​Some drivers just like to go fast for nix. We don’t mean Porsche 911 GT3 speed, but rather the enjoyment of a brisk chopping and changing between lanes in traffic in a relatively new car for not a whole lot of coin.

Here we’ve gathered cars that were fleet of foot, but perhaps not dynamically fantastic. The marketplace forgot about these sub-decade-old hatchbacks and sometimes with good reason. The upside is if you like to plant your foot to grab that fast-closing lane gap, these rapidly depreciating orphans may do nicely.

1. HSV Astra VXR

HSV Astra VXR

Bang-on $10K buys a 2008 model with 130,000km and a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder good for 177kW/320Nm resulting in a 6.4sec 0-100km/h claim.

They torque-steered a bit, but were grippy and composed, and generally fun. Not bad grunt either, considering a Golf GTI of the day had 147kW/280Nm.

2. Opel Corsa OPC

Opel Corsa OPC

A pre-bargaining $13K buys a 2013 model with 60,000km that may still have Holden-backed warranty, with a 1.6-litre turbo four delivering 141kW/260Nm and a 7.2sec 0-100km/h. A fun, good jigger that was never quite Clio RS sharp.

3. Volvo C30 T5 R-Design

Volvo C30 T5

Thankfully the market has levelled them out and $15K buys a 2008 model with 76,000km, offering 169kW/320Nm and 6.7sec 0-100km/h. Unlike the Ford of the same era, you won’t feel like you’re sitting in a rubbish bin.

4. Kia Pro_Cee’d GT

Kia Proceed GT

The 1.6-litre turbo four made 150kW/265Nm and this Kia felt faster than its 7.7sec 0-100km/h claim. Sub-$20K buys a 2014 model with 25,000km and the seven-year warranty remaining.

5. Nissan Pulsar ST-S/SSS

Nissan Pulsar SSS

We clocked a 7.8sec 0-100km/h but, although it has zero dynamics, the mid-range in this relatively light (1284kg) hatch is perfect for the city.