We’ve highlighted 9 of the best cars available on the used market. They vary in terms of budget and type of car. Whether you’re looking for a cheap car that’s fun to drive around town, a slightly larger car to transport the family on long trips, or an entertaining secondary car, we’ve got the car for you. you need.
There is a lot to be said for buying a used car. The big advantage of this type of purchase is that it allows you to get a good deal and save potentially huge sums compared to buying a new car.
We have everything from small city cars to smart SUVs and electric cars. What all of these cars have in common is that they represent excellent value for money and are our top used car picks. Read on to find out what we think are the best cars on the used market today…
Ford Fiesta
Not only is it cheap and easy to ride, but it’s perfect for everyday use. Whether you’re a new driver or looking to squeeze your budget, the stylish Fiesta ticks many boxes.
The Fiesta is also very well equipped for its price, and even comes with enough space for four adults. Still, it’s a compact family car and a good choice if you’re on the hunt for your first car and want a decent amount of space to transport your friends.
For a good quality used Ford Fiesta, you are spoiled for choice. Under £8,000 you could have a five year old car, and we recommend looking for one with a 1.25 liter petrol engine (unless you plan on doing a lot of miles on the road). highway). With a higher budget starting at €11,000 you can get an almost new Fiesta with a 1.0 liter EcoBoost petrol engine. Available in 100, 125 and 140 horsepower, these powerful little engines make the Fiesta a rewarding car to drive.
Kia Picanto
offers excellent value for money. It’s not just the price that appeals, as the Picanto is fun and easy to drive, looks good and is backed by Kia’s impressive 7-year warranty.
You won’t be short of equipment either, since the intermediate “2” versions of the Picanto are equipped with air conditioning, electric windows and a leather multifunction steering wheel. If you can stretch your budget, then a Picanto ‘3’ gets a 7.0-inch touchscreen, rear view camera and air conditioning.
If you only intend to use the Picanto for short trips around town, the 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine is perfect, while the more powerful 1.25-litre four-cylinder petrol engine is interesting if you plan to regularly make long journeys.
A budget of just under €8,000 will get you a six-year-old car with around 70,000 km on the odometer, while with just under €10,000 you could be driving a two years with about 15 to 30,000 km on the clock.
may be a bit more expensive than rivals like the Ford Focus or Skoda Octavia, but it’s a popular used car. Older Golf models continue to be a good buy if you’re looking for a comfortable, premium family car.
It’s not only comfortable, it’s also a very nimble wagon. The controls are light and the front-wheel-drive system is effective when you’re going down a twisty road. The choice of engines isn’t restricted either: the 1.6 and 2.0 liter TDI diesel engines are popular, while the 1.0 and 1.5 liter TSI petrol engines are both efficient and capable. .
A budget of around €12,000 will get you a seven-year-old petrol, while €17,000 will get you a three-year-old car with fewer miles on the odometer. You will therefore have a greater choice of engines and cars with fewer kilometers.
Skoda Octavia
If you’re looking for a great value family car, then the Skoda Octavia should be at the top of your list. Skoda launched a brand new model in 2020, so the supply is limited in the used market at the moment, but the old generation car is still worth your consideration, and you are spoiled for choice in the market. of the occasion.
The hatchback has a trunk with a volume of 590 liters against 610 liters for the station wagon. The newer model has an even bigger trunk, and has plenty of space in the front and back. You have the choice of petrol or diesel engines depending on your needs, and the Octavia is offered with a manual or automatic gearbox.
With a budget of around €12,000, you can get a seven-year-old car with a 1.4-litre petrol engine, while €15,000 will get you a newer station wagon with an engine. 1.6 or 2.0 liter diesel.
Kia Sportage
if you are looking for an affordable family SUV without breaking the bank. With its modern design, handling, pleasant interior and low running costs, it is a very popular choice.
Inside, you’ll find a full infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and more than enough space for four adults. The rear seats also have ISOFIX anchorage points for child seats and the trunk is spacious.
If you have €13,000 to spend, you will get the previous generation Kia Sportage with a 2.0 liter diesel engine and over 100,000 miles. A budget of around €16,000 will get you the Sportage the newest with Kia’s economical 1.7 liter 115hp diesel engine, while with just under £18,500 you can get a nice low mileage car
BMW 3 Series
SUVs are enjoying unprecedented success, but for just over £15,000 you can get behind the wheel of one of the best luxury sedans around. The interior is nice and upscale, with nice leather trim and a good level of standard equipment, with most models fitted as standard with a satellite navigation system, a 6 .5 inches and dual-zone air conditioning. Space is enough for a family of four, while the sedan has a decent 480-litre trunk. If you need more space, the BMW 3 Series Touring Estate will more than live up to your expectations with its 500-litre volume.
With a budget of around €17,000, you could get a 318d that is six years old and has mileage between 90 and 70,000 km.
The car’s design is a smooth evolution from previous models, while the car itself is a bit larger to give occupants more legroom and headroom. Ride quality is excellent, and the car is quiet on the road, with minimal engine noise.
So the Q5 isn’t exciting, but it’s big and, thanks to its smart and nifty virtual cockpit, it’s definitely smart. It also has four-wheel drive and its power is provided by a petrol or diesel version of the 2.0-litre engine. If you are looking for a comfortable and high quality SUV, this one is ideal.
Prices start at around €21,500, allowing you to acquire a previous generation car, around 7 years old. The design is still current and it can easily be confused with a more recent model, while a budget of more than €30,000 will allow you to acquire a second generation car.
The elegant
is, in our opinion, one of the most attractive SUVs. On the outside, it’s clearly a Volvo with the company’s distinctive grille and Thor’s hammer-shaped headlights that are instantly recognizable, but it also has body creases and contrasting paintwork that sets it apart. more spacious Volvo models like the Volvo XC60.
Getting behind the wheel, the first thing that jumps out at you is the iPad-style infotainment screen, a hallmark of the Swedish firm. It is larger than most competitors and is used to control many of the car’s systems. You’ll have no problem fitting tall adults in the front and back, and the trunk is big.
A budget of €25,000 is enough to get a T3 XC40 Inscription that is a few years old and has around 100,000 km on the clock. With a budget of over €34,000, you will have the choice between T3 or D3 cars with a mileage of around 16,000 km.
BMW i3
A growing number of used electric cars are being sold on the second-hand market, including models like the Kia e-Niro, Nissan Leaf, and small electric cars like the Volkswagen e-Up and SEAT Mii Electric.
Launched in 2013, it looks more current and modern than many new cars, and its interior is equally impressive. There’s a floating infotainment screen and enough space for four adults.
The BMW i3 was launched initially with a small 22kWh battery that offered a range of 130km between charges, while the Range Extender model benefited from a small two-cylinder petrol engine that added 160km of range. BMW has increased the battery capacity over time, first with a 33 kWh battery which achieved a range of around 160 km, then with a 42 kWh battery which increased the electric range to 310 km.
With a budget of €18,500 you’ll get an i3 with range extender, while with just over €26,000 you’ll get a BMW i3 fitted with the new 42kWh battery.
Do your research before buying a used car. You want to make a cost-effective purchase, so check the prices of a range of similar cars to find out if the one you’re considering is good value for money.
If the car you want is more than three years old, it’s worth checking the MOT history – all you need to do is know the registration number. This will help highlight any potential issues, especially for older cars. A comprehensive service book and garage invoices are also very important, as they track the car’s service history and essential work that has been carried out. Modern cars are great, but they still need to be taken care of.