The UK's best-selling used cars under £5k: Our expert picks the best low-cost motors, including Europe's best seller
It's possible to get a reliable family run around, city car or even SUV for less than £5k – but only if you know what you're buying.
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4
At this end of the market, cash is still king. A
One of the benefits of buying a car outright is that there's no interest and no monthly payments.
Paying with cash can give you a stronger position to attempt to negotiate a better deal. Sometimes, you can even drive away with the car on the day.
But what's the best used car to buy for under £5,000? In this article, the auto experts at
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READ MORE MOTORS NEWS
You'll also find some hints and tips to help you buy the perfect second-hand car and avoid being left with a pup.
Find Your Next Car by What You Can Actually Afford
Sun Motors has created the UK's First Finance-First Marketplace
*
Finance Powered by DSG Finance who are a Credit Broker Not A Lender. Representative 12.9%. Your rate may differ depending on individual circumstances
You can check in less than 60 seconds if you are eligible for financing, and then search for your dream used car within your monthly budget.
Here's how...
Soft credit check
, with no impact on your score
60-second decision
, get a real finance decision in less than a minute
Instant match
, only see cars that fit your real budget
AI-powered help
, get tailored advice, suggestions, and instant answers from an AI advisor called Theo
Find out what you can afford in just 60 seconds
Best used cars 2025: from low-cost convertibles to durable family saloons
Here, our experts have selected three of the best-value used cars in 2025.
Dacia Sandero
This 2014 Dacia Sandero is currently for sale at £4,296
The Dacia Sandero is
Advertisement
The Sandero is a small car designed and built by parent company Renault using tried and tested components.
Most read in Motors
Despite being one of the cheapest new cars on the market, the Sandero is more reliable than a comparatively priced Ford or Mazda, says
You can pick up a low-mileage Dacia Sandero for less than £5,000 on
SEAT Leon
This 2015 SEAT Leon cashes in at £4,495 on Sun Motors
Advertisement
The SEAT Leon is basically a VW Golf, only cheaper, with some models sharing the same chassis.
If you're looking for a sporty hatchback, the FR (Formula Racing) specification SEAT Leon is the equivalent of a Golf GTI – but at a much lower price.
Despite being built by the same company, SEAT is more reliable than a VW (although neither performs that well in this
Despite its sporty looks, automotive bloggers
Advertisement
You can pick up a
Mazda MX-5
This timeless chic model is available on Sun Motors for £3,499
The Mazda MX-5 remains today what it's always been: a stylish, sporty and affordable convertible car.
The MX-5 is still winning prizes, with the 2023 model named best value sportscar at the
Advertisement
Older models are just as reliable and fun, but as with any convertible, ensure you test the roof mechanism before buying, as it can be expensive to repair or replace.
It's not exactly cheap, but £10,000 will get you a
Buying a used car? Find cars for under £200 on Sun Motors
Best used cars of 2024
Here are the top five best used cars under five grand in 2024:
Advertisement
Toyota Auris Hybrid
Honda CR-V
Mini Convertible
Skoda Octavia
Audi TT
The best-used car deals of 2024 are a mixed bag, with small city cars like the Toyota Auris rubbing shoulders with family classics like the Skoda Octavia and sport favourite the Audi TT.
You'll notice that all these cars are established models, with cars like the Mini on sale since 2000 and the Audi TT since 1998. This matters because manufacturers will have ironed out any problems with the early models.
Old doesn't mean ugly. We reckon the Mini, Audi TT and Honda CR-V are all as stylish today as they were when they were launched.
OK, while the family favourite Skoda Octavia won't win any fashion awards, it won't look out of place at the supermarket or school gates.
Advertisement
Running costs, too, are an issue as prices at the pump continue to rise.
As well as impressive fuel economy, essentials like road tax, servicing and spares for popular cars like the Mini and Honda CR-V won't break the bank, either.
Mini Convertible
This Mini Convertible is currently on sale for £2,496
Advertisement
One excellent option for sunny days can be had from as little as £1,500 for versions from 2009-15.
