Last week we discussed the risks of buying a used high-end car (link to the article). However, there are still some very interesting offers that provide access to prestigious brands at (relatively) affordable prices. In this article, we present you with some sporty vehicles that have lost significant value.
As mentioned in our last article, it's important to be well informed about the used car you want to buy, its maintenance requirements and to keep some financial margin. If you're not afraid of this risk, then maybe you'll find what you're looking for in the following selection of vehicles.
The list below is not exhaustive. It presents some alternatives that we find interesting. We have limited ourselves to cars from the 2000s and above and set a budget of CHF 100,000. It is important to note that these models are not necessarily affordable for everyone. They are financially interesting due to their loss of value since their first registration. However, the running costs tend to remain high.
Aston Martin Vantage
The Aston Martin Vantage is Aston Martin's entry-level model. It still benefits from the British brand's prestige. The most recent version of this model dates from 2017. However, it is still very expensive. However, the previous versions have seen their prices drop significantly. Thanks to their timeless design, they still look modern.
The Vantage is available with two engines, a V8 and a V12. V12s under CHF 100,000 are rare. However, this is not the case for V8s. The first models, with their 4.3-litre 8-cylinder engine producing 385 horsepower, are available from CHF 40,000 onwards. The weakness of this powertrain is its lack of torque at low revs. For around CHF 10,000 more, one can get the first facelift of the Vantage and a 4.7-litre engine block with 425 horsepower. The 2012 model gets a second facelift. Aston Martin adds a 437-horsepower Vantage S to its portfolio. This latest iteration of the Vantage starts at CHF 60,000 on the used car market. All versions are available with manual or automatic transmissions.
Audi R8
The Audi R8 went on sale in 2007 for its V8 version, and 2009 for the V10. Its power and futuristic, sporty design made it a real supercar. In addition, the V10-powered model shares many components with the Lamborghini Gallardo. In 2012, the design was revised. Finally, the original R8 was replaced by the current model in 2015. Offers of this recent version are rarely under CHF 100,000.
Early versions of the V8 (420 hp) start at around CHF 40,000. Early V10 models (525 hp) cost approximately CHF 15,000 more. Models from 2012 onwards start at circa CHF 70,000 regardless of the engine. All versions have all-wheel drive. They are available with a manual or automatic transmission.
Ferrari 360 Modena and F430
Ferrari remains the benchmark in terms of sports cars and emotions. The 360 Modena was produced from the late 1990s to the early 2000s. It is therefore the oldest car on the list. It offers a 400hp V8 and is available with a manual or F1 sequential gearbox. The F1 gearbox is starting to show its age due to its slowness. It also tends to accelerate clutch wear, which is very expensive to replace.
Ferrari 360 Modena's are available from CHF 60,000 onwards. Vehicles with the manual gearbox are generally more expensive than comparable cars with the sequential one. For around CHF 90,000, one can upgrade to the later model, the F430. Its V8 produces 486 horsepower and its design is more modern than that of the 360 Modena. However, F430s with manual transmission are rare and expensive.
Ferrari California
The Ferrari California was the entry-level model of the Italian brand. It is a hardtop convertible that was produced between 2008 and 2014. It is equipped with a 7-speed automatic gearbox and a V8 engine with 460 hp, and 490 hp from 2012.
The California is priced from CHF 80,000 on the used market for the 460 horsepower engine. The more powerful models are only available with a budget of over CHF 100,000.
Jaguar F-Type
The Jaguar F-Type is offered as a convertible and a coupe. It is the newest car on the list. It has a 4, 6 or 8 cylinder engine coupled with either all-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive. First launched in 2013, it had its first facelift in 2017 before a second refresh last year. Most F-Type's have an automatic transmission. A manual option was available. Yet, it was extremely rarely chosen.
The 6-cylinder models develop 340 horsepower and are the most affordable. They start at CHF 40,000 to 45,000 for the first generation. The second generation begins at CHF 60,000. A 400 horsepower version was offered for 2017. The lowest prices are around CHF 65,000.
The 2-litre, 4-cylinder 300 hp engines are available for about CHF 47,500. However, they are generally newer and have lower mileage. Many facelifted 4-cylinder models are priced at around CHF 50,000. With this engine, the latest version (2020) is available for under CHF 65,000.
The V8 with 495 hp in the S version and 550 hp in the R version have an entry price of around CHF 60,000. These are first-generation models. For a V8 from 2017 onwards, the price will be over CHF 75,000. The 575-hp SVRs are generally priced north of CHF 90,000.
