Best used cars 2024
Finding your dream next car can be tricky. There's so many options and models to consider. Here's a list of the best used cars you need to consider next
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Choosing your next car can be a daunting and often stressful experience.
With the wide range of vehicles available on the used market, it can be hard to know where to begin.
But don’t worry – we’ve made things simpler by compiling a list of 10 of the best used cars you can buy right now.
We’ve added choices for all budgets, specs and engine options, so there should be something for everyone.
BMW 3 Series
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Whether you’re after a plush interior, great looks or peppy engines, the BMW 3 Series has it all.
Available as either a saloon or estate, the 3 Series is great for all lifestyles, with the latter meaning you can bring the dog along on your next road trip.
As with all used BMW models, the 3 Series is available with some impressive engine options that include petrol, diesel, hybrid and a plug-in hybrid that offers up to 36 miles of electric-only driving – ideal for city life.
This mid-range BMW is also very reliable thanks to its tried-and-tested engines and the solid German build quality that can be found across other models such as the 5 Series and smaller 2 Series.
Volkswagen Golf
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In the same way fish and chips is the favourite meal of the British people, the Volkswagen Golf is the car of the people and has been for decades now.
There are many reasons why this particular used Volkswagen is so popular, but one of them is how practical it is.
Available as either a hatchback or larger estate, you’re never going to be short of space, making it an excellent family car.
Engines include a petrol, diesel, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and even an all-electric variant called the e-Golf that gives you up to 186 miles of range on a single charge.
They’re reliable cars too, with high-quality materials being used throughout and many tried-and-tested parts.
Range Rover Evoque
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The popularity of SUVs shows no sign of slowing down, which is why we’ve chosen the Range Rover Evoque to sit on this list.
It’s one of the most luxurious small SUVs out there that’s good to drive, incredibly comfortable and offers attractive pricing on the used car market.
This used Range Rover can be had with either a petrol, diesel or plug-in hybrid power unit that offers up to 39 miles of electric range.
It’s also incredibly practical, as all SUVs are, thanks to its 472-litre boot that grows to 1,156 litres when the rear seats are folded flat.
Mercedes C-Class
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Sticking with the luxury trend, the used Mercedes C-Class oozes opulence to the highest degree across all trim levels.
It can be had as either a saloon, estate, convertible or even coupé, meaning there’s a body style for everyone.
There are plenty of different model variants, with the most popular being the hybrid and estate (or both together) because these two are incredibly versatile and have long-lasting hybrid ranges.
Because the Mercedes family is so large, there shouldn’t be any reliability concerns either – this can also be backed up by its build quality.
Ford Fiesta
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Now that Ford has officially discontinued the Fiesta hatchback, it gives the world a chance to look back on what a splendid car it was.
Not only did it do everything well, but it also offered a nippy driving experience that was perfect for the UK’s narrow roads.
Used Ford examples offer a strong value for money because you’re getting the best of the brand, a small hatchback with a surprising level of practicality, and a fuel-efficient engine that’s great for both around town and those longer motorway journeys.
Nissan Qashqai
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Buying a used Nissan Qashqai is one of the best ways to enter SUV ownership because you get so much for your money.
It’s got a well-designed interior with comfortable seats, lots of tech and a large boot to store prams and shopping bags.
This large used Nissan also has plenty of poke from either a petrol, mild hybrid or diesel engine.
If you’re in need of a reliable and well-built family car, there are very few others that come close to this one.
Tesla Model 3
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It would have been near impossible to make this list and not include at least one electric car, and the one we’ve chosen is one of the best.
The Tesla Model 3 is the smallest car Tesla makes, but it’s far from being the least impressive.
With a range of up to 374 miles, you’re not going to get caught out with a flat battery, and a maximum power output of 527hp means you’ve got plenty of performance, making it the ultimate daily driver.
Electric cars may be expensive to buy new, but the beauty of the second-hand car market is the drop in price when you’re still getting a nearly-new car. It’s a no-brainer.
BMW 1 Series
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If you’re after a sporty hatchback that’s fun to drive yet sophisticated enough to take your parents to Sunday lunch in, then a used BMW 1 Series is a great call.
Inside and out, this BMW screams class, offering solid build quality, advanced levels of tech and some impressive engines.
If it’s performance you’re after, then the 128ti or M135i models are the ones to go for. The smaller-engined ones are perfectly punchy and efficient, however.
Opt for the diesel and you can drive that little bit further between fuel stations.
Kia Sportage
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Many supermarkets have a ‘basic’ version of a ‘premium’ product that they sell at a cheaper price, but everyone knows deep-down that it’s just the same product in different packaging.
Well, the Sportage is precisely that – a cut-price Range Rover that can do it all.
From its handsome looks to its very well-equipped interior with ISOFIX child seat points, this Kia SUV is the best family SUV that can seat up to five people comfortably.
This used Kia is also available with a petrol, diesel or hybrid, so there’s something for everyone.
Audi A3
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The Audi A3 can be had as either a hatchback or saloon, making it incredibly versatile and perfect for single pringles, couples and small families.
Engine options include petrol, diesel and a newer plug-in hybrid that offers up to 41 miles of all-electric range, which is ideal for city driving.
There’s plenty of boot space too, with the used Audi A3 offering between 380 litres and 435 litres depending on the model you choose.