The Best Used Small Cars You Can Buy Now

Diesel variants are also available, and for 2020 a fully electric model has joined the MINI family, rivaling the sportiest petrol models in straight-line speed while offering better refinement and lower running costs.

3. Hyundai i10 (MK3)

With prices for the current Hyundai i10 on the used car market falling below £8,000, this option should be on every city car buyer’s shopping list. It may not have the fun or personality of a MINI, but it offers impressive ride comfort and interior space given its compact 3.67-metre length.

4. Peugeot 208 (MK2)

The second generation Peugeot 208 will hit showrooms in 2020 in petrol, diesel and electric versions. A wide range of engines and trim levels means there’s plenty on offer on the used car market, with all five-door hatchbacks priced under £10,000. This gives you the smart design, engaging dynamics and generous equipment that deservedly made it into the 208th European Car of the Year for 2020.

5. Volkswagen up! (Mk1)

VW’s smallest car is one of the best; Volkswagen up! combines the grown-up feel of its larger stablemates with the sense of fun found in the base 1.0-litre petrol model through to the smile-inducing GTI. If you can charge at home, consider the electric e-Up!; Smoother and quieter than gasoline models, it can cost pennies to operate.

6. Toyota Yaris (MK3)

If you want a car that’s cheap to run and painless to operate, then the Toyota Yaris Mk3 is for you. It was launched in 2011 with three or five doors, and 1.0 and 1.3 liter petrol engines or a 1.4 diesel engine; The 1.5 hybrid appeared in 2013 with a CVT automatic transmission. With a user-friendly infotainment system, a spacious cabin and a large boot, the Yaris is a brilliant city runabout that can be purchased for under £3,000.

7. Ford Fiesta (MK7)

Ford pulled the plug on the Fiesta in 2023, ending more than four decades of new-vehicle sales success. However, the departure of the Blue Oval’s brainchild from showrooms does little to diminish its appeal as a used supermini star. Combining brilliant driving dynamics with family-friendly versatility and economical running costs, Ford is a true masterpiece.

8. Renault Zoe (MK1)

The pioneering Renault Zoe has been around for ten years now, and with its cutting-edge electric powertrain and modern looks, the radical Renault remains ahead of its time. Later examples are faster, more cost-effective and have nicer infotainment systems, but with early Zoe models now starting from around £7,000, few EVs can be as affordable.

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