Seven best used cars you can pick up for under £5,000 including ‘sharp looker' Seat and ‘astonishing' Hyundai

The Sun

30-05-2025

THE best value second-hand cars you can buy for less than £5,000 have been revealed.
Seven cheap alternatives have been identified for bargain hunting Brits looking for luxury vehicles at a fraction of the price.
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The list contains a mix of four-wheelers for big families, dog owners and car enthusiasts with expensive taste.
Some of the popular vehicles can be found in a decent condition from as little as £1,000.
The budget cars boast a wide variety of practical features, such as four-wheel drive and turbo-boosted engines.
Volkswagen Up!
First up is the Volkswagen Up! which provides an ideal small car with plenty of space on the inside.
The city car has been praised for its slick style and high quality, providing a smooth ride for the driver.
As well as its low second-hand cost, the VW is an equally affordable vehicle to run with low fuel consumption and emissions.
Young drivers can also benefit from the cheaper insurance prices that come with the Up.
Prices start on selling-site Autotrader at around £1,500.
Seat Leon
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Despite being modelled on a Volkswagen Golf, the cheaper Seat Leon provides a sharper look and better value for money.
It is part of the VW group and shares plenty under the bonnet with the German manufacturer.
Even the smaller 1.2-litre petrol engine is capable enough for most journeys, and the handling is more engaging than many rivals.
The most common problems reported involve the DSG automatic gearboxes, minor satnav faults, and some condensation in the rear lights.
Mazda MX-5
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Those wanting a car that's more about enjoyment might consider the Mazda MX-5, particularly the third generation model built between 2005 and 2015.
This version is slightly heavier and more refined than earlier MX-5s, making it more usable on a daily basis while still offering the same fun handling and simple, rear-wheel-drive setup the car is known for.
At under £5,000, you're mostly looking at earlier examples, but the engines tend to be reliable with proper servicing.
Owners should keep an eye on rusty sills and body panels, sticky brake callipers, and hard-top models with roof mechanism issues.
Hyundai i30 BlueDrive
If saving money on fuel and tax is your top priority, the Hyundai i30 BlueDrive is a practical choice.
Built between 2012 and 2017, this diesel hatchback was designed during a time when low emissions and economy were major selling points.
It officially returns up to 78.4 miles per gallon and, in many versions, qualifies for zero road tax.
It's also chain-driven, meaning you won't need to worry about replacing a cambelt.
Most faults reported are minor, such as scuffed interiors, and the engines themselves have a good reputation for dependability.
Honda CR-V
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For dog owners, the Honda CR-V built from 2006 to 2012 is worth a look.
This mid-size SUV had a large, flat boot and a sliding rear seat that allows for even more space when needed.
It's also known for its mechanical reliability and general durability.
Four-wheel-drive versions are better suited to rural areas and country walks, especially in poor weather.
Some used examples suffer from weak air conditioning, batter drain issues and fading interior trim, but overall, it's a strong all-rounder.
Ford S-Max
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If you need seven seats, the Ford S-Max offers better practicality than many SUVs in the same price range.
Built between 2006 and 2014, it's an MPV that avoids the usual dull driving experience thanks to its car-like handling.
There's plenty of space inside, and the rear seats can be folded flat when not in use.
Older examples can be found for as little as £1,000, though well-kept ones with a full history hover around £5,000.
Common faults include electrical issues, damp carpets, and noisy power steering.
Audi TT
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For those who want a more stylish option, the second-generation Audi TT from 2006 to 2014 still looks modern and drives well.
It shares its engine with the Golf GTI, giving it decent performance and a solid driving feel.
Inside, the cabin is smartly finished and doesn't feel dated.
These cars can be had for under £5,000, though buyers should watch for high oil consumption, noisy timing chains, and electrical niggles like dodgy window mechanisms or condensation in the lights.
Not every used car in this price range is a smart buy, though.
One model to avoid is the first-generation BMW 1 Series, sold between 2004 and 2011.
While the badge may attract some buyers, these cars are often cramped in the back, hard-riding and plagued by mechanical issues in many versions.
Even well-maintained examples can feel tired, and the dark interiors make them less pleasant to spend time in compared to rivals.