10 Secondhand Cars Featuring Finest Engines

One thing we might find ourselves longing for in the electric age is the incredible variety of engines and how their distinct characteristics shape the driving experience. So, let's take a moment to appreciate the finest examples—and how you can get your hands on one:

VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT W8

At first glance, this might seem like just another Passat. But beneath the hood lies something special: a 275bhp 4.0-litre W8 engine. The W8 was produced for only four years, and the Passat was its sole beneficiary. Finding a used one is rare, but prices range from £3,000 to £9,000.
That's a tempting offer for a piece of automotive history that paved the way for the Bugatti Veyron's impressive W16.

Alfa Romeo GTV

The GTV is fondly remembered for its engines, which helped Alfa Romeo secure our 1995 Car of the Year and Best Sports Car awards. Throughout its production, several modifications were made to this stylish coupé.
It initially came with a 155bhp 2.0-litre Twin Spark engine, later joined by a snarling 220bhp 3.0-litre Busso V6. A decent V6 GTV in Lusso trim will set you back upwards of £3,500, while a well-maintained Twin Spark can be found for just under £2,000.

BMW i8

The 2014 i8 was the world's first mainstream hybrid sports car, combining a 228bhp turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine with a 141bhp electric motor. Early models could cover 23 miles on electric power alone, with later versions stretching that to 34 miles. But it's not just about saving on fuel: the 0-62mph sprint takes just 4.4 seconds, so there's plenty of fun to be had.
While official figures suggest the i8 is capable of 128.4mpg, in real-world driving, you're more likely to see around 40mpg—not bad, given the performance. Early BMW i8 coupés start at about £35,000, but expect to pay between £50,000 and £55,000 for a facelifted model with low mileage, and even more for a Roadster. The best part? For most, annual road tax could be as low as £0—though it's worth checking for any car you're considering.

BMW M3 (E46)

The Mk3 BMW M3 is perfect for a highway run, a trip to the store, or even the school drop-off. Its 3.2-litre straight-six engine delivers 338bhp, allowing it to reach 62mph in 4.5 seconds. That's Porsche 911-level performance.
Upgrades were made throughout the E46 M3's production, but the original model is just as desirable as later versions. Good examples are available for around £20,000; just be sure to check for any hidden repairs and oil pressure issues before buying.

ASTON MARTIN DB9

The DB9's interior might feel a bit dated now, but the 5.9-litre V12 under its hood is as timeless as they come. We all know how stunning the DB9 looks, and the convertible version lets you get even closer to its iconic growl. A well-maintained used DB9 could be a smart investment, with prices still accessible at around £36,000 for cars with 40,000 miles on the odometer.
Automatics are fairly common, but keep an eye out for a sequential manual, as they're increasing in value. The cheapest DB9s now start at around £20,000, but it's wise to spend a bit more. Servicing, repairs, tires, and fuel won't come cheap...

VAUXHALL MONARO VXR

Built by Holden in Australia, the Monaro was brought to Britain as a Vauxhall. Equipped with a rumbling Chevrolet small-block V8 producing 328bhp, it sold so well that Luton’s VXR department decided to get involved, resulting in the Monaro VXR with 376bhp.
It turns out you can improve on perfection. Good VXRs are available for £15,000 to £20,000, while earlier CV8 models command prices of around £12,000.

FORD FIESTA ST

Though it lacks a roaring V8, the Ford Fiesta ST’s turbocharged 1.6-litre Ecoboost engine is impressive in its own right. This responsive four-cylinder engine was designed to match the performance of larger engines more efficiently. The past generation Fiesta ST, with its 182 horsepower, manual gearbox, and nimble handling, is one of the most exciting hot hatchbacks to drive. You can find well-maintained ST-3 models for around £9000.

MASERATI GRANTURISMO

With its Pininfarina design and Ferrari-built 4.7-litre V8, the Maserati Granturismo not only looks stunning but also delivers a thrilling drive. Producing 433bhp, it accelerates from 0-62mph in just 4.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 183mph. The addition of a completely automatic transmission in 2009 made it even more comfy. A pre-owned Granturismo is a smart buy, with early S models available from about £27,500.

FIAT 500 TWINAIR

In 2010, Fiat upgraded its charming city car with the Twinair: a small two-cylinder turbo engine. It promised impressive fuel efficiency of 69.5mpg, but its quirky character is the real draw. With just 82bhp, it’s nippy around town, though it takes 11 seconds to reach 62mph. The 500C version lets you enjoy the sound of both cylinders. The best 500 Twinairs are priced around £3500, with soft-tops costing a bit more.

MAZDA RX-8

The RX-8 was a highly capable sports coupé, powered by a 1.3-litre rotary engine; in fact, it was the last Mazda to feature this delightfully rev-happy type of propulsion. That engine capacity might sound small, but the Wankel is light and produces 231bhp, enabling the RX-8 to reach 62mph in 6.4 seconds and a top speed of 146mph.
It's undeniably fun to drive, enough to forgive the engine's unquenchable thirst for fuel and oil. You could also face hefty bills if the seals deteriorate, so ease your mind by choosing a car that has undergone a professional compression test.
Decent examples from 2008 can be found for around £5,000.

A lot of these used cars with the best engines are available at our car Supermarket. Filter them out here.

Source and Images: AutoCar UK