Top 5 second-hand sportscars for under R700k
A brand-new Golf GTI used to be a relative bargain. It set the standard for performance on a budget and served as an introduction to the world of performance cars in the 70s and 80s. Skip ahead a few generations, and the 8.5 GTI will now set you back R908,000.
Inflation and tech have become the car guy's worst nightmare, but all hope is not lost, and the itch for fun on the streets can be scratched at a fraction of the price if you are willing to sacrifice mileage and creased seats. Fortunately, there is a long list of cars you can choose from throughout the price ranges, so here is a list of what we'd look at.
Sub-R300,000: Toyota GT86 and Mazda MX-5
There's something special about an early 2000s Japanese pocket rocket, which was designed to be cheap, sharp, and a lot of fun. The formula is simple: rear-wheel drive, small displacement and lightweight, and the results are insanely fun driving at low speeds. Only there is a near-endless debate between the Mazda and Toyota fans as to which affordable coupe is better, the MX-5 or the GT86? We aren't here to settle the debate but rather to show that these two little sports cars are about the best you can get with a budget of less than R300k.
At this price point you can expect to collect a model with around 100,000km on the clock, but with a touch of patience and a keen eye for a deal, you can find a gem in this space with a clean record and lower mileage on a budget. They are designed to be fun and affordable, and it's just a perk that they look pretty cool too.
R300k-R500k: Jaguar XKR
Like any product, as the price increases, your choices become more exciting. For between R300k and R500k, you can get something like a high-mileage M car. The safer bet would be to opt for a series-type car from brands like BMW. In other words, an M135i is outstanding in this space. But I'm looking for something cooler in this price range, and how does a sub-100,000km supercharged V8 sound? Well, our choice for the sub-R500k group is the Jaguar XKR.
This gorgeous coupe is easily the prettiest car for the cash, and that's without the 5.0-litre supercharged V8 roar it produces. It's wild, it sounds incredible and looks gorgeous, and yes, you can pick up a pristine model for under R500k. There might be reliability concerns, but considering most M Performance cars at this mark have most likely seen a few untold modifications and high mileage, and the Suzuki Swift Sport comes in at the same price, I'll take the Jag any day.
R500k-R600k: Porsche Cayman vs BMW E92 M3
Between R500k and R600k, variety is our friend, and there is a lot to be mindful of. Occasionally cars like the Nissan R35 GTR and Audi R8 can drop down to these prices, but there are normally some underlying issues with a too-good-to-be-true price tag. Playing it safe is always the way to go with second-hand performance machines. So you need to keep the mileage low and the service history spotless. Realistically, there are two options for me in this space. The E92 V8 M3, which brings the noise, thrills and engagement that pay for themselves, or the clinical performer, the Porsche Cayman.
Yes, we are still toying with early 2000s models here, but that could be a good thing; these cars were designed to be driven with the only real tech inside offering ABS and ageing traction control features. So they are fun, really fun, and at this price point you can get your hands on a well-maintained, lower-mileage option which you won't regret.
R600k-R700k: Aston Martin Vantage
The R700k price range introduces a new echelon of vehicles, from Jaguar F-Types to Maserati Ghiblis and Aston Martins. And the one that really piques my interest is the Vantage. At this price point, the Vantage can be found with low mileage, clean paintwork, and an exceptionally classy cabin experience with serious performance under the bonnet. It's a rocket that sounds as good as it looks.
Only you can pick up an Aston Martin Vantage for R200k less than a new GTI. It's faster, it looks 10 times better, and its sound can outperform almost any new supercar, let alone a current-gen hot hatch. There is a word of caution here, as pre-2008 models came with a 4.3-litre V8, which is widely praised for its noise and character, but it is the slower option. The 4.7-litre engine introduced after 2008 was more powerful, but it is reported to have weaker bearings.
These are just a few of our favourites, and while it's clear that rising new car prices and tech are dampening our enthusiasm for modern machines, all is not lost. All you need is a touch of research and some bargaining skills, and remember to look for low-mileage and full-service-history vehicles. Think of it this way: you can pump that savings fund destined for a new GR Corolla, Golf R or GTI towards something truly special, with some extra cash left over for the maintenance bill.
