6 Heroic GT Cars You Can Buy For Under £10,000

Under-appreciated and unloved, these second-hand GT cars can make cracking buys. Just make sure that you choose wisely...
6 Heroic GT Cars You Can Buy For Under £10,000

1. BMW 850Ci

6 Heroic GT Cars You Can Buy For Under £10,000

The BMW 8-Series was a technical revolution when it was released in 1990. With a host of innovations including stability control, speed-sensitive power steering and an early form of damper control (EDC), the Bavarian brute allowed BMW to demonstrate its technical nous. BMW also went to town on the exterior design with pop-up headlights, a low drag, computer-designed body (novel for the time) and incredible pillarless doors.

Unfortunately, despite the technical innovations, the car wasn’t well received by the automotive press or the general public. The price of the vehicle, its unconventional styling and the economic uncertainly of the 90s certainly contributed to the car’s poor sales. But really, the fault lay squarely with the 850i’s dynamics. With a colossal 5.0-litre V12, buyers expected Porsche 928 levels of performance, but instead they received a 296bhp, 1975kg (4354lb) luxury barge.

Remote video URL

Thankfully, time has been kind to the 8-Series, with the design now being recognised as something of a classic. There are plenty of examples available for sale, but we would recommend the later 850Ci (over the earlier 850i). The Ci received the M73B54 V12 engine which produced a much more respectable 322bhp. This example looks to be in good nick, and for £5,900, it looks like a bit of a steal - as long as that V12 doesn’t develop any problems that is…

2. Maserati 3200 GT

6 Heroic GT Cars You Can Buy For Under £10,000

Released in 1998, the Maserati 3200 GT was a tempting proposition. With an exotic twin-turbocharged 3.2-litre V8 with 370bhp, 62mph could be reached in a Porsche 996-rivalling 5.1 seconds. And with a top speed of 174mph, the GT could give most performance coupes of the period a run for their money.

On top of all this, the 3200 GT was a beautiful design. The earlier cars (1998-2002) with their gorgeous LED boomerang rear lights were the prettiest models, helping to show off the svelte but muscular waste line of the Giorgetto Giugiaro-designed Italian GT. The cabin was equally attractive, which is probably why it remained relatively unchanged for the entire life span of the model.

6 Heroic GT Cars You Can Buy For Under £10,000

Unfortunately the handling of the car left something to be desired with a highly sensitive steering rack and floaty suspension. Over the years these problems were slowly ironed out leaving us with the brilliant Maserati Gran Sport, but those cars command a serious price tag. Ultimately if you want to have a budget Ferrari for under £10,000, you’re going to have to look for an early 3200 GT. With the brand doing better than ever, GT prices are now starting to rocket, so buy one before it’s too late.

3. Jaguar XKR (X100)

6 Heroic GT Cars You Can Buy For Under £10,000

The XKR X100 was a very important car for Jaguar. After the disappointingly unreliable XJS, the 1998 XKR had to deliver in the performance stakes in order to pull buyers away from rivals such as BMW and Mercedes. Thankfully, Jaguar’s R&D department delivered, and the 4.0-litre, 350bhp XKR has gone down in history as a success story.

Over the years the model was updated, with the engine receiving a notable overhaul in 2002. To keep pace with the competition, the supercharged V8 units were enlarged to 4.2-litres, upping power to an Aston Martin DB7-rivalling 400bhp. To back up the added power, the car also received a new front-end, more aggressive wheels and a new boot spoiler.

6 Heroic GT Cars You Can Buy For Under £10,000

In terms of reliability, the Jag was fairly bullet proof - apart from early XK8s which were known to suffer from engine failures due to the slightly dodgy Nikasil cylinder bore liners. Nevertheless, second hand buyers tend to steer well clear of these British brutes (XKR included) due to worries about expensive repair bills. As a result, prices have been pushed well below £10,000. For example, you can buy Jaguar designer Ian Callum’s personal company car for just £7450. Brilliant.

4. BMW 650i

6 Heroic GT Cars You Can Buy For Under £10,000

The E63 6-series was released in 2003 and received a positive response from the automotive press. After the shock of the Bangle-designed E60 5-series, the 6-series was at least a step in the right direction, moving away from the ‘flame surfacing’ design of old. The most popular engines available were the 630i and 645i, but our choice for a second-hand buy would be the full fat 650i.

Unfortunately, the 650i was one of the first BMWs to suffer from ‘fake moniker syndrome’. Instead of packing a 5.0-litre V12 under the bonnet, like the E38 750iL of old, the 650i betrayed its badging, making do with a 4.8-litre V8 instead. Then again, it’s hard to get too upset with 362bhp and 360lb ft of torque under your right foot. I mean, 5.7 seconds to 62mph isn’t going to set your pants on fire, but it’s certainly quick enough for a long distance cruiser.

6 Heroic GT Cars You Can Buy For Under £10,000

If you want a smooth and reliable 155mph autobahn blaster you’d be hard pushed to do any better, and early model iDrive system aside, the interior is lush. At the time of its release the 650i was an eye watering £53,965, making it all the more incredible that you can buy clean examples for well under £10,000. Where’s my chequebook…

5. Mercedes-Benz SL500 R230

6 Heroic GT Cars You Can Buy For Under £10,000

If the E63 6-series is just a bit too bland for your liking, you might prefer the universally praised Mercedes-Benz SL500 R230. The 306bhp SL500, sat between the lukewarm SL350 and the frankly bonkers SL55 as a well balanced continent crusher. At £67,610 back in 2002, the SL500 was by no means cheap, but you got a whole lot of car for your money.

