Buying a road-legal car for £500 that can do a true 150mph is no mean feat.
The advent of the scrappage scheme caused prime candidates such as the BMW 7-series and Vauxhall Omega to be killed off in droves. The subsequent surge in used car values, particularly for those in good condition, has further exacerbated the issue.
All hope is not lost, however, and there are still numerous cars out there that are capable of achieving, or exceeding, the 150mph mark without emptying your bank account.
Here are some high-speed options to suit a wide range of budgets.
Lexus LS400 (1990-2000) - £1000
The impressively refined Lexus LS400 is one of the most relaxing and affordable ways to reach 150mph, partly thanks to its superb '1UZ-FE' V8 engine. Models built from 1995 onwards feature upwards of 260bhp and are capable of reaching 155mph.
Lexus' LS400 is also an incredibly comfortable and cosseting car to drive. Pick up a good example and, at idle, you’ll be hard pushed to tell if the engine is running.
So, if the idea of an executive express takes your fancy, expect to pay about £1000 for a clean 1996 example with 100,000 miles on the clock. Reliability is a strong point, too, with many of them covering more than 150,000 miles without fuss.
The only catch with opting for an LS400 is that its cams are driven by a belt rather than a chain. If there’s no evidence that a new belt has ever been fitted, you could find yourself on the receiving end of a hefty bill or a catastrophic failure.
Fiat Coupé (1995-2000) - £2000
Few things are as enjoyable as the offbeat warble of a five-cylinder engine. Throw in a hefty dollop of boost and you’ll have something that’s guaranteed to turn the head of any rally fan.
The Fiat Coupé 20v Turbo may not have had the aggressive looks of an Audi Quattro, or its surplus of traction, but it certainly had the soundtrack thanks to its 220bhp 2.0-litre, five-cylinder engine.
It wasn't lacking pace, either. Fiat claimed a top speed of 155mph and a 0-60mph time as low as 6.3sec. The Coupé was also stylish, fun to drive, tuneable and – yes – reliable, if cared for.
With some searching, you should be able to net a clean, well documented Coupé with under 100,000 miles on the clock for £2000. Besides the usual checks, including the all-important cambelt, also ensure that the car comes with a red ‘master’ key. Replacing it could cost upwards of £1000.
Renault Alpine GTA (1986-1990) - £5000
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Just jump on an aeroplane
if you really want to go fast for little money, just jump on an aeroplane. It's far better and cheaper than trying to do the same in an old car. maybe not as much fun though.
Bear in mind that the purchase price of these old cars is really just the deposit. The real running cost of these machines is in line with their original purchase price and most would cost a fortune if really driven in anger. Does it not occur to anyone that they are cheap for a reason?
150mph for £500?
I found two possibles online, the first was a 1995 BMW 7 SERIES 740i V8 for £999 and the second was a 2001 Jaguar S-Type 4.0 V8, also for £999.
Really struggling for £500, but I haven't been looking for very long.
My 2006 BMW 530d has covered
My 2006 BMW 530d has covered 169,000 without a murmur from the engine and on the original DPF and has had the brakes changed once at 90,000. It does 400 miles a week and pulls like a train through 100mph at which point I back off. I've no doubt 150mph would be no problem.
I disagree the engine is any more prone to expensive failures. It's natural balance and engineering suggest the opposite compared to V8 and 4cyl alternatives.
It's only worth about £5,000 though given that it cost £41,000 seven years ago I think it's an amazing bargain when I sell it.
It's age not miles you need to fear with modern cars.