Latest news with #secondhandcars
The Sun
7 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Seven best used cars you can pick up for under £5,000 including ‘sharp looker' Seat and ‘astonishing' Hyundai
THE best value second-hand cars you can buy for less than £5,000 have been revealed. Seven cheap alternatives have been identified for bargain hunting Brits looking for luxury vehicles at a fraction of the price. 9 9 The list contains a mix of four-wheelers for big families, dog owners and car enthusiasts with expensive taste. Some of the popular vehicles can be found in a decent condition from as little as £1,000. The budget cars boast a wide variety of practical features, such as four-wheel drive and turbo-boosted engines. Volkswagen Up! First up is the Volkswagen Up! which provides an ideal small car with plenty of space on the inside. The city car has been praised for its slick style and high quality, providing a smooth ride for the driver. As well as its low second-hand cost, the VW is an equally affordable vehicle to run with low fuel consumption and emissions. Young drivers can also benefit from the cheaper insurance prices that come with the Up. Prices start on selling-site Autotrader at around £1,500. Seat Leon 9 Despite being modelled on a Volkswagen Golf, the cheaper Seat Leon provides a sharper look and better value for money. It is part of the VW group and shares plenty under the bonnet with the German manufacturer. Even the smaller 1.2-litre petrol engine is capable enough for most journeys, and the handling is more engaging than many rivals. The most common problems reported involve the DSG automatic gearboxes, minor satnav faults, and some condensation in the rear lights. Mazda MX-5 9 Those wanting a car that's more about enjoyment might consider the Mazda MX-5, particularly the third generation model built between 2005 and 2015. This version is slightly heavier and more refined than earlier MX-5s, making it more usable on a daily basis while still offering the same fun handling and simple, rear-wheel-drive setup the car is known for. At under £5,000, you're mostly looking at earlier examples, but the engines tend to be reliable with proper servicing. Owners should keep an eye on rusty sills and body panels, sticky brake callipers, and hard-top models with roof mechanism issues. Hyundai i30 BlueDrive If saving money on fuel and tax is your top priority, the Hyundai i30 BlueDrive is a practical choice. Built between 2012 and 2017, this diesel hatchback was designed during a time when low emissions and economy were major selling points. It officially returns up to 78.4 miles per gallon and, in many versions, qualifies for zero road tax. It's also chain-driven, meaning you won't need to worry about replacing a cambelt. Most faults reported are minor, such as scuffed interiors, and the engines themselves have a good reputation for dependability. Honda CR-V 9 For dog owners, the Honda CR-V built from 2006 to 2012 is worth a look. This mid-size SUV had a large, flat boot and a sliding rear seat that allows for even more space when needed. It's also known for its mechanical reliability and general durability. Four-wheel-drive versions are better suited to rural areas and country walks, especially in poor weather. Some used examples suffer from weak air conditioning, batter drain issues and fading interior trim, but overall, it's a strong all-rounder. Ford S-Max 9 If you need seven seats, the Ford S-Max offers better practicality than many SUVs in the same price range. Built between 2006 and 2014, it's an MPV that avoids the usual dull driving experience thanks to its car-like handling. There's plenty of space inside, and the rear seats can be folded flat when not in use. Older examples can be found for as little as £1,000, though well-kept ones with a full history hover around £5,000. Common faults include electrical issues, damp carpets, and noisy power steering. Audi TT 9 For those who want a more stylish option, the second-generation Audi TT from 2006 to 2014 still looks modern and drives well. It shares its engine with the Golf GTI, giving it decent performance and a solid driving feel. Inside, the cabin is smartly finished and doesn't feel dated. These cars can be had for under £5,000, though buyers should watch for high oil consumption, noisy timing chains, and electrical niggles like dodgy window mechanisms or condensation in the lights. Not every used car in this price range is a smart buy, though. One model to avoid is the first-generation BMW 1 Series, sold between 2004 and 2011. While the badge may attract some buyers, these cars are often cramped in the back, hard-riding and plagued by mechanical issues in many versions. Even well-maintained examples can feel tired, and the dark interiors make them less pleasant to spend time in compared to rivals.
