A pair of automotive experts have urged drivers to avoid three performance-focused models, despite having particularly affordable prices.

Adam Morris and Jim Hull are Australian motoring personalities who run the ReDriven YouTube channel, regularly posting videos to advise viewers on the best and worst pre-owned models to buy.

In a popular video, the pair discuss what they think the worst used performance cars are, with Adam warning that Peugeot 206 GTI 180s are not as sporty or refined as many other models for the budget.

He explained: "A lot of French car fans are going to hate me on this but this is from experience because I owned one of these and it was rubbish. It's the Peugeot 206 GTI 180. The only reason I bought this was because I wanted a Renault Clio RS and there were none available at the time and I thought 'oh, well this is still a small French hot hatch'.

"It wasn't. The seating position is all wrong, the switch gear feels terrible, ergonomics are shocking, they're not that quick, lift-off oversteer is quite brutal and not a smooth transition. It was just a terrible car, and I owned it for too long."

Whilst the standard version of the Peugeot 206 was widely praised at the time, and remains a good choice for drivers looking for a particularly affordable used model, Adam did not have a high opinion of the GTI 180 variant.

Following in the footsteps of the legendary 205 GTI of the 1980s and 90s, the most powerful variant of the 206 was less impressive than competitors such as the Renault Sport Clio 172 and Ford Fiesta ST.

In particular, owners noted that the large alloy wheels look out of place compared to the 206's otherwise petite styling, whilst the ride is firm and steering heavy.

Another cheap hatchback that Jim recommended used car buyers avoid is the R51 variant of the Mini Cooper, built between 2001 to 2006, warning that they could come with problematic faults.

He added: "What a terrible car, and the reason being is because I've seen first-hand so many of these engines fail. The bottom ends fall apart, they're horrible to drive, they're rattly.

"I had the misfortune of driving a John Cooper Works Convertible, and if you've ever heard of the term 'scuttle shake', it was the worst thing. You'd hit a bump and the whole thing would start rattling everywhere. Horrible car."

Finally, Adam admitted that the Mazda 3 MPS, built from 2009 to 2013, can be an impressive and reliable model. However, clean and maintained examples are notoriously difficult to find.

He continued: "Sorry guys, the Mazda 3 MPS. Now, before you yell at me, this isn't the car's fault. If you can find one of the unicorns out there that has a meticulous maintenance history that's been owned by an 85-year-old retired man or woman, that's OK.

"The problem here is that so many on the used market have been absolutely ruined. I would say that the majority to the point that I've nearly bought one of these multiple times and, when I take it to Jim to get a pre-purchase inspection done, you can tell it's been modified and reversed to look stock. They're just not worth the risk."