Mazda MX-5

Porsche 718 Cayman

Alpine A110

Porsche 911

BMW M2

Audi R8

Chevrolet Corvette

Porsche 911 Cabriolet

top-10-used-sports-cars

<p>A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/sports-cars/n24412">sports car</a>&nbsp;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&nbsp;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 just one of the factors 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 great to drive, sometimes for different reasons.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><em><strong>Slideshow story: please click the right-hand arrow above to continue, or simply scroll down if you’re reading on your mobile</strong></em></p>


Top 10 used sports cars

Coupe

<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 M8&nbsp;grand tourer, which costs more than £120,000.</p>

<p dir="ltr">BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has ten in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7 and XM, plus the electric iX3 and iX.</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 dir="ltr">The plug-in hybrid <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/i8/coupe/used-review/n876">BMW i8</a> 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.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><strong>We found:</strong>&nbsp;2016 BMW i8, 55,000 miles, £39,995</p>

<p dir="ltr"><strong>Find a used BMW i8 for sale</strong><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/bmw/i8?used=true&amp;nearlynew=true">&nbsp;here</a></p>


10: 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>


<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 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&nbsp;515bhp&nbsp;for scintillating performance. Throw in&nbsp;involving handling, sleek looks and a sonorous exhaust note&nbsp;and the GT makes quite a lasting impression – even if it does without the&nbsp;dramatic gullwing 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>2016<strong>&nbsp;</strong>Mercedes-AMG GT S, 73,272&nbsp;miles, £53,950</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>


Sports

<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 Jaguar F-Type has a muscle-car-like quality about it. This is especially prevalent in any of its lairy V8&nbsp;guises, 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 V6 and V8&nbsp;F-Types are supercharged and provide an engaging soundtrack to accompany their entertaining handling. Used prices aren't ridiculously&nbsp;high, either.</p>

<p><strong>We found:&nbsp;</strong>2017 Jaguar F-Type V6 S, 50,962&nbsp;miles, £25,990</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;&nbsp;you'll be hard-pressed to find a single version&nbsp;that isn't brilliant. For under&nbsp;£60,000, you can pick up an excellent 2016&nbsp;Carrera S model. This&nbsp;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,&nbsp;surprisingly practical&nbsp;sports car that's intoxicating to drive.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>We found:&nbsp;</strong>2016&nbsp;Porsche 911 Carrera S, 45,684&nbsp;miles, £54,995</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><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Rapid performance</li>
	<li>Wonderful handling</li>
	<li>Beautifully finished interior</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></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 are all common - yet upmarket - sights on UK roads.</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 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.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr"><strong>We found:</strong>&nbsp;2016&nbsp;Audi R8 V10 Plus, 48,000 miles, £70,945</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">Alpine (pronounced 'Al-peen') only makes one model, but if you’re in the market for a sports car, this French brand is worthy of your attention.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Its A110 is one of the best-handling cars on sale today. And while it’s not especially powerful, it’s still properly quick, thanks to its low weight.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The looks and character of today’s A110 were inspired by a legendary namesake that won the first ever World Rally Championship back in 1973. But the new car is undoubtedly a worthy successor.</p>


ALPINE

A110

<p>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&nbsp;pace&nbsp;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.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>We found:&nbsp;</strong>2021 Alpine A110 1.8 Turbo DCT,&nbsp;15,000&nbsp;miles, £41,000</p>

<p><strong>Find a used Alpine A110&nbsp;for sale&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/porsche/boxster?sort=priceAsc">here</a></strong></p>


5: Alpine A110

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Truly involving and entertaining handling</li>
	<li>Comfortable ride for a sports car</li>
	<li>Rapid performance and surprisingly good economy</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Pretty poor luggage space</li>
	<li>There isn't an abundance of A110s on the used market...</li>
	<li>... and prices can't match the rival Cayman</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 smiles on the faces of drivers – without bank-breaking&nbsp;buying and&nbsp;running costs. Now in its fourth generation, the model remains true to the original&nbsp;formula; it's 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 produces only 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+, 46,000&nbsp;miles, £12,995</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>


4: 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>


BOXSTER

<p dir="ltr">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 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.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr"><strong>We found:</strong>&nbsp;2016 Porsche Boxster S, 34,284 miles, £43,999</p>

<p dir="ltr"><strong>Find a used Porsche Boxster for sale</strong><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/porsche/boxster?used=true&amp;nearlynew=true">&nbsp;here</a></p>


3: 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>


CAYMAN

<p>You might be wondering why the Cayman coupé ranks above the Boxster convertible in our books.&nbsp;Well, both are&nbsp;fantastic to an almost equal extent, but the Cayman offers a slightly superior driving experience&nbsp;by being lighter and having a stiffer structure (for even better&nbsp;handling), yet&nbsp;also more&nbsp;comfortable. The Cayman is slightly more practical than the Boxster, too. Like the Boxster, it offers&nbsp;beautifully balanced and&nbsp;engaging&nbsp;handling, precise steering and,&nbsp;in this generation,&nbsp;glorious flat-six engines.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>We found:&nbsp;</strong>2016&nbsp;Porsche Cayman S, 59,300&nbsp;miles, £32,950</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 dir="ltr">At number one, we have the Audi TT Roadster. It's&nbsp;an easily recommendable sports car, because it strikes&nbsp;an ideal balance between the&nbsp;silly and sensible. On one hand, it's sharp and&nbsp;nimble to drive, plus its&nbsp;engine line-up is strong,&nbsp;ranging&nbsp;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 on offer.&nbsp;And the cherry on top: used prices are reasonable&nbsp;across the board.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><strong>We found:</strong>&nbsp;2019&nbsp;Audi TT 2.0 TFSI S line, 44,580&nbsp;miles, £21,980</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>


1: 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>

<hr />
<p><strong>For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter&nbsp;<a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Read more: <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/tt/sports/used-review/n17563">Used Audi TT Roadster review</a> &gt;&gt;</strong></h2>


<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Ride comfort shouldn’t be sacrificed at the altar of handling sharpness</li> <li>Plenty of power from a melodic engine</li> <li>Handling that doesn’t come at the expense of a back-breaking ride​​​​​</li> <li> <p>Practicality is not essential but nice to have</p> </li></ul>

<p>Driving fun is right at the top of any sports car buyer's priority list, and every one of our award candidates has backroad entertainment coded into its DNA.</p>

A great sports car nails its driving experience, from acceleration to handling, and should be great fun. Our top 10 used buys are all great value, too

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