Used car deals of the week
In this week's used car deals, we've sourced everything from a Toyota GR Yaris to a Ferrari 488 GTB
While we seem to be out from under the worst of the pandemic, its lingering effect on the global supply chain and wider automotive manufacturing means bargain second hand performance cars aren’t what they used to be.
This is something that’s been exacerbated by the world’s transition to electric cars, stoking demand for petrol-powered performance cars both in the new and used markets, leaving many short of either cash or supply.
What hasn’t changed, though, is the satisfaction of perusing the classifieds for all the most interesting used high performance cars on sale right now. This week we’ve dug up everything from a GR Yaris to a Ferrari 488 GTB.
> Browse our used buying guides here
Toyota GR Yaris Circuit (Gen 1, 2021)
£26,795
The revised Gen 2 Toyota GR Yaris lifts the homologation hatch to the next level, but with numbers heavily limited and its price considerably higher than before, it’s not quite as accessible as it once was. For similar thrills, though, you can now find used GRs for almost half the price of the new one.
> Toyota GR Yaris Gen 2 2024 review: rally-bred hot hatch is better than ever
This 2021 car is finished in Scarlet Flare red and while it has covered 33,600 miles since it left the forecourt, just a single owner on its book and a full Toyota service history should provide some peace of mind. Unmodified (a rarity for the GR Yaris) and equipped with the highly desirable Circuit Pack, it certainly isn’t a bad way to spend £26,795.
Ferrari 488 GTB (2016)
£132,990
Maranello’s current range is one of the most diverse of any supercar manufacturer, with V6 hybrids, twin-turbocharged V8s and naturally-aspirated V12s forming the lineup. While all of these offerings are thoroughly tempting in their own ways, they don’t come cheap. If you’d like some of that Ferrari magic for a whole lot less, you needn’t look any further than the 488 GTB.
> Ferrari SF90 XX Stradale 2024 review – flat-out in the 1016bhp road-legal XX
Powered by a variant of Ferrari’s excellent 3.9-litre F154 twin-turbocharged flat-plane crank V8, power stands at 660bhp and 561lb ft of torque. While it lacks the all-wheel drive and hybrid assistance of some of its more recent siblings, it still manages a 3sec 0-62mph time and 205mph top speed. After 18,000 miles on the road, this tasteful Grigio Ferro car could be on your driveway for less than the price of a new Mercedes-AMG GT 63.
Porsche Cayman R (987, 2011)
£39,995
The adoption of the GT name made the Cayman GT4 a smash hit in the two-seat sports car segment, but the Cayman R of the 987-generation was where its winning formula began. Powered by a 3.4-litre naturally-aspirated flat-six with 330bhp, it not only produced more power than the standard car, but had 55kg less weight to manage. The result was a fantastic driver’s coupe that not much could touch in its day.
> Tackling the Col de Turini in the Porsche 718 Spyder RS
Its most recent successor, the 718 Cayman GT4, will still set you back from just under £70,000 on the used market, but this R could be in your garage for a little under £40,000. Finished in trademark Cayman R Peridot Green, it comes with a full service history, 31,156 miles on the clock and sports some very tasteful modifications. Carbon ceramic brakes, a lightened flywheel, new transmission mounts and numerous engine upgrades all help make it even more focused than before.
McLaren GT (2020)
£97,000
While it doesn’t quite meet the traditional GT brief its name suggests it might, the McLaren GT is an excellent driver’s car for those looking to cover big miles. Its ingredients are pure supercar, with the same 4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 and low-slung carbonfibre tub as the rest of Woking’s range, but the GT is more usable than its stablemates. Nevertheless it’s a potent machine, producing 612bhp for a 3.1sec 0-60mph time and 204mph top speed.
> McLaren GT Fast Fleet test – four months in the 203mph 'grand tourer'
Its high price made it a tricky sell at launch, but for just under £100,000, you could be the owner of this low 6800-mile Viridian green example. Fitted with the MSO Defined Bright Pack, Sports exhaust system, Bowers & Wilkins sound system and desirable extras such as the front axle lift system and Electrochromic sunroof, it’s not short on options. It even has a McLaren warranty until July next year.
Mercedes-Benz SLR Mclaren (2005)
£299,990
The SLR McLaren might not have the dynamic edge of the Ferrari Enzo it went up against at the time of its launch, but there’s no denying the draw of its exotic package. Powered by a 5.4-litre supercharged V8, 617bhp helps it reach an impressive 207mph top speed in its standard form, producing a distinctive rumble from its side-exit exhausts in the process.
