Looking for a cheap fun car? Here are our favourite used drivers cars available today for around £10,000

Words: Chris Randall

Motoring thrills can come in various forms, from the way a car looks to the way it handles or sounds which is why we’ve brought together six motors that deliver the goods, and all for £10,000 or less. Whether you want to raise the pulse on a twisty road or revel in a more relaxed way of doing things, there’s something here to fit the bill. Pricier Lotus aside, our budget is enough to bag a good example of each, too, so you should be able to have fun without worrying.

Mazda RX-8

Mazda have always done things their own way, and this rotary-engined sports car is proof of that. A pair of rear-hinged back doors made this a more practical coupe, and then there’s the ‘Renesis’ engine that, in the second-generation R3 model we’re concentrating on here, made 228bhp. Smooth and punchy, it needed revs to overcome the lack of torque but that was no hardship.

These later RX-8s received a few cosmetic tweaks, including LED rear lights and a more prominent body kit, but there were also revisions to the suspension and a stiffer ’shell. The result was a good-looking car that stood out from the pack, and one that provided plenty of entertainment when you were in the mood to exploit the balanced and vice-free handling. Our budget will secure a low-mileage example from 2010 that should still be in excellent shape, although it makes sense to ensure the bodywork and interior are as smart as you’d expect.

Potential buyers might be concerned about the rotary engine, but well-maintained cars needn’t be a worry. A compression test is worth carrying out if possible, and the oil level should be checked every 500 miles, so ask the owner about their inspection regime. But satisfy yourself that all is well in the engine room and you can enjoy a coupe that’s fun and will receive plenty of attention, too. If that’s not a recipe for a future classic we don’t know what is.

BMW 335i

What we have here is the E90 generation 3-Series that arrived in 2004 and was offered in saloon, coupe, Tourer and convertible forms. A minor facelift in 2008 kept things fresh, and it’s these updated models that fit nicely within our notional £10,000 budget. And while the drop-top might be tempting, our pick is the coupe that blends style and everyday usability to great effect.

But whichever version you choose the highpoint is the turbocharged straight-six engine (this was the first 3 Series to get forced induction) that’s both creamy-smooth and packs a 302bhp punch. Paired with either manual or automatic gearboxes, or a dual-clutch unit in the case of the coupe, there’s no shortage of straight-line shove. It makes for a terrifically-relaxing long-distance cruiser, too.

But don’t think that thrills are off the menu; it might be a rather less frantic affair than other cars in our list, but if you appreciate the finer points of handling the delicious balance and adjustability really is something to savour.

And there’s lots more to like, including a classy and solidly-constructed cabin that provides a just-so driving position and all the equipment you could reasonably need. It’s certainly subtle compared to today’s screen-festooned interiors, although it was also the first generation of 3-Series to get the excellent iDrive infotainment system.

Naturally, we’d advise taking the time to find a cherished example with no evidence of skimping when it comes to maintenance; a fat sheaf of service bills will provide peace of mind.

Toyota Celica (T230)

It’s the seventh and final generation of Celica (the T230) that we’re recommending, and immaculate one-owner cars are comfortably within our budget. It was on sale from 1999 to 2006 with an update in 2003 bringing revisions to the exterior styling, trim and running gear, although this coupe’s fundamental appeal remained unchanged.

At the heart of that was the rev-happy VVT engine that came in 140bhp or 190bhp flavours and that was paired with a sweet-shifting six-speed manual gearbox (there was no automatic for the UK). There’s real entertainment to be had from wringing out every last drop of performance, and you can do so in the knowledge that the engine will soak up everything you throw at it. Maintain it carefully and you can expect 200k miles without any drama.

And there’s more good news because the Celica provides the sort of sharp and responsive handling that proves an absolute joy on a twisty B-road. And when you’re done with that you’ll have a comfortable and reliable daily driver. Cars equipped with the Premium Pack got climate-control and leather trim, but while there isn’t the luxury feel of the BMW it all feels long-lasting and everything should still be working.

