Nissan 350Z

Looks and performance count for plenty in the coupé category, which explains why the Nissan comes out on top. Few cars at any price handle as well as the 350Z, and the futuristic styling manages to tick all the right boxes, too.

	Even standard models feature six airbags, climate-control, a CD autochanger and xenon headlamps as standard, so entry-level cars aren't exactly spartan

Better still, it's cheaper than ever. Last year, you needed £20,000 to get behind the wheel, but you can now find early models from £16,000 (imports can be picked up for even less). These first examples have taken the brunt of their depreciation, which should begin to ease up due to the car's strong image and limited supply. What you get is a 276bhp V6 that powers the Nissan from 0-60mph in 5.9 seconds. The firm also sold 176 limited-edition, 296bhp Gran Turismo 4 variants, but they're about £24,000.

Nissan has a reputation for excellent build quality, and reliability is first-rate. However, make sure any prospective buy has a full service history – attention is required every 9,000 miles – and that
the optional RAYS alloys wheels are not damaged, because they are expensive to replace. Even standard models feature six airbags, climate-control, a CD autochanger and xenon headlamps as standard, so entry-level cars aren't exactly spartan. If you spend the extra £1,300 for a used GT model, however, you'll get a leather interior, too.

Minus points are few, but include the uninspiring cabin, which lacks cubbies and is dominated by hard plastics, and the boot. At 235 litres, it's big enough, but with no load cover, you can't leave valuables locked inside.