Used car deals of the week
Here's what caught evo’s fancy this week on the second hand car market
The global pandemic has done some odd things to all sorts of industries, but its effect on the used car market has been astonishing, with the values of many second hand performance cars at accessible price points firming and even rising against all odds. The thrill of finding a pre-owned bargain has as such become an even greater challenge, so we've perused the classifieds to pick out some of our favourite buys.
There’s also the added fun and excitement of finding something just that little bit special, in both rarity and the capability they can provide for the money. As such we feel it is our duty to do some of the hard work for you, digging out our favourite second-hand buys every week.
> Browse our used buying guides here
Best used car deals of the week
Below are our best used car spots of the week...
Bentley Continental GT Speed (2015)
£87,000
The current Bentley Continental GT Speed is an extremely accomplished GT, but its predecessor was itself a hardy example of regal motoring. Powered an older generation of 6-litre twin-turbocharged W12, this 2015 example was still able to pump out 626bhp and 605lb ft of torque, sent to all four wheels for an impressive 4sec 0-62mph time and 206mph top speed.
> Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible 2021 review – British grand touring on form
This particular example is finished in a very tasteful Dark Sapphire blue with silver 21-inch wheels, and a blend of blue and cream leather inside. Despite its high spec and low 24,000-mile odometer reading, it could be yours for under £90,000 – that’s a saving of almost £100,000 over its brand new equivalent.
Porsche 911 GT3 RS (991.1, 2016)
£145,000
You can’t go wrong with a GT3 RS of any generation, and the 991.1 car is no exception. Producing 500bhp and 339lb ft of torque, those highly-strung horses are sent to the rear wheels via Porsche’s PDK transmission, courtesy of that glorious 4-litre naturally-aspirated flat-six. Though dynamic ability is where its real talents lie, 0-62mph will still happen in a spritely 3.3sec with top speed at 193mph.
> New 992 Porsche 911 GT3 RS spied testing with new details
The 992 car has just been spotted testing during its final stages of development, but if you’d like to skip the wait and inevitable markups, this 2016 car might be for you. Featuring a number of optional extras such as a front-axle lifting system and Porsche Exclusive ‘black’ LED headlights, this Ultraviolet example could be on your driveway for £145,000, just a little more than an ordinary 992 GT3 at retail (if you can get your hands on one).
BMW M4 GTS (2016)
£91,500
The M4 GTS received a mixed reception at its launch in 2016, with a sky-high base price making many question its worth. But dig into the details and curious tech like a water-spray injection system for the intercooler and a honed, driver-focused chassis setup made it worth the as-new figure for some. The result of its upgrades yielded an increased power figure of 493bhp from its S55 turbocharged 3-litre straight-six.
> Is this a BMW M4 CSL? New hardcore M Division model ready to take on the 911 GT3
Just 30 units were allocated for the UK market, making it a rare machine in right-hand drive form, and yet despite this, you can pick up this 3072-mile car for £91,500, almost £30,000 under its original list price. Though this price is still high relative to a standard car, its rarity alone could well make it a collectible...
Ford Fiesta ST-200 (2016)
£16,299
The Mk7 Fiesta ST-200 was one of the finest hot hatches of its time, and although its successor boasts a little more performance, the ST200’s screaming engine and immersive dynamics provide a fascinating counterpoint. Its 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder sends 200bhp to the front wheels, marginally more than the Mk8, with a 214lb ft torque figure matching the new car (pre-facelift). It took just 6.7sec to reach 62mph from a standstill with a top speed quoted at 142mph.
> Updated 2022 Ford Fiesta ST debuts – Hyundai i20N nemesis refreshed and refocused
As with all ST-200s, this example is finished in a flat grey shade with unique diamond-cut wheels. A 41,954-mile odometer reading also makes it relatively low mileage, making a £16,299 price tag all the more appealing.
Lotus Elise (S1, 1998)
£24,995
Even two decades since its launch the S1 Elise remains a cornerstone of sports car precision and handling, and with Lotus now drifting from its roots it’s only becoming more desirable. The original Elise’s 1.8-litre K-series four-cylinder produced just 118bhp and 122lb ft of torque at launch, but it was never designed to excel in a straight line, rather the immersive experience Lotus was known for, defined by a featherweight 731kg kerb weight.
> Lotus Emira GT4 revealed ahead of 2022 race debut
This original S1 in rare Norfolk Mustard yellow is one such example of what many consider to be its purest form, but at under £25,000 this low mileage example is still within reach. Having had the same owner since 2004 and just 24,000 miles on the clock, you’ll struggle to find a better example.
Ferrari FF (2015)
£99,595
The Ferrari FF was a distinctive and pioneering model for the brand, and as it continues to move forward with its controversial four-door replacement, the FF will likely be remembered as the first step towards Ferrari’s future. Powered by Maranello’s 6.3-litre naturally-aspirated F140 V12, 651bhp and 503lb ft of torque send it from standstill to 623mph in 3.7sec and onto an impressive 208mph top speed.
