Used car deals of the week
In this week's used car deals, we've sourced everything from a GR Yaris to a Maserati MC20
While we seem to be out from under the worst of the pandemic, its lingering effect on the global supply chain and wider automotive manufacturing means bargain second hand performance cars aren’t what they used to be.
This is something that’s been exacerbated by the world’s transition to electric cars, stoking demand for petrol-powered performance cars both in the new and used markets, leaving many short of either cash or supply.
What hasn’t changed, though, is the satisfaction of perusing the classifieds for all the most interesting used high performance cars on sale right now. This week we’ve dug up everything from a GR Yaris to a Maserati MC20.
> Browse our used buying guides here
Toyota GR Yaris Circuit Pack (2020)
£26,795
The new Toyota GR Yaris will go on sale in May, and while a suite of upgrades make it more capable than ever, its new £44,250 price tag will be a touch too much for some. If you’re willing to opt for a second-hand example, though, you can experience the homologation special for a fraction of its new price. The original is slightly less powerful than the Gen 2, generating 257bhp from its 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder, but a 5.5sec 0-62mph time and 142mph top speed make it a formidable point-to-point performer nonetheless.
> The new Toyota GR Yaris costs £44,250 – too much for a hot supermini?
For almost half the cost of the new car, you could be the proud owner of this 23,000-mile 2020 example, finished in Precious Black and with optional black GR Ultrasuede upholstery. Unlike some, this car is completely standard, coming with the sharp 18-inch forged BBS Circuit Pack wheels and just a single owner on its books.
Ferrari Roma (2021)
£144,900
The Roma shares its frustrating touch-based HMI with that of the SF90, but look past this, and it’s an incredible super GT. An achingly elegant design, excellent refinement and trademark Ferrari dynamic ability make it a fantastic all-round performance car. Mounted at the front is Maranello’s 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 with 612bhp and 561lb ft of torque, helping it sprint from standstill to 62mph in a brisk 3.4sec and onto a 199mph top speed.
> New Ferrari 812 keeps its V12 – launches later this summer
Despite the appeal of the Roma, used prices have been very quick to fall. Despite having covered only 1580 miles since it rolled off the forecourt three years ago, this tastefully-specced blue example is on the market for around £30,000 less than it was new.
Maserati MC20 (2022)
£159,975
A five star car and evo Car of the Year winner, the Maserati MC20 is one of the finest driver’s cars of the last few years. Powered by the fantastic 3-litre twin-turbocharged Nettuno V6, 621bhp and 538lb ft of torque make its supercar status clear, with its Dallara-sourced carbon tub and rewarding handling balance making it one of the best of its kind.
> 720bhp Maserati MCXtrema makes track debut ahead of first deliveries
You’ll pay in excess of £190,000 for a new example in 2024, but after just 1650 miles and two years on the road, this stealthy black car could be yours at a discount of almost £40,000. A full Maserati service history, just one owner on its books, black/tan leather and a manufacturer warranty until February 2025 make it a very attractive used buy.
Aston Martin Vanquish (2003)
£79,995
The original Aston Martin Vanquish certainly had its flaws, and while competition from Italy was strong, it made its mark on the segment with a muscular, cutting-edge design, a potent Cosworth-honed V12 and a fluidity to its chassis that not much else could match. Figures of 460bhp and 400lb ft are no match for today’s super GT’s, but given the noise that comes as a byproduct, it’s not much of an issue…
> Aston Martin V12 Vanquish (2001 - 2007): Britain's answer to the Ferrari 550 Maranello
The Mk1 Vanquish is still relatively obtainable in 2024, with this immaculate blue example on the market for £79,995. While this figure is higher than most on the market, it’s the price you pay for a 2077-mile odometer reading, with it having been dry stored for much of its life and recently serviced at none other than Aston Martin Works.
BMW M3 (E92, 2010)
£22,995
A motorsport-derived naturally-aspirated V8, snappy dual-clutch transmission and excellent daily driveability make the E92 M3 a rarity, but it’s now more attainable than ever. Outputs of 414bhp and 295lb ft of torque are no match for its turbocharged successors, but if engagement is what you’re looking for, you certainly won’t be left short changed.
> BMW M3 (E46, 2000 - 2006): review, history and buying guide
For just £22,995, you could be the owner of this tidy 56,000-mile example, sold with a full service history and brand new ACL rod bearings. Many consider the S65 V8 unreliable due to its tendency to chew through rod bearings, but ensure they’re in good condition (ideally new), change the oil regularly and never push on a cold engine, and you shouldn’t have anything to be concerned about.
