20 best used cars for endless UK summer
Desperate for a cooling breeze? We've collated the finest secondhand options for generating one...
Mazda MX-5 (ND), 2017, 26k, £18,495
Ice creams, portable air conditioning units and convertibles. That pretty much sums up PH’s internet-based research over the past four weeks - and with the whole of August still to come, it’s time to share what we’ve found. Unlike air conditioners on Amazon, these are all available right now and (mostly) for less than £50k. First up, the no-brainer. The MX-5 is the best-selling sports car in history for a good reason: it’s fab. Doubly so when lightly modified, as this ND has been via a BBR Super 190 kit. Great colour, too, and with precious few previous miles to worry about. Second cheapest car listed here, and in many ways, the best.
Porsche Boxster (981), 2014, 37k, £38,490
With the possible exception of the Porsche Boxster, that is. A poignant choice now, given Porsche’s decision to finally wind up production, but also one grounded in good sense. The sheer number of them available means that asking prices tend to be reasonable - especially if you shop further down the trim pecking order. We’d recommend a manual for the full experience, but the PDK ‘box is no impediment to a good time, especially when mated to a flat-six, as here. Sure, you can go much faster in a more senior variant, although that hardly makes the 2.7 less thrilling. The 981 still looks brilliant, too.
Aston Martin Vantage S, 2012, 59k, £40,970
Of course, if looking good is really a consideration, you can hardly do any better for the money than a Vantage. These are also plentiful, though thanks to its sharper handling, we’d suggest going for the later S variant, much like this Onyx Black example. The Sportshift transmission isn’t on par with a PDK, but you might find yourself enjoying the car’s V8 soundtrack too much to really care. That and your reflection in shop windows. Naturally you’ll want to factor in the running costs involved with Aston Martin ownership, although this one seems to have the sort of history that offers some peace of mind. On the road, expect the feel-good factor to be off the charts.
Morgan 3-Wheeler, 2018, 11k, £36,995
There’s plenty to feel good about in a 3-Wheeler, too, assuming you’ve been lucky with the weather. PH once drove one to Malvern to have winter tyres fitted - in winter. That was roughly as unpleasant as rowing the Atlantic in winter. But get the right day, the right backdrop and there’s nothing quite like it. Clearly you’ll have to accept its rudimentary running gear and open-to-the-elements layout, yet these are strengths, as well. Nothing harmonises with a summery afternoon quite so comprehensively, or skips between country pubs quite so charmingly. ‘A sense of occasion’ the vendor calls it. Never a truer word spoken.
Jaguar F-Type R, 2020, 10k, £45,480
Can we say the F-Type is enjoying a resurgence? Perhaps that’s overselling it - but Jaguar’s long-running pronouncements about combustion engines (and possibly even Clarkson acquiring one on the cheap) has spotlighted its former glories. And it’s hard to question the idea that you’re getting a fair return on your investment, particularly with the later variants. You might want to consider going the extra yard for a 5.0-litre V8, too, now that JLR has signalled the engine’s retirement. This one looks terrific in Portofino Blue, and has only covered 10k despite being coveted by four previous owners. That suggests Sunday best usage.
Caterham Seven 420R, 2022, 6k, £45,995
Naturally, if it’s a convertible for the weekend sir wants, the (alternative) traditional route is to buy a Caterham. There are many ways you can go about this: father and son building one in the garage is the romantic version, obviously. But that takes forever, and skipping the queue with something nearly-new is often the preferred route. Something like this is the perfect solution. Factory-built, beautifully specced and with only one previous owner, the 420R is also arguably the perfect compromise between fast road smarts and circuit lunacy. It’ll hold onto its value, too.
Audi R8 Spyder, 2014, 32k, £48,000
Can’t make that same promise about the R8, its asking price having taken a notorious haircut over the years. But at least the chances of its price starting with a 3 seem to be behind us - and even closer to £50k, the Spyder makes for a beguiling choice. Sure, in an ideal world, the manual is preferable, but in 2026 we’d accept the S tronic auto just to be closer to the naturally aspirated 4.2-litre V8, which well deserves its reputation for loveliness. This one apparently has plenty of service history and looks the part in Panther Black. A secondhand legend for good reason.
