08-09-2022
Renault Clio 172
Okay, okay, so a Renault Clio 172 for £1,000 is not going to be in the best knick. It's also not going to last too long (probably). So, we say buy it, service it, treat it with a little love, and see how it goes. Clio 172's are generally reliable with the only serious faults occurring with the electrics. A quick check online reveals a few 172's at £1,000, with the lowest miler having 90,000 on the clock. That's a lot, but at least you won't have to worry about the bedding in period!
Key stats: 2.0-litre engine, 172 bhp, 0 - 62 mph in 7.2 seconds.
Ford Fiesta Zetec S
The Ford Fiesta Zetec S is a very fine hatchback indeed. This is a deceptively quick car, with a sharp throttle and extremely good handling with thanks to having little weight to lug around. A 2000 registration model with 110,000 miles on the clock is currently on sale for just £790, which is a bargain considering the fun you can have.
Key stats: 1.6-litre engine, 106 bhp, 0 - 62 mph in 10.2 seconds.
Volkswagen Golf GTI MK3
The Volkswagen Golf GTI MK3 never lived up to the fantastic name the MK1 and MK2 made for themselves. It was, in many ways, a letdown. Still, there's no denying the robustness of a Golf, and the GTI MK3 is highly tunable for the enthusiast. A quick check online reveals one with 180,000 miles on the clock going for just £285! Bargain!
Key stats: 2.0-litre engine, 115 bhp, 0 - 62 mph in 10.1 seconds.
Ford Puma
The Ford Puma was an excellent car back in its day, and there are thousands still being run on the roads, which is testament to their reliability. The model you want features a 1.7-litre engine, which has enough power to make the car feel quick(ish) in a straight line. The Puma is all about handling though - show this car some twisties and you will have a great time.
Key stats: 1.7-litre engine, 125 bhp, 0 - 62 mph in 9.2 seconds.
BMW 3-Series 318 ti Sport
Back in 1998, the BMW 3-Series was the pinnacle of mid-size saloon. The version you want for outright fun and a good bargain is the 318 ti Sport, which was a coupe with fantastic looks and a lot of tuning potential. Try to nab one with 18-inch alloy wheels, and enjoy drifting around roundabouts with your RWD set up.
Key stats: 1.9-litre engine, 140 bhp, 0 - 62 mph in 9.9 seconds.
MG ZR 2.0TD
The only diesel on our list! The MG ZR 2.0TD is the forgotten gem of the ZR range. It has an extremely strong engine which delivers punchy performance, and although the design of the ZR is a little bit... erm... Chavtastic, we do have to say it's a little bit of a bargain. A 2002 reg model with 100,000 miles on the clock costs just £700, which isn't bad at all.
Key stats: 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine, 101 bhp, 0 - 62 mph in 9.7 seconds.
Mazda MX-5
The Mazda MX-5 has always been one of the most affordable ways to get RWD thrills. For under £1,000, you can get a 1999 registration 1.8i, complete with wood trimmed dashboard and steering wheel. This is also the version with those super cool pop up headlights, and a quick search reveals a model with 130,000 miles on the clock costs £799.
Key stats: 1.8-litre engine, 131 bhp, 0 - 62 mph in 8.6 seconds.
Porsche 924 (77-88)
Is the Porsche 924 a 'proper' Porsche? It depends who you ask. We're inclined to think it is, even though it was dismally slow when it came out and it didn't really follow Porsches philosophy. We reckon this car will be great fun for you though, because it's a Porsche, and it gives you bragging rights in the pub!
Key stats: 2.0-litre engine, 123 bhp, 0 - 92 mph in 9.7 seconds.
Saab 9-5 2.3t
The Saab 9-5 2.3t is a fantastic car, and it should have sold one heck of a lot more than it did. Still, we prefer it this way, because it gives Saab 9-5 2.3t owners ultimate exclusivity. A quick search online reveals that you can pick up one of these beasts for £975 with 130,000 miles on the clock, and that's for a 2002 registration! Up-rate the turbo, get some sticky tyres, and shred the drag strips!
Key stats: 2.2-litre turbocharged engine, 180 bhp, 0 - 62 mph in 9 seconds.
Peugeot 206 GTI
I've got to be honest - I can't stand the Peugeot 206 GTI. It was a warm hatch when it was released, and they've come to be known as rattle buckets over the past 10 years. Still, a quick check online reveals that some 2000 registration models are going for as low as £600 - £700, which is a bit of a bargain whichever way you look at it. Just be sure to get the car thoroughly checked out before you buy.
Key stats: 2.0-litre engine, 138 bhp, 0 - 62 mph in 8.3 seconds.
Volvo S70 2.3 T5
Back in 1999 the Volvo S70 T5 was feared by criminals everywhere, because the Police force had them at their disposal. Back then, the T5 was ludicrously fast for an estate, and it is still pretty brisk today's standards. Although you won't have much fun going around corners, the T5 is great in a straight line and it's safe, too. A 1999 specimen with 120,000 miles on the clock costs £995.
Key stats: 2.3-litre turbocharged engine, 240 bhp, 0 - 72 mph in 7.3 seconds.