Don鈥檛 buy a Tesla Model 3: create this three car garage instead
May 02, 2025 by Jamie Edkins
Car changing is a big deal
For the same price as a new Tesla Model 3, you could buy yourself a practical SUV, a racy聽hot hatch and a quirky classic to satisfy your inner petrolhead.
The Tesla Model 3 is one of the best electric cars you can buy. It offers great range, loads of tech, blistering performance and it鈥檚 cheaper than a lot of alternatives. At 拢40,000, it鈥檚 around 拢5,000 cheaper than a BMW i4 and a Polestar 2.
However, what if you consider yourself a bit of a petrolhead and can鈥檛 quite decide if you want to commit to just one sensible car? Well for the same price as a Tesla model 3 you could get yourself a SUV for daily driving, a sporty hot hatch for weekend blasts and a cool classic for tinkering with in the garage.
| Cash* | 拢39,990 |
| Alaternative* | Polestar 2 |
| Lease* | 拢367 per month |
| Used* | 拢11,200 |
*Prices correct at the time of writing
The daily workhorse: New Dacia Duster
- Price: 拢22,000
- Remaining budget: 拢18,000
For your everyday car you鈥檒l want something practical and dependable 鈥 so we鈥檝e picked the Dacia Duster. You can get a brand new one for as little as 拢19,000, but you鈥檒l want to spring for the mid-spec Expression model if you want a desirable kit such as a touchscreen infotainment system and a reversing camera.
This Duster still only costs 拢22,000, and it鈥檚 a spacious and comfortable SUV which will get you around with very little fuss. The interior may feel a bit cheap in places, but at this price that鈥檚 easy to forgive.
The weekend track toy: Renaultsport Clio Cup
- Price: 拢8,000
- Remaining budget: 拢10,000
Renault鈥檚 sporting division may be long extinct, but back in the late 00s it was making some of the best-driving hot hatches in the world. Petrolheads covet the Renaultsport Clio Cup for being an excellent track car straight out of the box.
This does make it quite uncomfortable on the road, but for a weekend B-road blast or the odd track day it鈥檚 really hard to beat. Clean examples from 2010 can be yours for around 拢8,000, just make sure to check for crash damage because these cars tend to have been driven enthusiastically.
The quirky classic: Morris Minor 1000
- Price: from 拢8,000
Finally, every keen car enthusiast needs something to spanner on in their spare time, and the Morris Minor is a great starter classic. The 1.0-litre A Series engine is really easy to work on, and all the mechanicals are simple and easy to get to grips with.
The key thing to look out for is rust, so look for one which has been dry stored. Don鈥檛 expect neck-snapping performance either, because all of them were very slow. It鈥檚 still a charming and lovable classic though 鈥 check out our review and buying guide to get the full low-down.
Car change? 莲花直播!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With 莲花直播 you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price 鈥 as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you鈥檙e looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, 莲花直播 is your one stop shop for new car deals.
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