The most driving fun you could have for $60k in Singapore

One of the fun "H"-badged models that could be bought with a $60k budget. 
[Photo credit: Linus Low]

Big fun doesn't always require big funds - here are 6 enjoyable cars you could buy used for under $60,000 in Singapore.

For SG60, apart from Singaporeans' patriotism for our nation which completes another 10-year "COE cycle" in 2025, we also felt a compelling urge to surf the used car market for something joyful that would evoke emotion behind the wheel.

Our criteria were: $60,000 budget, a special outlook and a spritely driving experience.

After searching on our Motorist platform, we shortlisted six fun cars that we feel would be a hoot to drive down a winding road, with the driver smiling all the way.

MINI Cooper 3-door (R56)

Inspired by the classic Mini, this 3-door MINI Cooper continues to be a worthy successor to the Issigonis icon. The fun-sized MINI Cooper, true to its predecessor, is an agile car which is suitable for both sporty driving and practical commuting.

A hot hatch - apart from being, shocker, a hatchback - needs a flaming powertrain to be suitably considered "hot". Combining a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine with a subcompact body size, the "mini" combination is like eating small bites from a full portion.

Mitsubishi Lancer 1.6 (CS3)

The CS3 Lancer 1.6 is arguably the most safe-to-buy option in this story, with simple mechanicals, Japanese reliability and easily-attainable spare parts. Workshops are also familiar with the car. 

The bonus with the sedan body is its possible use as a family hauler, grocery getter, or personal taxi with your friends thrown on the backseat should there be a group outing. 

Looking on the fun side, this Lancer is ideal with its manual gearbox, which is becoming even rarer these days. Furthemore, the model also works well as a basis for modification if you're so inclined. For instance, there are many bodykit options available for the CS3, in addition to many other interchangeable components.

If you're looking for a dependable yet enjoyable second car, the Lancer 1.6 CS3 is great as a back-to-basics and low-cost runabout. 

BMW 325i Coupe (E92)

Less of a grocery getter than the Lancer, the BMW 325i Coupe is a mid-level 3 Series with two doors to create a more conventionally sporty outlook.

The 325i spec is a lower-cost option compared to the other available trim levels that BMW offered for this model at the time. This generation of 3 Series is still a darling in the enthusiast world, thanks to its chassis and M-powered halo variant. 

Pairing a 6-speed automatic transmission with a 2.5-litre inline 6-cylinder engine, this is sure to be a Bavarian motoring blast within our $60k budget.

Honda Civic VTi 3-door manual (EG6)

If you're someone who grew up in the 1990s, you'd be sure to see, and hear, a boyracer tearing up the streets, blaring his exceedingly loud exhaust into the distance. Maybe it was you - no judgement. Anyway, the Civic remains a fan-favourite among enthusiasts, with some drivers seemingly married to the nameplate like it's a vehicular badge of honour forever. 

If you're keen to relive the good old days of DOHC VTEC or sample the charm of these now-classic Civics, check out this EG6 Civic VTi and "kwee" VTEC on the cheap.

Honda Accord Euro R (CL7)

If the Civic EG6 is too old or impractical for you, and you are looking for something both fun and very practical as a family car, look no further than the Accord Euro R. 

Whilst the Accord has a different engine (K20A) than the Civic (B16A2), there is no difference in how much "BWAHHHHHHHH" you can hear as you gun it to the redline, VTEC screaming in your ears. 

The Accord chassis doesn't fall short, even though it is a class bigger than the compact Civic sedan. The Accord in Euro R guise is hugely capable on the road, and you'll be grinning from ear to ear as you drive one of these, whether at leisure or in anger. 

If your family car needs to offer an engaging experience to the driver while keeping the passengers comfortable, the Accord Euro R is a great pick.

Toyota MR2 (AW11)

The Toyota MR2 is a perfect symbolisation of "They don't make them like they used to". The mid-engined, "baby Ferrari" looks and analogue driving experience allow you to enjoy every drive in this head-turner, with its engine singing right behind your head. 

Powered by the 4AGE 1.6-litre motor, the same series of engine that powered the iconic Toyota AE86, the MR2 will almost make you feel like an Initial D protagonist driving down winding roads. If you're eager to treat yourself to a slice of old-school motoring direct from Japan, you could do worse than this Toyota MR2. 

Read More: Your car's worst enemy might be you – find out why in this story

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