Looking for an entertaining and pulse-raising car to take out at the weekend? Well, if you love to drive and fancy treating yourself to a car with impressive performance credentials, here are ten of the best fast cars for less than £10,000.
Whether you’re after a punchy hot hatch or a muscular saloon, you’ll find plenty on offer if you’ve £10,000 to spend – so much so, in fact, that it can be hard to whittle down the array of used high-performance cars down to a manageable shortlist.
Worry not, though; if you’re looking for suggestions or some inspiration, we’ve put together a list of our favourite fast cars that are available for £10,000 or less. But just remember, in any case, to set aside some money to cover upkeep and potential repairs. After all, there’s no point to buying a fun car if you can’t actually enjoy what it has to offer.
The best hot hatch of the last decade?
Prices start at £3,000 for a ragged and ruined example. Spend the full £10,000 and you’ll be able to pick up a low-mileage example in the desirable ST3 spec. Here you’ll enjoy cruise control, automatic lights, and part-leather Recaro seats. If you can track one down for £10,000, an ST200 offers an extra 15hp and subtle tweaks to the suspension for better comfort and reduced body roll.
Fiestas of this generation are generally quite reliable but there are still a few issues to look out for. STs have a reputation for being driven in a spritely manner, so a meticulous service history is a must. Interiors can rattle like a cutlery drawer on the Tube too.
To find out more, read our full used Ford Fiesta ST review
Three problems to watch out for:
Incomplete service history
Interior trim rattles
Paint chips easily
Pros
- A lot of fun to drive
- Good acceleration
- Affordable to run
Cons
- Interior quality isn't the best
- High likelihood of hard-driving owners
The thinking person’s fast car, with room for a dog
Then there’s the bulletproof reliability of the Skoda. This generation of Octavia took a hearty recommendation in the 2025 Used Car of The Year and a huge part of that is because these cars simply just work.
You’ll get two engine choices for the vRS, a 2.0-litre in either petrol or diesel guise. Don’t be put off by high mileage examples, both engines have a reputation for being as tough as old boots. Petrol engines have a 35hp power premium at 216hp, but diesels still offer plenty of poke, and better fuel economy. You can even get the diesels in all-wheel drive form.
To find out more, read our full used Skoda Octavia vRS review
Three problems to watch out for:
DSG issues can be costly to fix
Water in headlights is common
Dual Mass Flywheel
Pros
- Practicality meets performance
- Excellent value for money
- Robustly made too
Cons
- Expect high mileage at this price
- Twin-clutch gearbox reduces efficiency
The default drop-top sports car
But if it’s not outright speed that’s motivating your next purchase, and you’re more just looking for a quick, enjoyable and fun car, take a look at a first-generation Porsche Boxster. The compact drop-top Porsche made its production debut in 1996 and quickly established itself a reputation for being a superb roadster, and one that was a delight to drive.
You need to do a lot of research before committing, though. Aside from there being lots of variants, including later 2.7- and 3.2-litre cars, a lot of old 986-generation Boxsters will need an expensive refresh to drive as they should. And, yes, some versions are more prone to suffering from issues that can wipe out their engines, landing you with an unpleasant bill.
As with the other cars here, it is vital to get to grips with the common problems before you make a purchase. But do that, and find yourself an early Boxster in fine fettle, and you’ll have yourself a fantastic compact convertible that should stand you in good stead.
Three problems to watch out for
Failed hood mechanisms
Oil leaks or odd engine noises
Inoperative air conditioning
To find out more, read our full Porsche Boxster Roadster review
Pros
- Sweet handling
- Reliable when looked after
- That iconic badge on the cheap
Cons
- Finding a properly maintained example worth owning can take time
- Porsche spare part premium
| Used price from: | £3,000 |
Unshakable charisma and yobbish performance
It’s a blast to drive, even if it’s not the last word in sophistication. Expect it to be lairy and wayward, especially if you try and drive it hard. Visually a 595 looks the part with beefy arches, ludicrous paint options and plenty of garish stickers to chose from.
A clean 695 (with 180hp) doesn’t fall under the £10,000 cut off yet, but the 165hp 595 is more than enough to enjoy yourself. Rationality needs to take a back seat when buying the 595, the boot is woefully small, and the driving position is hilariously bad. Then you start it up and it burbles and fizzes and none of that matters.
