Top 8: Used Coupes - The Best Driving Cars
13th Nov 2019
In a world that is becoming increasingly overrun by SUVs of various shapes and sizes, it is a refreshing change to get behind the wheel of a coupe. Every generation has boasted some magnificent coupes to choose from; the BMW 635csi was a star in the 1980s, while the 90s featured the classy V12 Jaguar XJS.
Despite the slow transition to larger and more family orientated vehicles, a number of manufacturers have released some sensational coupes in recent years. As a result, there is a wide range of cars for buyers to choose from at any one time.
So, we have collated our favourite used coupes currently available. Ranging from accessible everyday motors up to weekend getaway cars, we have gathered a selection of used coupes to suit every budget and palette.
Jaguar F-Type
A vintage sports coupe in a modern body, everything about the Jaguar F-Type excites the senses. The looks are timeless and the driving dynamics have become the thing of legend, not bad for a car that was only released in 2013. Unlike most coupes on this list, the F-Type is just a two-seater, but this means that there is a spacious cabin and a sizeable boot space of 407 litres, which is enough for a set of golf clubs or suitcases.
Even base models of the F-Type offer excellent performance, with the 3.0-litre V6 capable of 0-60mph in just 5.1 seconds. The driver-focused cabin is classy, and standard equipment includes Jaguar Land Rover's own infotainment system with an 8-inch colour touchscreen. All engines provide an excellent soundtrack, while the handling rivals that of stalwarts such as the Boxster and V8 Vantage.
Even base models of the F-Type offer excellent performance, with the 3.0-litre V6 capable of 0-60mph in just 5.1 seconds. The driver-focused cabin is classy, and standard equipment includes Jaguar Land Rover's own infotainment system with an 8-inch colour touchscreen. All engines provide an excellent soundtrack, while the handling rivals that of stalwarts such as the Boxster and V8 Vantage.
Porsche 911
Even without the name it is attached to, a used Porsche 911 is a great buy. It is one convenient package; a car for everyday use which has the performance on tap when needed. They are reliable, safe, and retain the styling of the classic coupe design which many cars have lost over years of development. When you add the long and illustrious lineage of Porsche in to the mix, it becomes a tempting option.
A 911 also gives you something a little different from the norm. Instead of a V6, Porsche make use of flat-six engines that provide a lower centre of gravity, while keeping the car rear-engined and rear-wheel drive. Keeping a similar body shape over the years has allowed Porsche to refine their formula into a car that drives intuitively; a responsive and agile character that makes it ideal for drives down country lanes or exploring the urban jungle. Make no mistake, this is still one of the best coupes you can buy.
A 911 also gives you something a little different from the norm. Instead of a V6, Porsche make use of flat-six engines that provide a lower centre of gravity, while keeping the car rear-engined and rear-wheel drive. Keeping a similar body shape over the years has allowed Porsche to refine their formula into a car that drives intuitively; a responsive and agile character that makes it ideal for drives down country lanes or exploring the urban jungle. Make no mistake, this is still one of the best coupes you can buy.
Aston Martin Vantage
The Vantage is all about the driving experience. The steering is precise and agile, whilst the engine is eager, with peak torque and performance to be found high up the rev range. The 4.7-litre V8 powertrain produces 420bhp (with the V8 S producing 430bhp), and is offered in an automated manual as well as a manual gearshift option, which is a rarity on many modern coupe vehicles.
The V8 is a stalwart in the recent Aston Martin range, with iconic looks that went on to influence other cars in the current line-up such as the DB9. Produced from 2006 up until the present day, an approved used Aston Martin V8 Vantage leaves you with a whole range of buying options. A number of early, low mileage models on offer guarantee a fantastic driving experience, a great price and reliability.
The V8 is a stalwart in the recent Aston Martin range, with iconic looks that went on to influence other cars in the current line-up such as the DB9. Produced from 2006 up until the present day, an approved used Aston Martin V8 Vantage leaves you with a whole range of buying options. A number of early, low mileage models on offer guarantee a fantastic driving experience, a great price and reliability.
BMW 2 Series
A rear-wheel-drive sports coupe, a used 2 Series is a real old-school BMW and the new alternative to the 1 Series hatch. Smaller sibling to coupes such as the 4 Series and 6 Series, a second hand BMW 2 series offers tremendous bang for your buck, and comes with a generous list of options as standard. The base SE gets DAB Radio and Bluetooth connectivity, in addition to rear parking sensors and BMW's iDrive system with a 6.5-inch screen.
In top-spec form, the M240i is a potent coupe, offering 340bhp from a turbocharged, 3.0-litre petrol engine. It manages a 0-60mph time of just 4.8 seconds, meaning near supercar-beating pace. Other models in the range are just as much fun to drive, if not as blisteringly fast, combining the dynamic drive of a BMW with the rear-wheel fun of a smaller coupe.
