A CAR expert has urged drivers to consider a host of motors that are “super cool” and have “something special about them” – all priced at £5,000 or under.
Car-buying guru JB posted the video on YouTube to give drivers the low-down on some budget friendly whips that can be found on the cheap end of the performance scale – including an Alfa Romeo model he described as a “future classic”.
Brabus Roadster
The little-known Brabus Roadster is perhaps the most unusual motor that JB mentions here.
He reveals that the sporty city Smart car has been “blessed with a host of additional features from the famous Brabus tuning house” and comes with a tiny 0.7-litre turbo-charged engine that boasts an impressive 101 bhp – helping it each 0 to 60 in 9.5 seconds.
The micro motor is seldom seen on UK roads with fewer than 250 currently registered, but despite its rarity, a good starter model with 100,000 miles on the clock can be picked up for around £4,800.
Lexus LS 400
JB describes Lexus as builders of “some of the most underrated luxury cars in the world” with the LS400 “absolutely one of them”.
“A cult classic”, according to JB, this gentle giant comes with a 4-litre V8 engine boasting 280bhp and is the “luxury car equivalent of cars like the [Toyota] Supra built to cause trouble for German and British luxury car makers” with its interior modelled on first-class plane seats.
Today, the LS400 can be bought for around £1,500, and although many of them will be found with higher mileage on them, JB says these “bullet proof” cars will still do well even if they’ve done over 200,000 miles.
Alfa Romeo GTV
Much-loved car brand Alfa Romeo have made many fan-favourite motors over the years – with the GTV a model particularly adored for its timeless styling.
Described as a “future classic for the ages” by JB, the luscious coupe boasts a V6 engine with 22bhp that can take it from 0 to 60 in an impressive 6.5 seconds.
While it still looks “unbelievably good”, JB warns drivers that they won’t be able to get the rarest GTV cut for £5,000 or less – but it’s more than enough for the “twin spot” iteration, while a bit more will fetch the 3-litre V6 produced from 1999.
Honda Civic Type-R
A motor with “incredible tuning potential and is incredibly reliable when maintained properly”, the Honda Civic Type-R is built to be fast and will work well on the track – as well as around town or on the motorway.
JB said: “In terms of value for money, size of aftermarket and capability from standard, there aren’t many cars that are as solid as the Honda Civic Type R.”
The car expert reckons the hot hatchback has “future classic potential” – much like the GTV – with buyers able to pick them up for around £4,000, while a little bit more could help bag a 2004 model with around 100,000 miles on the odometer.
Renault Megane RS
Another budget-friendly hot hatchback JB is keen to see drivers get behind the wheel of is the Renault Megane RS with its 2-litre turbo-charged engine.
Dubbed “reliable with an iconic shape” by JB, the Megane RS still lives in the shadow of the French brand’s more popular Clio RS – but can be fetched for a fraction of the price.
JB says this sporty motor can be found “for anywhere around £4,000”, with a 2006 model boasting 90,000 miles would be a little bit more pricier.
This comes after another car expert revealed five automatic motors that won’t break the bank– including a “cheap to run” Toyota.
Elsewhere, an ultra-rare supercar used for a blockbuster James Bond film has finally been made road-legal – and can be bought from showrooms.