Three problems to look out for:
Lambda sensor
Incorrect tyres - you need Michelins
Poorly modified examples
To find out more, read our full Abarth 595 review
Pros
- Lots of fun in a small package
- Surprisingly affordable to run
- It makes a fantastic noise
Cons
- Awful driving position
- Always intense
V8 British bulldog
What’s also worthy of your time, though, is the Jaguar XF – in particular, the ones with V8s. With speed in mind, we’d focus particularly on the naturally aspirated 5.0-litre models, the lesser-spotted 4.2-litre supercharged SV8 and the high-performance supercharged 5.0-litre V8 Jaguar XFR.
An XFR in budget is liable to be leggy or questionable, though, so it’s best to stick to the SV8 and 5.0-litre derivatives with your £10,000. Neither will disappoint in the straight-line performance stakes, with even the naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 punching the Jaguar from 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds. The SV8’s even more muscular and interesting, but its advanced suspension system can be costly to fix.
Irrespective of engine, the XF’s a fine saloon to drive, with composed, engaging handling, making it easier to find reasons to take it out for a spin. And then there is its subtle styling, which gives the V8 versions a sleeper edge, and its appealing, comfortable interior. Subsequently, if you want a luxury saloon with some muscle, the XF’s worth adding to your list.
Three problems to watch out for
Faulty fuel filler cap
Electrical gremlins
Tired supercharger belts
To find out more, read our full Jaguar XF Saloon review
Pros
- Muscular V8 engines
- Rear-wheel drive fun
- Luxury interior holds up well
Cons
- Thirsty engines
- Not that spacious in the back
| Used price from: | £6,000 |
The last good Renaultsport car
Try to find one that has been looked after, receiving regular servicing and timing belt changes when required, and go for a Cup version if you want something more aggressive and collectable. But either one will be gratifying to drive, and ideal if you’re thinking about venturing on track from time to time.
It's more of a compromise than the Fiesta ST on this list, it rides harsher and the coupe-looks suit it well, but does limit rear access. And, owing to its rarity, parts will be starting to run thin now. A big thing to bear in mind.
Three problems to watch out for:
A timing belt that needs changing
Noisy gearbox or dual-mass flywheel
Knocking suspension or steering components
To find out more, read our full Renaultsport Megane review
Pros
- Outstanding handling
- Stylish coupe looks
- Enthusiast appeal
Cons
- Drab interior
- Dull engine noise
| Used price from: | £7,000 |
Modern classic muscle car
The big coupe landed in 2004, featuring a 5.7-litre V8 and a six-speed manual gearbox, which delightfully channelled all 333hp and 343lb ft of torque from the engine to the rear wheels. The result was a plush, comfortable coupe that could dash from 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds and, flat out, reach 160mph.
It’s no pin-sharp sports car, feeling distinctly hefty and muscular, but it’s a car that’ll put a smile on your face when you squeeze the accelerator. Monaros have never been common either, so you’ll find the subtle two-door coupe garnering a lot of the right kind of attention when it’s parked up. Unlike some alternatives, it’s also a comparatively straightforward car that’s easy to look after and, if you’re so inclined, upgrade.
You do need to buy carefully, though, as they are getting to the age where rust can be a real problem – and, like the other cars here, make sure to get a history check on any example before buying it. It might just help you avoid a nightmare later down the line, should it transpire that the car you’ve got has been wrapped around a tree at some point in the past.
Three problems to watch out for
Rust and accident damage
Noisy differentials
Tired suspension
To find out more, read our full Vauxhall Monaro Coupe review
Pros
- Muscular V8 perfromance
- Suprisingly comfortable
- An unusal and intersting sight
Cons
- More GT than sports car
- Running costs
| Used price from: | £8,000 |
Ageing surprisingly gracefully
The 3.0-litre Si Coupe is the one to go for if you’re on a budget and features a powerful and sublime 3.0-litre straight-six engine. It also looks great, both inside and out, and comes with a decent amount of equipment, including standard-fit climate control.
BMW’s punchy coupe is also a reliable choice, with problems tending to be minor and easily resolved. There’s also the convertible version, if that’s more your speed, and automatic models are available. Don’t discount these, as it’s slicker than you might expect – and it could be a good option if you do a lot of driving in traffic.