With an elegant design, innovative (albeit heavy) hard-top roof, and luxurious interior, the SL was a huge success for Mercedes. Even 13 years later the design still looks fresh. In fact, we’d go so far to say that the restrained and curvaceous lines look better than the boxy and bulky 2015 model.

6 Heroic GT Cars You Can Buy For Under £10,000

Being a top-of-the-range model (not including the AMGs), the SL500 came with Mercedes goodies such as a BOSE soundsystem, a GPS COMAND unit and keyless go (impressive for the early 2000s). We believe that V8 SLs have reached the bottom of their depreciation curve, with plenty of examples available for under £10,000. So if you like your GT experience with the wind in your hair, then this Mercedes is a strong contender.

6. Porsche 911 996

6 Heroic GT Cars You Can Buy For Under £10,000

It’s safe to say that the Porsche 996 is the most unloved 911 variant of all time. According to Porsche purists the car committed two major sins. One, it killed off air cooling by introducing the 3.4-litre flat-six water-cooled motor, and two, it took Porsche in a new design direction - yes we’re talking about the ’fried egg’ headlamps.

However, we don’t feel that the 996 deserves the hate that it gets. The 300bhp, flat-six, 3.4-litre engine wasn’t a bad motor, and 0-62 in 5.2 seconds was impressive for 1997. Granted, the engine suffered its fair share of problems with the intermediate shaft (IMS) and rear main seal (RMS) failing on earlier models, but the majority of owners have rectified these problems.

When buying second hand we would advise you to check with the current owner to see if any key engine components have been updated and replaced. If they haven’t, companies like RPM Technik can upgrade the IMS for £660 + VAT. It’s also important to be aware that replacing the RMS is an engine-out job, so make sure you look for signs of an oil leak before you buy.

6 Heroic GT Cars You Can Buy For Under £10,000

The chassis, body and interior all tend to age well, but it’s important to keep in mind that these cars have usually had hard lives; testament to the everyday usability of the 911. People are starting to wake up to the fact that the 996 is actually a cracking buy - mainly because all other 911 variants are currently unaffordable. Prices are increasing quickly, so buy a good one now before it’s too late. Even if it might cost slightly more than the £10,000 budget.

Sponsored Posts

Comments

Ariel G

Since when did we stop being impressed by 5.7s to 100?

01/21/2016 - 20:34 |
24 | 2

I don’t know, but i guess since a slightly tuned FWD Volvo from the early 00s could do the same.

01/21/2016 - 21:22 |
0 | 0
Anonymous

in Portugal is more like 20k euros and up! and the repairs costs .. xD

01/21/2016 - 20:44 |
6 | 0
Anonymous

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

01/21/2016 - 20:55 |
2 | 0
Anonymous

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Não andas a ver no sitio certo zona norte onde compras um Maseratti v8 bi.turbo por 9000€ e dai pra baixo

01/21/2016 - 21:01 |
0 | 0
Chris Bakker

I have a e31 :)

01/21/2016 - 20:50 |
0 | 0
Willgud

The E63 6-series is awful from any angle. Everything Bangle touched looked awful, except the E60 5-series, I like them a lot. If I would get any car on this list it would be the 8-series, they are just so sexy. However I would get the 840.

01/21/2016 - 21:01 |
2 | 0
Kano

False

01/21/2016 - 21:02 |
0 | 4
Zejd Suljic

OMG I can’t believeeee, at my country cars are sooo much more expensive than this
BTW I am from Balkan….and how could somebody drive some boring cars in UK?
I mean I have a Ford focus mk1 and paid for him like 3000 pounds, and I realised that if I am in UK I could have one of these :( of course If I add some more cash, but still that is awesome

01/21/2016 - 21:06 |
2 | 0

UK insurance premiums are the problem why young people can’t afford them, RHD why they are so cheap.

01/21/2016 - 21:51 |
0 | 0

3000 pounds? you could buy a BMW E46 easily

01/21/2016 - 22:48 |
0 | 0
gf8lol

Wow, that Mercedes! Never would’ve guessed that haha.

01/21/2016 - 21:07 |
0 | 0
Anonymous

No Impreza GT :’(

01/21/2016 - 21:12 |
0 | 0
SeriousSam

I want a 911 Carrera 4 S as daily. No problems with snow, dog can take a seat in the rear and i can even take my bikes with me.

01/21/2016 - 21:21 |
2 | 0
Anonymous

Great list, I have considered every one of them (apart from the E63, hate the headlights) as future purchase. The 996 is the most sensible buy.
And if you want a SL500 but think 9 grand are still too much money to fork out for a top of the line Merc, maybe the CL500 is right car for you. Same drivetrain and suspension (whether owning a car with Mercedes’ fairly unreliable Active Body Control is a good or bad idea is another question, I think its worth it), very similar performance stats and yes, the bigger S-class coupe actually is lighter then the “Sportlich und Leicht” SL. Also pillar-less hardtop! C215 CLs start at 3 grand, get the late ‘02 facelift (ideally without the flaky 7g-tronic) for around 5 grand.

01/21/2016 - 21:45 |
4 | 0
Anonymous

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Some people on here don’t like them, but every Merc I’ve ever owned has been pretty bomb-proof! If other cars hadn’t caught my eye, I’d still have at least one of the 4 Benz’s I’ve owned over the years.
Not sure about the Porsche, though. I have a co-worker that owns several cars, one of which is a 911/996 and he says its not that good of a daily driver.

01/21/2016 - 22:02 |
0 | 0
Beverly Hillbilly

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

ABC is bad, mmkay? I have nightmares of my bays being filled with 230 SL 500s, slammed to the ground due to pump failures

01/22/2016 - 01:02 |
0 | 0