Half price heroes – this summer's performance bargains

This is great news if you’re shopping for something different, and any of these would make a great addition to an enthusiast’s garage.

These bargains prove that less means more when it comes to cars, as there’s no feeling quite as satisfying as getting a good deal – just watch out for prices that are too good to be true.  

How good is the Fiesta ST? The engineers behind this souped-up supermini reckon it was the most fun car they had built since the Escort RS Cosworth. The Ford’s 1.6-litre turbo engine delivers big-chested performance, while the acrobatic handling offers laugh-out-loud entertainment.

There are lots of modified and crash-damaged examples to navigate your way around, but there are plenty of clean ones too, so finding a good ’un should be easy.

With a snarling straight-six engine sending its prodigious power to the rear wheels, the M135i doesn’t fit the usual hot hatchback template.

This 315bhp machine’s chassis isn’t as sharp as that of a full-fat M car, but it will still put a big grin on your face, not to mention being cheaper and more reliable to run.

When it comes to hot hatchback Top Trumps, the AMG-fettled A-Class is king of the performance stats. No rival can match its thumping 415bhp power output, while its 3.9sec 0-62mph sprint time leaves the owners of serious sports cars looking red-faced.

Limpet-like grip, a technology-laden cabin and decent refinement also come as standard. More importantly, someone else has shouldered the hefty depreciation of this formerly £70,000 hyper-hatch.

Okay, we’re cheating a bit here, because values of the tearaway Toyota remain pretty strong. Even so, just over twenty grand for a used Circuit Pack model looks like cracking value when the current WRC-themed Ogier and Rovanperä editions cost an eye-watering £60,000.

Either way, you will get much the same driving experience, which means neck-straining performance from the 267bhp turbocharged triple and Scalextric-like handling.

Could this be one of the most underrated hot hatches of the past decade or so? Often overshadowed by more fashionable fast family machines, the 308 GTi by Peugeot Sport features seriously exotic engineering, including titanium conrods for its zesty 267bhp 1.6-litre engine and vast front brakes from the mighty 206 WRC.

The agile and grippy Peugeot is more engaging than a Mk7 VW Golf GTI yet just as easy to live with.

Two decades on from its launch, the fifth-generation Golf GTI remains a high-water mark of hot hatch evolution. Melding punchy performance and entertaining handling with family-friendly versatility and a dash of premium appeal, the potent VW was the pocket rocket for all seasons.

Better still, you can now buy usable examples for as little as £3000, or pay a bit more for something that has been well looked after.

Do you fancy a true homologation special that will cost you less than the PCP deposit on a new city car? Look no further than the Junior WRC-winning Swift Sport.

The Suzuki’s naturally aspirated 123bhp engine loves to rev, while its throttle-adjustable chassis means every corner is a moment to be relished. Bulletproof mechanicals, decent fuel economy and a low insurance grouping make it appealingly cheap to run, too.

It’s more accurately an estate, but the sleek CLS nevertheless offers a decent 590-litre boot along with a roomy interior dripping in upper-crust appeal.

But it’s what lives under the bonnet that matters, because there you will find the gloriously unhinged 550+bhp M157 twin-turbo V8 that serves-up noise and fury in equal measure. Crucially, the CLS is in effect an E-Class under the skin so should be a faithful companion.

The sensible and speedy Golf R wagon essentially sits in a class of one these days. Apart from its four exhaust pipes, this high-velocity VW wagon doesn’t shout about its sports car-slaying potential, but it will happily hit 62mph in well under five seconds, while the all-wheel-drive chassis clings on with superglue-like tenacity.

The DSG-only machine also has a 605-litre boot and space for five. Check for tired turbocharger wastegates and cracked thermostat housings.

The RS6 isn’t any old fast estate – it’s the fast estate. The third-generation machine is the pick of the bunch (although that’s open to debate), combining a malevolently powerful twin-turbo V8 and the firm’s trademark Quattro all-wheel drive with more subtle looks than its overtly aggressive successor.

However, it’s the multi-tasking Audi’s ability to slip seamlessly into your life that makes it so satisfying to own. Expensive to run, yes, but considering it’s doing the job of five different cars, you could argue it’s actually saving you money…

For a time Porsche’s most powerful-ever model in Turbo S E-Hybrid guise, the plug-in or petrol Panamera estate is also one of the brand’s most practical offerings.

