Audi R8 to Vauxhall VX220: Used mid-engined sports cars

Open gallery

The Audi R8 is an excellent mid-engined car…

…after all, it was derived from the Lamborghini Gallardo

The iconic Lotus Esprit is a solid buy

Don’t be put off by the badge – the VX220 is a sports car through and through

The Cayman is a great way into mid-engined ownership on a budget

The Lotus Evora features four seats (just)

The MG F is about as cheap a mid-engined sports car as you can buy

The Lotus Elise is legendary in sports car circles

Toyota’s MR2 is an off-beat way to get an engine behind the seats

The BMW i8 isn’t to be sniffed at

The Boxster saved Porsche for a while

Close News by John Evans 5 mins read 2 July 2022 Follow @JohnEvans510 Share

Fancy a slice of mid-engined thrills?

We’ve just pitted the Lotus Emira and the Porsche 718 Cayman GTS against each other, and while both are brilliant, they both cost upwards of £65,000. So what can you get for a little less cash?

Lotus dominates here. There’d have been more, but we had to mix it up a bit, hence just one of three Toyota MR2s. But no Fiat X1/9? You try finding one that hasn’t returned to nature. What’s impressive is the range of flavours. Classics, track cars, supercars and even a hybrid are represented.

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Audi R8

2007-present: The R8 has been on sale for 15 years, but you’ll still pay around £32,000 for a 2008-reg 4.2 with 75,000 miles and full history. The V8 makes 414bhp, while the 5.2 V10 that followed in 2009 has 517bhp – but prices for those start at £45,000. Precise handling is common to both. Check the clutch and suspension dampers are okay, that the brakes have plenty of life and that the doors aren’t marked. Pay extra for a full service history.

One we found: Audi R8 4.2 FSI V8 Quattro, 2008/08, 46,000 miles, £37,999

Lotus Esprit

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1988-1994: Today, with prices starting at around £25,000, an X180-generation Esprit is your ‘cheap’ pass to the supercar paddock. A good one will easily do 100,000 miles without serious complaint. These are complex cars so a strong history is vital. Regular oil changes will protect the engine but expect to refresh suspension and brake parts. Check for rusting suspension mounts and regard a tatty interior as indicative of neglect elsewhere.

One we found: Lotus Esprit 2.2 Turbo, 1988/E, 65,000 miles, £25,995