Depreciation-busting sports cars
The Mazda MX-5 is one of the most affordable sports cars money can buy
We round up six of the most affordable depreciation-beating sports cars.
Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show that December is traditionally the quietest month for sales in the year behind the two months directly before the March and September registration-plate changes.
With fewer buyers around, sellers may be more inclined to offer deals to entice you to part with your money.
We look at some of the sports cars and convertibles which hold their value the most. This should help you beat long-term car depreciation.
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Lotus Elise S
Price new: £25,712 – £35,492
Price used: £11,995 – £32,595
Retained value: 82 per cent after one year*
The entry-level Lotus Elise S provides lots of bang for your buck – 0-60mph in under six seconds, a maximum speed of 127mph, low kerb weight of 860kg – for £24,950.
Figures from Auto Trader indicate the Elise retains an average 82 per cent of its value after 12 months.
Read the Lotus Elise review by What Car
View more depreciation-beating sports cars:
Audi TT
Price new: £25,420 – £44,885
Price used: £8,299 – £43,195
Retained value: 60 per cent after three years
The Audi TT Coupe blends glamorous looks with fast performance, and can go from 0-60mph in 6.4 seconds. Opt for the 2-litre diesel Quattro and you’ll reach a frugal 53.3mpg in return for reduced power.
Expect the TT to retain between 58 and 60 per cent of its new value after three years (or 36,000 miles).
Honda S2000
Price used: £5,250 – £24,000
Retained value: 48 per cent after three years
Honda’s svelte S2000 is a two-seater sports car with a dazzling exterior and snug interior – its 2-litre engine produces 237bhp and can rev to 9,000rpm.
Features include 17-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, bright High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, leather seats and an electric roof as standard.
Read our review of the Honda S2000
Mazda MX-5
Price new: £16,345 – £21,195
Price used: £6,990 – £19,995
Retained value: 49 per cent after three years
As one of the most successful roadsters in the UK, Mazda’s small, slim and sporty MX-5 is almost twenty years old and still going strong. The 2-litre MX-5 can go from 0-60mph in under eight seconds and reach a top speed of 130mph.
New MX-5s are likely to retain around 50 per cent of their original value after three years (or 36,000 miles).
Read our review of the Mazda MX-5
Nissan 370Z
Price new: £26,900 – £31,900
Price used: £25,595 – £31,495
Retained value: 49 per cent after three years
The Nissan 370Z is a true modern-day sports car – and looks the absolute business. Its 3.5-litre V6 engine produces 322bhp, reaches 62mph from standing in 5.3 seconds and can go onto an electronically-limited 155mph.
Its edgy styling and raw power make it a winner, and it should hold on to around 50 per cent of its original value after three years.
Read our review of the Nissan 370Z
View the Nissan 370Z in action:
Mini Cooper S
Price new: £16,575 – £22,665
Price used: £7,499 – £17,990
Retained value: 60 per cent after three years
It may not be a ‘sports car’ strictly speaking, but the Mini Cooper is one of Britain’s least-depreciating motors, due to high demand. The 1.6-litre Cooper S model can go from 0-60mph in 7.1 seconds, has a top speed of 140mph and retains around 60 per cent of its value after three years.
On top of this it has a combined fuel economy of 45.6mpg and costs £120 per year to tax, making it a decent car for the real world.
Buy from the right place
Motorati introduces new car buyers with a range of dealers to provide a true market price for a new car. Buyers can use the free multi-brand configurator to build an ideal spec, compare vehicles, find out the stock lead time and the proximity of the dealer.
Auto Trader has thousands of new cars for sale, often with discounted prices. Search for the spec and price range you want.
Disclaimer: Auto Trader cannot guarantee the above advice will always save you money. Used prices based on the lowest and highest prices from private adverts for models up to three years old. Prices correct at time of press. Retained value is how much value the car had retained after three years.
*This figure is the average retained value of a Lotus Elise S after one year.
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