Three problems to watch out for:
Cooling system leaks
Cracked rear springs
Oil leaks and VANOS problems
To find out more, read our full BMW Z4 Coupe review
Pros
- Attractive styling
- Brilliant engine
- Good build quality
Cons
- Ride can be a bit aggressive for some
- Convertibles can leak at this age
| Used price from: | £5,000 |
Lairy Japanese sports car
Up front is a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6, which punches its power rearwards through either a manual or an automatic transmission. You’ll want the former to get the best experience, as the latter isn’t good and blunts the raw, engaging experience of the 350Z.
The weight balance of the Nissan is nearly perfect, too, and it’s an intuitive and gratifying car to drive, thanks to precise steering. The car and its controls can feel heavy, though, but once you’ve acclimatised to it, there’s lots of fun to be had. You can get the 350Z in convertible form as well, widening its appeal further.
Early cars started out with 276hp but the power continued to climb through the 350Z’s lifespan, so aim for a later car if you want more muscle. Keep an eye out for cars with the GT Pack, which adds features such as heated leather seats and cruise control, and watch out for cars that have been neglected. Rust is a real problem on 350Zs and once it has taken hold, it’s hard to chase away.
Three problems to watch out for:
Paint damage and rust
Clicking rear axle
Low oil pressure
To find out more, read our full Nissan 350Z Coupe review
Pros
- Powerful V6 engine
- Involving driving experience
- Iconic exhaust note
Cons
- Tiny boot
- Prolific rust
| Used price from: | £5,000 |
For the brave and the bold
Note that there are no airbags, electronic safety measures, or even anti-lock brakes. Partner that with basic mechanicals and the power from a V8, and the Chimaera could be a handful in the corners, especially in greasy conditions. What’s terrifying is that this was considered the relaxed grand tourer of the range.
Part of the charm is a Chimaera will be easy to work on if you're enthusiastic and optimistic. All cars use the same Rover-sourced V8, an engine with a rampant fanbase. Electrical gremlins are common (windows, gauges and door mirrors all fail), but these won’t leave you stranded, just inconvenienced.
You’ll be looking at the smaller 4.0-litre examples in the price point and that’s no bad thing. They arguably handle better than the 5.0-litre examples.
Three problems to look out for:
Check the chassis - look for one that's been replaced
Electrical gremlins are widespread
The roof can leak like a colander
Pros
- Big V8 sports car for cheap
- Fun to drive, if you know how
- Simple to work on
Cons
- Questionable reliability
- Handling is fierce if you're not prepared
Frequently asked questions
What’s quick but should be avoided?
You’ll be tripping over plenty of sketchy, usually German cars with big engines at this price point. Think Category S BMW M5s, 150,000-mile Audi S4s and more financial time bombs. The reason we haven’t featured any here is that there’s so much to go wrong, and when it does the repair will be astronomical. If we’re selecting a notoriosuly flaky TVR above these, then it shows just how problem-filled these cars can be at this price point.
Also, the Chrysler Crossfire. An ugly car when new, it had all the sporting credentials and firmness of a trifle.
Top Buying Tips
Examine paperwork
It’s essential you check the car you’re buying has a comprehensive servicing and maintenance record. The latter is especially important as you’ll want to know what has broken and been fixed – and you can then ask the owner why it needed doing.
Signs of wear
Look out for signs that certain parts of the car have worn quicker or inconsistently compared to others. This can be an indication the car has been abused. Tyres, brakes, pedals and steering wheels are all common points for this. Excessively worn parts that don’t tally with the mileage can also be an indication of clocking.
History check
Carry out a Parkers Car History Check to make sure the car is what you think it is. The check will highlight any recorded accident damage as well as outstanding finance on the vehicle.
Engineer’s report
If you’re not mechanically minded, it may pay to get an independent engineer’s report on the car. Most breakdown companies provide this service and it’ll give you peace of mind that you haven’t bought a lemon. Third-party warranties may also involve an inspection before purchase.
Get online
There are owner’s clubs and forums for nearly every car these days, and they’re a wealth of information for the first time buyer. Watch out for buying guides and FAQ articles, which give you the low-down on what to look out for.
Insurance
Can you afford to insure the car you’ve got your eye on? It’s always best to get quotes before committing to buying a performance car.
Ryan Gilmore is the Car Buying Editor of Parkers. Having previously worked as Deputy Commercial Content Editor for Parkers, he’s a savvy shopper dedicated to helping you when car shopping. In his spare time, he enjoys going to the gym and walking.
