MAZDA MX-5

1998-2005

Price £500-£5000

So long as you keep an antenna tuned for signs of rust, you can almost buy a second-generation MX-5 with your eyes shut. They’re awesomely reliable, even at high mileages, and you start seeing viable cars from £1000. A healthy 15-year-old car is as much fun as a five-year-old one. Mind you, you’re probably already looking too late in the year. It’s best to buy in the dead of winter when demand’s lowest.

ONE WE FOUND 2000 MAZDA MX-5 1.8 MANUAL, 119K MILES, £3150