The top five used V10-engined cars - used car buying guide

A big engine doesn't need to cost big money, as these V10-engined cars start from as little as £6000.

1 - Bristol Fighter (2004-2011)

The trouble with the V8 Bristols is that there are simply too many of them. Better by far to invest in the Fighter, a 525bhp 8.0-litre V10-engined, two-seat, gullwing-doored supercar, of which there are only 13.

Bristol tweaked both the humble Chrysler V10 and its six-speed gearbox, so what you get is a rare and fast car: 0-60mph in 4.0sec and a top speed of 210mph. As with all Bristols, it’s quirky, quixotic and intelligent, with an aluminium body, a low centre of gravity and steering and handling you can set up to your own tastes. Alas, a proposed 1012bhp twin-turbo version, with a 275mph top speed, was never built.

You won’t find many of these low-drag, lightweight, thoughtfully designed cars for sale, but £160,000 buys you one when you do.

2 - Volkswagen Phaeton V10 (2003-2007)

The Phaeton was VW showing us what it could do. It was large, luxurious and exquisitely made. It had four-wheel drive and a beautiful cabin with exceptionally comfortable seats, and there was even a long-wheelbase version for oligarchs to stretch out in the back of. It was subtle, classy, soft riding and, with the W12 engine from the Bentley Continental to power it, impressively refined and fast.

With this gravelly 306bhp 5.0-litre V10 twin-turbo diesel, though, it turns a little rough. It has enormous shove - 553lb ft - but on the road it never feels quick. Its brakes feel a little disconcerting and its official economy is a woeful 24.9mpg.

Problems are few, however, and such luxury can be yours from as little as £6k.

3 - Audi RS6 (2008-2010)

It may look like a beefed-up version of the car your solicitor drives, but underneath beats a 571bhp 5.0-litre V10 related to the unit found in a Lamborghini Gallardo.

The RS6 goes like stink; 0-62mph takes 4.6sec and it’ll top 170mph if you derestrict it. It has massive tyres and four-wheel drive to cope with its thuggish power. You can even drift it around a track all day, and, if you buy the Avant version, you can take the dog, too.

Alas, on the road the ride is so stiff that it can make grown men weep, the steering is a bit peculiar and the throttle and brakes are too sharp.

Pick one up now for £25,000, or try its precursor, the milder 429bhp V10-powered S6, with prices from £12,000.

4 - Lexus LFA (2010-2012)

A fire-breathing carbonfibre supercar isn’t what you associate with Lexus, purveyor of beautifully made but essentially rather dull eco-luxury cars.