We can’t promise you something for nothing, but we can show you some very tempting rapid-fire performance cars that don’t break the bank to buy or own.
There are no outright supercars in the list our experts have compiled, but there are cars here that have that sort of pace. They also deliver big on smiles per miles, as well as being easy to live with and, dare we say it, even practical. Nobody said fun had to be just for the weekend, after all.
Of course, to make the most of the cheap part of this brief, we are looking to the used market, though, that doesn’t mean compromising on quality or style.
So, whether you’re determined to park a hot hatch on your drive or something more exotic or iconic, we have you covered.
If you're looking to save money on a cheap fast car, check out the best new and used car deals we've found online.
Cheap fast cars in 2025
1. Porsche Cayman
An incredible sports car for less
Pros
-
Gorgeous flat-six engine note
-
Incredible handling
-
Reasonably affordable to buy
Cons
-
Expensive to service/repair
-
Earlier non-PDK automatic is sluggish
-
You might wish you'd saved more for a 911
A Porsche? On a list of the best cars that are cheap? Something must be wrong... You would think that, but you'd be wrong because early examples of the Porsche Cayman (the 987 for all you chassis sleuths) is yours for just less than £10,000.
This is no dud Porsche – it's one of the best. Legend has it the Cayman handled so well, Porsche had to artificially restrain it from showing up the larger and more expensive Porsche 911 on track.
Have a drive and you won't argue. Its steering is sublime, its brakes are bursting with power and it's mid-engine layout means the handling is a driver's dream. Even the basic 245PS 2.7-litre flat-six sounds epic, is good for 160mph and 0-62mph in six seconds, and it's more reliable than the fragile pre-2010 3.4-litre fitted to the Cayman S.
You know what? It's even practical. Okay, so it only has two seats, but it has a boot at either end (that mid-engine layout paying dividends again) and you get a surprising amount of interior storage. Maintenance is expensive, but a talented Porsche this cheap will be almost immune to depreciation.
"There's probably no better-driving car available for this kind of money than an early Cayman"
Matt Robinson, Car Reviews Editor
2. Volkswagen Golf GTI
Epitome of hot hatch greatness
Pros
-
Strong performance
-
Brilliant all-rounder
-
Balanced handling
Cons
-
Pricier than many rivals
-
Too strait-laced for some
-
Fastest are limited editions only
Imagine a partner that looks great, has amazing chat, dresses well, is intelligent, but cooks, cleans and is also riotously good fun at the weekend. Congrats, you've imagined the human equivalent of the Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Okay, so in the spirit of this list of cars that are fast and cheap, we've gone for the older model of this hot hatch, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. For a kick off, the old car's infotainment won't have you nutting the windscreen in frustration like the glitchy newer model's, and you also get, praise be, a proper volume knob. Cabin quality is also slightly better and you get exactly the same amount of space, so room for four and a boot that's so well designed that da Vinci could have done it.
The fun bit comes in the form of a 2.0-litre engine producing at least 220PS, mated to a chassis that's taught yet compliant. A budget of £11,000 is all you need to get on this rung of the GTI ladder, but spend a bit more and you could have a car equipped with the Performance Pack, which adds bigger brakes, a little more power and a grip-finding limited-slip differential. Yummy.
"In a lot of ways, the Mk7 Golf GTI is superior to the current version"
Matt Robinson, Car Reviews Editor
3. Mazda MX-5
Pure, irresistible sports car brilliance
Pros
-
Pretty styling and appealing interior
-
An impeccable and outstanding drive
-
Generally good value
Cons
-
Tight for very tall people and the boot is tiny
-
Range-topping models are starting to look expensive
-
Might be a shock to those used to isolated modern cars
The Mazda MX-5 joins this list of cars that are fast and cheap carrying a slight caveat – it's, erm, not that fast. Well, not if you count 'fast' as a number – most diesel family cars will destroy an MX-5 on paper – but if 'fast' is a feeling, trust us, it feels quick. It's the way the car carries its momentum through corners where other cars have to slow down that makes it special.
Sharp steering and a gearbox action that we're pretty sure was an angel's labour of love confirms the MX-5 as a feel-good car, so much so that we'd recommend the raspy 131PS 1.5-litre over the more workman like 160PS 2.0-litre. Later cars gained more power but still feel much the same.
Every MX-5 comes with the archetypal sports car engine – a four-cylinder, twin-cam that'll scream through its rev counter in a way that makes it sound like you're going twice as quick as you really are. And dropping the pleasingly simply roof only amplifies the effect.
The beauty of the MX-5 is there's so little to hate. About £12,000 buys you a clean example with modern amenities like sat-nav and, while it's not the most practical of vehicles, it won't cost much to run and should prove very reliable.