Lamborghini Gallardo
Lamborghini is known for its extravagant cars. The Gallardo offers the opportunity to step into this world for a relatively reasonable price. The first phase was produced from 2003 to 2008. The last car left the factory in 2013. The first models were equipped with a 5.0-litre V10 engine producing 500 horsepower. The power was increased to 520 hp in 2006. A limited, more extreme version, the Superleggera, offered 530 horsepower. In 2008, the Gallardo's engine was increased to 5.2 litres and delivered 560 horsepower. This model was also derived in several special versions, but these remain largely unaffordable. With the exception of the Balboni edition, all Gallardo's are equipped with all-wheel drive. The gearbox can be automatic or manual.
The first Gallardo's start at around CHF 75,000. The 520 horsepower models are only marginally more expensive. For manual gearboxes, one will have to spend more than CHF 100,000. The Superleggera and facelifted models are only exceptionally priced below CHF 100,000.
Lotus
Lotus specialises in lightweight, rather rudimentary sports cars. Can we call them supercars? That's a debatable point. To us, their driving characteristics and power-to-weight ratio make them very sporty cars in any case. That's why they are included in this list.
There are many versions of the models produced by Lotus. The Elise starts at around CHF 25'000. For this price, one only gets 120 horsepower. However, the car weighs less than 900 kg. For 192 horsepower, one will have to pay an additional CHF 10,000. For more than 200 horsepower, one will have to upgrade to a newer Elise Sport or an Exige (derived from the Elise), which cost more than CHF 50,000. The 350-hp Exige S starts at CHF 60,000. For more power, more than CHF 80,000 will be needed.
The Lotus Evora, a more luxurious and therefore heavier model, offers 280 horsepower thanks to a 6-cylinder engine. This model is available for less than CHF 40,000 on the second-hand market. For 350 hp, one will have to spend an additional CHF 10'000. A version with more than 400 horsepower also exists. However, at CHF 80,000, its price is much higher.
Maserati GranTurismo
The Maserati GranTurismo, or GrandCabrio in convertible form, is known for its roaring engine noise. The other particularity of this model is its production time. Apart from a slight and well-deserved restyling with some technological improvements in 2017, the Maserati GranTurismo has changed very little between its entry into production in 2007 and its retirement in 2019. This gives its design a timeless character.
The first phase GranTurismo offers 405 horsepower from a 4.2-litre V8 engine. From 2008, an S version increases the displacement to 4.7 litres, giving it 440 horsepower. The 2012 model increases to 450 horsepower. For the 2013 model year, it becomes the GranTurismo Sport and gets 460 horsepower from the same V8. The MC Stradale, a sportier 450 and then 460 horsepower model was also offered. All versions are available with an automatic transmission only.
The GranCabrio was not released until 2010 and received the engine from the GranTurismo S. Again, the 2012 model is upgraded to 450 hp and then becomes GranCabrio Sport in 2013.
GranTurismo's are available on the market from CHF 30,000. For this amount, one gets one of the first models with high mileage. Because of the high maintenance costs, it may be wise to avoid these cars. The GranTurismo S starts at around CHF 40'000. With high mileage, it is possible to find cheaper ones. A second generation model (2017) will cost over CHF 90,000. The MC Stradale is above CHF 100,000.
The rarer GranCabrio is considerably more expensive. It usually starts at CHF 55,000 to 60,000. The 450 horsepower models start at around CHF 75,000. For a GranCabrio Sport, one will have to spend more than CHF 75,000. Only a few GranCabrio MCs are under CHF 100,000.
McLaren MP4-12C
After the introduction of the McLaren F1 in the 1990s, the British brand did not release any models of its own for almost 15 years. The MP4-12C (or 12C) marks the brand's comeback in 2011. It features a 600hp V8 engine, increased to 626hp for 2013.
Today, it is possible to buy one of the first versions for less than CHF 100,000, which makes it a bargain compared to its competitors of the time (Ferrari 458, the latest generation Lamborghini Gallardo, etc.).