> A dead Ferrari F40 in Switzerland – evo Archive
Optioned in a combination of Rosso corsa, grey wheels and a beige interior, this 25,450-mile car could now be yours for under £100,000. A full dealer history, Apple Carplay, optional carbonfibre interior trim and more also come equipped.
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG (2011)
£174,850
The SLS is an almost certain future classic, paying homage to the 300SL with its gullwing doors and elegant silhouette. Under the bonnet is AMG’s 6.2-litre naturally-aspirated M159 V8, sending 571bhp and 479lb ft of torque to the rear for a 3.8sec 0-62mph and a 197mph top speed.
> Mercedes-AMG EQS53 debuts in Munich – takes aim at the Tesla Model S Plaid
Despite its wonderful design and desirable naturally-aspirated power plant, values are still relatively low, sitting not far from original retail prices. This Iridium silver example with staggered 19- and 20-inch wheels is on offer for just under £175,000, has a full dealership history, just two owners on its books and a 19,990-mile odometer readout to boot.
BMW 840i (2019)
£47,980
BMW’s new 8-series is a fine GT, with comfort and power to cover miles with ease. Yet if you’re not into a V8, the 3-litre straight-six 840i is no slouch – 340bhp and 369lb ft from the marque’s excellent B58 engine help it along to a 5sec 0-62mph time and 155mph top speed.
> 888bhp G-Power BMW M8 Competition hits 211mph
What’s most impressive about the 8-series (at least for used buyers) is its catastrophic depreciation. Prices for the 840i begin at around £70,000, but after only 14,453 miles on the road this black example is available at a discount of well over £20,000. What’s not to like?
Lamborghini Murcielago (2007, LP640-4)
£179,950
The Murcielago was Lamborghini’s first ‘new-generation’ model, designed by Luc Donkerwolk and developed under its then new owners Audi. Yet while many feared this new generation would erode some of the character that makes Lamborghini so special, it was anything but. This late LP640-4 form is no exception, building on the original with a revised 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12, it was able to reach 62mph in a very impressive 3.4sec, thanks to a 640bhp output.
> Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 revealed – the legend returns
One significant difference this mid-engined V12 Lambo has over its modern Aventador successor is the availability of a three-pedal setup, something this striking Balloon white car is optioned with. A full service history, just 15,000 miles on the clock, a (pricey) recent clutch replacement, front end PPF and more make it a rather attractive example. The fitment of a Tubi exhaust system is likely to double as an alarm clock for the neighbours, too...
Porsche Cayman R (2011, 987)
£43,990
The Porsche Cayman R earned its place as one of the top 10 best German cars in our recent list, and for good reason. Porsche created the R by taking the already-excellent Cayman, reducing weight and applying minor chassis adjustments, resulting in one of the finest driver’s cars of its time. Its 3.4-litre naturally-aspirated flat-six produces a healthy 330bhp too, sending it from standstill to 62mph in 4.7sec and onto a 175mph top speed.
> Porsche 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25 celebrates 25 years of Manthey-Racing
A decade and 32,000 miles since this metallic black example rolled out of the factory, you could now be its owner for just £43,990 – that’s almost half the (used) price of its 2021 counterpart, the 718 Cayman GT4.
Lexus RC-F Carbon Edition (2016)
£39,771
The Lexus RC-F isn’t really one of those cars that wins group tests, has multi-year waiting lists or creates huge buzz every time it has a model year update, but it is one that makes an awful lot of sense when it comes to buying one second hand.
That’s because unlike the brittle E92 M3, temperamental C63 or highly-strung RS5 of that older V8 era, the RC-F is a raucous, entertaining and charismatic V8 coupe without the hassle. Its bizarre looks have also softened with time, mostly on account of bigger and badder things coming out of Germany’s design studios, all making this 2016 Carbon Edition example in high-contrast white with barely 18,000 miles seem like a bargain for under £40k, less than the cost of a new Golf R.
Porsche 911 Turbo S (997, 2010)
£87,950
The 992-generation 911 Turbo hasn’t disappointed, providing the same continent-crushing ability and blistering all-round performance as its predecessors. The 997 provided much of the same, with its 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged flat-six sending 530bhp and 479lb ft of torque to all four wheels in Turbo S-form. Though it’s over a decade old in 2021, it’ll still cover the 0-62mph sprint in a respectable 3.7sec and go onto a 194mph top speed.
> Gemballa Marsien revealed – contemporary take on Porsche 959 Paris Dakar icon
A 911 Turbo of any kind holds its value well, but this particular example takes desirability to the next level. Painted in an ultra-rare Porsche racing green shade and coming with contrasting centre-lock wheels in silver, you’re very unlikely to see another like it. As if that wasn’t enough, it has an exclusive two-tone interior too, alongside a full Porsche service history, just 38,000 miles on the clock and all of its original paperwork.
