Cars under £7,000 in 2024
Take a look at some of the best used cars for less than £7,000 for sale in 2024
Picking a car on a budget can feel restrictive, but there are plenty of used cars under £7,000 that will tick the right boxes.
Buying a preowned car is a great way to secure a discount on a model that might have been outside of your price range if purchased brand-new. It can also mean you can grab extra features or a higher-spec trim at a lower price.
If you’re looking to save money and want to find the best-used cars under £7,000, take a look at our top picks.
The best cars under £7,000
Best small car under £7,000
Fiat 500
A used Fiat 500 is a perfect pick if you’re looking for the best small car under £7,000 that is still on-trend.
In fact, the quirky 500 has been an icon for so long that we doubt it ever will go out of style.
The cutesy styling makes it a car that you’ll love to be seen in, and there are plenty of colourways that make for great personalisation.
The interior is modern and sleek, but it is a small car, so it might not be the best option if you regularly have adult passengers in the rear.
The 500 is also cheap to run – some models are free to tax, and the mild-hybrid engine can achieve up to 60mpg, according to the official WLTP stats.
Read our Fiat 500 review
Vauxhall Corsa
Another classic on UK roads, a used Vauxhall Corsa is a great option if you’re considering used cars under £7,000.
The Corsa is an instantly recognisable car that’s nimble, comfortable to drive, and has a reputation for being something fun to get behind the wheel of.
There are plenty of spicier engines in the Corsa range if you want extra power, but the 75hp base model is the best on fuel.
You can expect to achieve up to 53.3mpg, and road tax is typically low across the range as well.
Read our Vauxhall Corsa review
Renault Twingo
Often overlooked, a used Renault Twingo is just as cute and comfortable as the Fiat 500 but can often be found at a lower price point.
Every bit the classic city car, the Twingo is easy to drive and comfortable for both driver and passengers. Its rear-situated engine creates more space in the interior, meaning you could even use it as a small family car.
Personalisation options when buying brand-new are plentiful, so there’s the opportunity to find some quirky models on the used market.
Plus, road tax can be as low as £20 a year, and you can expect to get up to 67.3mpg depending on the model you choose.
Read our Renault Twingo review
Fuel-efficient cars under £7,000
Toyota Aygo
If you’re after a car that’s fuel-efficient as well as being one of the best cars for less than £7,000, a used Toyota Aygo could be a good match.
You can achieve up to 57.6mpg on the WLTP cycle, with the manual gearbox being the most efficient pick. Plus, road tax can be free in certain models.
The low running costs are a real positive for the little Aygo, but you’ll also enjoy the quirky styling, sleek interior and comfortable drive.
It’s an ideal cheap first car that still keeps its charm after you gain confidence on the road, but it's also a great low-cost city cruiser.
Citroen C1
A used Citroen C1 is one of the best fuel-efficient cars under £7,000, rivalling options like the SEAT Mii and Skoda Citigo. It’s budget-friendly to buy and not pricey to run, making it an ideal daily driver.
The C1 shares many parts with the Aygo, so you know you’re getting a reliable model. It’s also a dream on fuel, achieving up to 65.7mpg under the old testing system. Real-world driving will mean this figure differs, but it’s still a very frugal model.
If you’re after something low-key and easy to live with, the C1 is a comfortable choice. It’s easy to drive and perfect for nipping around tight urban areas.
Ford Fiesta
An iconic car on UK roads and one of the best cars under £7,000, a used Ford Fiesta is hard to beat. It’s a real box ticker that’s ideal for families, solo motorists, and anyone trying to stick to a budget.
Capable of up to 65.7mpg from the diesel model, the Fiesta is also frugal on fuel. There are also the EcoBoost Hybrid models if you’re interested in testing out electric assistance.
The petrol model is also fuel efficient, even without that hybrid tech. You can expect up to 57.6mpg, depending on real-world driving conditions.
Most reliable cars under £7,000
Suzuki Celerio
The used Suzuki Celerio is one of the cheapest cars on this list, but it has plenty of impressive selling points and benefits from that reliable Suzuki reputation.
Despite its compact appearance, the Celerio is surprisingly spacious and comfortable on the roads. Its small size means that it doesn’t guzzle fuel either, offering up to 65.7mpg.
The Celerio is held in high regard for reliability, topping many surveys that it’s featured in. It’s often pushed aside in favour of newer city car picks, but the Celerio is hard-wearing and built with Suzuki’s well-known attention to detail.
Peugeot 208
For something slightly bigger than the classic frugal city car, a used Peugeot 208 is another great contender for a used car under £7,000. It’s a comfortable pick with a 311-litre boot – on par with the Ford Fiesta.
With Peugeot’s reputation for reliability and quality, the 208 is a safe pick. A glance at driver surveys and reviews shows that buyers are impressed with the model and find the overall drive quality impressive.
The 208 received a four-star Euro NCAP review in 2019, scoring 91% for adult occupants and 86% for children.
Dacia Sandero
Another roomier pick for the best cars under £7,000, the Dacia Sandero is ideal for families or solo motorists who have outgrown the standard city car.
It’s still a compact pick, but the 328-litre boot and spacious interior are larger than many other models in the same market. The Dacia also claims up to 53.3mpg, so you won't be chugging through fuel.
Reliability surveys and reviews have the Sandero scoring high for reliability, and it’s won several awards. It’s solidly built, high-quality, and hard-wearing for daily use.