Last year, almost eight million used cars were bought (and sold) in this country, more than three times the number of new cars. There's more choice out there than ever in the classifieds, from Bangernomics bargains to rarefied supercar royalty.
Sitting somewhere in the middle is an increasingly popular breed of used car: the modern classic. Typically aged between about 10 and 30 years old, these are cars that were good in their day and seem to get better with age. Most are becoming rare, too, given that so many were bought by Joe Public as daily transport and not looked after as a potential future classic. Yet thankfully, they were built to modern standards, Autel Maxicom MK908p
. so if you can find a decent example, it should keep going for decades to come.
The appeal among enthusiasts for such cars isn't just one of nostalgia. It's just as much about the joy of an analogue driving experience as cars become ever more digitised. These cars also help build communities among likeminded owners and provide a great hobby. You're not just buying a used car. You're also buying a lifestyle.
There is a plethora of middle-aged motors that only recently were most commonly found languishing in scrapyards or being broken for parts but are now entering the limelight and starting to soar in value. If you're quick, you could get one on your drive and enjoy it for years to come.
Our top picks, covering the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s, are testament to the huge variety of classics on offer.
The term ‘entry level' means far less forFerrarithan it does for, say,Honda . Even the cheapest model in Maranello's current line-up costs from £166,000, and it's hardly the coward's option.
But back in 1985, the stunning 328 GTB's modest 270bhp and 153mph top speed left it a world away from the fire-breathing288 GTOand thumping512 TR . That doesn't matter today, of course, because this is aPininfarina -penned, old-school Ferrari, and who wouldn't want one of those?
Despite its relatively lazy state of tune, the 328 GTB's naturally aspirated 3.2-litre V8 emits a throaty growl, and improvements over its308 GTBforebear – including quicker steering, electronic ignition and a hydraulic clutch – make it one of the most usable classic Ferraris.
Prices are strong, but if the older246 Dinoand BB are any indicator, 328 GTB values will rocket within the next few years, so this could be your last chance to own one of Ferrari's finest.
BMW's Porsche Boxster rival is better to drive than ever, although it still makes a better high-day open-top cruiser than a true sports car
It used to vie with the924for the ‘poor man's Porsche' title, but the 944 is enjoying a renaissance. The top-rung Turbo is the most coveted and still feels quick, with 217bhp from its 2.5-litre four-pot giving it a 0-62mph time of around 6.0sec.
With two massive turbos, four-wheel steering and kit usually reserved for limos, this is an amazing amount of car for the money it today commands. Annoyingly,Nissan'shard work has usually been undone by ill-advised modifications, rust and hard driving.
Faultless it won't be, but this six-cylinder bruiser delivers a blend of snarling pace and usability so addictive that you'll forgive any foibles. Happily, most cars have been kept in good nick.
Who could dispute the E89's visual appeal? With a folding hard-top, the fourth Z car replaced both the coupé and roadster, so you can use it all year. Don't be put off by four-pots; they cost less to run without being asthmatic.
Ford'sperformance division has produced some truly awesome machines over the years, taking repeated wins on the rally stages, at Le Mans and in Nascar, but say the words ‘fast Ford' to anyone who grew up in the 1980s and this is what they will picture.
Coveted by boy racers, high-flying accountants and thieves alike, the Sierra RS (a hatchback at launch, before evolving into a saloon) is what happens when you give a family car to a team of F1 engine builders and ask them to homologate it for Group A motorsport.
And so, with a top speed of 149mph, a 0-60mph time of 6.5sec and a bigger spoiler than the iconic Ferrari F40, this is the definitive super-saloon of its era.
Les...

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