Best used car deals 2022
Check out the best used car deals: save thousands on city cars, SUVs and sports cars, with great value finance and low monthly payments
If you’re looking for the best car deals available, then shopping for a used car is the only way to maximise value for money. Most used cars are much, much cheaper than brand new ones, whether it's a pre-registered car with barely 10 miles on the clock or a well-loved family car that's carried children to and from school and facilitated numerous summer trips to Cornwall.
Used cars aren't just cheap because they're old, though. The best used car deals around will offer great quality cars that have been well looked after at a fraction of their original cost. A large seven-seat Volvo XC90 that cost more than £50,000 new could be yours for less than £30,000, you could be driving a Mercedes C-Class for under £15,000, while you could spend less than £10,000 on a Volkswagen Golf. The choice is yours, but there are great savings to be found, no matter what type of car you go for.
In many cases, especially when you're looking at pre-registered car deals, the best car deals will also come with plenty of manufacturer warranty remaining. New car warranties typically last for between three and seven years, and there are plenty of used cars available that are still covered. More often than not, you won't even be able to tell the difference between a new car and used equivalent. The technology will be the same, it will look the same on the outside, and aside from a few extra miles on its service history, a well-looked-after used car will be everything a new car can offer, at a much lower price.
You can make a used car even more affordable by opting for a finance deal, too. Used car finance works in the same way as it would with a new car, except the value of the car is much lower, meaning monthly payments can often be substantially smaller too.
Read on to find out more about some of the best car deals currently available on BuyaCar. All of these cars are available to buy with cash or with low-rate finance offers. Be aware that finance deals generally include a deposit contribution discount, which is not available to those buying with cash.
1. Fiat 500
Our pick Fiat 500 0.9 TwinAir Lounge
Used deals from £4,495
In 2014, the Fiat 500 was one of the 10 bestselling cars in Britain, with more than 44,000 sold in that year alone. You’ll now find some five- or six-year-old cars available for less than £5,000 on BuyaCar, retaining all of the retro chic with which they rolled out of the factory.
Representative finance quotes typically start at less than £100 per month for entry-level Pop cars, and you can upgrade to a plusher Lounge model, which includes Bluetooth connectivity for your smartphone, for as little as £10 to £15 per month.
If you're looking at the higher end of the budget, the latest 1.0-litre mild hybrid engine is a great balance of performance and economy, though you'll likely to restricted to Pop models unless you're willing to overlook the cost a little and upgrade to Dolcevita. In our opinion, opting for a higher trim level is more rewarding than going for a newer car, because entry-level models can be a little sparse.
2. Renault Twingo
Our pick Renault Twingo 0.9 TCe Iconic
Used deals from £4,960
The Renault Twingo is a zippy city car with a small petrol engine - mounted at the back of the car - which provides reasonable fuel economy and nippy acceleration at slower speeds. Sticking the engine under the boot floor also means Renault was able to give the Twingo an incredibly tight turning circle.
It's not super spacious, but adults will fit in the back without too much fuss and the car does have rear doors, so getting in is reasonable easy, too. One reason for the low prices is likely to be a lack of demand compared with some models.
New car buyers have tended to prefer other city car rivals, such as the Volkswagen Up or Citroen C1, and this version of the Twingo is no longer sold brand new. Fear not, though, as that's excellent news if you're looking for an affordable used model.
3. Volkswagen Up
Our pick Volkswagen Up 1.0 Beats
Used deals Limited stock
Cheap, reliable and surprisingly spacious, the VW Up is one of the city cars by which all others are judged. There are plenty of four-year-old, low-mileage examples for less than £5,000 on BuyaCar, with monthly payments regularly available from between £100 and £150 per month.
Three-door versions are the cheapest - and most common option in this price bracket - in entry-level Take Up specification, which is cheap to insure. Most drivers, however, will be better off with the better-equipped Move Up model, which includes air-conditioning, electric front windows and remote central locking, which weren't standard on the cheaper version.