"The MX-5 has been proving for more than 35 years that you don't need big power to have fun"
Phil Hall, Senior Editor
4. Audi RS4
Sports and family car combined
Pros
-
Incredible potential performance, mated to a surefooted four-wheel drive system
-
Lighter than its predecessor, and more economical, too
-
Audi remains the class leader when it comes to interiors, and the RS4 exemplifies this even further
Cons
-
Yes, it’s fast and enormously capable, but all that’s achieved without a huge amount of fun
-
Audi is cheeky making you pay extra for the RS Sports Exhaust
-
The standard suspension is a bit too taut around town, but the optional set-up too loose in the bends
A little creative accountancy in your head could make the Audi RS4 Avant a very cost-effective option. Let us explain...
You see, you're really getting two cars for the price of one with the most recent RS4 Avant. On the one hand, it's every bit the capable family estate car and premium business vehicle as every other A4 model. Then, when opportunity knocks, you can press harder on the accelerator to unleash the RS4 element.
What makes the RS4 special is its 450PS twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6 motor, which sends power to all four wheels for ideal traction and cornering poise. Make no mistake, this is easily one of the best Audi RS cars ever, and it's sublime to drive. Yet it's also comfortable and refined when required, and it's compact size means you're not left lumbering around in car parks. So, we really do mean it when we say the Audi RS4 Avant is a bit of bargain when you can have one from £40,000 used.
"It might lack the rumbly V8 of its predecessor, but this RS4 generation is noticeably sharper to drive"
Matt Robinson, Car Reviews Editor
5. BMW M4
Authentic, desirable performance M car
Pros
-
Excellent engine
-
Good looks and smart interior
-
Great blend of ride and handling
Cons
-
A little edgy on the limit
-
An expensive car to run
-
Relative rarity compared with regular 4 Series
We couldn't have a list of affordable fast cars and not mention the mighty BMW M4, or M3 if you want it with four doors. After all, this is a dynasty stretching back to the 1980s with a pedigree of dishing up rampant performance at reasonable money even when new.
Look to the used market and the 2014 M4 is nothing short of brilliant at the money - less than £20,000 will out you in the Coupé or Convertible versions. In either, you get a powerful 3.0-litre straight-six engine with turbocharging to help it kick out 420PS, or 431PS in later life.
This means you'll see 0-62mph flash past in 4.1 seconds, and the M4 is only restrained from going more than 155mph flat out by its electronic limiter. As for the handling, you'll need your big pants on to explore its full potential, and you'd be best off trying this on a race track.
"If your budget allows, opt for the later and much-improved M4 Competition"
Phill Tromans, Contributor
6. Mercedes-AMG A35
Cooler but still hot alternative to the A45 S
Pros
-
Much more affordable than the 'full-fat' AMG A45 S
-
Strong and great-sounding engine
-
High-quality feeling
Cons
-
Still expensive
-
Lacks the A45's clever AWD system
-
You might be left wondering if you should have gone for the A45...
The word 'cheap' can have negative connotations, but not when you look at the Mercedes-Benz-AMG A35. For sure, it's keenly priced as a used car with pristine examples around for £20,000 or a little less if you hunt hard, yet this is a car dripping in quality finish and fit.
It's also no slouch thanks to its turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine that will take you from rest to 62mph in 4.7 seconds with barely a pip from the tyres thanks to superb four-wheel drive grip.
That same traction makes the A35 a joy in the corners, too, and you can use this fast motor as everyday transport without fear of deafening yourself or losing your licence. There's a docile side to the A35 that makes it simple to live with, yet you can wake up its sporting nature in an instant.
On top of all this, the A35 is just as practical as any other Mercedes-Benz A-Class, which means a classy, roomy cabin, good infotainment, and a decent boot.
"The A35 doesn't quite deliver the shock and awe of the pricier A45 S, but it's still lots of fun"
Matt Robinson, Car Reviews Editor
7. Ford Focus ST
Lairiest hot hatch of the 2010s
Pros
-
Brilliant value for money
-
Looks great in 'Tangerine Scream'
-
Punchy performance
Cons
-
Cabin feels cheap
-
No LSD means lots of torque steer
-
Doesn't sound as good as the older five-cylinder version
When a new Ford Focus ST arrives, it can mean only one thing – prices for the old one drop like a stone. Which is convenient if you're writing a top ten on cheap fast cars or fancy a blisteringly fine hot hatch at a fair price.
So what do you get? Well, this is a hot hatch, so the normal rules apply – it's as practical as any Ford Focus (four adults will fit and the boot is square and roomy), but without the weedy engine. Instead, you get a 2.0-litre four-cylinder pumping out an easy 250PS (much more with an inexpensive tune), which gets you from 0-62mph in a shade over six seconds before it heads butts its top speed of 153mph.
This being a Focus, you get pointy steering and a chassis that'll rotate into corners, although with no clever front differential, it does tend to haul you from side to side under power – like a reined toddler on a sugar hit. But, when prices start from just £7000 and Fords are as cheap as chips to maintain, there really isn't much else to complain about.