In top-spec form, the M240i is a potent coupe, offering 340bhp from a turbocharged, 3.0-litre petrol engine. It manages a 0-60mph time of just 4.8 seconds, meaning near supercar-beating pace. Other models in the range are just as much fun to drive, if not as blisteringly fast, combining the dynamic drive of a BMW with the rear-wheel fun of a smaller coupe.
Mercedes E-Class Coupe
There is a range of Mercedes-Benz coupes available, ranging from the C-Class Coupe to the brutal SLS AMG. However, it is a used E-Class coupe that makes the most sense. For a start, it is based on a proven executive saloon in the standard E-Class. In contrast with most coupes, this makes the Mercedes extremely comfortable to drive, and offers spacious seating for four.
Standard options are generous, with the base SE model getting DAB radio, active parking assists and a fully integrated Sat-Nav system as standard. AMG Sport models, such as the E250 AMG, get an uprated bodykit and large alloys, while all engines offer typical coupe performance, whether it is the 170bhp E200 diesel or the 333bhp E400 AMG petrol.
Standard options are generous, with the base SE model getting DAB radio, active parking assists and a fully integrated Sat-Nav system as standard. AMG Sport models, such as the E250 AMG, get an uprated bodykit and large alloys, while all engines offer typical coupe performance, whether it is the 170bhp E200 diesel or the 333bhp E400 AMG petrol.
MINI Coupe
A used MINI Coupe may be one of the smallest and cheapest coupes on our list, but thanks to a great driving experience, it's not to be overlooked. The MINI combines the agile and taut driving dynamics of a traditional MINI with a sleek and lightweight coupe body. The low slung, three-box body structure of the coupe accentuates the sporty characteristics of the MINI even further.
Engines, such as the 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol, in the Cooper S, make the perfect counterpart and helps it reach 60mph in just 6.4 seconds. Similar to the F-Type, this streamlined design means that the rear seats are sacrificed, though a large boot space of 280 litres and a ski hatch in the rear boot compartment makes it ideal for excursions and short breaks away.
Engines, such as the 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol, in the Cooper S, make the perfect counterpart and helps it reach 60mph in just 6.4 seconds. Similar to the F-Type, this streamlined design means that the rear seats are sacrificed, though a large boot space of 280 litres and a ski hatch in the rear boot compartment makes it ideal for excursions and short breaks away.
Audi A5
The Audi A5 is a coupe version of the A4. Similar to the E-Class coupe, it aims to mix the premium feel of a compact executive saloon with the sporty driving dynamics of a coupe. All while offering comfortable seating for four and acceptable rear load space. It's a lot to ask from one car, but much as the E-Class manages to pull this off, a second hand Audi A5 does too.
The A5 places more of a focus on a sporty drive to the Mercedes' emphasis on comfort, but manages to remain classy at the same time, with leather upholstery as standard. The base 1.8 TFSI SE model provides excellent bang for your buck, with 50mpg and 0-60mph in just 7.9 seconds, though diesels are even more economical. The 2.0 TDI manages a huge 67.3 mpg for little trade-off in pace.
The A5 places more of a focus on a sporty drive to the Mercedes' emphasis on comfort, but manages to remain classy at the same time, with leather upholstery as standard. The base 1.8 TFSI SE model provides excellent bang for your buck, with 50mpg and 0-60mph in just 7.9 seconds, though diesels are even more economical. The 2.0 TDI manages a huge 67.3 mpg for little trade-off in pace.
Volkswagen Scirocco
Volkswagen know how to make a great-looking car, and the Scirocco is a prime example of this. Assertive front end, smooth body lines and swooping silhouette; this is a fine-looking vehicle indeed. Volkswagen based the Scirocco's underpinnings on the MK5 Golf of the same era. As a result, it drives exceedingly well.
The interior is a similar story to the exterior of the car. The design is not far off being timeless because of its simplicity that has not relied on excessive screens to make an impression. A range of engines are available, with the 2.0-litre TFSI taking centre stage with its mid-range punch and low-end pull. Regardless of your destination, the Scirocco will get you there in comfort, while putting a smile on your face. There's a good range of used examples on the market to suit every budget and requirement, so take the time to find the right one, you will not regret it!
The interior is a similar story to the exterior of the car. The design is not far off being timeless because of its simplicity that has not relied on excessive screens to make an impression. A range of engines are available, with the 2.0-litre TFSI taking centre stage with its mid-range punch and low-end pull. Regardless of your destination, the Scirocco will get you there in comfort, while putting a smile on your face. There's a good range of used examples on the market to suit every budget and requirement, so take the time to find the right one, you will not regret it!
Eight fantastic used coupes to choose from and eight even better reasons to invest in a driving experience that is similar to nothing else.
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