Ariel Atom 3, 2008, 10k, PH Auction
Talking of legends. Say what you will about the mega-money 4RR - and it really is a staggering piece of kit, as we found out earlier in the year - but there’s so much fun to be had for a fraction of the cost that Ariel knows full well its flagship is for only for the crazy-brave few. For everyone else, a well-tended secondhand model is just the ticket, especially if you can find a non-supercharged car. Just like this one in fact, which adds the optional aero screen for even more user-friendliness. Bidding kicks off tomorrow.
Bentley Continental GTC, 2014, 32k, £49,895
For the opposite end of the scale (if not in cost, then certainly in comfort terms) is the regal wonder that is the GTC. Bentley likes to boast about the straight-line speed of the W12-powered Continental, although with the roof peeled off it honestly becomes all about the kind of slow cruise that an actual monarch would be familiar with. Truthfully, we chose this one for its flamboyant colour, but if you prefer something more subtle the choice is endless. A success story for a good reason, and another car listed here that features the sort of engine that will never come again.
Triumph TR4, 1965, 63k, £28,995
We’d understand if you didn’t get similarly excited about the 2.1-litre four-pot that powers the TR4 (the Standard Vanguard started life as a tractor motor, after all), but the TR4 is here to symbolise the Great British sports car in all its open-top glory. Not for everyone the oily promise of an old MG or Healey or Triumph - but a well-maintained example delivers an experience of England’s hedgerows like no other. This one, like all the rest, will never stop needing money and TLC, not unlike a beautiful woman. Expect to love it much the same way.
Chevrolet Corvette, 2014, 35k, £44,995
Large, small, old or new, there’s little to make the summer truly special like a manual V8 roadster. The response of natural aspiration, the reward of shifting gears yourself, and the sound of a cylinder octet in the open air are all to be cherished. It’s a formula that served the Corvette very well for 60 years, and this C7 - the last of the front engined cars - looks a treat: the fastest paint colour, low mileage, and immaculate condition. LHD isn’t ideal over here, but perfect for Euro trips. Don’t be surprised if 6.2 litres and seven speeds feels like a match made in heaven wherever a Corvette goes.
Honda S2000, 2009, 16k, £28,995
Early '00s Honda really was unmatched. The Integra and Accord Type R were two of the finest front-drivers ever made; the EP3 Civic Type R introduced VTEC thrills to the masses. With the incredible NSX on pricelists as well. Then came the S2000, Honda’s first rear drive sports car in decades: light, pretty, well priced and with a sensational powertrain, it complemented the rest of the line up perfectly. And while never quite as good to drive as hoped for, 9,000rpm and probably the best manual ever appeal more than ever in 2026. This last-of-the-line 2009 one looks good as new with just 16k on it.
Alfa Romeo 4C, 2015, 19k, £46,990
If summer deserves a shrink-wrapped Italian sports car, then the Alfa 4C should hit the bill. Carbon construction, looks to die for and a memorable turbo engine make for a sports car experience like no other. The rough edges of the coupe were smoothed off somewhat for the Spider, which the previous owner of this one went further with: Alfa Works has liberated some extra power from the 1.75-litre four-cylinder, and sorted the geo out. As well as looking after it for many years. With values going nowhere and 40mpg possible, a 4C combines supercar style with the running costs of something far more ordinary - best of both worlds…
Maserati GranCabrio Sport, 2016, 25k, £44,925
A Maserati GranCabrio is not going to boast affordable running costs. But if ever a car could be worth shelling out for fuel, VED and maintenance, a four-seat Maser drop-top must surely be it. Even in this list of summertime stunners, the GranCabrio might be the best sounding and best looking of the lot, the 4.7-litre V8 truly one of the great engines of recent times. There can’t be many convertibles fit for four that can boast such style, either; despite the hardtop GranTurismo having launched almost 20 years ago, there’s little to match these old Maseratis for sheer glamour. Indeed £45k might seem like a bit of a bargain to look and feel a million dollars…
Lotus Elise Sport 220, 2019, 11k, £42,995
No list of sports cars would be complete without PH’s greatest ever, the Lotus Elise. We all know why it’s great, but there’s probably no harm in being reminded given the Elise’s impact. Not only did it look superb, boast innovative construction and offer great value for money at launch, it drove absolutely beautifully as well. It was Lotus at its best, and they sold like 99s at the beach. So there are loads to choose from secondhand, from early, dainty K Series machines to the last-of-the-line supercharged track stars. The spec of this one means you won’t see another like it, and the mileage is modest. What are you waiting for?