Volkswagen has a long history of making Beats editions of its cars, including the Up and Polo, and they're a good blend of equipment and affordability. Depending on the age you go for, expect things like ambient lighting, tinted windows, and an upgraded sound system.
4. Volkswagen Golf
Our pick Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI Match
Used deals from £7,234
There are plenty of used VW Golf models with reasonable mileages and with good specifications for less than £10,000 on BuyaCar. If that’s your budget then congratulations: you can afford an excellent car. If you want a comfy, pleasant-to-drive, and high-quality machine, then you can stop looking and get a Golf; it's a very impressive machine.
The news gets better still, as VW has relatively recently launched a new version of the Golf. That means that this older model has started to fall in price, meaning you can get a better car for your budget than in the recent past.
Around £10,000 is enough to get you a reasonably powerful diesel-engined Golf in Match trim, which comes with a touchscreen media system, an electronic parking brake, adaptive cruise control and autonomous emergency braking.
5. Nissan Qashqai
Our pick Nissan Qashqai 1.2 DiG-T Acenta
Used deals from £6,482
This version of the Nissan Qashqai went on sale in 2014, and early models in mid-range Acenta trim are now available for well under £10,000 on BuyaCar. The Qashqai remains one of Britain’s most popular cars, thanks to its comfort, practicality and build quality.
It might look tall and chunky - providing a tough SUV-style for those who want something that looks like a 4x4 - but from behind the wheel, its light steering and reasonably good visibility make it as easy to drive as a Ford Focus.
A new version of this crossover is now on sale, but there are no dramatic changes, so you shouldn’t feel short-changed by not having the very latest model. There are roomier rivals (particularly when it comes to boot space), such as the Seat Ateca and Peugeot 3008, and we’d avoid versions with the noisy automatic gearbox, but otherwise, the Qashqai is a solid choice.
6. BMW 1 Series
Our pick BMW 118d M Sport
Used deals from £6,899
Good news for those on a budget is that this model looks much sleeker and less controversial than the new model, so you shouldn't be pining after the new version. Even so, the latest version remains popular which has helped to push down the prices of the previous generation.
Furthermore, it doesn't take much more than £9,000 to find an updated 2015 version of the car. The 1 Series feels just as well-engineered as the rest of the BMW range, with a reasonably comfortable ride, sharp and responsive steering, and a well-built interior.
M Sport has long been a popular trim level for BMW cars, so finding one of these won't be hard. We think the 2.0-litre 118d model is quick enough for most people, but should be able to get 50mpg on a long trip. If you're after a petrol model, the 1.5-litre 118i should be a good choice,
7. Mini Hatchback
Our pick Mini Cooper
Used deals Limited stock
If you rarely use your car’s rear seats and are looking for a motor that will put a smile on your face, then a Mini Cooper should be near the top of your list, especially as this generation of the car is now available for much less than £10,000 on BuyaCar.
While it's no supersized people carrier, so space for carrying lots of passengers is lacking, the Mini's small size makes it very engaging to drive, living up to its billing as offering a 'go kart' feeling from behind the wheel.
The zippy engine and quick steering give the Mini an energy that eludes many rivals, while the classic design and heavily-styled interior are a world away from the generic looks of many other small cars.
8. Hyundai ix35
Our pick Hyundai ix35 1.7 CRDi SE
Used deals Limited stock
With an enormous boot and plenty of standard equipment, the Hyundai ix35 is a bargain for less than £10,000. Finance payments on some models sneak underneath the £150 per month bar too.
Opt for an ix35 and you'll benefit from a large 591-litre boot, which is 160 litres bigger than you'll find in a Nissan Qashqai. The ix35 was discontinued in 2015 and replaced by the Hyundai Tucson, so it doesn't feature the very latest technology, but it isn't outdated and offers strong value.
