Currently reading: Second-hand heroes - the best used car-buying guides of 2015

Whether you're after a go-faster family hatchback, an SUV or an ultimate luxury saloon, you can save a bundle by knowing what used models to aim for

1 - 150mph for under £2000

If you want to go fast, you don't have to spend more than you would on an average family hatchback. Cars like BMW's 535i (1996-2003) and the Mercedes-Benz CLK430 (1997-2002) offer luxury cabins and big engines, but thanks to heavy initial depreciation, can be had for a smidgen under £2000.

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2 - How to buy a used Bugatti Veyron

Despite an almost endless succession of supercars being unveiled in 2015, Bugatti's Veyron is still seen as something of a figurehead for modern engineering. Its 253mph top speed and 987bhp power output might not seem so outlandish in the face of cars like the LaFerrari FXX K and McLaren's P1 GTR, but this is the car that started - and for a long time ended - the supercar arms race. But what would the realities of buying a used example be? Lewis Kingston guides us through them.

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3 - The first, worst, fastest and best Porsche 911 GTs

While testing all three generations of Porsche's iconic 911 GT3 this summer, we took the opportunity to name our personal favourites of the breed. Prices for 996 GT3 models start at around £60,000 and rise all the way to £137,000 for a right-hand-drive 991 GT3. Andrew Frankel talks us through the best examples.

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Bugatti Veyron
The world doesn't need a car like the Bugatti Veyron, but the fact it exists at all is reason for celebration

The Bugatti Veyron redefines what's possible in a road car, but does it justify its eye-watering price?

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4 - Fast family cars for less than £5000

There's no need to sacrifice performance or driving pleasure for the sake of family practicality. Models such as Skoda's Octavia vRS, the Volkswagen Golf GTi and Lexus IS300 all offer sports car performance, but can still do everything you'd expect from a family runabout.

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5 - Ferrari power for less than £30,000

Let's face facts: very few of us will ever be able to afford a new Ferrari, but the used car market can yield far more affordable options. Whether it's from Ferrari's own stock, or from other manufacturers who signed deals with the prancing horse, Mark Pearson reveals how to put a Ferrari on your drive for less than £30,000.

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6 - Bargain seven-seaters for less than £2000

If you've got a big family you need a big car, but that doesn't mean you need to spend big money. Steve Cropley has rounded up options from Land Rover, Vauxhall, Renault, Volvo and Toyota - and all for less than £2000.

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7 - Five-pot fun for £5000

What do the Mercedes-Benz 300D, Fiat Coupé 20v Turbo and Land Rover Discovery TD5 have in common? They're all powered by five-cylinder engines. Lewis Kingston explains how you can thrive on five for a budget of just £5000.

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8 - Performance cars for the price of a Fiat Panda

At around £10,000, Fiat's Panda is great value for money, but did you know that for the same money you could buy a Porsche 911 instead? Or how about a 370bhp Maserati 3200GT? Performance car ownership needn't break the bank, says Mark Pearson, and these options are guaranteed to turn heads.

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9 - Five cars that just won't quit

Only two things are known to survive a nuclear war: cockroaches and the Mk2 Nissan Micra. The Micra and other cars like it just won't quit, no matter how much mud, poor maintenance and rust is thrown their way. Nigel Donnelly counts down his favourites.

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10 - Your bargain success stories

There would be no better way to round out this look back at the best used car buying guides of 2015 without mentioning your own successes. Whether it's getting £16,000 off the price of a nearly new Audi A7 or eschewing the sensible performance hatchback for the Porsche 911 you've always dreamed of, you've proved that the art of Bangermomics really does begin at home.

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japes 31 December 2015

Blimey

That article was disappointing. As weak as a wet bus ticket. Wish you guys would put something more informed and well researched together. Something with proper information and buying tips.
I guess it is Christmas. Ba Humbug.