That humpbacked rear results in a 520-litre boot, while the combination of electricity and unleaded serves up an eye-bulging 671bhp – and you get up to 31 miles of EV range if you’re very careful.

Here’s the answer for those who need to get the Labrador from A to B as fast and as cheaply as possible. The T5 has a vast, Lovejoy-pleasing load bay (of course), while the warbling 247bhp turbocharged five-pot goes hard enough to occasionally overwhelm the soggy chassis.

Overall the V70 is robust, but expect electrical niggles and the odd self-destructing auto gearbox – choose the manual.

Billed by Ferrari as a ‘21st century F40’, the 599 never quite captured the imagination like its famous forebear.

As a result, its values have slumped rather than skyrocketed, but the front-engined GTB remains an intoxicating choice thanks to its howling V12, beautifully balanced handling and jaw-dropping looks. Be prepared for big service bills, mind.

Ask anyone to draw the archetypal supercar and something like an Aventador will probably spring to mind.

Eye-poppingly wedgy looks, scissor doors, a ferocious mid-mounted V12 and white-knuckle limit handling combine for an adrenaline-fuelled driving experience few can match. As Lambo eyes an electrified future, the LP700-4 is a nailed-on future classic, so buy now before prices rise.

As the first McLaren road car of the brand’s modern era, it’s fair to say the 12C had a tricky start to life. It was crammed with technology but suffered more glitches than a 1980s home computer. Yet it was every bit as quick and capable, if not as soulful, as a Ferrari 458.

The quirks on older cars have been ironed out, with many specialists claiming the Woking wonder is a durable choice, but even so, second-hand values remain low. Get your used supercar bargain here.

If there’s one car that sums up used car buyers’ nervousness about the EV revolution, then it’s the Taycan, which sheds value almost as quickly as it accelerates from a standstill.

Despite being one of the best zero-emission driver’s cars currently on sale, the 751bhp Porsche can be yours for less than half what it was new.

It takes an old-fashioned bruiser approach to the supercar art, but the DBS isn’t without star quality.

The Marek Reichman-penned coupé certainly looks the part, while the operatic 5.9-litre V12 gives 200mph potential. It’s more grand tourer than out-and-out sportster, but the approachable rear-drive handling means the Aston is up for a good time.

Okay, so it’s a qualified ‘cheap’ here, because nigh-on £30,000 is still a serious chunk of change.

Even so, for that amount you get jaw-dropping looks, carbon fibre architecture, mid-engined balance and a future-proofed plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines 23 miles of EV running with 357bhp and a 4.4sec 0-62mph time.

Like the 308 GTi featured earlier in this rundown, the RCZ-R gets Peugeot’s trick turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine, rally car brakes and limited-slip front diff.

Here it’s packaged in an eye-catching coupé body that’s a useful few kilograms lighter than the hatch’s, for even more eager performance and the sort of balletic handling that brings to mind the firm’s iconic 205.

The LC 500 was a niche choice when new, but it is an oddly alluring coupé companion thanks to a combination of theatrical, naturally aspirated V8 and sybaritic GT vibe.

No, it can’t quite decide whether it’s a sportster or cruiser, but the concept car looks still draw the crowds, while the Lexus brand’s impeccable quality means it’s as reliable as a Swiss train timetable.

Reverse-opening rear doors, a wilfully weird Wankel rotary engine and a reputation for mechanical maladies: is it any wonder the RX-8 has ended up in the cut-price coupé bargain bin? Choose carefully, though, and you will get a driver’s car that feels like no other.

R3 versions featured engine revisions aimed at reducing the ruinous appetite for oil, plus chassis mods for handling that is even more invigorating.

Not quite the spiritual successor to the E30 M3, but the M2’s blend of big power, rear-wheel-drive entertainment and compact two-door saloon bodyshell make it compelling nonetheless.

At this budget you will be looking at early cars with the 130i-derived N55 engine and dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Full history is a must, while scenery-assaulting Cat S cars are common, so beware.

It’s a given that the F-Type coupé looks good, but in V6 S guise it sounds the part, too.

The cultured snarl from its twin-exit exhausts evoke the sonic signature of Jaguar’s hallowed E-Type, while the addition of a supercharger ensures kidney-compressing pace. Flaky infotainment and the odd leaky rear diff are the only concerns.

