Best used cars for £30k and under in 2024
Take a look at some of the best used cars for £30k and under that you can buy online
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Thirty-thousand sounds like a lot no matter how you’re measuring it. To put it into a weird perspective, it’s about the weight of an octopus in grams, or the price of a cracking used car.
A budget of £30,000 or less is very healthy for a used car, presenting you with many different options and body styles.
Sure, you could go out and buy a brand-new car, but then you risk dealing with depreciation, whereas if you buy a used car from us, it can be had for well under its original retail price.
Best used cars under £30k
Best luxury estate car under £30k - BMW 5 Series
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The BMW 5 Series can be had in either saloon or estate form, and thanks to its reliable German engineering, this car won’t let you down.
Every model is packed full of great onboard tech, with upgraded models coming with a large 12.3-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s also available with some cracking optional extras such as a sound system that will blow your socks off.
Engine choices for this used BMW include petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid options, with all of them offering effortless performance and comfort.
Best small SUV under £30k - Hyundai Kona
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As far as small SUVs go, the Hyundai Kona is one of the best. This used Hyundai isn’t too brash or out there, and instead is very understated, which helps you blend into the crowd – if that’s what you’re after.
It’s available with either a petrol or diesel engine, and you can also have hybrid and electric versions too.
What’s even better, however, is that you can comfortably get a used example for less than £30k.
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Most diverse car under £30k -Mercedes E-Class
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The E-Class is one of the most diverse cars in the Mercedes model range because it comes as either a convertible, saloon, or estate.
On top of that, it also comes in a variety of engine options including petrol, diesel, mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants with newer models.
But above all else, it’s a Mercedes, so it’s classy, comfortable and warrants respect because of its status.
Best luxury car under £30k -Audi A5
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If you want a luxurious car for your daily drive but don’t want any compromises, then we would recommend checking out the Audi A5, which is available as a hatchback, coupé or convertible.
There are lots of different engine options for this used Audi, but the 2.0-litre petrol unit is superb if you want a smooth drive and decent power.
There are also diesel options on offer if you tend to do longer motorway journeys.
The interior is superb too, offering a large cabin with incredible comfort and a solid infotainment system.
Best electric car under £30k -MG 5
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When it first arrived in the UK in 2020, the MG 5 was often overlooked as just another electric car – but it’s so much more than that.
Not only is it one of the cheapest EVs money can buy, it’s also one of the few all-electric estates on offer. Aside from the Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo, there’s very little else out there.
Being in its own niche, the MG 5 doesn’t have many direct rivals, but its closest competitors include the Ford Focus estate and Skoda Octavia estate – both of which aren’t powered by electricity unlike the more environmentally-conscious MG.
Fan favourite car under £30k - Volkswagen Golf
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We’re not the only fans of the Volkswagen Golf, because there are a staggering 35 million (and counting) models out there – so it’s safe to say they’re very popular.
It comes in more flavours than Ben and Jerry’s and suits almost anyone’s needs. From the basic Life trim level to the GTI and ‘R’ models, these are hugely impressive cars with great appeal.
With a budget of £30k, you will be able to buy almost any used VW Golf you could think of – making the options truly endless.
Best mid-sized SUV under £30k - Ford Kuga
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If the thought of owning a large SUV scares you, then you may be better off looking at a mid-sized one such as the Ford Kuga.
You can think of this as a Focus on stilts with a larger boot and roomier cabin.
There is a range of engines on offer including petrol, diesel and hybrid options, so there’s definitely something to suit your lifestyle.
Best hybrid SUV under £30k - Mitsubishi Outlander
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If you want seven seats, most options cost north of £80k and begin with ‘R’ and end in ‘ange Rover’. However, the Mitsubishi Outlander is a sneaky one that also comes with electric power from its plug-in hybrid option.
We should note that not all Outlander models come with seven seats, but like Land Rovers, it’s an option.
So, if you’re after a robust hybrid SUV then we can’t recommend the Outlander enough – plus, it sits well under the £30,000 mark.
What to look for when buying a used car under £30k
Buying a used car under £30k can be a big task - that's quite a lot of money to spend. Buying from a reputable source will mean that you'll have less to stress about, as choosing a private seller can be riskier.
All of our cars are thoroughly checked over before they're uploaded to our site and sold, so you know you're getting an MOT passable car in great condition.
You might also want to get an HPI check on a used car before you purchase if you're not sure about the vehicle's history or are purchasing from a private seller. These can spot things like outstanding car finance or if the car is stolen.
Other things to look out for when buying a used car include the Euro NCAP safety rating, the age of the car, and the mileage.