Written by: @Tom_garm // Instagram

Toyota Celica 145 VVT-i

If you want a quirky coupé with commendable sporting qualities for under 5,000 euros, the 7th (and latest) generation Celica is an excellent choice! On top of that, insurance companies will be very lenient with you, because this vehicle is unknown in their database... And yet it has plenty of qualities: 143bhp, a manual 6-speed gearbox, a contained weight of 1100kg, 4 seats and a large boot!

Important points : Avoid models with too much mileage, as the engines may have suffered, and avoid models with haphazard modifications!

Estimation : from € 2.500 to € 5.000

Peugeot 206 S16

The 206 S16 is the worthy heir to the 205 GTI and will surely be a future collector's item, like the GTIs of the 80s. For the moment, its value is at an all-time low, but for how long? As well as being light, powerful and agile, the 206 has all the qualities of a 'normal' car. It will blend into the crowd and not attract too much attention from the police.

Important points : The S16s are excellent rally and track cars and have often been modified accordingly. These models should therefore be avoided for road use!

Estimation : from € 2,000 to € 3,500

Example of a Benzin advert (click here)

Fiat Seicento Sporting Abarth

Agile, practical yet sporty, the Seicento Sporting in Abarth trim has plenty of qualities. It continues the line of fun, easy-to-maintain cars that Fiat launched with the 500 in the 1950s. Sure, you're not going to set any new lap times with this micro-car, but the sensations are there, just like a certain Mini Cooper. In any case, with its 735 kg and tiny wheels, you won't want to exceed 150 km/h! Enough to keep your probationary licence, which only has 6 points, on the road...

Important points : Watch out for rust! Don't forget to take a look or ask for photos of the underpinnings and wheel arches. As motorways are not its forte, this little car is best suited to urban journeys.

Estimation : between €600 and €2,000

Example of a Benzin advert (click here)

VW Golf Cab

The 1st and 2nd generation Golf were already icons of the 80s. So when designer Karmann took the Golf and turned it into a convertible, the result was an offbeat car with a timeless look. Powered by engines ranging from 75 to 112 bhp, the idea is not to go fast but to 'cruise' at a reasonable pace on sunny country roads.

Important points : Once again, inspect the condition of the chassis and check for corrosion. Choose original models.

Estimation : between €4,000 and €9,000 (depending on engine)

Example of a Benzin advert (click here)

Mini Classic

The Mini is an excellent car for learning to drive. It's often said that karting is the best driving school there is, and that's just as well, because the Mini is a kart! For those who don't want to compromise between karting at the weekend and having a 'normal' car during the week, the Mini is an excellent choice. Easy to maintain, this little English car won't break the bank - as long as it's sound. When it comes to engines, we prefer carburettor models, which are reputed to be more reliable than the latest fuel-injected Minis (MPI).

Important points : Be very vigilant about corrosion. Check the underpinnings, the rocker panels, the windscreen bay, the boot floor... So stay away from Minis plagued by rust. Also, avoid parking your Mini outside as the bodywork is very exposed.

Estimation : between €5,000 and €12,000 (depending on engine and trim)

Example of a Benzin advert (click here)

Saab 900i 16S

If you want to create astonishment and surprise in your circle of friends, the Saab 900 may be the solution. This Swedish chunk of furniture is undoubtedly the most offbeat car in this top ten. And for good reason: it looks like no other car on the market. As well as standing out from the crowd, Saab 900s have excellent roadholding and a reputation for reliability. The various chain-driven engines require only 'standard' maintenance.

Important points : Even if these cars are reliable, avoid models with more than 300,000 km... Atmospheric models are also preferable: this will limit the list of problems in the event of a breakdown. You should also make sure that the vehicle is complete.

Estimation : between € 2.500 and € 4.000

Example of a Benzin advert (click here)

Mazda MX-5 NA & NB

The MX-5's recipe is simple: low weight, 2 seats and rear-wheel drive. Thanks to this recipe, the MX-5 is a real pleasure to drive and is quite efficient on small roads. Its incisive steering, short-throw gearbox and racy engines make you want to heel-toe around every bend. Available with engines ranging from 90 to 140 hp, you'll be spoilt for choice depending on your budget.

Important points : Watch out for the Swiss cheese! MX-5s have a tendency to rust, so be careful. Also avoid models with dubious preparations.

Estimation : Between 3.000 € and 8.000 €.

Example of a Benzin advert (click here)

Ford Escort XR3i

In the days of the GTI, when the 205, Golf and other Super 5s were at war with each other, Ford decided to enter the battle with its Fiesta and Escort XR3i. Equipped with 110bhp injection engines and weighing just 900kg, the Escort had a great card to play. With the Escort, Ford also made a technological leap forward, adopting independent rear wheels, an alloy cylinder head and front-wheel drive.

Important points : Again and again, corrosion. Be warned, some parts can be hard to find.

Estimation : between € 3,000 and € 4,000

Example of a Benzin advert (click here)

Audi TT 1.8T 8N

The TT is a car that divides opinions. Adored by some and hated by others, the TT was highly innovative when it came out, both in terms of its design and its technical specifications. With 4-cylinder turbocharged 20-valve engines ranging from 150hp to 225hp, you'll be spoilt for choice on the second-hand market. What's more, these engines are renowned for their reliability and are common to other models in the VAG group.

Important points : There are a lot of TTs on the second-hand market, and a lot of cars at the end of their life... Be patient and go for models that have been serviced, otherwise the bill can quickly become exorbitant.

Estimation : 3.500 € and 5.000 €

Example of a Benzin advert (click here)

Our selection of sporty, offbeat and fun cars for young licence holders is now complete. With these cars, you're sure to have fun while remaining reasonable. Just goes to show, there are plenty of alternatives to that dreary Clio 1.5 dci that your parents are trying to foist on you.