Entry-level S cars have air-conditioning, alloy wheels and a USB connection for your phone. It's worth paying a little extra for an SE car, though, as these include Bluetooth for connecting your phone wirelessly, cruise control, rear parking sensors and heated seats in the front and rear. SE Nav cars add sat-nav and a reversing camera on top of this.
1. Mercedes C-Class
Our pick Mercedes C220d AMG Line
Used deals Limited stock
Less than £15,000 - or around £200 per month, will get you a Mercedes C-Class in excellent condition, with reasonably low mileage. This includes 2015 cars in Sport trim, which feature sat-nav, bright LED headlights and 17-inch alloy wheels.
The diesel engine in the popular C220d model isn't the quietest under acceleration but soon purrs along as you pick up the pace. It also offers strong fuel economy for a car of this size, so you shouldn't have to worry about filling up often.
Automatic cars are much more desirable, thanks to their smooth gear changes, while AMG Line trim makes the car look sportier with larger alloy wheels. Due to their desirability, automatic AMG Line models may cost a little more to purchase for cash buyers, but could cost less per month for those taking PCP finance.
That's because their desirability as used car purchases means they're likely to be worth more than alternatives when you hand them back at the end of the contract. That's a bonus for cash buyers, too, as you'll get more back when you come to sell, making automatic AMG Line versions a wise choice.
2. Kia Sportage
Our pick Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi GT-Line
Used deals Limited stock
Kia’s seven-year warranty and reputation for practical design have always made the brand a sensible choice, but the current Sportage adds extra appeal, with an original design and steering that’s responsive and accurate, for smooth driving. It also offers a large boot and good rear legroom and best of all that warranty is transferable to those who get one as a used car.
This generation of the Sportage was launched in 2016 and early models offer fantastic value. If you need towing or off-road ability, the 2.0-litre diesel engine will probably be most appropriate as the 1.7-litre diesel can feel a little underpowered. We think the turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine is a good bet for drivers who spend most of their time around town, though.
Even entry-level ‘1’ models include alloy wheels, air-conditioning, all-round electric windows and Bluetooth for connecting your phone wirelessly. Sat-nav and parking sensors come as standard on grade '2' and above, but if you want a more striking car, avoid the number-based trim levels in favour of one of the GT-Line iterations.
3. Mazda CX-5
Our pick Mazda CX-5 2.2d Sport Nav
Used deals from £8,360
It might have been replaced by a new model several years back, but the previous-generation Mazda CX-5 remains an excellent family car, a great example of a high-riding crossover that combines the ease of driving of a traditional hatchback with the higher driving position of an off-road car.
It’s comfortable over bumps, but remains agile in corners, giving the driver confidence that it’ll go where it’s pointed. There’s plenty of space in the back and boot (compared with other family car rivals), and it’s well-equipped too, with alloy wheels, a media system with Bluetooth and climate control on all cars.
But perhaps the biggest benefit is that all diesel CX-5 models comply with the latest Euro 6 emissions regulations, which means that they won't be affected by future inner-city clean air zones, including London's Ultra Low Emission Zone.
4. Skoda Superb
Our pick Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI SE Technology
Used deals from £9,394
If your current family hatchback feels cramped, don't feel like you have to look at an estate car or a tall and chunky crossover if you need more space. You could just cast your eye over to the Skoda Superb, which might well offer all of the extra room you need. In terms of interior space, the Superb is bigger than practically all of its rivals when it comes to space in the back seats and in the boot - 625 litres is about as much as you can get from a hatchback, or indeed many estate cars.
Considering that superior practicality, the Superb remains a very affordable car, and while it might not offer the kind of performance to match a BMW 5 Series or a Jaguar XF, the Superb is ideal for drivers who need the extra space, but don't want to be driving around in an SUV.
For a good balance of affordability and interior tech, SE Technology models are a good choice, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay coming as standard on the eight-inch touchscreen media system, along with sat-nav, dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensors and heated seats.
