There are many blog posts and articles online showcasing the best sports cars under £15k however, at SwapAuto we think most of them are wrong! Most of the cars promoted seem to be ‘safe bets’ in our eyes to please readers and not necessarily the most exciting and ‘coolest’ cars available. Well, we thought we’d take a different approach and talk about the 5 cars we think are worth a look if you’re looking at some serious fun, without breaking the bank!
The best sports cars under 15k:
2011 Audi TTRS
The new (2017+) TTRS has become a bit of an editorial phenomenon with reviewers and owners alike raving about the speed, agility and bang for buck however, people tend to forget the TTRS has been around for a long time and has always held its own. The 2011 TTRS is an incredible piece of kit boasting a 2.5 litre turbo-charged engine pushing 335bhp which launches you 0-60 in 4.7seconds, its no slouch. The cars also benefit from Audi’s Quattro system meaning that nor rain or snow will have any effect on whether you can go for a rip. Good examples between 40k – 70k miles clocked range from £11,000 – £15,000 and all come with good infotainment, solid sound systems and a reliable engine. If this isn’t on your ‘consideration’ list you need to go watch some reviews and seriously consider this contender!
Toyota GT86
This one will be no surprise too many. The GT86 (in our opinion) is one of the best cars ever built. Toyota has mixed its reliability and racing heritage together to create and absolutely incredible sports car. Having a flat-4 engine that sits sideways enabling a low centre of gravity and better driving dynamics, this light weight 8,000rpm revving go-kart is one of the most authentic and enjoyable cars to experience. Prices vary massively dependant on spec and mileage however, Toyota is famous for its engine longevity and cheap parts so we wouldn’t be afraid of taking a higher mileage example. Prices range from £5,000 – £15,000 with a wide range of options. A notable benefit to these cars is also that they are extremely cheap to tax, service and maintain so if you’re looking for something you don’t need to worry about breaking, this is your sure fire bet.
2011 – 2012 Audi RS3
We know, we know.. another Rs product BUT, in our defence… its because they’re good. The previous Gen Rs3’s are really starting to make a comeback. Although the new models pack more of a punch, the original gen still looks and drives amazing. These cars, similar to the GT86, come in a wide range of spec so whatever your taste, you can be sure theres an Rs3 with your name on it. Again, benefiting from Audi’s famous Quattro system and 2.5l turbocharged engine pushing 335hp (same as the TTRS) you’re not going to be struggling on any quarter miles. These cars really stand the test of time both aesthetically and mechanically and with such a wide range of aftermarket parts, if you’re into your tuning, this may be a fun option! Prices range from £8,000 – £15,000 but again, we wouldn’t worry too much about mileage as these engines really are bulletproof and residual values tend to be consistent.
Honda S2000
Honda have yet to bring a new s2000 to the table and the longer time moves on, the more we feel it’s probably never going to happen. However, because of this S2000 values tend to hold impeccably well. They are fantastic cars if you’re looking to keep a car for a year or two, put a few miles on it and not loose much money. The tricky bit though, is keeping it in good nick and not abusing it which is hard, as the cars is so much fun to drive! similar to the GT86 the S2000 holds a low centre of gravity and being rear wheel drive makes it a fun and agile machine. The interior however, is really this cars golden point. Benefiting from Honda’s light up racing dash, cosy cabin and thin panelling for engine noise there really is nothing else like it. Prices range from £5,000 – £14,000 mileage dependant but on this one, if you could stretch for a lower mileage example, we’d recommend it.
Arbath 595
Now the Arbath 595 is a bit of weird one as a lot of people steer clear due to its related counterpart being the very common Fiat 500. If you’re doing the same, you need to make an adjustment because they are night and day cars. The Arbath 595 is an incredible car for the money, small, loud, fast and cost effective. These cars have really stood the test of time and we’re starting to see more of them on the road. The short wheel base, race’y interior and optional convertible roof make it a fantastic fast car for everyday responsibilities but also, not something that would be frowned upon when turning up to your local car meet. Prices of range from £5,000 – £15,000 however, you can find examples with sub 15,000 miles clocked within this bracket. This is for sure, not a car to breeze past lightly.
If you like the sound of any of these cars, go check out SwapAuto! SwapAuto is a petrolhead swapping and selling site where you can find incredible deals and, all the cars listed in this article are up for sale!
