Best second hand deals for £15k revealed including fantastic looking diesel, 4×4 pick-up and sporty hatchback
NEW cars have become so expensive it hurts.
But don't worry, there are plenty of used ones out there almost as good – and less than half the price.
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Here are five great five-year-old buys for £15k
Here are five great five-year-old buys for £15k.
That age is a sweet spot because most new cars are bought on lease or other finance schemes, and used as company cars.
That means they spend their first three or even four years being maintained with money no object.
At the end of that lease, all faults are put right at the expense of the driver.
READ MORE ON MOTORS
Give them a wash 'n' wax, maybe new tyres, and they're almost factory fresh.
After that it's only another short period in someone else's hands.
Once that owner moves on, you can scoop up a bargain.
Another thing.
Most read in Motors
The industry has recently got distracted by big dash screens, electrification and pointless connectivity.
So the fundamentals – safety, comfort, driver appeal – are no better in today's
Ford Escort van becomes the fastest front wheel drive Ford on the planet
Here are our picks, each for £15k.
We've given ourselves a window of 2019-2020, because few new cars were sold during mid-2020's Covid period.
But lockdown means the 2019 ones stood still and didn't wear out
They'll all have done about 40k miles, except the pick-up.
FUN CAR
MAZDA MX-5
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The Mazda MX-5 is utterly reliable
Credit: Supplied
Like your best friend, it's a joy to spend time with and utterly reliable too.
Just a tiny boot, mind. It's actually easy to drive, so would cheer up a commute too.
The roof fold mechanism is light and simple, and you can raise and lower it with one hand.
Like pulling up your hoodie.
4x4 PICKUP
TOYOTA HILUX double cab
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This Toyota Hilux does the work of a truck
Credit: Supplied
A rough and ready truck to drive, and does the work of a truck.
This money gets low spec, with no fancy equipment The mileometer will show it's been to the moon and back.
But it can do it over again.
HATCHBACK
SEAT LEON TSi
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The Seat Leon TSi is a Golf in Spanish clothes
Credit: Supplied
Most car experts say 'the answer to every motoring question is a Volkswagen Golf'.
The Leon is a Golf in Spanish clothes, and a bit cheaper.
At this price you can have sporty trim and choose between manual or DSG auto gearbox.
ELECTRIC
JAGUAR I-PACE
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The Jaguar I-Pace is cheap to run if you get a driveway charger
Credit: Supplied
These have depreciated unbelievably, even if you're looking at base trim and private seller to meet our price target.
Buy breakdown insurance.
Offers huge feelgood to drive, and it's cheap to run if you get a driveway charger.
BIG DIESEL ESTATE
PEUGEOT 508SW HDi
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Peugeot's 508SW HDi looks fantastic
Credit: Supplied
It's a fantastic looker, with a shark nose and long tail that encloses heaps of boot area.
The cockpit is distinctive and it's agile to drive.
Goes a long way on every litre of diesel, and avoids ULEZ penalties.
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Re-gassing the system can be costly and more extensive repairs and replacements can run to thousands. 10. Engine We've saved the most important to last. It's easy to be over-awed when you lift the bonnet and wonder, just what am I looking at? We know you're not a mechanic, and you don't need to be. You're looking (and listening) for telltale signs that could spell danger. Start by checking for any visible leaks, particularly around the oil filter and radiator. Use a torch if you have one (or the function on your camera if you don't) to look for any oil or other fluid. You can also take a look under the car to spot any drips on the ground that could suggest fluid loss. If possible, ask the seller to start the engine when it's cold. When they do, head to the back of the car. We've already explained how excessive exhaust smoke, or a blue puff from the back, suggests oil is entering the combustion chamber. This isn't just a visual check. 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Sometimes, life really is too short to have your head stuck in an engine bay, on your hands and knees checking the tyres or listening for a knock or rattle. Buying a used car? Check out
