A PETROLHEAD has revealed the best second cars drivers can buy for less than £6,000 – including an ‘often overlooked’ Renault.
TikTok star Fish56Octagon has shown followers his top choices for motorists looking for an upgrade on their first set of wheels… and they won’t break the bank.
TikTok/@fish56octagonTikTok star Fish56Octagon is a well known face on the social media platform[/caption]
In the video uploaded to his 257,000 followers, he said: “My advice would be to get something with a nice bump up in power from what you’re used to, but not something too crazy as you’re still a relatively new driver.
“And don’t get something that’s too old and leggy, or it might cost you a lot of money to run.”
Volkswagen Polo GTI
HandoutThe Polo has become a firm favourite among Brits[/caption]
His first pick in the Volkswagen Polo GTI – with a 2012 model up for £5,499.
A staple of second-hand forecourts, the Polo has become a firm favourite among Brits and the GTI iteration packs some serious punch.
The model he posts is also a 1.4-litre which makes it great for running around the town, but enough power to open up on the motorway.
Ford Fiesta ST
AFP or licensorsThe Fiesta is still one of the most popular motors to buy second-half in the UK[/caption]
A good alternative to the Polo is the Fiesta ST, which the TikTok star admits “might not quite have a cachet of the VW brand, but it handles a bit sweeter.”
In our review of the popular hatchback in 2018, Sun Motors’ main man Rob Gill described it as “probably the greatest car pound for pound on the planet.”
Renault Sport Clio
AlamyWhile you may need to pick up one that’s slightly older, the Renault Clio Sport is a terrific second motor[/caption]
The Renault Clio has been described as “often overlooked” by the TikTok expert, but the only problem is you “need to get one that’s a little bit old.”
The motor he’s listed is the 2008 model with 105,000 miles on the clock – but priced reasonably at £5,250.
Abarth 500
GettyThe Abarth 500 looks like a Fiat 500 to the untrained eye… but it packs some serious extra power[/caption]
The sporty equivalent of Fiat‘s iconic 500 model – the Abarth 500 – is seldom seen on British roads but is perhaps the nippiest motor on the list.
He said: “These are brilliant, I remember this lapping the Top Gear test track at the same time as the Lotus Elise which is super impressive.
“They’re tunable, they’re fun and I think they look wicked.”
According to AutoWeek, the 500 can hit an impressive top speed of 130mph and boasts an 0-60mph acceleration in 9.9 seconds.
Mazda MX-5
AlamyThe MX-5 has gone through several different looks over the years, starting with the NA that was first released nearly 30 years ago[/caption]
Described as “more of a serious car”, the MX-5 is a much-loved affordable roadster that’s dominated the used car market over the years.
Available for less than £5,000, Fish56Octagon says it’s a “wicked little thing” with the version listed being the NA model, which is the first version Mazda released.
“You can also get a much more recent NB or NC for the same money,” he added.
Perhaps the only problem with this open top sports car is rust – which can be present in some older versions.
Honda Civic Type R
The Honda Civic is an icon among hot hatches
The iconic Honda Civic is up next, with the sporty hatchback another great second motor with a bit more oomph and can be picked up for less than £5,000.
He said: “Absolutely brilliant car, really, really good to drive.
“And this is one where you don’t have to worry so much about wear and tear on the engine as the miles go up cause that K20 is super reliable.
“But again rust can be an issue on these older cars.”
Mini Cooper Hatch
GettyDespite their age, the Mini Cooper is a truly well-built motor[/caption]
Car buyers might be amazed to find out they can pick up a decent Mini Cooper Hatch for less than £6,000.
The TikToker has found one listed at £5,495 that’s 20 years old with just 65,000 miles on the clock.
A truly well-built motor that’s super reliable, Fish56Octagon added: “The R53 Cooper S is the one I’d go for, I think I look a little bit nicer and they generally considered a bit more reliable than the R56 that came later which is a bit newer.”
“This one’s been really beautifully looked after and well maintained and shouldn’t give you too much trouble.”
This comes as the best selling cars in Europe in 2023 have been revealed – with a pricey EV ruling the roost for the first time.
And car group CarWow has revealed to Sun Motors four of the most cost-effective motors your can buy, including an EV that can do 150 miles for just £10.