Best used cars 2025: Great buys from £2,000

A few decades ago, it was much easier to choose a used car. Most were conventional bodystyles such as hatchbacks, saloons and estates, but now you’ve got everything from coupe-SUVs to jacked-up city cars.

And that’s not forgetting the huge array of different power sources. Alongside petrol and diesel you’ll now find an abundance of hybrids, plug-in hybrids and fully electric cars to make choosing a car that’s right for you even harder.

That’s why we’ve created this guide to the best used cars on the market right now, compiled by our experts. These are the best all-round choices in many of the key categories: city cars, hatchbacks, SUVs, estate cars, hot hatchbacks and electric cars.

We’ve got great used cars that should meet your needs from as little as £2,000, but also models catering for larger budgets and demands.

Looking to buy one of our best used cars? You’ll also need to check our ultimate checklist on buying a used car and avoiding a lemon. Don’t forget to check out its insurance groups and car tax bands, too.

Best Used Cars 2025: the shortlist

• Toyota Corolla (2019-present)
• Honda Jazz (2015-2020)
• Volkswagen Up (2012-2023)
• Ford Kuga (2019-present)
• BMW 5 Series (2017-2024)
• Skoda Octavia Estate (2013-2020)
• Volkswagen Golf GTI (2013-2020)
• Mazda MX-5 (2015-present)
• Hyundai IONIQ Electric (2016-2023)
• Tesla Model 3 (2019-present)

Family hatch: Toyota Corolla

Years: 2019-present    Price: from £9,000

If you’re after a dependable all-rounder of a family hatchback, then the Toyota Corolla is a safe bet. The latest model, with its smooth and strong standard-fit petrol hybrid system, is easy to drive, comfortable and capable on faster roads, too.

While there are more spacious options out there, the Corolla is still capable of carrying children or adults in the back seats while also having a decent boot. Impressive fuel economy adds to the low running costs of this well-proven hybrid engine. Oh, and you have the peace-of-mind of Toyota’s ten year, 100,000 mile warranty if the car is serviced at Toyota’s network

Small car: Honda Jazz

Years: 2015-2020    Price: from £4,500

You’ll find many Honda Jazz owners who say they’ll own nothing else, and for good reason. It’s a small car with big capability thanks to plenty of cabin space, flexible seating (Honda’s Magic Seats are a simple yet brilliant storage solution) and a practical boot.

What’s more, the Jazz’s great visibility and light controls make it a doddle to drive and park, and running costs are low. The simple, well-made interior is designed to be easy to use on the move, while you’ll even have a bit of fun if you opt for the 128bhp Honda Jazz Sport.

City car: Volkswagen Up

Years: 2011-2023    Price: from £2,000

The longevity of the Volkswagen Up is testament to it being an affordable yet cleverly designed city car. It makes brilliant use of its compact size, with just enough room for four adults and some luggage crammed into a small but perfectly formed body.

The Up, along with its near-identical siblings, the Skoda Citigo and SEAT Mii, redefined what city cars can do. Willing engines, strong refinement and good comfort means it’s capable on longer trips as well as being a doddle to zip around town in. What’s more, it’s incredibly cheap to run and insure, and there are now plenty of bargains out there.

SUV: Ford Kuga

Years: 2019-present   Price: from £10,000

The venerable Ford Kuga has featured highly on UK new car sales charts for years, meaning used supply is plentiful and prices are keen. This latest version is a capable family SUV that’s affordable to buy even with some warranty left.

As well as a good driving experience, roomy rear seats and plentiful standard equipment, the Kuga offers lots of choice with pure petrol, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and diesel versions on the used market. All Kugas get Ford-typical keen handling, too, with a great view out thanks to its high driving position.

Executive car: BMW 5 Series

Years: 2017-2024  Price: from £9,000

If you want a relatively affordable car that can give you a real taste of luxury, then the BMW 5 Series should be top of your shopping list. In its previous generation ‘G30’ form the 5 Series expertly blends impressive comfort and refinement, capable handling, plenty of space and a premium feel inside.

