New car pricing has made many sportscars unattainable for motoring enthusiasts, but your dream set of wheels may be closer than you think. Here’s a look at some hard-to-ignore fun used cars for sale from recent model years that we’ve spotted on our site.
The new-car price list makes for a sobering read; it has become difficult for everyday driving enthusiasts to purchase their dream set of wheels. We’ve seen many comments from social media users who say they’d “rather buy a demo- than new model, once prices have come down”, or something to that effect.
Naturally, highly popular models will have price tags closer to what they originally sold for, but given the tough economic climate, some dealers may offer you a good deal to “keep the metal moving”. If a model that was launched in 2022 was listed at a price beyond your reach, what is it priced at now?
Search for your dream car on Cars.co.za!
Using Cars.co.za’s comprehensive Used Car Search Tool, we have identified performance-oriented derivatives from volume brands that are no older than 3 years and still have the balance of the factory-approved warranty and service plan for extra peace of mind. We started by looking at cars that retailed for well under R1 million when new. It’s fascinating to see depreciation and supply/demand forces at work.
Remember that you can save these searches and even set up alerts on Cars.co.za, so the moment a vehicle matching your filters is loaded, you’ll get an email.
Finally, if these vehicles are still priced beyond your reach, check out our detailed Buyer’s Guides, which focus on popular models with high mileage, what to pay for a good example and common faults.
There are some cracking used fun cars for sale on Cars.co.za right now!
Used Car Bargains: Used Fun Cars for sale on Cars.co.za
Toyota GR Yaris
It’s still hard to believe that Toyota – traditionally, a conservative car brand – would produce an all-wheel-driven hot hatch, but the GR Yaris (conceived as a limited-edition model that would enable the Japanese brand to compete in the World Rally Championship) proved that the impossible was, indeed, possible. As one of the most fun-to-drive small hatchbacks of the modern era, the GR Yaris is a pukka enthusiast’s car.
Currently, the GR Yaris has a new-car price of R848 600 (February 2024, thankfully Toyota decided to keep building it) and we’ve all heard the cries of “I am not paying R850k for a Yaris.” So, we went digging and found the above example. There are similar units for similar money with similar mileages. The GR Yaris would make for a brilliant weekend toy… or you can daily it – and win our respect forever.
Use the Cars Affordability calculator to see how much you can afford
Read news and watch reviews of the Toyota GR Yaris
Abarth 695
The Abarth 695 is the creation of zany Italians who thought it wise to shove a rorty 1.4-litre turbopetrol engine into a stylish city car. With a sporty suspension setup and loud exhaust, the 695 is a hoot to drive and a reminder that you don’t need crazy power under your right foot to have fun behind the ‘wheel.
Unfortunately, Abarth’s products are priced for well-moneyed hardcore enthusiasts (as opposed to everyday fun car seekers), but don’t be put off by the dear new-car prices. Our deep dive into the listings highlighted this gem for R419 900. Right now, the Abarth range starts from R579 900.
Use the Cars Affordability calculator to see how much you can afford
Read news and watch reviews of the Abarth 695
Hyundai i30 N
The Hyundai i30 N is one of the very few cars that rival Volkswagen’s iconic Golf GTI as a truly versatile hot hatch. Recently endowed with a dual-clutch automatic transmission, Hyundai’s punchy creation offers genuine day-to-day usability plus brilliant dynamics. However, brand new it costs R848 900.
Given the fact that these are not that popular, there are some bargains to be had. The DCT is preferred, but pre-facelift units with a 6-speed manual gearbox are fetching lower prices. The best part? Hyundai sold the i30 N with a 5-year/75 000 km maintenance plan, plus a 5-year/150 000 km general- and a 7-year/200 000 km drivetrain warranty, much of which will still be available to the buyer of a used example.
Use the Cars Affordability calculator to see how much you can afford
Read news and watch reviews of the Hyundai i30 N
Renault Megane RS300
What would you pay to own one of the last of its kind? Yes, the Renault Megane RS hot hatchback era is over. At R949 999, however, the latest and greatest RS300 Trophy is decidedly pricey, even if its handling is some of the finest we’ve ever experienced and that Akrapovic exhaust is what dreams are made of.
Our dive into the listings revealed an assortment of Megane RS units for sale, but if you’re an aficionado you will surely want the latest iteration (identifiable by its solid tail-light clusters). One of those will set you back about the same as a (much milder) new Volkswagen Golf GTI before options. You’re welcome.
Use the Cars Affordability calculator to see how much you can afford
Read news and watch reviews of the Renault Megane RS
Toyota GR86
If you crave a rear-wheel-drive sportscar that’s a sheer joy to drive – and don’t want a convertible – the Toyota GR86 should be your first choice (if a roadster’s your bag, consider a demo Mazda MX-5). The model is entirely fit for purpose – that’s why it took Toyota UK only 90 minutes to sell its 2-year allocation of GR86s in 2022. Sadly, the model’s premium pricing means few will get to experience “driving nirvana”.
But, these niche sportscars are slowly becoming more affordable… if you are willing to keep an eye out for an excellent “lightly used” example. Fresh out-of-the-box units cost R763 100, but demo units are popping up priced under R600 000 (with the balances of their warranties and service plans still in play).
Use the Cars Affordability calculator to see how much you can afford
