Drive for a Million: Top 5 Dynamic Used Models at a Reasonable Price

With about 1 million rubles at your disposal, instead of a new domestic car, you can pay attention to the secondary market. There you can really find the so-called popular "sports cars" - with reservations, of course. But such cars are able to offer brisk acceleration, exciting handling and expressive design.

The selection is deliberately made non-trivial. Many people know about the existence of Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Ford Focus ST or Subaru Impreza WRX STi. Much less often they recall the turbocharged Mitsubishi Outlander Turbo, the "charged" Renault Clio RS or the basic Subaru Impreza WRX without the STi prefix. Meanwhile, it is these cars that are often found on the secondary market in decent condition and at a reasonable price.

Mitsubishi Outlander Turbo (2002–2009): from 950 thousand rubles

The first generation Mitsubishi Outlander Turbo crossover had a version that received the engine and transmission from the legendary Lancer Evolution. To find it on the classifieds sites, you should set the power filter to "over 200 hp": the two-liter turbocharged "four" develops 202 hp.

Fans of "honest" all-wheel drive will appreciate the classic scheme with an interaxle differential, supplemented by a viscous coupling. However, for urban operation, there is an obvious nuance: all such versions were equipped exclusively with a manual gearbox - an automatic transmission was not offered at all.

Subaru Impreza WRX (2007–2014): from 850 thousand rubles

Most motorists know that the Subaru Impreza WRX STi is actually ready for rally starts - only a safety cage is required from the mandatory equipment. WRX in this family is a more affordable and less extreme version.

Nevertheless, even the Subaru Impreza WRX is noticeably different from the standard Impreza. The boxer engine produces 235 hp, and after the 2010 update - already 260. The equipment includes a self-locking interaxle differential, a seriously redesigned suspension and a reinforced braking system.

Ford Kuga (2008–2013): from 800 thousand rubles

At first glance, the Ford Kuga seems like an unexpected participant in the list: a family crossover is rarely associated with sports. However, the 202 hp version is able to surprise. Under the hood is a five-cylinder Volvo turbo engine with a volume of 2.5 liters - the same unit that was used on the Ford Focus ST.

All-wheel drive is implemented through a fourth-generation Haldex clutch, thanks to which the car is able to demonstrate exciting behavior on slippery surfaces. The suspension is set relatively softly - the same chassis parameters were used for all modifications. Nevertheless, acceleration to 100 km/h takes 8.2 seconds, which is very decent for a crossover.

Renault Clio RS (2006–2012): from 700 thousand rubles

The indicated budget also includes the third generation Renault Clio RS. There are not many such cars on the market, but offers are found. The basic version is equipped with a naturally aspirated two-liter engine with a capacity of 200 hp and a six-speed "mechanics". Some copies are equipped with a Cup package with a stiffer suspension.

Sometimes the standard Getrag gearbox is replaced by a Sadev cam transmission. Such a modification usually indicates the car's participation in competitions, and not only in everyday use. Such copies require especially careful inspection, and it is often wiser to refuse them.

Skoda Fabia RS (2010–2014): from 900 thousand rubles

The "hot" Skoda Fabia RS is equipped with an engine with a volume of only 1.4 liters, but the combination of a mechanical compressor and a turbocharger allows you to develop 180 hp. The seven-speed preselective gearbox is reconfigured for active driving, the braking system is reinforced, and the stabilization system can simulate a differential lock. The drive is exclusively front.

The Skoda brand adheres to the Simply Clever philosophy, which implies convenience in everyday use even for a sports model. Therefore, the Fabia RS offers practical solutions: additional niches for small items are provided under the front seats, and the rigid luggage shelf can be fixed at the desired height.

With an amount of about 1 million rubles, you can find a car with a bright character and a power of over 200 hp on the secondary market. The key condition remains a careful check of the technical condition of a particular copy and its service history.