• Date built: 1992-1996

• Price range: £1,400-£2,400

• Engine: 2.9-litre V6 with 190bhp

• 0-60mph: 7.2 Seconds

• Top speed: 144mph

WHY: This car may be an old classic, but being a VW, it’s built like an East German shot putter, so it shouldn’t leak oil all over your drive. Its V6 engine is fast and sounds like rolling thunder. And (unlike the shot putter) the design is sexier than Mischa Barton in underpants.

PRICE: They’re all over 10 years old, so they are relatively cheap. Limited-edition Storm models cost a few hundred quid extra and come with an electric sunroof and leather interior.

CHECK: The exhaust back box is prone to rust and a new one from a VW dealer is steep at £500! Look for signs of a respray or uneven panel gaps, as these are clues the car’s been crashed, and ensure all the electrics work.

IMAGE: You’ll get serious respect from people who know about cars. Sadly, those who don’t will just think you have an old motor.

PRACTICALITY: Apart from not having any rear doors, it’s quite practical. It can comfortably seat four and the back seats fold down if you need a kip.

RUNNING COSTS: A VR6 may be cheap to buy, but it will be expensive to run. Capable of just 25mpg, you’re looking at more than £1,900 in fuel per
year, while road tax is £180 per annum. It’s in insurance group 18, too. Ouch!