Having a car that offers comfort and ample space is certainly a plus, but if we’re being completely honest, many of us would much rather be behind the wheel of a nimble sports car, carving through the curves of a scenic B-road.
There are plenty of fantastic sporty cars available, and opting for a used model can help you save a significant amount of money compared to buying brand-new.
With that in mind, here are the 10 best second-hand sports cars currently on the market.
1. Mazda MX-5
9/10
The Mazda MX-5 stands out as a fantastic all-around two-seat sports car, boasting sleek styling and an engaging driving experience.
It’s available as a fabric soft-top or as the ‘RF’ model, which features a retractable metal hard-top.
Regardless of the version, the MX-5 delivers nimble handling, thanks to its lightweight chassis, precise steering, and responsive suspension.
What’s good
- Exceptional handling
- Spirited yet fuel-efficient engines
- Excellent value for money
What’s not so good
- Hot hatchbacks offer more speed
- Lacks top-tier refinement
- No turbocharged engine option
New Mazda MX-5
- From £26,354 (£364 / month)*
Used Mazda MX-5
- From £9,495
Also Read: 10 Best Inline-6 Engines Known for Extreme Durability & Sophisticated Design
2. Porsche 911
- 9/10
Despite its distinctive rear-engine layout, the Porsche 911 has solidified its status as the ultimate go-to sports car.
Modern versions strike an impressive balance between thrilling driving dynamics and everyday usability provided you don’t require excessive cabin or boot space.
Inside, the cabin exudes sophistication, with a design that looks stunning and a level of craftsmanship that fully justifies its premium price tag.
What’s good
- Exceptional cornering grip
- Strong performance, particularly from hybrid variants
- Surprisingly practical for daily use
What’s not so good
- Optional extras come at a high cost
- Rear seats are more suited for storage than passengers
- GT3 models sacrifice some practicality for performance
New Porsche 911
- Currently unavailable
Used Porsche 911
- From £85,000
3. Porsche 718 Cayman
- 9/10
Porsche doesn’t settle for making just one outstanding sports car the brand also offers the Cayman. Featuring a mid-engine layout, it follows a more traditional design for a high-end sports car compared to its larger sibling’s rear-engine setup.
Positioned below the 911 in Porsche’s lineup, the Cayman comes at a more accessible price point.
Even the entry-level models deliver an exhilarating driving experience, while the hardcore GT versions are practically the ultimate track machines for those with an unlimited budget.
What’s good
- Exceptionally fun to drive
- Impressive speed
- Surprisingly practical for a sports car
What’s not so good
- New engine lacks character…
- …without offering better efficiency
- Expensive optional extras
New Porsche 718 Cayman
- Lease from £806 / month*
Used Porsche 718 Cayman
- From £34,500
4. Toyota GT86
- 8/10
For those looking for an affordable entry into the world of sports cars, the Toyota GT86 is an excellent choice. Now that it has been succeeded by the GR86, there are some great deals to be found on the used market.
While it may not be the most luxurious option on this list, it more than makes up for it with an engaging and fun driving experience at a budget-friendly price.
With its precise steering and an entertaining manual gearbox, the GT86 is an absolute joy to drive, offering a sharper, more aggressive feel compared to the well-rounded Mazda MX-5.
New Toyota GT86
- Currently unavailable
Used Toyota GT86
- From £13,490
5. BMW 2 Series
- 8/10
The BMW 2 Series is a sleek and upscale sports coupe, combining striking looks with a high-quality interior. While primarily a two-door model, it can accommodate four passengers if needed.
Out on the road, it delivers the engaging driving experience that BMW is renowned for, backed by a broad selection of powerful engines.
For those seeking serious performance, the high-powered M240i features a six-cylinder turbocharged engine, allowing it to sprint from 0-60mph in under five seconds.
New BMW 2 Series Coupe
- Currently unavailable
Used BMW 2 Series Coupe
- From £7,599
6. Jaguar F-Type
- 8/10
With its stunning design and high-performance personality, the Jaguar F-Type is a thrilling two-seater sports car.
It delivers an exciting driving experience, featuring sharp handling and a range of powerful, sonorous engines particularly in the top-tier SVR models, which are capable of reaching 200mph.
While the cabin may feel slightly dated compared to some of its newer rivals, it still boasts enough premium details to set it apart from more ordinary alternatives.
Having been on the market for several years, the F-Type is now available at some excellent used prices.
New Jaguar F-Type
- Currently unavailable
Used Jaguar F-Type
- From £23,895
Also Read: 10 Overhyped Supercars That Failed to Live Up to Expectations
7. Audi TT
- 8/10
The Audi TT offers an impressive blend of sporty handling and upscale refinement. Its exterior design is sharp and aggressive, while the interior boasts a beautifully crafted cabin filled with generous standard features.
Performance is strong across the range even the 2.0-litre diesel version can accelerate from 0-60mph in under seven seconds.
For those seeking top-tier speed, the TT RS delivers a formidable 395hp, though it comes with a significantly higher price tag.
What’s good
- Eye-catching design
- High-tech, stylish interior
- Engaging and fun to drive
What’s not so good
- Satnav is an optional extra
- Rear seats are quite cramped
- Some rivals offer more boot space
New Audi TT
- Currently unavailable
Used Audi TT
- From £9,750
8. Ford Mustang
- 7/10
When the Ford Mustang made its long-awaited return to Europe in 2015, it became an instant hit, frequently topping sports car sales charts.
As a result, there are plenty of great used deals available, whether you’re after the raw power of an American V8 or the more fuel-efficient EcoBoost variant.
While the Mustang isn’t the sharpest-handling car on the market, its unmistakable styling ensures it stands out from everything else on the road.
What’s good
- Competitively priced
- Enjoyable driving experience
- Powerful, rumbling V8 engine
What’s not so good
- Interior materials feel cheap
- Rear seats are quite cramped
- Infotainment system isn’t the most intuitive
New Ford Mustang
- Currently unavailable
Used Ford Mustang
- From £30,975
9. BMW i8
- 7/10
When the BMW i8 debuted in 2014, it looked like something straight out of a futuristic concept car showcase. Remarkably, its design has barely aged, and even today, it still appears as though it has arrived from the future.
While its 356bhp output may not seem overly thrilling, the hybrid powertrain delivers punchy acceleration thanks to the electric motors, along with unexpectedly impressive fuel efficiency.
It may not be the most practical sports car, but there’s no denying its incredible cool factor.
New BMW i8
- Currently unavailable
Used BMW i8
- Currently unavailable
10. Abarth 124 Spider
- 7/10
If the Mazda MX-5 feels a little too tame for your taste, the Abarth 124 Spider might be the perfect alternative. Sharing its foundation with the Japanese roadster, this is the high-performance version of Fiat’s 124 Spider.
It benefits from a more powerful engine, a throatier exhaust note, upgraded brakes, and sharper handling.
Some might even consider it the ultimate evolution of the Mazda MX-5 and that’s about as high a compliment as it gets.
New Abarth 124 Spider
- Currently unavailable
Used Abarth 124 Spider
- From £17,995