Not all of us have 40 or 50K lying around to slosh on a decently quick car. So it’s good to know that there’s plenty of choice out there with those of us with a more modest budget. Let’s say 10K.
What do we mean by a quick car? Well, that obviously depends on what you’re used to. If you’re currently driving the 44bhp Dacia Spring (0-62mph in a yawnsome 19.1 seconds), then an entry-level 2020 Honda Civic (0-62 in 10.1s) is going to feel like you’re riding a tornado. Whereas, if your daily driver is a Rimac Nevera… well you get the point. Not that a Rimac owner will be reading this.
We reckon that a 0-60 time of about 7.5 seconds is starting to feel interesting, so that’s our cut off.
Enter Parkers
Researching this article, we discovered that used car gurus Parkers had beaten us to the punch, penning a fantastic article that’s backed by the authority and expertise of their staff. There’s no way we can beat that, so we’re going to select four of their choices, then add in one option of our own.
1. Ford Fiesta ST 200 (2012 -2017)
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When new, the Mk 7 Fiesta ST 200 would have set you back £18K to 20K. You can now pick up good 2017 models at under our £10K cut off.
With 182 bhp and an ‘overboost’ facility to push this up briefly to over 200 bhp, the ST 7 gets to 60 mph in a respectable 6.9s. However, it’s in the twisties where the hatchback comes to life, thanks to a very capable chassis.
One big selling point is that the modest 1.6 litre engine, and cheap parts, mean you won’t need a second mortgage to keep it on the road.
When picking one, Parkers advises to proceed with caution, bearing in mind that plenty of these cars will have been thrashed to near-death.
2. Abarth 595 (2012-2024)
The Abarth 595 is essentially a Fiat 500 reimagined by a team of lunatics. Its straight line acceleration of 0-60 in 7.4 means that it barely gets onto our list, but with its gung-ho handling, it feels faster.
The cramped interior and horrible seating position mean that it’s not the last word in sophistication, nor even the first, but it all adds to the fun factor. The appearance only complements this: for us, Fiat’s little monster gives off Harley Quinn vibes, i.e., cute but psychotic.
Used prices vary wildly, but there are some decent examples available for well under 10K.
3. Skoda Octavia vRS (2013 -2021)
From impractical to totally practical, the Skoda Octavia is an all-round great car, and its various iterations have racked up numerous awards. In its vRS form, the 216 bhp petrol version will scoot you up to 60mph in 6.9 seconds. We found a lovely 2016 example just above our 10K cut-off, with plenty coming in below that price.
The estate version has a cavernous amount of storage space, the handling is good, there’s plenty of equipment and options, and it’s got a super-durable engine. What more could you want?
4. Jaguar XF Saloon (2008 -2015)
Now we’re talking.
OK, the Jaguar XF offers you terrible running costs, potentially expensive repairs, and not even that much space in the back. But what you do get for your 10K is a British luxury saloon that’s a gazillion times cooler than the equivalent Merc or BMW, plus a very decent lick of speed when you want it.
When it comes to the powertrain, there’s a bunch of variants. From 2012 onwards, there’s a supercharged 3.0 litre V6 that delivers 340 bhp and a 0-62mph of 5.9. Then there’s a naturally aspirated 5 litre version, which will swish you up to 62mph in 5.7 seconds.
However, if you want to push the boat out, and you can bear the petrol costs, you’ll want the fire-breathing, supercharged 5-litre v8. You’ll have a massive 502bhp on tap, and 0-62 comes up in just 4.7 seconds.
We found a couple of supercharged 5-litre examples hovering around 10K, and several of the more-than-capable naturally aspirated versions for less.
5. Not on Parkers’ list: Tesla Model 3 (or Model S)
Let’s end with two models that Parkers didn’t include, possibly because any Tesla was way beyond the 10K threshold a few months back. And it’s still a bit of a stretch, but the cheapest Model S we found on Autotrader is now 11.5K, and the cheapest Model 3 Long Range was 11.8K. But given Tesla’s continued fall from grace, and a bit of bargaining, and before long 10K will be well within shooting distance.
What would that get you? A Model S 85D will whisk you from 0-60 in about 4.2 seconds, which is about the same as the Model 3 Long Range. You won’t be getting sports car handling, but you’ll get a boot big enough to fit your kitchen inside, plenty of range, and a mighty shove in the back when the lights turn green.
Whether they’re fun cars to drive is a different issue, but they’re the quickest on our list.
This list is for entertainment purposes only.
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