Best Used Small Cars

It’s hard to discuss small cars without talking about the Ford Fiesta. As one of the most popular small cars to have been produced in recent decades, the Fiesta has been a go-to choice for all types of drivers, from first-timers making their ways on to the road, to families after a small and efficient runabout. Though the discontinuation of the Fiesta has meant that there’s a less steady stream of used examples, there’s still plenty of choice out there. Budget around £17,000 for one of the very latest mild-hybrids, though £10,000 is enough to get you a very decent example from 2023 with reasonable mileage.

BMW’s i3 was a car ahead of its time. Space-age both inside and out, it paved the way for future premium electric vehicles. BMW also introduced a clever range extender version, too, which utilised a compact petrol engine that acted as a generator for the electric motor, furthering the amount of range you could get in the process. Used BMW i3 prices have remained strong, but it’s still quite an affordable option. Around £17,000 is enough to get you a later model with around 16,000 miles on the clock, though if you’re happy with a higher-mileage example then i3s can be found for as little as £5,490.

Hyundai’s i10 is an ideal used small car. For one, it’s very compact, but it manages to bring a very spacious interior considering the i10’s small exterior dimensions. It’s also good to drive, while its small-capacity engines are fuel efficient, cheap to maintain and reliable. In fact, it’s reliability that the i10 is best-known for. You’ll pay around £18,00 for a nearly-new example with delivery miles on the clock, while £3,000 is enough to get you a 2013 example with around 50,000 miles on the clock.

Peugeot knows a thing or two about making good-looking and exciting small cars, having produced lots of them over the last few decades. The 208 is the French brand’s latest attempt at this segment and, in typical fashion, it has done very well. The 208 is stylish, great to drive and well-finished inside. Plus, you can get it with either petrol or electric setups, giving those who want an EV an option.

Reliable and efficient, the Toyota Yaris has always been a popular option in the small car segment. Over the years and car generations, the Yaris may have become more tech-heavy, but it’s still true to the no-nonsense way it began. The latest version of the Yaris is only available as a hybrid, which gives this small car exceptional efficiency. Around £24,000 will get you the latest model with around 2,000 miles on it, while £15,000 is enough for a 2021-year model with around 35,000 miles on the clock.

The Swift is the kind of car you can rely on. It’s accompanied by Suzuki’s usually excellent reliabilty which has meant that this car, throughout the years, has always proven its worth for drivers after a car which won’t let them down. It’s quite a practical option, too, thanks to its well-sized boot and decent cabin. There’s a good spread of used examples to suit all budgets as well, with very early high-mileage examples available for under £2,000 and later models with lower mileage on sale via AA Cars for around £20,000.

The Corsa is a household name here in the UK, having provided low-cost transportation to the masses for decades. The latest Corsa is just as impressive as always, but gets a lot of useable technology and the option of either petrol or electric powertrains. It’s a great used buy, too. Around £20,000 is enough to get you the latest model with average miles, and that price can get you into an electric model, too.

Want some extra style from your used small car? The answer to that has always been the Mini. Bringing loads of character with an upmarket interior that feels built to last, the Mini has, throughout the years, remained desirable. It makes for an idea used car purchase, too. If you’re after something nearly new, then expect to pay in the region of £34,000, while £20,000 is enough to get a 2022 model with around 15,000 miles on the clock.

As something of a curveball, we have the Honda e. This car’s design speaks for itself, with a futuristic-yet-retro look that ensures that this car commands an audience wherever it goes, despite its compact proportions. Its 137-mile range means that the e really is only suited to shorter journeys but, if that’s fine for you, then this could be a very stylish way of getting about. Low-mileage examples can be found on AA Cars for around £16,000, too.

A solid option, the Polo is a firm favourite in the small car segment. Well made and smooth to drive, it’s a great option for new drivers looking to lean the ways of the road, or more seasoned motorists after a small car which still feels well made and solid. The Polo has been available with all manner of engines over the years and all versions still command a premium over rivals. Expect to pay around £28,000 for a nearly-new Polo, though £15,000 will get you a very smart 2022 car with around 30,000 miles on the clock.