Used Car Bargains from the 1990s

Prices for legends like the Honda NSX and Lancia Delta Integrale have soared, but there are still plenty of 1990s bargains out there for you to enjoy.

From hot hatchbacks and sports cars to convertibles and grand tourers, our list includes an affordable 1990s icon for everyone. Grab them while you still can…

Volkswagen Corrado VR6

Volkswagen’s junior coupé was always a tidy steer, but its full potential wasn’t unleashed until 1992. The fitment of a potent 2.9-litre narrow-angle V6 made it the fastest front-driver of the day, and it somehow improved the handling compared with the smaller (but turbocharged) four-pot.

Every Corrado was made from galvanised steel, so they hold up better against rust than many rivals – and it’s a good indicator of a dodgy repair, which should be easy to spot.

Don’t be scared off by high mileage examples: these are generally reliable bona fide modern classics.

Porsche Boxster (986)

A howling flat six, celery-crisp steering and stunning wide-hipped looks – they can all be yours for a surprisingly little amount of money. Of course, the cheapest Boxsters are best avoided, but the truth is that these are surprisingly tough little roadsters – provided you buy carefully.

Its best-known Achilles is the intermediate-shaft (IMS) bearing, which in some cases fractures or even shatters after a long and hard life. This then throws off the engine’s timing and damages pistons and valves, requiring an expensive rebuild.

Thankfully, many examples’ bearings have already been replaced, and typically with a sturdier aftermarket item that isn’t prone to exploding. If it hasn’t been done, make sure to budget for the work, and it would probably be a good idea to replace the clutch at the same time. It’s also worth checking the immobiliser, locks and alarms work as intended: blocked door seals or a leaky roof can mean the ECU (located under the driver ’s seat) gets wet. Replacements are expensive.

Still, it’s easy to snag a good example – and you absolutely should, before prices soar.

Honda Integra Type R

This was the car that really put the Type R name on the map when it landed here in 1998, thanks to an all-time-great engine (a 1.8-litre, naturally aspirated DOHC VTEC four-cylinder unit) and tremendous handling. Plus, they look great - especially in the classic Type R spec of Championship White over red cloth bucket seats. 

If you can’t find one locally, it’s worth considering importing one from Japan while their value is low. Many examples have been extensively modified, too, so if you're after a standard Integra Type R it might take a while to seek one out.

BMW 328i (E36)

“The hardest-hitting, least compromised all-rounder on sale for less than £30,000,” is what we reckoned of the 328i back in 1995. Much of the same remains true today, except you can snag one for a fraction of the as-new asking price.

Many have led hard lives, though, so buy carefully. Also, if you’re looking to own a manual example, or a 328i ‘Sport’, be prepared to pay a higher price for the privilege.

Fiat Coupé

A Chris Bangle masterpiece, and not half bad to drive either.

The five-cylinder, 20-valve engine, offered in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged forms, has the most exotic feel, but the four-cylinder option (a descendant of the Delta Integrale powerplant) will still entertain.

Rust is by far the biggest issue: inspect the sills, subframes, wheel arches, footwells, boot floor, exhaust… Basically, just carefully check the whole car. Interior plastics are prone to developing a horrid sticky finish, too.

Toyota MR2 (SW20)

Any MR2 is a great drive and a fairly reliable proposition, barring rust or any extensive modifications. Toyota revised the second generation model no fewer than five times, gradually softening the handling to tune out the risk of snap oversteer.

It’s worth seeking out a Japanese import Turbo model or one with the ‘Beams’ engine that came with Yamaha-developed cylinder heads. Both will provide the soundtrack and performance that the car’s chassis and looks deserve.

Renault Twingo

With styling that was originally perceived as quite strange, the original Renault Twingo has since become a cool, much-loved city car with an iconic design.

Although, the problem with the Phase 1 Twingo becoming a cult car is that prices are on the rise.

You can still find high-mileage, tired examples for pocket change, but the classifieds will show you that the best examples are now being advertised for serious money.

Mercedes-Benz SL (R129)

If you can picture yourself cruising in a 1990s Mercedes SL, good news: the R129 is surprisingly affordable today.

Engines ranged from a 2.8-litre V6 all the way up to a 7.3-litre V12 fettled by AMG (good luck finding one of those), but our pick is the grunty 5.0 -litre V8, badged 500 SL.

Mercedes-Benz SL (R 129)

Look out for an original car with a good service history, and you shouldn’t encounter too many issues. A hard-top roof is a desirable extra for the colder months, but the standard soft-top should prove adequate, providing it’s been properly looked after (or replaced in the relatively recent past with an official Mercedes-Benz part).

BMW Z3

If it’s a pure driver ’s car you want, look elsewhere. But the Z3 has otherwise aged tremendously, with long-nosed, low-slung proportions and – as long as you go for the 2.0 -litre engine or bigger – some of BMW’s greatest straight-six lumps.

Prices are on the up, so now is the time to buy. Unfortunately, if you’re after an affordable Z3 M, especially in ‘Clown Shoe’ coupé form, you’re too late, as the boat set sail several years ago now.

Peugeot 306 GTi

“The GTi is back,” declared our road testers after sampling the performance-enhanced 306. For years, hot hatchbacks had been forgotten due to expensive insurance premiums and the threat of theft.

However, the French machine’s combination of a 167bhp four-cylinder engine, a six-speed gearbox and a simply stunning chassis raised the bar. Suddenly, the race was back on. When buying, avoid track-converted cars.

Peugeot 106 GTi/Rallye

All the joy of the 306 GTi, but in a smaller, lighter package. The 106 GTi was as close as Peugeot ever came to properly replacing the 205 GTi, and today a good example can fetch a five-figure sum.

At that price, though, you should also consider the 106 Rallye, which went without power steering and much of the cabin kit in pursuit of pure driving thrills.

Again, prices have risen sharply in recent years, and low-mileage examples will set you back a small fortune. Not exactly a bargain anymore, but incredibly rare and still less than a new Peugeot 208…

Ford Focus

The original Focus was the car that righted all the later wrongs of its Escort predecessor. More importantly, though, it was better known for being the car that democratised the attributes of all the best driver’s cars for the masses.

Handsome, light, fun, affordable and practical, it proved a great success for Ford, while also becoming one of the most important hatchbacks ever produced. 

Today, ignore the ST and the eye- wateringly expensive RS, and instead look for a tidy Zetec or Ghia petrol that has managed to elude rust. 

BMW 8 Series

Munich’s 8 Series was too heavy and too blunt in its responses to be a proper grand tourer, and it cost around the same money as Mercedes’ SL. But in 1993 the tide began to turn with the introduction of the 850CSi.

It was an M car in all but name, with its V12 engine upsized and boosted to a hearty 375bhp so the 8 could finally provide a driving experience that lived up to its gorgeous looks. It’s also well worth considering the later 4.4 -litre 840Ci, which finally felt like the 8 Series had become a proper GT car.