The bigger they come, the harder they fall – and that’s certainly the case for the depreciation curve on a Conti GT. In fact, the Bentley’s values plummet faster than a greased sky diver, and as a result used buyers are guaranteed a bargain.

The big Brit combines effortless long-distance comfort and bank-vault refinement with surprising accuracy and agility, here for a fraction under £90,000. Of course, it’s still a Bentley, so expect running costs that will probe the outer limits of your overdraft.

The pert and poised Puma was one of the pioneers of the 1990s coupé revival. The funky Ford was based on the firm’s Fiesta supermini and got revised steering, upgraded suspension and a zingy, Yamaha-fettled 123bhp 1.7-litre motor.

It’s now on the cusp of modern classic status, but careworn examples cost from around a grand. The biggest issues are rust, rust and more rust.

While the shouty, V8-powered C63 steals all the high-performance headlines, it’s the more sober-suited C43 that makes a better used buy.

It’s certainly no slouch thanks to a 362bhp V6, while the four-wheel-drive chassis serves up a compelling blend of poise and plushness. And because it lacks its big brother’s street cred, prices are much lower.

The Model 3 Performance is a fast saloon that flies under the radar by combining a certain anonymity with an awesome turn of speed.

A pair of powerful electric motors deliver 444bhp and 0-62mph in 3.4sec, while the handling is precise and grippy. The 3 is also the best-built Tesla yet, plus the brand’s batteries appear to withstand big mileages better than most.

A super-saloon that wears its heart on its sleeve and four-leafed clovers on its front wings. The Quadrifoglio’s 503bhp twin-turbo V6 lacks the aural authority of German rivals but isn’t short of searing speed, while fast steering and an expressive chassis serve up brio in the bends.

Early examples suffered a few niggles, but overall the Giulia proves that not all old Alfas are aggro.

By shoehorning the F-Type’s supercharged 3.0-litre V6 under the bonnet of its capable compact exec, Jaguar created an understated sports saloon hit. The flagship XE was often overlooked when new but is something of a bargain these days.

There’s no shortage of pace, plus you get a nicely resolved ride and handling balance and a club-class interior.

The recently retired M5 CS can argue its case as one of the best super-saloons of all time, and it has the inflated prices to prove it. However, while the 591bhp Competition isn’t quite as sharp or fleet-footed, it’s not far behind.

Better still, values have plummeted, making it a far more affordable choice. It’s a heavy old Hector, though, so budget for worn tyres, brakes and suspension components.

Channelling the spirit of the legendary Lotus Carlton (well, sort of), this potent Insignia is further proof that Vauxhall has a sense of humour.

At a glance it looks like just another sales-rep special, but the VXR packs a 320bhp turbocharged 2.8-litre V6, uprated suspension and trick four-wheel drive. Many have led a hard life, so a fully stamped service book is a must.

There was a time when investing in a Macan was a safer bet than pouring your cash into gold bullion. However, supply eventually caught up with demand, bringing the Porsche into half-price hero territory.

Early four-cylinder cars start at £15,000, but the V6-powered GTS best exemplifies the Macan’s many strengths. Spacious, comfortable and refined enough to play the family car, it also has hot hatch-baiting handling and a serious turn of speed.

If you like your arrival at any location to be telegraphed well in advance, then may we recommend the bombastic SVR. No matter how hard you try, you’ll struggle to silence the artillery grade fusillade of bellows and bangs from the Rangie’s supercharged 5.0-litre V8.

It can’t hold a candle to a Cayenne in the corners, but for in-yerface attitude the SVR wins hands down.

The DBX has quickly become Aston’s best-selling model, and that makes it one of the brand’s heaviest depreciators.

The brutish Brit is rapidly quick thanks to a Mercedes twin-turbo V8, while careful chassis engineering delivers wieldy and comfortable dynamics on the road and surprising ability in the rough. Consumables aren’t cheap, but niggles suffered by early cars can be cured by software updates.

The Stelvio was late to the SUV party but gave Alfa a much needed-showroom boost, even if it wasn’t quite a match for the Macan. Still, it oozes a certain Latin style, and its Giulia underpinnings mean it steers sweetly enough.

Better still, the high-riding Alfa is proving tough and dependable. And while diesel has fallen out of fashion, the torquey 2.2-litre is frugal and Euro 6-compliant.

