10 Bangin' Rear-Wheel Drive Bargains

If you're thinking about buying rear-wheel drive, chances are you're eyeing up a finance package for one of these bad boys above. But what if you just want that lovely rear-drive sensation at a knock-down price? Look no further than these 10 used hooners...

10. Volvo 960

If you want the most practical rear-drive machine, you should check out the Volvo 960. Yes, a box on wheels isn't the most attractive car in the world, but the colossal 991-litre boot (with the seats down) means you can make money as a part time 'house removals hoon expert'. This magnificent shed is yours for around £750.

9. Lexus IS

£1300 gets you Lexus' exclusive-looking 12-year-old compact executive IS saloon. Lexus is all about luxury, so even the 2.0-litre SE cars have half leather seats plus cool features like an electrically operated and heated driver's seat. A nice touch for the comfort-seeking drifter.

8. Jaguar XJ6/XJ8

If you want your rear-drive car to be the last word in comfort, then the big Jaaaag from the late 90s could be the car for you. It's a truly great wafter, but this comes at a cost; while they're cheap to take off a forecourt, fuel costs in the V6 and V8 petrols will be astronomical and so will insurance for us young guns! If you're after the supercharged R model (pictured) you'll need very deep pockets.

7. MGF

So far you're probably thinking 'I'm looking for something fun, not a saloon or estate.' Here is the first mid-engined roadster you can get with our pitiful budgets. It's not the best car here (due to reports of the awkward driving position, an easy-tear soft top and a 1.8-litre petrol prone to blown head gaskets), but when it works, some open top rear-drive hoonage awaits.

6. Porsche 944

While we discovered you could pick up the last gen Porsche Cayman for just £13k, that bargain isn't quite good enough for our scrimper-sized wallets. The Porsche for us is Stuttgart's 2.5-litre, 188hp, front engined, rear driven steed from the late 80s. It was the 'affordable' Porsche back then and with prices as low as £1500 it's one of the cheapest Porsches you can get your hands on now. Just watch those maintenance costs - it's a Porsche after all.

5. Nissan 300ZX

For a tenth of the price of the Toyubaru GT86RZ duo, you can get this Japanese rear-drive V6 coupe (or targa) courtesy of Nissan. It even produces more power than the GT86, thanks to its 222hp. Shame there as rare as rocking horse shit, then; there are currently just 4 for sale nationwide on AutoTrader with a starting price of £2500.

4. Mercedes 190E

For as little as £1000, you can get your hands on one of the best Benzes ever built. Even Mercedes themselves admit that this is the most over-engineered car they've made. As well as the perfect front engined, rear-drive layout, you get four-door practicality, plus features like electric windows, mirrors and even an electric sunroof.

3. BMW 3 Series

Most petrolheads will think of three letters when rear-wheel drive is mentioned: B, M and W. Available as a saloon, estate, coupe, convertible and even a Golf-sized 3 door hatch (pictured above), engines range from 1.6-litre four-pots to 3.0-litre straight-6s. You can pick up an E46 for as little as £750, but naturally, you'll want to spend a wee bit more if you want one in good nick. And if you want a simpler Bimmer, take a look at the lighter, older E36 models.

2. Toyota MR2

Your budget depends on what MR2 you can get. £1000 or thereabouts gets you either a coupe or a targa-top version of the 90s mid-engined legend, which even has a boot at the back and pop-up headlamps. £2600 buys you the post millennium Boxster look-a-like roadster, although that doesn't have a boot. Instead, you get two little cubby holes behind the seats. Still, rear-drive hoonage beats practicality any day!

1. Mazda MX-5

And finally, the best rear-drive bargain - and most predictable result - is the Mazda MX-5. This is because there are plenty of Mk1s and Mk2s under the £1000 mark, plus this roadster has a choice of either a 1.6 or 1.8-litre petrol engine at the front, meaning there's room for the girlfriend in the passenger seat and space for her luggage in the boot. Perfect!