Our pick: The best second-hand Mazdas

One we found: Dry stored for 10 years, one owner and 99,000 miles. Lots of history and yours for £1750.

Mazda 323 4WD 1985-1989 £2500-£15,000

If you want to stand out from the Lancia Delta and Escort RS Cosworth homologation crowd, look no further than the 323 4WD. This turbocharged 148bhp 1.6-litre hatch is getting rare, though, and prices are rising. It’s not as quick and composed as its Group A competition, but the compact 323 is fleet-footed and has genuine competition cred thanks to a trio of WRC wins. Rust has killed many of these motorsport Mazdas, so check for rot.

One we found: An 80k-miler with lots of history, but a tatty body means the £6500 price needs haggling.

Mazda 3 MPS 2003-2013 £2500-£12,000

Not many hot hatches have come out of Hiroshima, so it’s hardly a surprise that the Mazda 3 MPS has slipped into obscurity. Yet with the potent 256bhp 2.3-litre engine from the 6 MPS driving the front wheels, a drive in this 3 is a memorable experience. Torque steer is an issue even with the standard limited-slip diff, but the Ford Focus-based Mazda is grippy and fun to drive. Early cars are a little frumpy, but the sharper second-generation version looks the part with its bonnet scoop and large rear wing. Better still, its cult status means most are well cared for, and reliability is excellent.

One we found: A 2009 second-gen car with 76,000 miles and a glowing maintenance record for £6450.

Mazda RX-8 2003-2010 £1800-£7000

We’re not going to pretend there aren’t risks when buying a rotary, but choose carefully and the RX-8 makes a cracking used buy. Its near 50:50 weight distribution and rear-wheel-drive layout make it huge fun on your favourite road, while the Wankel’s uncanny smoothness and appetite for revs compensate for a deficit of outright urge. Those suicide rear doors and decent boot mean it’s practical (ish), too. Fuel costs are high, but it’s the risk of engine failure that puts many off. However, find a high-output 228bhp version with a full history and keep an eye on the oil consumption and you can bag a bargain that looks and drives like no other.

One we found: At only £3495, an immaculate 44,000-mile 2006 228bhp RX-8 comes with a full history and recent compression test on the engine.

Mazda 6 MPS 2005-2007 £3000-£7000

Perhaps one of the most underrated and overlooked high-performance cars of the past decade or so, the rare Mazda 6 MPS is a proper sleeper sports saloon. With its subtle looks and relative lack of pedigree, this fast four-door was often passed over in favour of rally-bred rivals from Subaru and Mitsubishi. But with a 256bhp turbocharged 2.3-litre engine and four-wheel drive, the Mazda can monster the 0-62mph dash in just 6.6sec. Crucially, it’s even more entertaining in the corners, with a stiffened bodyshell and firmer suspension delivering real agility and adjustability. Overall it’s reliable, too, but check for a full history and that all the tyres have a similar tread depth – mixed rubber can cause expensive transmission issues. In fact, the only real problem is finding one.

One we found: Two owners, 85k miles and a bulging history. The 2006 car looks good value at £3995.

Mazda CX-7 2007-2012 £1800-£5000

Mazda’s crossover roots can be traced back to the 2007 CX-7. It combined the high-riding stance and practicality of an SUV with the turbocharged 256bhp motor, six-speed gearbox and four-wheel drive system from the 6 MPS. It’s happy to be hustled, with strong grip and great body control, and it’ll humble hot hatches in a straight line. It’s not particularly frugal, but it is as tough as old boots. Prices start at less than £2000.

One we found: A 2009 CX-7 with leather and Bose stereo, 79,000 miles and Mazda history for £3495.

Autozam AZ-1 1992-1995 £12,000-£17,000

Gullwing doors? Check. Mid-mounted motor? Check. Composite body panels? Check. Welcome to the weird and wonderful AZ-1. This tiny two-seater was a kei car rival for the Honda Beat and Suzuki Cappuccino, and is madder than both. Its 63bhp 657cc turbo triple revs to 9000rpm, making it surprisingly brisk, and the skinny-tyred handling is hilarious. It’s cramped and there’s no luggage space, but few cars will attract as much attention.