They'll never be cheaper than this - used car buying guide

If you're looking to invest in a car to turn a profit, then buying at the right time is crucial. These bargain motors are all worthy of your money, but crucially, they're also cheap to buy right now.

1 - Honda S200 (2000-2009)

Honda’s grown-up version of the Mazda MX-5 produced 237bhp from its normally aspirated 2.0-litre VTEC engine, at a giddy 8300rpm. It also had all–round double wishbone suspension, a low centre of gravity and 50/50 weight distribution.

It was quick, too; 0-60mph took 6.2sec and it topped out at 150mph. Some found its on-the-limit handling twitchy; others thought its electrically assisted steering lacked feedback, but a vintage S2000 will still put a smile on your face.

Add in Honda’s legendary build quality and for £5k it’s a steal. Hurry, though; good ones are beginning to command a lot more.

2 - Jaguar XJS (1975-1996)

Jaguar’s successor to the E-Type was a remarkably refined grand tourer, rather than an out-and-out sports car.

With its silky 5.3-litre V12, later XJSs could waft up to 155mph, and its ride was always magnificent. In 1983 it was joined by a 3.6-litre in-line six (later enlarged to 4.0 litres) that was almost as quick but much easier on the wallet.

The earlier V12s could be troublesome, however, and are probably best avoided. Rust is a known problem, so check the floor, sills and front wings. The engines are generally reliable, but avoid high mileages, check the oil pressure and watch out for dark smoke.

Find a good XJS and you’ll have an appreciating classic. Old Jags are in demand, and you’ll pay at least 10 times as much as this for an E-Type.

3 - Porsche Boxster (1996-present)

Fancy a mid-engined, open-top Porsche capable of 150mph for under £5k? With its push-me pull-you looks, the original Boxster polarised opinion, but the car was a gem from the off, with a sweet 2.5-litre flat six and eager performance.

Later models grew in engine displacement and power, but all retained the deft handling and wind-in-the-hair fun of the original low-slung hipster.

Your £5k buys one of the earlier cars, though, and that means careful shopping. Although Porsches are well made, Boxsters will have been used with enthusiasm, so check the car’s history carefully and look out for worn suspension bushes, accident damage and corrosion.

4 - Citroen C6 (2005-2012)

It took courage to overlook depreciation issues and buy a C6 brand new. In the end, fewer than a thousand people in the UK did — which at least made it exclusive.Big Citroëns have a reputation for being complex and unreliable, too, but C6 owners have only good things to say. The diesel V6 is refined (there was a petrol V6, too, but you’ll be lucky to find one) with a reputation for reliability.