TVR Tuscan (2000)
£34,995
Launched in 1999 to tackle established offerings from Porsche, BMW M and Mercedes-AMG, the Tuscan proved to be one of TVR's finest moments. Pairing a 360bhp straight-six with an 1100kg kerb weight makes it potent in 2024, never mind 25 years ago. The result is a 4.2sec 0-62mph time and a 180mph top speed, plenty enough to make it one truly engaging sports car.
> TVR Tuscan (1999-2006): review, history, prices and specs
TVRs are famed for poor reliability, and while high-mileage, neglected examples are likely to relieve your wallet of cash, this example might not be quite so bad. Having covered under 10,000 miles since it first hit the road, this glorious Nightfire Red example is on the market for just £34,995. Unmodified and having recently received a £4115 service, you won’t find a better one in a hurry.
Audi R8 (2008)
£34,989
A sleek, timeless design, that tactile manual gearbox and performance exploitable on virtually any road make the Audi R8 V8 an evo favourite. Powered by the same 4.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 found at the heart of the RS4 of the time, it produces 414bhp and 317lb ft of torque, enough for a 4.6sec 0-62mph time and 187mph top speed. While these figures are in line with those of a hot hatch in 2024, the original R8 takes some beating in terms of outright engagement.
> Audi R8 4.2 FSI V8 quattro (2007 - 2015): review, history and specs of an icon
Prices seem to have picked up a little over the last year or so, but they still haven’t risen too far – this unmodified, two-owner car is currently on the market for just £34,989. While it has covered 67,000 miles in its lifetime, that low owner count and a full Audi service history should give you some peace of mind.
BMW M5 (E39, 2000)
£23,995
The E39 M5 is the benchmark performance saloon, its modern successors are undoubtedly more powerful and faster but the old stager’s analogue charm is hard to match. With 400bhp and 369lb ft of torque produced by its 4.9-litre naturally-aspirated V8 might be hot hatch outputs by today’s standards, but it's expertly honed chassis and controls make it a driver’s car through and through.
> BMW M5 (E39, 1998 - 2003): review, history and buying guide
There are very few E39 M5s on the market with what you’d consider low miles, and while that might be a deterrent for some, it’s a great sign that they stand the test of time – this particular example has covered 91,800 miles, putting in the middle of the road in terms of E39 mileage. Painted in stunning Silverstone Metallic paint, it comes with a full main dealership and specialist service history, the Memory Package and a panoramic sliding sunroof. Yours for £23,995.
Renault Sport Clio 172 (Phase I, 2001)
£5450
Small dimensions, a playful chassis, low weight and a gutsy naturally aspirated engine make Renault Sport’s Clio 172 one of the finest hot hatches to hit our roads. While it was launched over two decades ago, its 2-litre F4R four-cylinder still produces a very respectable 172bhp, pushing it from standstill to 62mph in only 7.2sec and onto a 137mph quoted top speed.
> Why the Renault Clio 172 is one of the most significant cars of the last 25 years
Given their desirability, both Phase I and Phase II 172s have seen some appreciation in recent years, but even this restored 2001 example is on the market for under £6000. Having recently received a full respray, new arches and a complete suspension overhaul, this car looks to be one of the best you’ll find, despite its 102,133-mile odometer reading. It’s even been owned by the seller for the last 17 years, and is equipped with some very tasteful (and subtle) modifications.
Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 (2015)
£48,990
The Chevrolet Camaro will meet its end next year after almost six decades in production, so to pay our respects, we’ve found one of the finest iterations on the classifieds. While undoubtedly a muscle car, the Z/28 adopts a formula more closely related to European performance cars, with a reduction in weight, the adoption of sticky tyres and high quality dampers making it a truly engaging sports coupe. Unlike the ZR1, the model features a naturally-aspirated 7-litre LS7 V8 co-developed with Corvette Racing, producing 505bhp and 481lb ft of torque.
> Hennessey’s Exorcist Camaro ZL1 Final Edition is a 1000bhp run-out special
Having been imported by Litchfield Motors, this 2015 car has covered 13,321 miles in its lifetime, and is thought to be one of just five examples on UK soil. Being a Z/28, it comes with Multimatic’s trick DSSV shock absorbers, a Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual transmission, limited-slip differential and 19-inch wheels. Yours for a very reasonable £48,990.