"A wayward power delivery means the Focus ST feels quite unrefined to drive, but at this price, we don't mind"
Ivan Aistrop, Contributor
8. Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Posh, wafty and fast
Pros
-
Smooth and powerful V8
-
Luxurious interior
-
Supple ride
Cons
-
Servicing and repair bills can be huge
-
Not the sharpest handling thing
-
Starting to feel dated now
It's a testament to Mercedes S-Class that despite this version being two generations out of date, it still gives most new cars a run for their money when it comes to comfort, luxury and power.
Yes, that's right, you can get your hands on an S500 with a stonking 387PS, 5.5-litre V8 for a little less than £6000 – news that'll leave the original owner (who paid at least ten times that) weeping into their brioche. It's enough to get the grand old Merc from 0-62mph in less than 5.5 seconds and it'll have no trouble hitting its 155mph limited top speed.
Sure, this is a star of straights not a carver of corners, but as you sip the champagne that's chilling in the onboard fridge, you'll care not a jot. You see, with its imperious rear legroom and electrically adjustable rear seats, the S-Class is a car that can be enjoyed from the back just as much as the front. Just be prepared for large servicing bills and some spilt champers if Jeeves gets a bit heavy on the accelerator pedal.
9. Porsche Cayenne
An SUV done the Porsche way
Pros
-
Turbo and Turbo S models are hilarious fun
-
Brilliant to drive on the road
-
Decent boot space
Cons
-
Pre-facelift version is ugly
-
High running costs
-
Petrol and diesel V6s aren't that exciting
Big SUVs aren't supposed to be fast, and they're definitely not supposed to handle well, but the Porsche Cayenne didn't get the memo – it does both surprisingly well.
Back when the Cayenne first hit our streets, enthusiasts were up in arms – how could the Stuttgart-based firm produce such a monstrosity? They've got less to say now because the Cayenne (and the smaller Porsche Macan) sell in such numbers they bankroll the firm's more desirable product lines.
Sure, the Cayenne's no oil painting, but its ability to manhandle Tarmac to do its bidding has to be felt to be believed - it just grips and grips, doesn't lean like a traditional SUV and has brakes that provide eye-watering stopping power.
For real performance, you'll need to avoid the six-cylinder models, but the V8s have plenty and the Turbo, well, it's a whole other world of nutty.
The Cayenne has loads of room and most will have been specified to the hilt at great cost to the original owner. A sum of £5000 is enough to get you a serviceable example but, caveat emptor, that cheap price does not mean cheap running costs. Spend twice that and you'll get a newer, nicer example.
"Although it wasn't the 'car that saved Porsche' as some claim, the Cayenne was a huge hit for the company"
Ivan Aistrop, Contributor
10. Subaru WRX/WRX STi
A rally car for the road
Pros
-
Distinctive boxer engine burble
-
All-wheel drive capability
-
Rally pedigree
Cons
-
Outrageous thirst for unleaded
-
Cheap-feeling interior
-
Feels less relevant post-VW Golf R
It's 1995, the Rednex's Cotton Eye Joe is in the charts, camouflage trousers are in your cupboards and (thanks to Colin McRae winning the World Rally Championship) a turbocharged Subaru Impreza is very much the car you want parked on your drive.
What a difference 25 years makes. In that time, a certain Volkswagen Golf R's arrival has made the Impreza look like something of a blunt instrument, with a low-rent interior and appalling fuel economy. But fast and cheap? Check and check.
We're not suggesting you go for an original model – most are now knackered and the good ones expensive classics – but a Gen 3 model of 2007-2014 vintage should prove just the ticket, yours for a little over £5,000.
What does that buy you? Well, rally heritage of course, proper permanent four-wheel and 252PS, enough to get you from 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds. As a point-to-point car, it still takes some beating. Okay, so it gets nowhere near VW interior build quality, but the hard plastics should be durable and the cabin has room for four and a boot you can stick the dog in. One day it might even be back in fashion. Anyone seen my cargo pants...
"Modern hot hatches make the Subaru WRX seem old hat, but we love it just the same"
Ivan Aistrop, Contributor
Turbocharging is the answer here. Any turbocharged car will yield a load more horsepower with a simple tune costing a few hundred pounds, not the thousands of pounds you'll need to make a naturally aspirated model go quicker.
The majority of hot hatches will crack 160mph these days, although many will be limited to 155mph. On a cheap-to-good ratio, few cars are better than the Porsche Cayman that features on this list – if that one-six-zero figure is your goal, it'll do it.
The old E60 BMW M5 could, reputably, crack the golden 200mph barrier and you can pick them up for rather a lot less than £15,000. Question is, do you want to? Its screaming V10 is beset with issues as is it's clunky automated manual gearbox – that performance bargain could quickly turn into a wallet-whacking nightmare.
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