{"id":1777236,"date":"2026-02-18T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-17T21:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1777236"},"modified":"2026-02-18T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T21:00:00","slug":"here-are-19-brilliant-cars-that-are-cheaper-than-you-think","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1777236","title":{"rendered":"Here are 19 brilliant cars that are cheaper than you think"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

What is it?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The modern Puma is the bestselling car in the UK \u2013 from \u00a326,580 for the 1.0 EcoBoost Hybrid. But there\u2019s also a Ford Puma from 1997\u201302. It doesn\u2019t cost \u00a326k.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Why are we interested?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Because you get to be that person that says \u201cnot that Puma \u2013 the original\u201d at parties. The 3dr coupe based on Ford\u2019s B platform.\u00a0<\/p>\n

So\u2026 it\u2019s the same but not?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Not at all. The old one is a front-wheel drive three-door with four seats. The new one a FWD, five, five.\u00a0<\/p>\n

What should I buy?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The newbie is much safer, better at doing real life and likely not rusted through. The old ones cost \u00a32,000\u20136,000. But they\u2019re perky and fun.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

What is it?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

A front-engined, rear-wheel drive coupe. Much like an Aston Martin Vantage. Both are immense fun to drive. But one doesn\u2019t cost an arm and leg to buy and insure.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Why are we interested?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Essentially you\u2019ve got a similar recipe, but the GT86 has half the cylinders of the Aston, nearly a third the power and two thirds the weight.\u00a0<\/p>\n

So\u2026 it\u2019s the same but not?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

It is. But a new V8 Vantage is \u00a3165k+. A really nice GT86 can be had for sub-\u00a315k. And you\u2019ll get more driving thrills.\u00a0<\/p>\n

What should I buy?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The GT86s were all 2.0-litre boxers, so there\u2019s just trim choices and condition. We\u2019d look for a 2013 version with under 60k miles on the clock.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

What is it?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

A four-cylinder, mid-rear engined roadster with pin sharp handling and a slightly undesirable\/humdrum engine that will put a smile on your face.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Why are we interested?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you want mid-engined smile per mile RWD fun then a Porsche Boxster is great. But the MR2 MkIII is the value hero here.\u00a0<\/p>\n

So\u2026 what\u2019s the MR2 like?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Toyota MR2 1.8 VVT-i has only just under 140bhp, but the car weighs under a tonne. It\u2019s got lightweight thrills.\u00a0<\/p>\n

What should I buy?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

You can pick up an MR2 from the early 2000s in really good nick for \u00a33k\u2013\u00a34k, and \u00a36k brings some very well cared for cars.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

What is it?<\/strong><\/p>\n

A 5.0-litre, V8, manual, rear-wheel drive Ford with 435bhp. It\u2019s a wonderful anachronism in this day and age, a proper muscle car.<\/p>\n

Why are we interested?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you want a modern muscle car, a manual BMW M2 is loads of fun. But we would be tempted by a used Mustang \u2013 it\u2019s a beautiful thing.<\/p>\n

So… the BMW is like a Mustang?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The M2 is more precise, runs 4.2 to 62mph and 155mph top end. The 5.0 V8 Stang is 4.4 to 62mph and 145mph.<\/p>\n

What should I buy?<\/strong><\/p>\n

A full fat Mustang (5.0 V8 manual, not the 4cyl 2.3 Ecoboost auto) weighs in about \u00a340k for the current gen with a few thousand miles on the clock. A new M2 is over \u00a370k. Keep the change for petrol.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

What is it?<\/strong><\/p>\n

A V8 coupe\/convertible from a \u2018British\u2019 manufacturer. Much like an Aston Martin Vantage. They\u2019re both good-looking, fast and sound brilliant.<\/p>\n

Why are we interested?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Both do the same job, and do it well. But once again, a new Aston starts at \u00a3165k+ and you can get a very clean F-Type for around \u00a335k.<\/p>\n

So… they\u2019re the same but not?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The numbers run at 656bhp, 202mph for the Aston, 475\u2013575bhp for the Jag, depending on model.<\/p>\n

Should I buy one?<\/strong><\/p>\n

For the full-fat experience, V8 S or F-Type R. All are supercharged, all offer the Aston\u2019s experience, but with more bang for your buck.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

What is it?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Octavia is a practical performance Skoda estate with just over half the power for less than half the price of an Audi S6 Avant e-Tron.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Why are we interested?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

You can have the sporty Skoda with a choice of FWD or AWD, petrol, diesel or hybrid, auto or manual. And loads of fun driving it.\u00a0<\/p>\n

So\u2026 it\u2019s the same as the S6 e-Tron?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

No \u2013 the Audi has a much smaller boot, 502 litres plays 640 for the petrol Octavia, which is kinda the point of an estate.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Should I buy one?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

For max punch (and space) per pound you’ll want a used vRS. They\u2019re around from five grand. Bargain.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

