No matter what your financial situation is, chances are you want a vehicle that you can be proud of. If you thought that this means you have to spend a certain amount of money, then think again. The good news is that you can easily get your hands on top-quality cars without paying through the nose for them. If that sounds too good to be true, then this is the article for you. In this post, we will be taking a look at some of the best cars which you can get on a budget. The truly great news here is that many of these vehicles are surprisingly stylish. Even better, some of them are top-performance motors as well. If you are currently on the lookout for a new car, then look no further than this. Here are the best high-performers for those who are watching what they spend.
Renaultsport Clio 200
This latest addition to the fleet of Renaultsport cars is one which you are not likely to forget in a hurry. With a fantastic capacity for speed at a low-end cost, you are bound to be delighted by this little number. One of the real benefits of this vehicle is that it has a stripped-down approach to driving. You are likely to see considerable power behind this wheel, especially for the size of the car. Yet, it is not too clunky and it operates as smoothly as anything you’ve ever seen. By no means the best on the list, but definitely a good starting point. If you are drawing up your shopping list now, this deserves at least a passing mention on it. With a 1.6 litre turbocharged engine, and a tiny frame, you can see how it would be deliriously fun to drive. However, it is not quite as cheap as its predecessor. Then again, the previous generation did not offer quite the same horsepower – or sense of style.
MG 6 Magnette
As far as getting great quality for little money goes, you can’t say much fairer than the MG 6 Magnette saloon. This 1.8T beast of a car might well just be the marketplace’s best value vehicle of the moment. Its main selling point – apart from that engine – is the cool handling for which it has become well-known. With this car, you often feel like you are easily drifting around your very own racecourse. Prices are about as low as you could possibly hope for what you’re getting, and that’s not all. It also happens to be a diesel-only model, which only makes the price tag that little bit more impressive. If you are keen to bag a bargain, then you don’t really need to look any further than this model. When it comes to the perfect combination of performance and value, this one has it sorted.
Peugeot 208 GTI
The only real downside of the Magnette is that you might have a tough time finding one these days. However, that is never going to be much of a problem for our next instalment. The Peugeot 208 GTI is a masterpiece of engineering and style which you can’t afford to ignore. This is a highly responsive and incredibly fun little car to drive. What’s more, it has a 1.6 turbocharged engine – more than enough for the size of the body. On the slight downside, it does have something of a slightly slower shifting speed than most other vehicles on this list. However, it does also happen to be a thrill to take around corners and bends. If you are looking for a fun and sassy little get-around, then this is a great choice. And let’s not forget the price, either. This Peugeot is unlikely to break the bank any time soon, and there are still plenty in circulation. A great all-rounder if you are unsure about your next car.
Audi A3
The first thing to mention about this vehicle is that you are going to get serious bang for your buck. The Audi A3 is already considered something of a classic. After even a short test-drive, it is easy to see why. With this car, you are privy to a kind of ease of style and grace which you just don’t see very often. And when it comes to performance, you can’t really get much better. This is an innovative, German-engineered car, with superb handling at all times. Of course, this is a car famous for its aesthetic functions too, and you are bound to be pleasantly surprised in that area. And when it comes to price, you couldn’t really ask for it to be any lower for what you are getting. Whether you get it first-hand or used through Inchcape Audi, you are unlikely to overspend here.
Vauxhall Meriva
Above all, this is a clever little vehicle which is unlikely to disappoint even the most hardcore motor-heads out there. The Vauxhall Meriva is a must-mention on just about any list of affordable cars. But the question is: does it match up to the others in terms of performance? In all honesty, you are looking at a slightly weaker car here. In terms of handling, it is nothing compared to some of the others on this list. However, its easygoing sleekness means that it is something you are likely to enjoy driving for many years. On top of that, it is incredible value for money. If you buy it used, it’s likely that you will hardly notice the difference to your bank balance.
Ford Fiesta ST
We will end on a vehicle which is one of the cheaper new cars around. However, just because it’s cheap doesn’t mean you won’t get anything for your money. The fact is, the Fiesta ST is a perfect little all-rounder which you will find difficult not to fall in love with. With excellent chassis and divine engineering, there is no chance of not enjoying this particular rider. What’s more, the range is one of the most popular and reliable in history. With this, you have a real peace of mind.