MG F / MG TF

Often the cheapest way into a mid-engined car of all. The MG F arrived in 1995 sharing its 1.8-litre K-Series engine and five-speed gearbox with the first Lotus Elise, and in Britain a running, roadworthy one can still be found for about a thousand pounds, with around £6,000 buying a very clean car. The head gasket is the K-Series' weak point in any car, so look for proof of a modern replacement and a well-kept cooling system. The F rides on Hydragas suspension, which takes more work to maintain, so ask for its history too. The TF update followed in early 2002.