All versions have plenty of standard technology and good performance, but we’d really recommend a 530d with the super smooth, powerful and efficient straight-six diesel. Oh, and opting for a Touring model gives you a vast and practical boot. For many, it’s all the car you’d ever need

Estate car: Skoda Octavia estate

Years: 2014-2020  Price: from £2,500

The Skoda name is synonymous with value, and there are few better value family estate options out there than the previous-generation Octavia. For a very low outlay you get a seriously talented all rounder that blends a big boot, a hugely roomy interior and solid build with low running costs.

Even the largest family holiday will struggle to fill the Octavia’s practical cabin, so it’s a lot of car for the money. Opting for higher spec versions brings plenty of standard kit, while the diesel engines in particular give outstanding fuel economy, too. It’s not the most exciting car, but hard to ignore as an all-rounder.

Hot hatch: Volkswagen Golf GTI

Years: 2013-2020  Price: from £7,000

Practice makes perfect, and Volkswagen has had nearly half a century to make the Golf GTI a hot hatchback for all seasons and situations. Arguably the Mk7 model from 2013-on is a real peak for VW, and the MK8 that followed has lived in its shadow somewhat.

The GTI’s subtle design, comfort, refinement, high quality and spacious interior and efficient engine makes it ideal for everything from a long-distance commute to the school run. But gutsy performance and sharp handling make the Golf come alive on the right road. Sure, there are more track-focused hot hatchbacks, but the Mk7 GTI ticks the most boxes as a daily driver - and the manual version is the most reliable. 

Sports car: Mazda MX-5

Years: 2015-present   Price: from £7,500

The iconic modern sports car for many, the Mazda MX-5 has over 35 years of history and over 1.25 million examples on the road to back up its status. This fourth-generation ‘ND’ model is arguably its best yet, too.

Shunning the trend of new cars getting bigger and heavier, the ND MX-5 is smaller and lighter than its predecessor, making it amazingly good fun to drive. Whether you opt for the peppy 1.5-litre or the punchy 2.0-litre engine you get a rorty, engaging soundtrack and one of the best manual gearboxes ever.

Great handling, surprising comfort and a well laid-out interior also feature, while it’s also one of the cheapest to run sports cars there is.

Cheap electric car: Hyundai IONIQ Electric

Years: 2017-2022  Price: from £7,000

A smaller range than some alternatives means the Hyundai IONIQ Electric is often ignored in favour of the long-range Kona Electric, but it’s got a cult following for those in the know. It’s already affordable to buy, but the IONIQ is also one of the cheapest to run electric cars around.

Nicknamed the “Windknife” due to its aerodynamic shape, owners regularly report getting well over 5 miles per kWh from the Hyundai’s 38kWh battery. So, while a range of 193 miles isn’t outstanding these days, the IONIQ makes the most of each kWh to lower your running costs. It’s also comfortable and roomy, with plenty of standard kit. Later models will still be covered under Hyundai’s five-year warranty, too.

All-round electric car: Tesla Model 3

Years: 2019-present Price: from £10,000

Whether you’re a fan of Tesla or not, it’s very hard to ignore the sheer amount of car you get for your money with a used Model 3. Keen used pricing is a result of there being so many on the road – it was once the most popular electric car in the world.

What’s more, the Model 3 is immensely capable, with great range and efficiency, strong performance regardless of which version you go for, plenty of space and lots of standard technology. The icing on the cake is easy access to Tesla’s brilliant Supercharger network.

Best used cars FAQs

What is the best used car to buy?

Some of the best used cars to buy right now include the Toyota Corolla, Honda Jazz, Skoda Octavia, Volkswagen Golf GTI and BMW 5 Series.

What are the most popular used cars in the UK?

The most popular used cars in the UK right now are the Vauxhall Corsa, Nissan Qashqai and Volkswagen Golf.

Should I get a used car inspected before buying?

Yes, we’d highly recommend using a used car inspection service such as RAC Vehicle Inspections before buying to reduce the change of reliability problems and big bills.