Mini took one of the most iconic cars of all time, chopped its block off and somehow made it even better to drive.
Skoda Octavia
4
Skoda Octavia
Credit: Getty
Find a used car with Sun Motors
Advertisement
The Octavia is a real Swiss Army Knife of a motor, an ideal all-rounder, it combines a spacious interior with a "gutsy" engine and miserly fuel economy - making it an ideal family car.
It's also based on the same platform as the beloved VW Golf, while adding a little bit more room in the back seats and boot.
The model also matches the price of the Mini, with 2004-13 models starting at £1,500 even though it's a fair bit larger.
Audi TT
This Audi TT is a visual representation of the timelessness of the model - it is currently for sale for £3,750
Advertisement
Ideal for the kind of person who's after a champagne lifestyle on limited funds, with models from between 2006 and 2014 starting at £2,500 the TT offers a top-notch sports car package at a bargain rate.
The car, named for the
Toyota Auris Hybrid
4
Toyota Auris Hybrid
Credit: Alamy
Find a used car with Sun Motors
Advertisement
The main plus of the Auris is its phenomenally low running costs despite being a very decent size compared to most hatchbacks.
The
All the while, you pay zero
Models from between 2010 and 2012 are usually well within the budget, starting from £4,500.
Advertisement
Honda CR-V
4
Honda CR-V
Credit: Getty
Find a used car with Sun Motors
Honda is famed for the reliability of its SUVs in particular.
Building on the legacy of the legendary Land Cruiser, the CR-V provides a lot of space for very little cost as well as four-wheel drive.
Advertisement
The rear seats can even slide down to add extra boot space, making it a perfect choice for pet owners.
And with 2006-12 examples starting from as little as £3,500 it's a great
Benefits of buying a used car
Here are the five reasons why you could be better off buying a used car:
Lower price = better value:
When you buy a used car, you can push your pounds as far as you can, getting better value than buying a new car. You can find models with bigger engines, sporty trims and better specifications.
Cheaper insurance:
You'll typically pay less to insure a used car compared to a new one.
cheaper to insure. The exact premium you pay will depend on you, your location and details of any points on your license or previous accidents, but it should be lower.
Reliability:
Older cars that have been cared for can be as reliable as new ones. When buying, check out service history and
to understand how the car has been cared for.
Lower depreciation:
A new car will lose up to 40% of its value in the first year, warns the
Dealmaking potential:
New car dealers don't like to haggle anymore, but in the used car market there are still deals to be done. You're often in the strongest position if you're a cash buyer.
Benefits of buying a car outright vs financing
Here are some of the reasons why it can be better to buy a cheaper used vehicle outright than using finance to buy a new model:
Advertisement
Cash means control:
It's easy to get carried away with financing deals and end up spending more than you planned. When you buy a car with cash or cleared funds, you're less likely to blow the budget.
No monthly payments:
We can't predict the future, but if you've got a finance agreement, you make your monthly payments, whatever happens in your life. Buying a car outright can give you control and confidence in your personal finances.
Freedom to change:
When you own your car outright, you can sell it whenever you want. If you and your family need something bigger, smaller, faster or slower, you can sell your current car and buy a new one without any penalties or problems.
Some people worry they'll be left on their own if a vehicle develops a fault. Before you start
your search, learn some of the
.
The good news is that when you buy a used car you're covered by the
, which gives you some protection if the car develops a fault.