1. Range Rover Evoque
Our pick Range Rover Evoque 2.0 TD4 SE Tech automatic
Used deals from £9,495
Range Rover Evoque prices continue to fall, following the launch of a new model, making popular versions of this in-demand car affordable for those with around £20,000 or £250 per month to spend. That now gets you an entry-level (but still luxurious) version.
Avoid the earlier 2.2-litre diesel models in favour of the newer 2.0-litre engine, which is available in two-wheel drive (eD4) and four-wheel drive (TD4). Yes, there is a new model available, but since it looks so similar, most people won't notice that you're not driving a brand-new model.
SE Tech versions get xenon headlights, a heated windscreen, and cruise control. We like the automatic gearbox's shifter, which takes the form of a pop-up rotary knob that looks very slick. Given that most models sold were white, black, or grey, finding a distinct colour may help you from blending into the background.
2. BMW 5 Series Touring
Our pick BMW 520d Touring M Sport automatic
Used deals from £11,999
The BMW 5 Series Touring is one of the best estate cars on the market. A budget of £25,000 will be enough to afford the 2017 model, which features plenty of modern technology, a stylish exterior, and is one of the best estate cars to drive on the market.
Front and centre inside the 5 Series is the iDrive media system which consists of a 10.3-inch touchscreen display and a rotary controller next the gearstick. It's clear and easy to use, and doesn't require you to spend a great deal of time looking away from the road to find your way around all the settings. Features here include sat-nav, Apple CarPlay and access to Microsoft Office (if you have an account) for emails and your calendar.
Seeing as this is an estate car, boot space is a useful 570 litres, expanding to 1,700 litres with the rear seats folded, which is more than enough for pushchairs, extravagant shopping sprees or trips to the golf course.
3. Mercedes SLC
Typical Example Mercedes SLC 200 AMG Line
Used deals from £13,895
Stylish roof-down motoring can be yours this summer, as prices of three- and four-year-old Mercedes SLC models dip below £25,000 on BuyaCar. Many of these cars have covered fairly low mileages and all have hard folding tops, which makes the model more secure when parked and cosier when it gets cold.
As a result, it doesn't matter whether you're shopping in summer or winter - or even whether the summer is looking like it's going to be cool and rainy - the SLC is a great all-year-round convertible.
Look for cars with optional Airscarf heating, which are fitted with vents in the head restraints, that’ll blow warm air over your neck when you have the roof down on cooler days. Avoid the SLC 180 models for the more powerful SLC 200, or, if you can afford it, the SLC 300. The diesel models are best avoided, too, as the engine sound doesn't suit the character of the car with the roof down.
4. Volkswagen Golf
Typical example Volkswagen Golf 1.5 eTSI Style DSG
Used deals from £7,234
If you're one of those people who likes to have the latest things, the new Volkswagen Golf launched in 2020 and replaced the previous version we listed earlier. Of course, this newer model is more expensive, but it comes with a host of new features and cutting-edge tech.
While the styling is fresh, the new Golf is still unmistakably a Golf, and the practical shape and family-friendly design have ensured this new version remains as popular as the old one.
There's a range of new engines to choose from, and the 1.5 TSI petrol engine producing 150hp strikes a fine balance between performance and efficiency. We've picked the eTSI version which uses mild hybrid tech for a slight improvement in daily mpg figures, and an automatic gearbox for easy driving. Life trim is the entry level, but even this comes with plenty of kit including adaptive cruise control, so stepping up to Style should provide enough kit for most families.
5. Alfa Romeo Giulia
Typical example Alfa Romeo Giulia 2.0 TB 280 Veloce
Used deals from £13,880
Alfa Romeo’s sporty family saloon car is available with decent savings as a nearly new car. Avoid the temptation of the high-performance Quadrifoglio model (and its high used price tags), and you’ll find diesel-powered versions of the stylish and fun-to-drive Giulia starting from well under £25,000 on BuyaCar.
