Mid-engine car bargains
When you think of midengined cars, you generally think of machines like Ferraris, Lamborghinis and a surprising number of Porsches. But what if we were to tell you that there are actually a surprising number of affordable mid-engined/reardrive vehicles that you can buy second-hand?
Toyota MR2
While excellent examples of the first generation MR2 are starting to gather momentum price-wise, the larger second-gen cars and scruffier first-gen cars are still remarkably cheap, with examples starting as low as $3500.
Fiat X1/9
With prices sitting at around NZ$8000 to $12,000 for tidy examples in the UK, an X1/9 would make for a nicely exotic alternative to other cars on this list and still remain relatively affordable, even if you had to bring one in. They are, after all, appreciating and that gorgeous Bertone styling is timeless.
Honda Beat
The diminutive Honda Kei car packs a tiny 660cc naturallyaspirated three-cylinder engine tucked in behind the seats. Expect to spend $10,000-$13,000 for a good one.
Porsche Boxster
Fortunately the first Boxsters are now well within that ‘not quite classic yet, but still cool’ stage of affordability. For around $15,000 you should be able to snag a tidy example, with $20k getting you something rather nice indeed.
MGF
The little mid-engined convertible Brit is the mega-bargain of our range here, with prices starting for as little as $2000 for an absolute heap of rubbish, topping out at around $10,000 for a beautifully maintained example. It is still a British-built MG, however still known for blowing head gaskets.