Thinking about a new used car for the summer? Here are our top picks

Summer is nearly here and with it comes the chance of warmer weather and longer days. It’s great to have a car which makes the most of the summertime, too, and here at AA Cars we’ve got thousands of excellent vehicles to choose from if you’re looking to make a switch.

But with all of that variety, how do you pick the right car for you? In this article, we’re going to explore some of the best used cars for summer - and they’re all available on AA Cars.

Mazda MX-5

If you’re looking to boost your time in the sun this summertime, then look no further than the Mazda MX-5. It’s one of the UK’s most beloved roadsters, with this drop-top’s simplicity and relatively low running costs making it a drop-top with very few limitations.

Though its two-seater configuration means that larger families might not find the MX-5 spacious enough, it’s ideal for those sunny weekend trips away. You should find an MX-5 to fit your budget, too, with early, higher-mileage examples starting from under £1,500. Expect to pay around £15,000 for a clean, 2017-age model with low mileage and full service history.

Range Rover Evoque Convertible

One of the most left-field cars for summer is the Range Rover Evoque Convertible. This car really got tongues wagging when it was first released in 2016 as one of the first open-top SUVs ever to be made. Though a little off-the-wall, it does make sense; four people can enjoy that open-air experience, while the person behind the wheel still gets that confidence-inspiring raised ride height that you get from the standard Evoque.

The Evoque Convertible is surprisingly good off-road, too, so it could help out when driving onto a beach this summer. The Evoque Convertible wasn’t as popular as the standard car, so you’ll find fewer on the used market, but there’s still a decent level of choice - expect to pay £17,000 for a decent example.

Peugeot e-208

Okay, you might not think that a regular hatchback would be a go-to summertime car, but bear with us. The compact Peugeot e-208 has a lot going for it; it’s great to look at, has a range of up to 268 miles from a full charge and comes loaded with equipment. It’ll be inexpensive to run, while tax won’t be high, either.

But where the e-208 really excels - particularly in summertime - is its impressive full-length panoramic sunroof which comes fitted to certain models. It’s a great way to let in some of that summer weather while still remaining cool. Plus, with the e-208’s remote operation, you can pre-cool the car via a smartphone app. You can now get 24-plate Peugeot e-208 models for just over £15,000.

Volvo V90

Sometimes what you really need from a summertime car is space. With trips to the beach, a camping adventure or a journey to the continent, some extra luggage room and the ability to hook up accessories such as roof boxes or bike racks can make all the difference. For those reasons, we’d definitely be checking out the Volvo V90.

Volvo has, of course, got a strong history for making spacious load-luggers, but the V90 is its latest and most technology-packed offering. It’s been on sale for a little while, mind you, so you should still be able to find a used example that won’t cost the earth. Expect to pay around £15,000 for a clean example with reasonable miles on the clock.

Suzuki Jimny

If you’re feeling particularly adventurous about the upcoming summer period, then the Suzuki Jimny is a car that is up to the challenge. It’s almost comically small, but don’t let this car’s size deceive you - it’s far better off-road than many cars twice its size. It’s also rugged and easy to fix, while running costs are far lower than your usual off-roading vehicle.

There have been four generations of Jimny - running back to the 1970s - but it’s the third and fourth-generation cars that you’ll see most of on sale. Because of their reputation for going off-road, make sure that any car you’re looking at hasn’t been mistreated - or opt for a pre-sale inspection if you need more information. A higher-mileage third-generation car will cost around £7,500, while in-demand fourth-gen cars can command around £22,000.

Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet

The Evoque Convertible was very much the first of its type, but the T-Roc Cabriolet picked up where the Range Rover left off when it was axed in 2018. Like the Evoque, the T-Roc Convertible has a high seating position which gives an elevated view of the road ahead while inside, there’s space for four. The folding fabric roof is clever, too, and takes 9 seconds to lower and 11 seconds to raise at speeds of up to 19mph.

The T-Roc Cabriolet remains a part of Volkswagen’s line-up, too, which means there’s a good selection available on the used market. Earlier examples with reasonable miles can be picked up for between £20,000 and £24,000.

Abarth 595

The Abarth 595 is a plucky hot hatch with the soundtrack to match its mischievous character. It’s based on the Fiat 500, of course, but gains a number of performance upgrades including a more potent 1.4-litre engine, revised suspension and an exhaust which growls at nearly every opportunity. It’s great to drive, too, but because of its compact proportions, it’s a breeze to park as well.

While the standard 595 is a great summertime car in its own right, if you’re looking to step things up then you can with the convertible version. It’s got a compact sliding fabric roof which folds neatly into the rear of the car and allows that full wind-in-your-hair experience. High-mileage Abarth models can be picked up for under £5,000, but we’d recommend paying around £7,000 for a clean example with reasonable mileage.

Prices correct at the time of publication (05/2025)