What is it?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

A 2.5-litre five-pot that you can pick up in great condition for \u00a330k. Not quite a Bugatti Chiron \u2013 355bhp vs 1,578bhp \u2013 but still a great choice.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Why are we interested?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a coupe, it\u2019s all-wheel drive and has some driving characteristics that are very similar to the Chiron. Honest.\u00a0<\/p>\n

So\u2026 it\u2019s a driver\u2019s car ?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

The TT RS delivers on rapid cross-country pace like you wouldn\u2019t believe \u2013 on back roads, it\u2019s a machine.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Should I buy one?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

The TT RS does 0\u201362mph in 4.5 seconds and has a top speed of 174mph. For \u00a316k\u2013\u00a350k, it\u2019s\u00a0a lot of fun for the money.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

What is it?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

OK, so Volkswagen’s ID.Every1<\/a> previews a small, efficient German EV, but the A2 was ahead of the game in all ways when it came to German efficiency 25 years ago.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Why are we so interested?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Because the 1.4 petrol A2 was an aluminium genius that’s ULEZ compliant (not the diesel), and it was well packaged and efficient.\u00a0<\/p>\n

So… it’s the same but not?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve lost sight of the basics; A2s came in at under a tonne, could hit 98mpg, and looked cool. And that\u2019s in 2000.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Which one should I buy?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Late 1.4s hit ULEZ compliance, and are available between \u00a3800\u2013\u00a34k. Not fast, but more interesting than most.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

What is it?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re liking the look of the square-bodied Land Cruiser 250, then how about the 1983\u20132001 Jeep Cherokee? Same look, different price.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Why are we interested?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Because it\u2019s the same look and capability, but where the box-fresh Toyota starts at over \u00a380k, you can pick up a decent XJ for about five grand.\u00a0<\/p>\n

So\u2026 it\u2019s the same but not?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Same idea, except the Jeep has a unibody with a boxed-in frame. So it\u2019s more advanced. Technically.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Which one should I buy?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

It came with either a 4.0-litre straight six, or a 2.5-litre four-pot turbodiesel. Use the saved cash on petrol goodness.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

What is it?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

A tidy last gen V8. The new all-singing PHEV Conti costs \u00a3236,000 basic, whereas you can get a nice one of these for roughly \u00a3100k. That\u2019s mega value.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Why are we interested?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Because that’s more than half price. And it looks very similar, with V8 bellow. Champagne class for (craft) lager money.\u00a0<\/p>\n

So\u2026 80 per cent of the experience for less than half of the cash?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Yup. And it\u2019s only 0.8 seconds off the new one from zero to 62mph.\u00a0<\/p>\n

How many are there?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Loads. They dip as low as \u00a330k for a Mk2 Conti with a V8, but \u00a3100k will bag you a nice third-gen. You\u2019ll need cash to run it at teens mpg, but the class is eternal.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

What is it?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

A blue collar hero, but one that looks like it wants to eat a racetrack.<\/p>\n

Why are we interested?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Because for around \u00a320,000 you can get yourself an AWD, 350bhp tarmac-munching Focus RS. Seems like a no-brainer to us.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Kind of a cheap, modern restomod?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Yup. A well sorted and revived RS has to be more attractive than the latest warm hatch.\u00a0<\/p>\n

How many are there?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

RS? MkI, 4,500-ish with 2,150 in the UK. MkII was 11,500 with 4k in the UK, 500 fewer built of the MkIII with the same sold here.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

What is it?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

The new, electrified BMW M5 costs a smidge over \u00a3114k, which is… a lot. But peak M5 is the E39. Subtle, manual, 400bhp V8. So why not have that?\u00a0<\/p>\n

Why are we interested?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Because a 727bhp plug-in hybrid M5 that weighs 2.5 tonnes misses the point. Why not get something that does the job for much less?\u00a0<\/p>\n

How many were made?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Some 20,482 E39 M5s were made. They are known as a connoisseur\u2019s car, rather than just the most expensive version of a 5 Series.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Costs?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Under \u00a310k for a worn high miler, more like \u00a345k\u201350k for a minter. But \u00a325k would buy you a really decent one. Leaving \u00a390k for maintenance.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

What is it?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

One for the head not the heart, but when a new Audi S5<\/em> Avant costs over \u00a368k, why not consider a used diesel pretender for less than half the price? Hello S4 TDI.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Why are we interested?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Well, the 3.0-litre turbo V6 petrol in the new S5 makes 362bhp, but the most recent TDI still managed 342bhp. And its 516lb ft of torque blows the newly named car away.<\/p>\n

Surely not?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

With Audi\u2019s Sport differential and 8spd Tiptronic, the S4 TDI can hit 62mph in 4.8secs. And it\u2019s precise and decent sounding. And not rare.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Costs?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Very low mileage 2024 cars with all the options can be had sub \u00a350k, but earlier S4 TDIs are now well under \u00a330k. Buy one before diesel becomes illegal.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

