The price of second-hand cars has been unpredictable for the last few years, with the pandemic causing some to increase in value in a way that was beyond all expectations.
While there are bargains to be found in the market, they are fewer and further between than they once were. Add in the rise of car-buying websites that will take away your old vehicle without the hassle of advertising it and finding a great used deal is not as easy as it once was.
Going brand new is an ever-more-tempting alternative, therefore, and you are not necessarily going to end up with a pared-back version with no frills these days – even the most entry-level of cars have a good level of kit.
The other bonus is that you aren’t restricted to tiny cars that won’t even take half a week’s shopping in the boot and small passengers in the back. The options below offer a range of sizes. You aren’t necessarily limited to petrol power, either, although if you do want to go electric then you might need to be willing to go a little leftfield…
The cheapest route to four-wheel motoring – Citroen Ami
From £8,095
Why you should buy one:
- It’s the cheapest way into a four-wheeled vehicle
- It’s electric motoring for under £10,000
- It’s drier, safer and more practical than a scooter
- The Ami is tiny – it’ll squeeze through the smallest of urban gaps
Why you shouldn’t buy one:
- It’s not strictly speaking a car so there is barely any safety kit
- It’s slow and can’t go that far – the top speed is just 28mph and the maximum range is 46 miles at best
- There isn’t a boot to speak of
- That small size means bigger vans and buses can loom large
The cheapest proper car – Kia Picanto
From £13,665
Why you should buy one:
- It’s a modern rarity – a city car that is perfect for less experienced drivers or older buyers looking for something smaller and less intimidating
- There is a surprising amount of room inside, and there are five doors. Small doesn’t mean you don’t get any practicality
- It’s well put together, and Kia provides a strong warranty
Why you shouldn’t buy one:
- It’s still quite small – getting four adults in will be okay for shorter trips but not long ones on a regular basis
- The 1.0-litre turbo engine might be decent but the less powerful non-turbo engine is not as happy on a motorway run
- The automatic gearbox is not great
The one that will take a family – Dacia Sandero
From £13,795
Why you should buy one:
- Larger than lots of other cheap cars – bigger than a VW Polo
- The latest versions come well-equipped, making it good value for money
- Surprisingly good fun to drive
Why you shouldn’t buy one:
- It’s not the most refined car on the move
- The Euro NCAP crash score isn’t up to much
- No hybrid option in the range
The one with a great warranty – MG 3
From £13,820
Why you should buy one:
- It comes with a seven-year warranty – your used version may well still have cover
- Great space inside
- Five doors
Why you shouldn’t buy one:
- It’s noisy on the move
- The interior feels old-fashioned
- It’s not that great to drive
The one with the premium badge – Volkswagen Up
From £15,040
Why you should buy one:
- This is not a cheap take on a VW – you get the brand’s famed quality at a lower price
- The engines are all nippy and enjoyable
- It’s good fun to drive and feels grown up
Why you shouldn’t buy one:
- Other cars are more practical for less
- There are only seats for four passengers
- The crash test rating isn’t great these days