Whether you’re happy with a modified example is a matter of personal taste, but we’d be tempted to stick with original cars that have been cherished by owners happy to spend money keeping them in tip-top condition. With great looks and a fun driving experience the Celica is a cracking choice.

Lotus Elise S1

Okay, so it’s already pretty much a classic of today rather than the future, but when you’re talking about driving thrills this just had to be on our list. We should point out that £10k isn’t going to secure a car in perfect order, so you can expect some TLC to be needed, but buy with caution and you might just bag a bargain.

With that caveat out of the way we can just focus on what the Elise does best, and that’s entertain. Adhering to Colin Chapman’s ethos of simplicity and light weight, this two-seater was nothing short of a revelation when it went into production in 1996. Constructed using a bonded aluminium chassis and GRP body panels, power was initially provided by a 1.8 K-Series engine making 118bhp. If that doesn’t sound much it was still enough for 0-60mph in 5.5 seconds, but performance was only part of the equation.

What really set the Elise apart from just about anything else was the purity and responsiveness of the handling, and it’s as scintillating to drive now as it was almost 30 years ago. If you’re looking for an antidote to today’s bloated SUVs this is it. But as special as the Elise is there’s no escaping the fact that you need to buy with care, especially at this price point.

The condition of the chassis is crucial, so an expert inspection is a wise move, and you could spend plenty getting a poor car up to scratch. You’ll never tire of this car’s abilities, though.

Volkswagen Scirocco R

Launched at 2008’s Geneva Motor Show and borrowing its underpinnings from the contemporary Golf, the sharp-looking coupe blended quality and practicality to great effect. Buyers could choose from a range of capable petrol and diesel engines, and while none of them were duffers we’re here for thrills and that means the ‘R’ variant that arrived in 2009.

Under the bonnet was a turbocharged 2.0-litre version of the EA113 unit, and with maximum power of 261bhp it certainly had the go to match the show. The 0-60 sprint was despatched in 5.9 seconds and it got a little quicker after an update in 2014 boosted output to 276bhp. Those ones are still a bit pricey for our budget, so you’re going to be looking at a 2010/11 car with around 100k miles on the clock. That’s not a problem, though, as a sound service history will keep these Sciroccos trouble-free.

As for the way they drive, the XDS electronic diff helps get the power down and there’s decent agility, if not the last word in sharpness. Still, it’s a mature blend of ride and handling that lets you fully enjoy the performance on offer without compromising everyday usability, and that’s a talent not to be sniffed at.

We’d probably avoid examples that have been modified or re-mapped, simply because the standard R is a very capable all-rounder without the need for additional fettling. Just concentrate on finding one that’s been properly looked after and enjoy everything this sharp-suited VW has to offer.

Alfa Romeo Brera

They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder but we reckon this is the most gorgeous car of our group. Originally a Giugiaro-styled concept from 2002, the production car was launched at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show – as a coupe first with the Spider following soon after.

It was certainly eye-catching, and our pick is the sonorous 3.2 V6 that delivered its 256bhp to all four wheels via a Torsen-based system. In 2008 it was available in front-wheel drive form and with a Q2 electronic differential, but the Brera was withdrawn two years later. Any 3.2 is well within budget so it’s simply a matter of finding the very best example you can with evidence of regular attention.

Overall reliability is sound, but replacing the timing chains at 100k miles is a pricey job so bear that in mind. That aside, what’s it like in the thrills department? Well, it was a bit too heavy for its handling to be considered particularly sporting, but don’t let that put you off. It’s capable enough, and in any case it’s that engine that’s the star here.

It feels muscular and sounds lovely when extended, and for many that will be all the reasons needed to put one of these on the driveway. It might not respond well to being flung through bends, but the Brera’s visual and aural delights more than make up for that in our book. As the Brera demonstrates, there’s more than one way to get your thrills.