These are the performance cars that should cost you the least to own over three years. This has been calculated by Wheels using fuel economy, maintenance and insurance costs, and the sum you can expect to lose in depreciation. Cars also get points for the length of their warranties. To read about the brains behind the formula, please click here to visit Wheels.

BEST VALUE PERFORMANCE CARS UNDER $75K

1. Kia ProCeed GT

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Korea’s first hot hatch is also its best value equation. You won’t be at all surprised to know that Kia’s seven-year unlimited-kay warranty plays a big part in the result. It’s also pretty obvious that a $29,990 entry price is a good start in a class with a $75K ceiling, even though price itself isn’t scored, because instead the predicted three-year resale – a reasonable 57 percent – works on a very low starting point. The multi-link rear suspension and Recaro seats are highlights when compared to its direct rival (in second place), making the ProCeed GT a better buy, despite being a bit thirstier.

2. Hyundai Veloster SR Turbo

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3. Toyota 86

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Performance Cars under $75KKia ProCeed GTHyundai Veloster SR Turbo manToyota 86 GT man
Purchase Price$29,990$29,990$29,990
Combined cycle fuel (L/100km)7.46.97.8
Fuel RON (min. rec.)919198
Three-year fuel cost$4224$3938$5009
Redbook resale (%)57.059.663.5
Three-year depreciation$12,896$12,116$10,946
AAMI insurance premium$940$945$954
Service interval (months)12126
Warranty (years)753

BEST VALUE PERFORMANCE CARS $75K – $150K

1. Mercedes-AMG A45

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Merc’s A45 AMG might be an expensive car in isolation, but in terms of the performance it offers for the money – both initial outlay and ongoing costs – it’s actually a ripper bargain. The service interval is long (12 months), which means more time baiting BMW owners and less time in the workshop, while the 60 percent resale is pretty good – it sheds $30K in three years.

2. BMW M235i

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Performance Cars $75K-$150KMercedes-AMG A45 4MATICBMW M235iLotus Elise S Roadster 1.8SC
Purchase Price$75,700$79,930$84,990
Combined cycle fuel (L/100km)6.98.17.5
Fuel RON (min. rec.)989595
Three-year fuel cost$4431$4923$4558
Redbook resale (%)60.357.858.6
Three-year depreciation$30,053$33,730$35,186
AAMI insurance premium$1766$1529$2003
Service interval (months)121212
Warranty (years)333