We've picked the Veloce trim, which comes with a 280hp 2.0-litre petrol engine. It's exceptionally quick, managing 0-62mph in a hot hatch-rivalling 5.7 seconds, but that makes it fairly pricey to tax and it's not the cheapest to run, either. Many of Alfa Romeo's 2.0-litre petrol engines will hover around 30mpg because they're geared more towards performance, so you'll have to pick a 2.2-litre diesel engine if you cover long distances and want to exceed 40mpg.
6. Audi A6 Allroad
Our pick Audi A6 Allroad 3.0 TDI V6 S tronic
Used deals from £16,500
Audi’s most understated luxury car isn’t as well known as its small hatchbacks or large SUVs, but many owners consider it the best car in the range. It’s based on the standard A6 Avant estate, but has been raised up, fitted with four-wheel drive and clad in extra protection underneath.
This gives it as much off-road ability as most owners will ever need - with the raised ground clearance helping it to negotiate bumpy tracks without fuss and the four-wheel drive offering good all-weather grip - while the leather interior feels suitably upmarket. This is a genuinely luxurious car for an affordable price.
1. Audi Q3 Sportback
Our pick Audi Q3 Sportback 35 TFSI S line S tronic
Used deals from £8,725
Prices for the latest Audi Q3 have slowly begun to drop on the used car market, and now you can get yourself one for barely more than £25,000. The Q3 is more expensive than its most direct rivals - the likes of the BMW X1, Volvo XC40 and Jaguar E-Pace - but it is also much bigger, which might well appeal to drivers who need the extra space but can't afford the step up to the even more expensive Q5.
In terms of boot space, the Q3 is also bigger than its rivals, the 530-litre space expands to 675 litres thanks to a clever sliding rear bench, while folding the seats down completely open up 1,525 litres of space.
Interior tech includes digital dials behind the steering wheel alongside a second 10-inch media display for your air-conditioning controls and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Despite using confusing names, the 35 TFSI engine is the same 150hp 1.5-litre petrol engine found in the Golf above.
2. Volvo XC90
Our pick Volvo XC90 D5 Inscription
Used deals from £14,995
Now that Volvo's large seven-seat XC90 has been on sale for a number of years, it is falling into the range of buyers with a budget of around £30,000 or £400 per month. Although the car has been updated more recently, the changes are so minor that few drivers will spot the differences between an early 2015 model and a new car.
More importantly, you get the benefits of a spacious interior for five passengers and an extra third row for two people which is a little less roomy, but still usable for adults.
Driving is a relaxing experience, with a comfortable ride - particularly with more expensive models that are fitted with air suspension - and a minimalist dashboard with high-quality wood and metal fittings, that has a calming effect on occupants.
3. Porsche 718 Boxster
Our pick Porsche Boxster 2.5
Used deals from £30,620
Buy used and you may just get the best Boxster that Porsche will ever make. That’s because the latest version of the two-seat convertible has been fitted with a small four-cylinder turbocharged engine, which is more powerful and economical than the six-cylinder motor in cars that were built before 2016. However, it's the older cars that sound more dramatic and are more engaging to drive.
Many think that the turbocharger in the newer models has ruined the car, making it quieter and with acceleration that’s too smooth to make the driver feel fully involved, unlike the characterful six-cylinder engine in this version.
For less than £35,000, you could have a low mileage, pre-2016, Porsche Boxster S, which has more power than the basic car and a glorious exhaust soundtrack whenever you press the accelerator.
*Representative PCP finance - Ford Fiesta:
48 monthly payments of £192
Deposit: £0
Mileage limit: 8,000 per year
Optional final payment to buy car: £2,923
Total amount payable to buy car: £11,926
Total cost of credit: £2,426
Amount borrowed: £9,500
APR: 9.9%
BuyaCar is a credit broker, not a lender. Our rates start from 6.9% APR. The rate you are offered will depend on your individual circumstances.