The Sun
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Cheapest & most reliable second-hand cars to buy and insure revealed including discontinued Hybrid & Mazda convertible
THE cheapest and most reliable second-hand cars to buy and insure have been revealed. Tens of thousands of vehicles were examined as part of a huge study which uncovered that a discontinued Hybrid and Mazda convertible are among the most reliable cars. 12 12 In the annual Which? Survey, thousands of Brits opened up about their cars and the issues that they've had with them. The consumer advice company then crunched the numbers to determine how reliable a model is within its first four years of being manufactured, as well as those produced 5-9 years ago and 10-15 years ago. The survey involved over 60,000 car owners who owned a total of 71,002 cars. Lexus CT Hatchback Hybrid (2011 to 2020) The Lexus CT200h is popular because of its low running costs and low-speed refinement. Its petrol-electric parallel hybrid powertrain was previously used in the Toyota Prius, all the way back in 1997. A second-hand model sells for between £5000 and £10,000 with prices varying slightly depending on the car's generation. The Lexus CT received a refresh in 2014 and another in 2017 before finally being discontinued in 2020. Mazda MX-5 Convertible (2005 to 2015) The Mazda MX-5 debuted in its earliest form in 1989 but the convertible version first became available in 2005. It won the Car of the Year Japan Award in its first year of being on the market and is known for its stylish exterior. The vehicle also had simple on-board technology which was easy to use, alongside a sleek interior. 12 Lexus RX Hybrid (2009 to 2015) The Lexus RX Hybrid became popular for being a low-cost car to run. The second Lexus vehicle on this list enjoyed an immense popularity whilst on the market, thanks to its half-electric and half-petrol engine helping the car go further. It was also famed for being a particularly quiet car, making drives even more comfortable. Honda Jazz Hatchback (2008 to 2015) The Honda Jazz had a bigger boot than most of its competitors, including a Ford Focus, despite being one of the smaller cars on the market. Inside, the car was fitted with a spacious interior and a series of flaps to prevent luggage from sliding around. It also had a raised driving position which made driving much easier. Skoda Citigo Hatchback (2012 to 2019) The Citigo faced a lot of comparisons to the Volkswagen Up and Seat Mii during its time on the road. Largely, this was due to all three cars having very similar engines, structures and gearboxes. However, what set the Citigo apart was how smooth a ride it was. Thanks to its three-cylinder engine, the car was exceedingly cheap to run and cost less than the Volkswagen Up. 12 BMW X1 (2009 to 2015) The BM1 X1 was shorter and narrower than the BMW 3 Series Touring range which gave it a more elegant exterior shell. By the end of its production cycle in 2015, there were five cars in the BMW X1 range - five of which were diesel engines and one of which had a petrol engine. The car was described at the time as 'stable' and 'composed', making it one of the more reliable vehicles on the market. Suzuki Swift Hatchback (2010 to 2016) The Suzuki Swift was famed for being a smooth drive, which was also quiet whilst driving on the motorway. It received an update in 2013 which revised some of the car's interior, before a major update in 2014 which saw the car's diesel engine being swapped for a Dualjet petrol engine. The five-speed manual gear box was easy to use and the dashboard technology was remarkably simple to use. Toyota Yaris Hatchback (2011 to 2020) The Toyota Yaris was hugely popular, thanks in part to its spacious and comfortable interior. It also came with a hybrid option which offered reduced emissions with the trade-off of a fraction less boot space. The Yaris was first launched in 1999 and helped set a new trend for cars across the world, with the implementation of a digital speedometer on the dashboard. Suzuki Alto Hatchback (2009 to 2014) The Suzuki Alto hatchback claimed to be one of the cleanest petrol cars on the market, when it first launched in 2009. Although the car only measures 3.5 metres in length, its height ensures that driving always feels comfortable. It also has a quick response time, which makes it easy to drive. 