Three-car garage: used Mazda CX-5, Porsche Boxster and Renault Megane RS for £70k
You don’t need a Ferrari to get a fun six-speed manual model
We've previously mentioned how the manual gearbox is becoming the preserve of high-end sports and performance models, bu you don’t have to spend half a million pounds on a supercar to get something with three pedals.
While we can’t promise a Ferrari’s V12 howl, our selection shows you can find used cars of various bodystyles with an engaging six-speed manual through our Buy A Car service.
Mazda CX-5 - £22,300
The Mazda CX-5 has long been a left-field family-SUV choice for those wanting something that’s a little more exciting to drive than a Volkswagen Tiguan, for example. While the latest CX-5 is automatic-only, the previous model could be had with a tactile, short- throw six-speed manual set-up.
This, along with the CX-5’s direct yet natural-feeling steering, had more than a whiff of the Mazda MX-5 about it. We found a 32,000-mile 2023 example with the 2.2-litre 184bhp diesel engine and all-wheel drive for £22,300. This Takumi-spec model has heated leather seats, built-in sat-nav, adaptive cruise control and a powered bootlid. Returning almost 45mpg, it’s relatively efficient, too.
Porsche Boxster - £25,000
Some may refer to the Porsche Boxster as the “poor man’s Porsche 911”, but the baby sports car has the fundamentals of an even greater driver’s car. Key to this is its mid-engined layout, which provides an evenly balanced weight distribution, plus the electric soft top makes it easier to connect with the 261bhp 2.7-litre engine, which is paired with a wonderful-feeling six-speed manual gearbox.
Although there are cheaper cabriolets available, we found a 2015 Boxster with just over 55,000 miles on the clock for bang-on £25,000. It’s equipped with leather and suede upholstery, dual-zone climate control, a touchscreen sat-nav and an electrically deployable rear spoiler.
Renault Megane RS Trophy - £22,500
The Renault Megane RS Trophy is one of the most hardcore hot hatches to come out over the past decade. It was offered with a dual-clutch auto, but the six-speed manual offers more engagement. Rowing the gears in the R.S is satisfying, thanks to the ideal pedal placement and inherent poise of the racy Renault’s chassis.
Availability of the Megane RS Trophy is relatively limited, yet we found a 2019 33,000-mile example for £22,500. Being the Trophy, it gets a valved exhaust system and a Torsen limited-slip differential.
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