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Most read in Motors Despite being one of the cheapest new cars on the market, the Sandero is more reliable than a comparatively priced Ford or Mazda, says You can pick up a low-mileage Dacia Sandero for less than £5,000 on SEAT Leon This 2015 SEAT Leon cashes in at £4,495 on Sun Motors Advertisement The SEAT Leon is basically a VW Golf, only cheaper, with some models sharing the same chassis. If you're looking for a sporty hatchback, the FR (Formula Racing) specification SEAT Leon is the equivalent of a Golf GTI – but at a much lower price. Despite being built by the same company, SEAT is more reliable than a VW (although neither performs that well in this Despite its sporty looks, automotive bloggers Advertisement You can pick up a Mazda MX-5 This timeless chic model is available on Sun Motors for £3,499 The Mazda MX-5 remains today what it's always been: a stylish, sporty and affordable convertible car. 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We reckon the Mini, Audi TT and Honda CR-V are all as stylish today as they were when they were launched. OK, while the family favourite Skoda Octavia won't win any fashion awards, it won't look out of place at the supermarket or school gates. Advertisement Running costs, too, are an issue as prices at the pump continue to rise. As well as impressive fuel economy, essentials like road tax, servicing and spares for popular cars like the Mini and Honda CR-V won't break the bank, either. Mini Convertible This Mini Convertible is currently on sale for £2,496 Advertisement One excellent option for sunny days can be had from as little as £1,500 for versions from 2009-15. Mini took one of the most iconic cars of all time, chopped its block off and somehow made it even better to drive. Skoda Octavia 4 Skoda Octavia Credit: Getty Find a used car with Sun Motors Advertisement The Octavia is a real Swiss Army Knife of a motor, an ideal all-rounder, it combines a spacious interior with a "gutsy" engine and miserly fuel economy - making it an ideal family car. It's also based on the same platform as the beloved VW Golf, while adding a little bit more room in the back seats and boot. The model also matches the price of the Mini, with 2004-13 models starting at £1,500 even though it's a fair bit larger. Audi TT This Audi TT is a visual representation of the timelessness of the model - it is currently for sale for £3,750 Advertisement Ideal for the kind of person who's after a champagne lifestyle on limited funds, with models from between 2006 and 2014 starting at £2,500 the TT offers a top-notch sports car package at a bargain rate. The car, named for the Toyota Auris Hybrid 4 Toyota Auris Hybrid Credit: Alamy Find a used car with Sun Motors Advertisement The main plus of the Auris is its phenomenally low running costs despite being a very decent size compared to most hatchbacks. The All the while, you pay zero Models from between 2010 and 2012 are usually well within the budget, starting from £4,500. Advertisement Honda CR-V 4 Honda CR-V Credit: Getty Find a used car with Sun Motors Honda is famed for the reliability of its SUVs in particular. Building on the legacy of the legendary Land Cruiser, the CR-V provides a lot of space for very little cost as well as four-wheel drive. Advertisement The rear seats can even slide down to add extra boot space, making it a perfect choice for pet owners. And with 2006-12 examples starting from as little as £3,500 it's a great Benefits of buying a used car Here are the five reasons why you could be better off buying a used car: Lower price = better value: When you buy a used car, you can push your pounds as far as you can, getting better value than buying a new car. You can find models with bigger engines, sporty trims and better specifications. Cheaper insurance: You'll typically pay less to insure a used car compared to a new one. cheaper to insure. The exact premium you pay will depend on you, your location and details of any points on your license or previous accidents, but it should be lower. Reliability: Older cars that have been cared for can be as reliable as new ones. When buying, check out service history and to understand how the car has been cared for. Lower depreciation: A new car will lose up to 40% of its value in the first year, warns the Dealmaking potential: New car dealers don't like to haggle anymore, but in the used car market there are still deals to be done. You're often in the strongest position if you're a cash buyer. Benefits of buying a car outright vs financing Here are some of the reasons why it can be better to buy a cheaper used vehicle outright than using finance to buy a new model: Advertisement Cash means control: It's easy to get carried away with financing deals and end up spending more than you planned. When you buy a car with cash or cleared funds, you're less likely to blow the budget. No monthly payments: We can't predict the future, but if you've got a finance agreement, you make your monthly payments, whatever happens in your life. Buying a car outright can give you control and confidence in your personal finances. Freedom to change: When you own your car outright, you can sell it whenever you want. If you and your family need something bigger, smaller, faster or slower, you can sell your current car and buy a new one without any penalties or problems. Some people worry they'll be left on their own if a vehicle develops a fault. Before you start your search, learn some of the . The good news is that when you buy a used car you're covered by the , which gives you some protection if the car develops a fault.