Mercedes-Benz AMG GT
Mercedes-Benz launched the AMG GT in 2014. The two-door coupe was available in standard and S versions, both powered by the same 4-litre V8. In the AMG GT, it develops 462 horsepower and 510 in the AMG GT S. Convertible models are introduced in 2016. Their power output increases to 477 and 522 hp. The AMG GT coupe gets the same performance after the 2018 facelift. In 2017, a 558-horsepower AMG GT C enters the market. That same year, an AMG GT R with 585 hp is made available for purchase. A limited version, the AMG GT R Pro, is unveiled in late 2018. In 2020, the AMG GT Black Series, the most radical version of the model, is introduced. With 730 hp, it is the most powerful AMG GT.
The first generation AMG GT (462 hp) starts at around CHF 70,000. The AMG GT S (510 hp) costs CHF 10,000 more. None of the other versions is available below CHF 100,000.
Nissan GT-R
When it came out, the Nissan GT-R was a real revolution. Despite its lower price tag than that of the competition, it offered breathtaking performance. Its 3.8-litre V6 engine produces 486 horsepower. Its all-wheel-drive system ensures optimal traction. In 2011, its power was increased to 530 horsepower and then to 550 in 2012. Four years later, the car gets cosmetic changes. The engine power is upgraded to 570 horsepower. The car is known for its robust drivetrain and its ability to be modified. It is not uncommon to find one with more than 700 or even 1000 horsepower.
Phase 1 models start at around CHF 45,000. Phase 2 and 3 (530 and 550 hp) cost about 10'000 CHF more. With a few exceptions, the latest models (from 2016) are available from CHF 95,000.
Porsche 911
The iconic Porsche 911 is also on the list. In addition to a number of oldtimers, there are three versions available for less than CHF 100,000, depending on one's budget. Due to a large number of models, we will refrain from presenting them all in detail.
The Porsche 911 996 Phase 1 is available for less than CHF 20,000 in Carrera and Carrera 4 versions. For a second phase, prices start at around CHF 25,000. An additional CHF 5,000 is required for the S versions. For a Turbo, the minimum price is CHF 40,000. A Turbo with the X50 performance package costs a few thousand or even a few tens of thousands of CHF more than a comparable normal Turbo. Phase 1 and 2 GT3s start at CHF 80,000.
The 911 997, released in 2005, starts at CHF 35,000 for the Carrera and Carrera 4. For an S version, one needs to add at least CHF 2,500. The Carrera and Carrera 4 phase 2 start at CHF 60,000. The S, 4S begin CHF 3,000 higher. CHF 5,000 to 10,000 more will get one a Turbo. The Turbo and Turbo S phase 2 start at CHF 90,000. For a GTS or 4 GTS model, the base price is between CHF 72'500 and 75'000. CHF 80,000 will buy one of the first phase 1 GT3s.
The cheapest 911 991 Carrera's and Carrera 4's Phase 1 (from 2012) are around CHF 70,000. There is no difference for the S and 4S. The other models as well as the second phase are rarely available for less than CHF 100,000.
Conclusion
This article has shown that the possibilities in terms of sports cars for a budget of 100'000 CHF are vast and varied. It is up to each individual to decide which car best suits his or her requirements.
The prices shown in this article represent the cheapest offers of the discussed models. Of course, the value of the vehicle depends on various criteria such as mileage, year of production or general condition. In general, it is advisable to avoid jumping on the cheapest model. It is sometimes better to spend more money at the time of purchase to avoid costly and time-consuming problems later on. It is therefore important to be well informed before making such a purchase.
At Carequest, we will find the sports car you want and make sure it is not a money pit!
Sources - text
https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/the-most-affordable-supercars
https://ideal.media/amazing-sports-cars-that-have-depreciated-hard/
https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/best-cars/99526/best-cheap-supercars
https://www.downshift.fr/qui-veut-sacheter-une-supercar-a-un-prix-abordable/
https://www.hotcars.com/15-expensive-sports-cars-that-depreciate-like-crazy/
https://www.hotcars.com/real-supercars-that-are-actually-dirt-cheap-now/
https://www.motortrend.com/features/10-cheapest-supercars-100k-last-20-years/
Sources - photos
https://fr.motor1.com/news/147199/lotus-elise-cup-250-chasse-poids/
https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/audi/r8/63462/audi-r8-v10-plus
https://www.classicdriver.com/de/car/ferrari/california/2010/814808
http://www.guide-autosport.com/guide/lamborghini-gallardo-2003.php
https://www.vr-eps.com/detail/521340/used-mclaren-mp4-12c-3-8-v8-2dr-semi-automatic-warrington
https://www.wallpaperflare.com/search?wallpaper=Maserati+GranCabrio
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