12 Toyota Auris Hatchback (2012 to 2019) Despite having a low profile, the Auris offers a great driving position and is surprisingly roomy. It comes with a 350 litre boot and runs on a 134bhp 1.8-litre VVT-h engine. The Auris also has a sleek design which makes it one of the more stylish cars to take out on the road. The cheapest second-hand cars to buy and insure Which? have compiled a list of the cheapest second-hand cars to buy and insure. In order to create the list, the consumer adviser quizzed 60,000 Brits about their cars. The best value second-hand cars are: Lexus CT Hatchback Hybrid (2011 to 2020) Mazda MX-5 Convertible (2005 to 2015) Lexus RX Hybrid (2009 to 2015) Honda Jazz Hatchback (2008 to 2015) Skoda Citigo Hatchback (2012 to 2019) BMW X1 (2009 to 2015) Suzuki Swift Hatchback (2010 to 2016) Toyota Yaris Hatchback (2011 to 2020) Suzuki Alto Hatchback (2009 to 2014) Toyota Auris Hatchback (2012 to 2019)
The Sun
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Best second-hand cars available for under £5k including iconic model nicknamed ‘the billion-dollar motor'
THE BEST value second-hand cars for Brits looking to spend £5000 on a motor have been revealed. Autocar's top 30 list contained three glamorous vehicles which come in at a bargain price and one is nicknamed 'the billion dollar motor'. 5 The list was compiled by finding second-hand alternatives to Autocar's top 50 car list. When it wasn't possible to find an exact match for each car, a substitute was made for the closest possible model. Where some of the new models come in at a staggering £96,000, a second-hand car won't break the bank. Dacia Logan MCV Offering over 573 litres of boot space with the seats up and a staggering 1518 litres with them down, the Dacia Logan MCV prioritises practicality over flashy gimmicks. It costs just over £2000 for a 2015 Logan MCV, making it the best-value car relative to its age on Autocar's second-hand list. The Dacia Logan MCV is also very spacious inside and is designed with fuel efficiency in mind - which helps keeps costs down and journeys longer. This particular model is the alternative to the more expensive Dacia Jogger, which made Autocar's best car list. 5 Mercedes S-Class W140 Coming in at a close second place is the Mercedes S-Class W140 which is nicknamed the 'billion-dollar motor'. The fancy car takes its name from the lengthy pre-production process which preceded its release, as Mercedes poured so much money into its development. However, the car manufacturer's gamble paid off as over half a million models were sold. Although they are a rarity at car dealerships, the luxury cars come in at a reasonable £5000. Rover 200 BRM The final vehicle which costs under £5000 on Autocar's list is the Rover 200 BRM. Known for its brightly painted hot patch, the car is decorated with a stunning racing style - with sleek leather seats and easy-to-navigate on-board technology. It costs just £2000 to bag yourself a restored Rover 200 BRM, making it one of the more affordable options on the market. Top 10 best second-hand cars Autocar have released a list of the best value second-hand cars. The list was compiled using the magazine's original best cars list and then finding a similar alternative to each vehicle. 1. Porsche 911 (991) 2. Skoda Superb Estate 3. Toyota GT86 4. BMW M340D Touring 5. Dacia Logan MCV 6. Mazda MX-5 7. Alpine A110 8. Hyundai i30 N 9. Porsche Taycan 10. Caterham Seven The list was released just days after one second-hand vehicle sold for over £100,000. Belonging to former Prime Winston Churchill and Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, the 1936 Rolls Royce Phantom III Touring Limousine is a piece of history. It was fitted with an electric cigar lighter by the late politician and was painted in a glamorous British Racing green. The sale followed the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, where one of Churchill's speeches was read aloud during the celebrations.
