These Are The Best Sports Cars Under £10,000 on Autotrader (I bought one!)

Summary

In this video, the host explores affordable sports car options under £10,000, sifting through Autotrader to find the best bargains. From Italian classics like the Alfa Romeo Brera to Japanese icons like the Nissan 350Z, the host presents 13 tempting options with varying levels of risk, ranked with a unique 'riskometer'. Despite a tight budget, the host adds excitement by sharing his personal pick, a Range Rover Sport, making the video a blend of expert advice and personal adventure. The video is a fun and insightful guide for budget-conscious sports car enthusiasts.

Takeaways

• 😀 Modern sports cars are expensive, with even basic models costing 5 figures.
• 😀 The goal is to find affordable sports cars under £10,000, with an emphasis on fun and playfulness.
• 😀 The cars selected are mostly coupes, convertibles, and a few SUVs, prioritizing two- or three-door models.
• 😀 The cars are grouped by country for better organization: Italy, Japan, Britain, France, and Germany.
• 😀 Each car is scored on a subjective 'Read Riskometer,' which reflects the risk of buying it based on vibes, not science.
• 😀 The Alfa Romeo Breera (2010) is an affordable Italian option, but it has reliability concerns with its electric components. Risk score: 6/10.
• 😀 The Maserati Coupe (2007) offers a V8 experience at a low price, but it's prone to reliability issues. Risk score: 9/10.
• 😀 The Nissan 350Z Convertible (2003) is a classic, reliable choice with decent performance, though it shows its age. Risk score: 3/10.
• 😀 The Honda CRZ (2010) is a slow hybrid sports car, but it’s a cheap option with almost no risk. Risk score: 1/10.
• 😀 The Mazda MX5 (2006) is an affordable and reliable sports car with a fun-to-drive reputation. Risk score: 2/10.
• 😀 The Subaru Impreza WRX (2005) is an iconic performance car with strong reliability, though it's not risk-free. Risk score: 5/10.
• 😀 British options include the Jaguar XK (2007), which is a beautiful V8 but suffers from cooling system issues. Risk score: 5/10.
• 😀 The Jaguar XK8 (2000) is super cheap, but it has potential rust and engine issues. Risk score: 8/10.
• 😀 The Mini Coupe (2012) is a fun roadster, cheap to insure, but might not be everyone’s first choice. Risk score: 3/10.
• 😀 The Vauxhall VX220 (2001) is a rare, reliable sports car, but it’s pricey for a Vauxhall. Risk score: 6/10.
• 😀 In France, the Peugeot RCZ (2010) is quirky and affordable, though it’s not a classic. Risk score: 2/10.
• 😀 The Mercedes SLK (2005) is a fun roadster with decent performance and an affordable price, but with some risks. Risk score: 6/10.
• 😀 The Porsche Boxster (2000) offers an exciting driving experience but can be expensive to maintain. Risk score: 4/10.
• 😀 In the end, the presenter buys a Range Rover Sport L320 instead of a car on the list, humorously acknowledging the high risk but being excited about the purchase. Risk score: 27.5/10.

Q & A

Why are modern sports cars so expensive?

Modern sports cars are typically expensive due to high production costs, advanced technology, and performance features. Even basic models often cost five figures, while high-performance models or luxury brands can be even more costly.

What is the 'Riskometer' score, and how is it calculated?

The 'Riskometer' score is a fun, non-scientific system used to assess the level of risk associated with buying each car. It's based on factors like the car's age, reliability, and potential for unexpected problems. The score is based on 'vibes' rather than any formal data or science.

Why is the 2010 Alfa Romeo Brera considered a good deal despite its flaws?

The Alfa Romeo Brera is a stylish car available for under £4K, making it an affordable option. While it isn't the best performer in its class and may suffer from electric gremlins, its striking looks and the allure of owning an Italian car at a low price make it an attractive option for some buyers.

What is the main downside of buying a Maserati Coupe for £6,470?

The Maserati Coupe, while a V8 sports car, comes with a downside in the form of its automated manual gearbox, which can be unreliable. It may also lead to high maintenance costs. Despite these issues, the car offers significant performance and prestige for a relatively low price.

Why is the Nissan 350Z convertible considered a solid option?

The Nissan 350Z convertible is a 20-year-old car that still looks fresh and offers strong performance with 280 horsepower. It's reliable, rear-wheel drive, and generally more affordable than many other sports cars in its class, making it a solid option for budget-conscious buyers.

Why does the Honda CR-Z get a low-risk score despite not being a traditional sports car?

The Honda CR-Z gets a low-risk score because it’s cheap, with a price tag around £3K, and offers good value for the money. While it's not fast or particularly sporty, it's reliable, easy to maintain, and provides a more leisurely driving experience, which keeps risk low.

What makes the Mazda MX-5 such a popular choice among budget sports car buyers?

The Mazda MX-5 is popular because it offers excellent value for money, solid driving dynamics, and reliability. It's a well-known and widely available sports car that balances performance and affordability, making it a top pick for those looking to buy a budget-friendly sports car.

What should buyers watch out for when considering a Jaguar XK?

While the Jaguar XK offers a great V8 engine and rear-wheel drive performance, buyers should be aware of potential cooling system issues. The XK is beautiful, but it’s essential to keep an eye on maintenance, especially for older models.

Why is the Range Rover Sport L320 such a surprising choice in this list of budget sports cars?

The Range Rover Sport L320 is a surprising choice because it's not a traditional sports car. Despite the focus on affordable sports cars, the presenter decided to buy this off-road SUV, noting its luxury features, strong performance, and capability, though it comes with a higher risk factor due to potential maintenance issues.

What are the pros and cons of buying a Porsche Boxster for under £10K?

The Porsche Boxster, available for under £10K, is a classic sports car with excellent handling and performance, especially in the 3.2L model. However, it’s 25 years old, which can mean high maintenance costs, and insurance may be expensive. It offers great driving experience but requires careful maintenance and attention to condition.