Best used second-hand cars

New cars continue to increase in cost, meaning many people have been priced out of choosing a new vehicle.

But the second-hand market is a great alternative, and with such a broad range of cars to choose from for all budgets and tastes, you can nearly always find what you’re looking for.

So whether you’re a new driver looking for their first car, in need of a large family car or maybe even something fun, we’ve picked out 10 of the best-used cars for a range of prices and requirements.

Best for first drivers: Volkswagen Up!

If you’ve recently passed your test and are looking for a car, you ideally want to be looking for something smaller as it will likely be cheaper to run and insure. One of the best options is the Volkswagen Up! – the German firm’s most compact car. With its small 1.0-litre petrol engines, it offers great fuel economy and sits in low insurance groups, too.

But despite its small size, the Up! is surprisingly spacious inside, and offers a higher-quality feel than is usual from cars of this size. This VW was first introduced in 2012, and lasted on sale with minimal changes until 2023. Used prices start from as little as £2,500, with the Up! also having a great reliability reputation.

Best small car: Seat Ibiza

The small car, or superminis as they’re often known, continues to be one of the most popular types of used cars, and the best model to choose in this class is the Seat Ibiza. A sibling to the VW Polo and Audi A1, it’s cheaper to buy but offers little compromise when it comes to quality and standard equipment.

In its latest generation, introduced in 2017, the Ibiza is a great all-rounder with its refined driving manners and surprisingly roomy interior. Prices for a Seat Ibiza of this age start from around £6,500.

Best fun car: Mazda MX-5

If you’re looking for something you can enjoy driving, and if practicality isn’t very important, it’s hard to beat the Mazda MX-5 for the money. Across the generations, this two-seat roadster has been renowned for its fun and lively character, and would certainly brighten up any commute.

While used MX-5s start from just a few thousand pounds, we would recommend a look at the latest generation, introduced in 2015, which gets more modern creature comforts that improve its usability. By sports car standards it’s also very cheap to run, and comes highly recommended. Prices for an MX-5 of this age start from around £9,000.

Best SUV: Skoda Karoq

If you’re looking for a new SUV, there is a huge range of models to choose from, but one that stands out above the rest is the Skoda Karoq. Introduced in 2018 to replace the Yeti, it might not be the most exciting car around but excels in just how useful and practical it is.

Look out for cars equipped with the ‘VarioFlex’ rear seats, which slide forward to extend boot space and can easily be removed entirely for maximum roominess. With a high-quality interior and a great choice of engines, it makes for a brilliant used car. High-mileage examples start from around £9,000, with lower-mileage models available for a few thousand pounds more.

Best electric car: Tesla Model 3

The electric car market has grown considerably in recent years, but the firm that remains the supreme leader is Tesla. Its cars are brimmed with the latest technology, and with easy access to the firm’s own dedicated network of rapid chargers, few EVs are better suited to covering long distances.

On the second-hand market, used Teslas are becoming increasingly affordable – particularly the Model 3 saloon. With its strong performance and exceptional real-world range (even entry-level models can comfortably do more than 200 miles), it makes for a great used buy, with examples now available for around £17,000.

Best hybrid car: Toyota Corolla

If you want a hybrid car, you’ll struggle to do better than a Toyota. This firm has decades of experience with this powertrain, and it shows. All of its hybrid cars are easy to recommend, but our favourite is the Corolla, which is available in hatchback, saloon and estate car bodystyles, depending on your preference.

Its hybrid system is smooth and responsive while returning fantastic fuel economy – particularly around town. The Corolla is also comfortable, while gets a particularly generous equipment list. Used examples hold their value well, so you’ll be looking at around £12,000 for a low-mileage 2019 car, though you won’t need to worry about reliability.

Best executive car: Mercedes E-Class

If you want an executive car, it’s likely between Audi, BMW and Mercedes, and it’s the latter firm’s E-Class that reigns supreme if you’re looking for an upmarket saloon car. We’d recommend a look at the fifth-generation model, sold between 2016 and 2023, with high-mileage examples available from £10,000, and around £14,000 for ones with less miles.

The E-Class leads the way when it comes to technology and offers class-leading refinement, which explains why this Mercedes is always a popular choice with chauffeur fleets. Just avoid the harsher-riding AMG Line models for maximum comfort.

Best small family car: Ford Focus

Not all families require a larger car, and if that’s the case we recommend taking a look at the Ford Focus. It’s been one of the go-to hatchbacks for years, and the latest version, introduced in 2018, is particularly impressive.

The Focus can combine a fun driving experience with a spacious interior and ease of use like few other cars in its class can manage. With such a plentiful choice of used examples for sale, it makes for a great used buy. High-mileage cars start from just £6,000, but you’ll need around £9,000 for a Focus with 70,000 miles on the clock.

Best large family car: Citroen Grand C4 Picasso

If you want a larger family car, an MPV remains hard to beat. These models are designed to be as practical and useful as possible, and are therefore ideal for family life. One of the best options is the second-generation Citroen Grand C4 Picasso, introduced in 2014.

Offering space for seven and a big boot, it’s clearly geared up for families with features such as rear sunblinds and even a rear-view mirror specifically designed for keeping an eye on the children in the back seats. Efficient diesel engines and prices starting from just £5,000 make it a great choice.

Best estate car: Volvo V90

Volvo is best known for its estate cars, and though the firm might have recently stopped production of these vehicles, there remain plenty of great used models available. Our pick is the V90 – Volvo’s largest estate – which offers a vast amount of interior space and is ideal for dog owners owing to its huge boot and easy access.

The V90 also offers a stunning interior filled with high-quality materials, while boasting fantastic levels of refinement and comfort. Used examples of this Volvo estate start from around £14,000.

Prices correct at time of publication [02/2024].