If you’ve saved £5,000 to spend on a car, don’t waste it on a deposit for a PCP finance deal on a new model; why not consider spending it on a cheaper used vehicle that you will own outright? You might be surprised how many good quality used cars are still available for that amount, despite a recent price increase.
For example, here are six great used cars you can get for the same price as that PCP deposit. All of them are highly recommended, useful, reliable and comfortable.
But not everything is good value, so I’ve included a slightly surprising used purchase that you can stay away from.
Best urban runaround
Hyundai i10 (2014-2020)
Compact on the outside, spacious on the inside and with an interior that’s far more stylish than a city car has any right to be: it’s no wonder we love the Hyundai i10. And its excellent reputation for reliability, smooth ride quality and decent handling only add to the reasons why you should choose it. If you’re looking for a small car, this is a strong competitor.
Price to pay: from £3,000
We found: 2014 i10 Premium, 68,000 miles, full service history, £4,999
Beware of: creaking gears, sticking handbrakes, defunct air conditioning
The best for families
Skoda Octavia (2004-2013)
This second-generation Octavia offers everything a Volkswagen Golf can do, as they are based on the same mechanicals – plus a little more. You get the same engine range – which combines powerful performance with impressive fuel economy – and the same combination of ride comfort and sharp handling. It’s almost as well made inside, with comfortable seats, but the Octavia’s trump card is the amount of space in the back seat and in the boot.
Price to pay: from £1,500
We found: 2010 Octavia 1.4 TSI Elegance, 48,500 miles, full service history, £4,990
Beware of: Unreliable DSG semi-automatic gearboxes, faulty climate control, ABS (anti-lock braking system) warning lights, water build-up in the doors
The best for dogs
Honda CR-V (2006-2012)
The incredibly usable CR-V combines an excellent reputation for reliability thanks to proven mechanicals with plenty of space and a cargo area big enough for any canine companion (not to mention a sliding rear seat so you can expand the space even further ). Plus, the all-wheel drive system will help you navigate muddy roads and rough parking lots if you decide to take your pampered pooch far off the beaten path.
Price to pay: from £3,500
We found: 2011 CR-V 2.2 i-DTEC ES, 79,000 miles, full service history, £4,850
Beware of: Air conditioning does not blow cold, empty batteries, condensation in the rear lights, peeling paint on the door handles
The best for fun in the sun
Mini convertible (2009-2015)
You probably assumed we’d be introducing the Mazda MX-5… That’s understandable because it’s hard to split them up, but the Mini goes the extra mile because for £5,000 you only asked for a, somewhat rusty copy of the least desirable MX-5. A Mini Convertible, on the other hand, is almost as attractive to drive, much more pleasant to sit in and has two extra seats. What’s not to like about it?
Price to pay: from £1,500
We found: 2011 1.6 Cooper, 77,400 miles, full service history, £4,990
Beware of: Electrical faults, rattling diesel flywheels, weak starter motors, blown stereo speakers
Best for low operating costs
Toyota Auris Hybrid (2010-2012)
For just £5,000 you don’t have to go out of your way to get value for money of over 60mpg and a tax rate of £0 per year in a car that runs on petrol (which is cheaper than diesel). Plenty of small hatchbacks will do that. But to get all that in a bigger car that can easily transport a family – and a car whose reliability is second to none? For that you’ll have to opt for the Auris Hybrid, which is rather dull to drive and a bit plasticky inside, but almost certainly offers the best value for space for any car this side of £5,000.
Price to pay: from £4,500
We found: 2011 Auris 1.8 VVT-h T Spirit, 95,532 miles, full service history, £4,995
Beware of: Water ingress into the trunk, jerky transmissions, problems with the hybrid system
The best with seven seats
Ford S-Max (2006-2014)
If you’re looking for a seven-seater at this price, don’t buy an SUV – there are plenty of MPVs (or passenger cars) on the market at bargain prices, as relatively few people want them. They can carry seven people much better than an SUV because the lower floors offer more interior space. The best of the bunch is probably the S-Max, which offers a great driving experience and seems good value for money, although you may have to wade through a few abused, neglected examples to find a good one.
Price to pay: from £2,000
We found: 2012 S-Max 2.0 TDCi Titanium, 138,522 miles, full service history, £4,995
Beware of: Patchy maintenance records, worn interiors, electrical problems, damp carpets, noisy power steering
The best for style
AudiTT (2006-2014)
Are you the kind of person looking for a champagne lifestyle with beer money? Then you’ll love the second-generation TT, which looks remarkably fresh and modern considering its age. So much so that those who are not aware of it will think it costs a lot more than it actually does. Rest assured, this will impress your friends at the pub. But it’s not just a pretty sight; Under the skin, this TT is much better to drive than its predecessor, with a courageous 2.0-liter turbo that has been borrowed from the Golf GTI.
Price to pay: from £2,500
We found: 2007 TT 2.0 TFSI, 65,000 miles, full service history, £4,995
Beware of: High oil consumption, rattling timing chains, bad electric windows, sagging seat bases, condensation in headlights, ticking or knocking noises from the engine
…and the £5,000 used car you should avoid
BMW 1 Series (2004-2011)
The premium badge may tempt you, but the first-generation 1 Series is a tough buy to buy as many of its engines are seriously flawed. That would be bad enough in itself, but even if you get a reliable example, the original 1 Series is cramped in the back, has a rough ride and a joylessly dark and dreary interior, with some cheap materials everywhere. It is best avoided.