Ford Mustang 55 Edition, 2020, 17k, £39,499
There aren’t many cars as guaranteed to put a smile on your face as a Mustang. Doesn’t matter on the time of day or location, the look, sound and feel of Ford’s icon is unrivalled. And completely charming: that’s what a big V8, rear-wheel drive, and an unmistakable design can do. But surely nothing is going to make it feel more special than with the roof down, the sun shining, and a manual gearbox between the seats. Often these convertibles are specced with the auto, but Ford’s 10-speed is a shocker; best stick with a stick and enjoy ripping through the gears at leisure. Your friends will like you more for it, trust us…
TVR Griffith, 2003, 30k, £38,500
Don’t worry, we hadn’t forgotten TVR; it would have been remiss (bordering on criminal) not to have included one. Light, fast, thrilling and often very pretty, the best TVRs were the British sports car as it was meant to be. To this day, the Griffith probably best encapsulates the charm, using the Rover V8 and wrapping it in a truly beautiful body. This particular one is even more special than most, as the very last Griffith produced in 2003. Which means paying £40k for the privilege of owning it - but don’t be surprised if there’s a queue of willing PHers to pay similar in a couple of years.
BMW i8 Roadster, 2019, 18k, PH Auctions
Those who want ultimate show stopping style mixed with hybrid-style efficiency couldn’t do any better than a BMW i8 Roadster. Several years since the last ones were made and 17 (!) since the Vision Efficient Dynamics concept car wowed the world, there’s little that grabs the attention quite like BMW's ode to a future that never quite arrived. It was famously more than just good looking, too, with its carbon intensive construction and innovative hybrid powertrain. ‘Ahead of its time’ has never felt more apt - nor looked so good. This PH Auctions car must be one of the best out there, with a full dealer history and less than 20k. Bids open next weekend.
Abarth 595C, 2015, 41k, £8,295
Rank this one as another guilty pleasure. But by combining all the effervescence of the 500 hatch with roof-down (or at least roof back) bonhomie, the Abarth convertibles won themselves a legion of fans. Look elsewhere for the ultimate in front-drive sophistication; but for those who like their drive accompanied by a volley of exhaust burps, a front axle more excitable than a terrier’s tail and a surfeit of turbo torque, look no further. Once more, abundant popularity new means a plethora of secondhand choices, so you can be choosy with spec - can’t go far wrong with white and red accents…
Mercedes-AMG C63, 2018, 46k, £31,989
While the current CLE53 is undoubtedly a desirable cabrio, we all know it’d be significantly better with a V8 under the bonnet. The previous C205 generation finally fulfilled the potential that was always there in AMG 2+2s, so it was sad to see it go. It was rampantly fast, as lairy as you’d ever need it to be, brimming with attitude and actually well resolved as a cabrio. The family might be better suited to a wagon, and a coupe will be a little sharper to drive, but there remains an awful lot to recommend a soft-top C63. Another one that won’t appeal to your inner purist, but the hooligan in you won’t give a damn.
The “cherished” Bentley in particular all be it few annual miles between MOT’s is particularly bad.
Had an S2000 back in the day, magic, one of only cars I regret selling
Out of that list, I’ll take the TR4 please, although I’d prefer an early TR6.
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