> The new Mercedes-AMG GT 63 Pro is a track-ready, 604bhp super-coupe
Despite its exotic looks and performance, high maintenance costs have prevented used values from soaring. After just 20,900 miles on the road, this glorious Fayalite Green Metallic example (resprayed to OEM standard at the cost of over £10,000) is on the market at just under £300,000.
Aston Martin Vantage (2006)
£29,995
The Aston Martin Vantage has evolved into a machine capable of supercar performance, but the same couldn’t be said for its naturally-aspirated predecessor. Powered by Gaydon’s 4.3-litre V8, 380bhp and 470lb ft of torque were sent to the rear wheels in standard form, making it less powerful than even some hot hatches of today. Regardless of its output though, it remains a fine sports car almost two decades on, with plenty of character, analogue charm and a communicative chassis.
> Aston Martin's DBX707 AMR24 is an F1-inspired super SUV
While you’ll no doubt experience some niggles derived from its handbuilt construction, the simplicity of its powertrain makes labour costs considerably lower than with its modern successor. The majority of parts are also much cheaper having been borrowed from Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo, with its modest power output reducing wear on consumables. For £29,995, you can do a lot worse than this.
Ferrari F355 (1998)
£99,995
The 355 is a through and through icon, bridging the gap between the Ferraris of today and the unfiltered, analogue models of years gone by. The modest 375bhp output of its 3.5-litre naturally-aspirated V8 is no match for its modern successors, but the delivery of that power and the flat-plane crank sound that comes as a byproduct is hard to match.
> Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona v 308 GTB at Fiorano – the joys of driving a classic, manual Ferrari
Coming with the desirable manual transmission, this glorious 1998 example could be in your driveway for just shy of £100,000. Finished in Rosso Corsa with Crema leather, the factory 18-inch wheels and Challenge rear grille, there’s not much more you could want. With 28,000 miles on the clock, it’s been owned by the same owner for the last two decades and maintained by the Meridien Modena Ferrari dealership it’s currently being advertised by.
BMW M5 (F90, 2019)
£39,995
The all-new G90 BMW M5 has been launched as the first electrified variant in the history of the model, and while a 717bhp output makes it considerably more powerful than its predecessor, a ludicrous 570kg weight penalty makes it slower off the line. While its new price is no more than that of the previous car, you could save a whole lot of cash by opting for a used F90.
> 2025 BMW M5 (G90) prototype review – electrified supersaloon gets supercar power
Powered by BMW’s familiar 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8, the standard F90 M5 produces 592bhp for a 3.4sec 0-62mph time – a tenth quicker than its hybrid successor. This particular car has covered 58,000 miles in its five years on the road, but a full BMW service history, M Sports exhaust system and sub-£40,000 asking price make it very attractive indeed.
Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport S (Mk7, 2016)
£32,999
The Mk7 Golf GTI Clubsport S is one of the finest hot hatches to hit our roads, with a reduction in weight, an increase in power and an excellent, track-honed front-drive chassis setup making it a worthy (and rare) alternative to purpose-built sports cars. While it’s powered by the same 2-litre turbocharged EA888 four-cylinder as the standard GTI, power is lifted to 306bhp and 280lb ft of torque, sent through a manual ‘box for a 5.7sec 0-62mph time and 155mph top speed.
> New Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport will be one of the last petrol GTIs
Given that just 150 examples were built, it’s no surprise that prices have held up well. Most examples will set you back in excess of £40,000 in 2024, but this particular car could be yours for under £33,000. The reason for this is likely a combination of its 10,000-mile odometer reading (high for a Clubsport S) and aftermarket modifications, although thankfully, these are tasteful. The 19-inch Pretoria wheels remain, with a new Wavetrac limited-slip differential, 355bhp ECU tune and uprated engine mounts the only new additions.
Renault Sport Clio 172 (Phase I, 2001)
£5450
Small dimensions, a playful chassis, low weight and a gutsy naturally aspirated engine make Renault Sport’s Clio 172 one of the finest hot hatches to hit our roads. While it was launched over two decades ago, its 2-litre F4R four-cylinder still produces a very respectable 172bhp, pushing it from standstill to 62mph in only 7.2sec and onto a 137mph quoted top speed.
> Why the Renault Clio 172 is one of the most significant cars of the last 25 years
Given their desirability, both Phase I and Phase II 172s have seen some appreciation in recent years, but even this restored 2001 example is on the market for under £6000. Having recently received a full respray, new arches and a complete suspension overhaul, this car looks to be one of the best you’ll find, despite its 102,133-mile odometer reading. It’s even been owned by the seller for the last 17 years, and is equipped with some very tasteful (and subtle) modifications.
