FAST FUN 50 FROM £500

sean_carson@autovia.co.uk

THE price of fun is rising, isn’t it? Well, not necessarily, and despite what you might think from the way the new-car market is progressing. Buying used can give you access to loads of new-to-you models: second-hand heroes that can deliver driving enjoyment and style, yet needn’t break the bank to buy or run – an important point given the direction fuel and energy prices are heading.

So we’ve put together a list of 50 fast, fun cars starting from just £500 – real prices we’ve found in the classifieds, proving that there’s something for everyone out there.

The usual caveats apply when buying a used car – do your research, view and drive the model in question if you can, and ask plenty of questions. But if everything checks out, you could net a brilliant bargain that will keep you smiling, safe in the knowledge that you’ll be quids in.

A QUARTER of a century since its debut, the Ford Focus remains a top choice for keen drivers. The bold machine set new class standards back in 1998 – and it’s as brilliant now as it was then.

Clever rear suspension combines with accurate steering to deliver impressive agility, while the slightly stiffer springs and dampers on Zetec models sharpen the car’s responses. The 1.6-litre petrol isn’t the strongest performer, but it’s eager and smooth.

Examples at this price will be showing signs of age, but there’s plenty of choice, plus the Focus is fundamentally robust. Factor in low running costs, and few cars offer as many smiles for so little money.

WHILE the original Beetle is now a bona fide icon with prices to match, its replacement costs peanuts. Over two decades since the funky VW’s debut, it still attracts attention, and while it’s not as much fun as rivals such as the MINI, it handles neatly and there’s a choice of eager engines.

The interior is as stylish as the exterior, and there’s a decent amount of space. Finally, there’s also the trademark dash-mounted vase, a nod to the ‘flower power’ associations of its legendary predecessor.

WITH a rear-engined layout and two seats, could the Smart be a pintsized Porsche 911 for those on a shoestring budget? Perhaps that’s going a bit too far, but the city car is surprisingly fun to drive. It’s a riot around town, while the unassisted steering delivers good feedback.

On the open road, it has to be worked hard to keep up with traffic, but the three-cylinder sounds great and returns 50mpg. The only flies in the ointment are a bouncy ride and the jerky automated manual ’box.