to buying and running costs. Now in its fourth generation, the model remains true to the original&nbsp;formula; it's very much a back-to-basics machine that embodies&nbsp;lightness, compactness and playfulness. Sure, its largest engine (a 2.0-litre four-cylinder)&nbsp;in its most powerful form only produces 181bhp, but that's&nbsp;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&nbsp;playground.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>We found:&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;2018 Mazda MX-5 2.0 [184] GT Sport Nav+, 30,000&nbsp;miles, £16,999</p>

<p><strong>Find a used Mazda MX-5 for sale&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/mazda/mx-5?used=true&amp;nearlynew=true&amp;yearFrom=2015">here</a></strong></p>


3: Mazda MX-5

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Outstanding ride and handling balance</li>
	<li>Performance suited to UK roads</li>
	<li>Low running costs</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Wind noise at speed</li>
	<li>Limited storage</li>
	<li>Driving position lacks adjustment</li>
</ul>


Coupe

CAYMAN

<p>Why does the coupé Cayman rank above the convertible Boxster? Well, both are&nbsp;fantastic to an almost equal extent, but the Cayman offers a slightly superior drive&nbsp;by being lighter and more rigid, yet&nbsp;also more&nbsp;comfortable. The Cayman is more spacious than the Boxster, too, and has a larger rear boot.&nbsp;With that said, you should know it comes with all the Boxster's amazing features we raved about above, such as its precise, balanced, engaging&nbsp;handling and glorious flat-six engines.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>We found:&nbsp;</strong>2018&nbsp;Porsche Cayman S, 39,000&nbsp;miles, £45,995</p>

<p><strong>Find a used Porsche Cayman for sale&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/porsche/cayman?used=true&amp;nearlynew=true">here</a></strong></p>


2: Porsche Cayman

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Excellent performance</li>
	<li>Wonderful handling</li>
	<li>Posh interior feel</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Not over-equipped as standard</li>
	<li>Spare parts will be pricey</li>
</ul>


<p>The BMW i8 is fast, great fun to drive and very capable, and&nbsp;it goes about everything in a forward-thinking way. For example, while&nbsp;its 228bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine drives the rear wheels,&nbsp;a 129bhp electric motor drives those at the front. This contributes to&nbsp;a&nbsp;rapid 0-60mph time of 4.2sec. From behind the wheel, it feels agile, sharp and precise. Additionally, aspects such as its impressively low running costs, rear seats, decent practicality&nbsp;and&nbsp;space-age&nbsp;design – features that make it a joy to live with day-to-day – help its cause. If you buy one of the earlier, cheaper models&nbsp;it's a sound investment too, because now it's off sale its used prices are only likely to go up.</p>

<p><strong>We found:&nbsp;</strong>2016 BMW i8, 36,000&nbsp;miles, £45,844</p>

<p><strong>Find a used BMW i8 for sale&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/bmw/i8?used=true&amp;nearlynew=true">here</a></strong></p>


1: BMW i8

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Unique driving experience</li>
	<li>Low running costs</li>
	<li>Amazing styling</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Steering could be better</li>
	<li>Cramped rear seats</li>
	<li>Tiny boot</li>
</ul>

<hr />
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