Revealed: the perfect car for every budget
How to find the best car to suit your lifestyle and your finances
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Buying a car is a hefty investment, so it's important you find the right vehicle for you.
Is it possible to buy a reliable vehicle without breaking the bank? Well, below we look at some of the best value cars for a variety of budgets.
How much are drivers willing to spend?
Here’s a breakdown of different price brackets selected by car buyers on cinch when performing a filtered search:
£10,000 to £14,999 – selected by 34% of buyers
£15,000 to £19,999 – 27%
£5,000 to £9,999 – 13%
£20,000 to £24,999 – 13%
£25,000 to £29,999 – 7%
£30,000 to £34,999 – 3%
£40,000 or more – 2%
£35,000 to £39,999 – 1%
(Data from Jan-Apr 2024 inclusive)
74% of all searches have been for used cars that cost less than £20,000, meaning that British motorists are keen on combining comfort and good value.
The right car for your wallet
No matter what your budget is, there are plenty of exciting options on the market.
If you’re looking for a reliable used car that can get you on the road in style, here are some valuable solutions to suit different financial needs.
Used cars under £10k
You don’t need a big budget to bag yourself a good-value motor. With £10,000 (or less) at your disposal, you can choose from a wide range of used crossovers and city cars.
Often at the top of young drivers’ wish lists, the Fiat 500 is a very affordable option.
With its Italian charm and sleek design, it’s a great car to manoeuvre around narrow roads and tight parking spaces.
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The used Volkswagen Polo is another good-looking vehicle that can cost you less than £10k.
It’s perfect for working professionals, with the added benefit that it can accommodate partners and children. In this respect, the Volkswagen up! is also worth a look.
Alternatively, you can steer towards an all-British Vauxhall Adam. With a funky style and great potential for interior personalisation, you can rock a cool car without splashing out a fortune.
Used cars under £20k
With this kind of budget, the used-car marketplace offers a wide range of attractive vehicles.
The Peugeot 5008, for example, can be found at just under £20,000, equipped with an automatic gearbox option and plenty of legroom for drivers and passengers alike.
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Likewise, with less than £20k, you’ll be able to get the keys to a family-friendly Skoda Octavia Estate.
Practical, comfortable and safe, this cost-saving model is perfect for road trips and everyday chores.
If you’re on the hunt for a car kitted-out with an infotainment system and smartphone connectivity such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, the Audi A3 is another superb, affordable pick.
Used cars under £30k
If you can spend up to £30,000, the used-car market is your oyster.
Often pitched between £20-£30k, you can find some great Hyundai Kona options. If you’re after a compact vehicle with a swoopy exterior and urban-explorer vibe, this South Korean crossover ticks all the boxes.
If you want a sharp-looking, high-tech vehicle that oozes sophistication while keeping your finances in check, the Mercedes E-Class certainly fits the bill.
It comes as a saloon, estate or convertible, and is one of the most versatile cars in the Mercedes range. You may even find some used models with a price tag no higher than £25,000.
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Want to play your part in saving the environment? The fully-electric MG 5 is one of the most affordable EVs available. You can plug it in and cruise silently around town for much less than £30,000.
Whether you’re on a tight budget or can afford a little extra, there’s always a car ready to hit the road.
Do your sums, check your savings and consider your lifestyle to determine which is the right car for you and your budget.