What is it?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

It\u2019s the Phantom\u2019s great-grandad, the Silver Shadow. Officially 1965\u20131980, but you want the 6.75 V8 from 1970 onwards.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Why are we interested?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Because there\u2019s something about a modern Rolls-Royce that feels a bit new money. A \u2018Shad\u2019 marks you out as not playing by the same rules.\u00a0<\/p>\n

How many were made?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Over 30,000. Plus various special editions, convertibles and limousine versions, and the two-door Camargue.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Costs?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

A Phantom now lists at just over \u00a3400k, but if you\u2019re looking for class, you can\u2019t beat the R-R back catalogue, and a good Shad would be well under \u00a330k.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

What is it?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

A basic 911 Carrera lists at \u00a3103,700 incl VAT, with 390-ish bhp and a 183mph top speed. Same silhouette as other 911s, similar cachet.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Why are we interested?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Because the best thing about a basic 911 is that it\u2019s engineered for the GT3 RS. So you get 75 per cent of the vibes, for \u00a390k less.\u00a0<\/p>\n

How many were made?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Unlimited. No price war flipping and investment wars with a basic 911. Even new it\u2019s \u00a335k less than the GTS. Good residuals, too.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Costs?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Is a GT3 RS on a normal road really 90 per cent better per pound than the Carrera? We\u2019d argue no. In fact, the base spec car is easier to play with more of the time.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

What is it?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

The FWD City Cross gets the looks of the 4×4 for less hardware. It\u2019s supposed to be a speed bump-friendly urbanaut, but it\u2019s much more than that.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Why are we interested?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

It has underbody protection, lifted height, plastic cladding and extra fogs. Plus, it gets traction control\/hill descent gubbins.\u00a0<\/p>\n

How many were made?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Interestingly, the City Cross was quite popular \u2013 there are probably twice as many as the various 4×4 derivatives.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Costs?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Depends on the model, but \u00a38k+ will get you a low-mileage 2020 car with FSH and low miles. You\u2019d pay \u00a32k more for the 4×4 \u2013 do you really need it?\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

What is it?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

The RSi had a 1.8-litre 4cyl and only weighed 955kg, so it was decidedly nippy, with handling to match. It\u2019s basically a junior Williams. Ish.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Why are we interested?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

If a \u201993 Williams is peak vintage Clio, the RSi is the undiscovered country pre the Clio 16v. Think what a Pug 205 XSi was to a GTi.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Are there… versions?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Williams was a not-so-limited edition, but the RSi was overshadowed by the Clio 16v, so there\u2019s more choice here.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Costs?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

The RSi wasn\u2019t as collectible as a Williams, so there are actually far fewer of them on the road. You can get one that works for a couple of grand.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

What is it?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

The sub-genre of fast-ish VW Golf that burns diesel. Less outright power than a GTI, more torque, more mpg. Practical, stealth speed.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Why are we interested?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Because it\u2019s a hot hatch that gets 60+mpg driven carefully, but provides 80 per cent of the thrills of a full fat petrol GTI.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Are there… versions?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

From MkIV 1.9 PD150 and 180 \u2013 some badged \u2018GTI\u2019 \u2013 right up to GTD-badged MkVIII cars with 200bhp 2.0-litre motors. Not slow.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Costs?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

They\u2019re cheaper than a GTI (\u00a341,810 new), and you can pick up a MkIV PD180 for a grand.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

What is it?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Essentially a 16V head on the dull but worthy E36 318 four-pot, and a variable length intake manifold. Has 138bhp rather than the 318\u2019s 113, and fizzy revs!\u00a0<\/p>\n

Why are we interested?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Because peak power isn\u2019t until 6k it\u2019s super revvy, it\u2019s also RWD. Basically the thinking person\u2019s E36 M3-lite, but still handsome.\u00a0<\/p>\n

How many were made?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Some 191,053 E36 318iS were made, compared to the 71,241 M3s at the same time. So they\u2019re more plentiful, cheaper and retro cool.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Cost?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Anything from a couple of grand for a rough one, right up to \u00a320k for low miles minters. Coupe the one to go for, plus manual. Get an LSD and enjoy.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

What is it?\u00a0 The modern Puma is the bestselling car in the UK \u2013 from \u00a326,580 for the 1.0 EcoBoost Hybrid. But there\u2019s also a Ford Puma from 1997\u201302. It doesn\u2019t cost \u00a326k.\u00a0 Why are we interested?\u00a0 Because you get to be that person that says \u201cnot that Puma \u2013 the original\u201d at parties. The […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[226,237],"class_list":["post-1777236","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-crawlmanager","tag-topgear-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1777236","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1777236"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1777236\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1777236"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1777236"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1777236"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}