Classifieds' Car Of The Day: Mazda RX-8 For £1500

This week on Car Of The Day we went all-out with this beautiful Aston V8 Vantage Volante, and kept things real with an MG ZS 180 bargain. Today we're sticking with the latter cheap as chips theme thanks to this Mazda RX-8 - arguably the performance car bargain of the year.

For a little north of a grand, you'll be hard-pressed to find a more beautiful car. This particular model is the hottest 231bhp version, which completes the 0-60mph sprint in 6.2 seconds before going on to a top speed of 146mph.

The interesting bit is, of course, the rotary engine, which is also what puts buyers off. It needs more TLC than your average sports car and has a reputation of being thirsty on both fuel and oil - Mazda recommends you check the oil after every other refuelling stop. If you don't mind getting your hands dirty though, you're getting a lot of car for little cash, so maintenance costs become a little easier to stomach.

The other benefit of the RX-8 is its four-seat setup, which adds practicality to performance. The rear 'suicide' doors also improve access to the back seats, and look brilliant.

This example has had new ignition coils and a new clutch fitted, as well as a recent oil and filter change. Apparently it flew through its last MOT, which isn't due for renewal until June 2014. So for £1495 this really is a bargain.

Priced at £22,000 new, the fact that ten years later you can pick one up for less than a tenth of that price is remarkable. If this is anything to go by, we can't wait to buy a £1500 GT86 in 2023!