Telegraph
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- Telegraph
The unlikely resurgence of the used ‘dirty diesel'
Have you sticking with diesel before the ban? Share your story by emailing money@ A radical net zero ban on the sale of new diesel cars is driving up demand for second-hand vehicles, experts have warned. Diesel and petrol cars will be outlawed from showrooms in less than five years' time to encourage motorists to adopt electric vehicles. However, car dealers said the move is encouraging drivers to snap up used diesels which are still relatively young in age to get ahead of the changes. Some 118,558 used diesel cars changed hands in March, up 16pc from two years ago, according to analyst Marketcheck UK. Umesh Samani, chairman of the Independent Motor Dealers Association, said: 'People are still sourcing out diesels. They aren't jumping on to the bandwagon of electric. 'The manufacturers are pushing very hard with EVs, so are leasing companies, but buyers are not frightened by diesel. Second-hand demand has grown. They are definitely selling well, no question about it.' Step back 20 years, and diesel car sales in the UK had reached a dizzying height. They were championed as a greener alternative to petrol as they produce less CO2 emissions. In 2001, Labour introduced a tax break for diesel cars which saw ownership soar. But the fanfare was short-lived because of harmful particulates produced by the fuel, and policies such as Ulez designed to force diesel off the road came into play. Diesels currently account for just 5.7pc of new car sales, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Sales for the year to date are down 13.2pc on 2024, as manufacturers cut back their production ahead of the 2030 ban. Yet in the second-hand market, appetite is heading in the opposite direction. Sales figures from Autotrader show the Dacia Logan MCV Stepway is the fastest selling used diesel car in the country. This is followed by the DS 7 Crossback, while the older Audi A5 and BMW 1 Series models are in the top 10. Despite costing 6p more at the pumps than petrol, owners continue to praise the range and efficiency of diesel cars. Mr Samani said: 'People who do long distances still want the diesels for miles per gallon. 'That's the major benefit. You fill up and just do your 500-mile trip without even thinking about it. You don't have to think about where you need to fill up or charge. 'As fewer and fewer new diesels become available, there'll be a pent-up demand nationally for more used diesels. People will be grabbing them while they're still there.' Alastair Campbell, of Marketcheck, said: 'Used diesel sales are remaining healthy because for many drivers, especially those in rural areas, a diesel still makes the most sense.' It comes after Telegraph readers said they were keeping hold of their trusty diesel motors. One wrote: 'Of course sensible people are opting for diesels. A properly maintained diesel engine will run for far longer than a petrol engine, maybe 250,000 miles or more, and will outlast any and every electric car sold.' Another said they managed to travel in Renault Scenic Eco diesel from mid Kent to the north Devon coast and back on one tank. A third reader wrote: 'For anyone doing long journeys you simply cannot beat diesel for economy, and lugging power. When I upgrade my diesel SUV, it will be another diesel SUV.' In contrast, Marc Palmer, of Autotrader said that while there 'remains a segment of the market that still prefers a diesel', the market is shrinking. He said: 'More buyers prioritise environmental concerns or simply respond to clean air zones when making their purchasing decisions. The appetite for used electric vehicles has grown rapidly, boosted by increased ranges, more choice, and greater affordability.' Used diesel cars £9,100 cheaper than electric Figures from Marketcheck show the average second-hand diesel sold in the UK is 7.9 years of age, with the average sale price coming in at £15,250. It's around £400 cheaper than the average used petrol car, and £9,100 cheaper than a typical second-hand EV. Used electric sales have more than doubled in the past two years, but the rise was expected as more and more battery-powered vehicles were added to the UK's fleet. Despite the impending 2030 ban and the negative 'dirty diesel' perception among the general public, second-hand diesels continue to attract buyers. Older diesels produce less carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons than petrol, but more particulates and oxides of nitrogen, which are harmful to human health, forms smog, acid rain and promotes global warming. Their reputation took a further hit with the 'dieselgate scandal' which saw Volkswagen cheat emissions levels for its cars. However, diesels registered after September 2015 all meet the Euro 6 emissions standard and are therefore exempt from Ulez charges. Diesels have essentially cleaned up their act, and, as a result, owners refute the 'dirty' name tag which has become synonymous with their vehicles.