With a turbocharged five-cylinder engine, the best part of 200bhp and four-wheel drive, this Kuga is almost an Audi Quattro. Well, sort of. Focus underpinnings deliver polished dynamics, while the muscular engine has bags of character.

The top-rate tax will make you weep, but it’s still cheaper than the monthly PCP repayment on many modern equivalents.

You will not be surprised to find that the world’s best-selling roadster makes just as much sense as a used choice. Prices of the latest ND model have now dropped enough that a tidy 2.0-litre fabric-topped Sport is only £10,000.

Expressive handling and zingy performance are expected, while low running costs and cast-iron dependability are the icing on the cake.

On the whole, 911s don’t do depreciation, which means you have to wait a while for prices to drop. Happily, a 997-generation 911 is worth the wait, combining handy compactness with raw driving appeal and everyday usability.

A stamped service history is vital, but get a good ’un and few cars will enthral and excite like a cared-for Carrera S.

Ingolstadt pulled out all the stops for its first-ever sports car. Junior supercar looks, bespoke aluminium architecture, engaging all-wheel-drive handling and a crackling mid-mounted V8 were all present and correct.

Despite nearing its 18th birthday – they grow up so fast! – an R8 still combines modernity with a dollop of analogue charm. Some components aren’t cheap to replace, but the Audi is tough and that 414bhp 4.2-litre is remarkably robust. Classic status can’t be far away, so strike now.

Fancy some exotic mid-engined excitement on a shoestring budget? Then look no further than the MR2. Capturing the fun-loving charm and compactness of the 1980s original but with added wind-in-the-hair thrills, the Toyota is further buoyed by a raspy 1.8-litre motor and a snappy gearshift.

Tricky wet-weather handling means accident damage can be an issue, plus rust is an ever-looming possibility.

If you want the ultimate connection between car and driver, then look no further than the evergreen Seven.

Roadsport trim throws in a few creature comforts so you could – and should – use it every day, while the 1.6-litre Ford engine serves up more than enough poke in a car weighing just half a tonne. This is almost as low as Caterham values go, so you will be quids in should you ever want to sell (you won’t, though).

Could the GT86 be the biggest half-price bargain of the lot? After all, supplies of its closely related and equally brilliant successor, the GR86, are limited, which makes current prices for the older Toyota seem criminally low.

There’s no sting in the tail with running costs, either, because the unstressed engine, solid quality and low kerb weight mean the GT86 not only is dependable but also doesn’t chew through consumables. Whether it’s box-fresh or has been around the block, the Toyota continues to deserve is five-star rating.

You don’t so much drive a Chimaera as wrestle it along, but that rough-and-tumble physicality and the bellowing V8 are all part of the brutish Brit’s appeal. Questionable quality control when new meant plenty of reliability woes, but most now are enthusiast-owned and kept in fine(ish) fettle.

The combination of aristocratic Bentley breeding and down-and-dirty diesel power shouldn’t work, but here it turns out to be a peachy partnership.

In dishing out our five-star verdict we praised the car’s comfort, refinement, lavish finish, effortless pace and 700-mile cruising range. All that, and now you’re getting it half-price.

‘Keep it simple’ is the mantra to follow when choosing your used Porsche, as the Cayman 981 proves.

In entry-level 2.7-litre guise it distils everything that’s great about the brand: a howling flat-six engine, beautifully wrought driving dynamics, impeccable quality and real everyday usability. Get it checked over by a specialist and put some cash aside for servicing and you’ll be laughing.

On a performance-per-pound basis, the GT-R represents one of the biggest used car bargains there is. Early cars packed 480bhp, while tuners will happily extract another 500bhp or so.

It’s a big and heavy thing, but the Nissan feels far lighter on its feet than you would believe. Despite its complexity, the GT-R is surprisingly reliable too.

The XF-R is a drag-strip hot rod in a Savile Row suit that stamped Jaguar’s authority on a super-saloon sector dominated by German rivals.

At the time, we said it had “sufficient raw dynamic ability to drop a BMW M5 in a heartbeat”. Mustard very much cut, but beware of stretched timing chains and wayward water pumps.

Is the 320d all the car you’ll ever need? Quite possibly. The F30 delivered a new-found maturity to BMW’s baby saloon, yet it retained the car’s famed fun-loving side.

Diesel is a dirty word these days, but its blend of thrust, refinement and 60mpg is irresistible. Go for the Touring and you can even take the kitchen sink with you.