The best used small cars to buy now

Diesel variants are also available, and in 2020 the MINI family expanded with a fully electric model, which has the straight-line speed needed to compete with the sportiest petrol models, while offering better refinement and lower running costs.

3.Hyundai i10 (Mk3)

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

4. Peugeot 208 (Mk2)

The second generation Peugeot 208 hits showrooms in 2020 in petrol, diesel and electric versions. With a wide range of engines and specification, there are plenty for sale on the used market – all five-door hatchbacks and priced under £10,000. This gives you the smart design, appealing dynamics and generous equipment that deservedly made the 208 European Car of the Year 2020.

5. Volkswagen up! (Mk1)

VW’s smallest car is one of its very best; the Volkswagen up! combines the grown-up feel of its larger stablemates with a sense of fun that’s present from the base 1.0-litre petrol model to the smile-inducing GTI. If you can charge from home, look out for the electric e-Up!; It’s smoother and quieter than petrol models and can cost just a few cents to run.

6. Toyota Yaris (Mk3)

If you’re looking for a car that’s cheap to run and easy to own, then the Toyota Yaris Mk3 is for you. It came onto the market in 2011 with three or five doors and 1.0 and 1.3 liter petrol engines or a 1.4 diesel; In 2013, a 1.5 hybrid with a CVT automatic transmission came onto the market. With easy-to-use infotainment, a spacious interior and a large boot, the Yaris is a brilliant city car and is available for under £3,000.

7. Ford Fiesta (Mk7)

Ford pulled the plug on the Fiesta in 2023, ending more than four decades of successful new car sales. However, the disappearance of the Blue Oval’s baby from showrooms does little to diminish its appeal as a second-hand supermini star. Combining outstanding driving dynamics with family-friendly versatility and low running costs, the Ford is a blast.

8. Renault Zoe (Mk1)

The groundbreaking Renault Zoe has been around for a decade, and with its cutting-edge electric powertrain and modern looks, the radical Renault still feels ahead of its time. The newer examples are faster, have longer range and have fancier infotainment, but with early Zoes now costing from around £7,000, few electric vehicles are as affordable.

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