Best used cars for less than £5,000

Whether you’re a new driver or looking for a cheap and reliable first car, or you fancy a second car that’s fun to drive, or a practical main family car that doesn’t break the bank, there’ll be a thing here for you. You’ll be surprised at how awesome some of these cars are, too.
(PS. Obviously this is a list about used cars, so plenty of factors will affect their price. But basically, you should be able to get any one of the following cars at a reasonable age and with not-outrageous mileage for £5,000 or less. And there’ll be a decent amount of choice.)

Jump to:

• ​Ford Fiesta 
• Dacia Sandero 
• Citroen C1/Toyota Aygo/Peugeot 108
• Honda Civic​
• Nissan Leaf
• BMW 1 Series
• ​Mazda MX-5
• ​Volkswagen Golf​
• Audi TT
• VW Up/Skoda Citigo/Seat Mii 
• Renault Grand Scenic

Ford Fiesta

For years the Ford Fiesta has been a UK best-seller, so there are plenty of used cars for sale to choose from. Whether you are after an efficient runabout, a first car or a sporty hot hatch there’s a fiesta for everyone. Most models are frugal to run and come with a small but punchy petrol engine which has enough power for day-to-day driving, click here to read our Editorial Director Erin Bakers experience with the Fiesta Vignale Edition.

​Click here to find your perfect Ford Fiesta for less than £5,000

Dacia Sandero

For £5,000 you’re surprisingly close to the price of a new one, the Sandero being one of the UK’s cheapest new cars, Dacia’s tiny all-electric Spring aside. A few grand will get you a good, low-mileage Sandero. It’s a bit ‘rough-and-ready’, but it’s spacious, well-built, and judging by the volume of high mileage examples available, very reliable.

Click here to find your perfect Dacia Sandero for less than £5,000

Citroen C1/Toyota Aygo/Peugeot 108

Honda Civic

The Honda Civic is a one of our family favourites for its affordability, space and driving experience. The Civic is now fully hybrid but older models come in a range of drivetrains which includes diesel and petrol too giving you plenty of choice. It’s cheap on fuel and due to Honda’s record of reliability, long term repairs and servicing costs are low.

​Click here to find your perfect Honda Civic for less than £5,000

Nissan Leaf

BMW 1 Series

Mazda MX-5

Volkswagen Golf

The Volkswagen Golf is the benchmark for mid-size hatchbacks with its great build-quality and practicality. It’s a good size for most daily needs, with plenty of room in the back and boot but still easy enough to park and drive in busy traffic. There’s a vast range of engines and trims to pick from so whether you are after a hot hatch GTI or a diesel for long motorway cruises, there’s a Golf for every occasion.

​Click here to find your perfect Volkswagen Golf for less than £5,000

Audi TT

VW Up/Skoda Citigo/Seat Mii

Renault Grand Scenic