Buying a car can sometimes be an annoying task, especially due to the high prices often seen.
Dipping into the second-hand market can be a useful step to getting a cheaper deal, but what model is the best one to get?
The online car marketplace Cazoo has shared a number of great options for used car models that you can find for £5k or under.
Charlie Harvey, motoring expert at Cazoo, said: "As the cost of living continues to rise, finding a vehicle that fits your budget has never been more important, and while car financing options spread over the long term might be tempting, £5,000 is an achievable amount to spend on a car if you’d rather buy outright.
"You might think you need a brand new car to benefit from low running costs, but that’s not always true – many of these cars are also cheap to run, and it’s worth checking the year your car was produced and which road tax system it fell under, as many can be even cheaper to tax than the latest eco-friendly models."
The top 10 best used cars you can buy for under £5k
Kia Picanto
A Kia Picanto is considered to be the best used car for city driving due to its sturdiness and small size that makes it ideal for getting into tight parking spaces.
Cazoo adds: "Some versions of the Kia Picanto actually sit in the lowest insurance group 1 out of 50, but even if you go for a higher-spec trim that’s within that £5k budget, it will still sit in a low group."
Ford Fiesta
The Ford Fiesta makes the list as a great small car that offers a solid middle ground in terms of quality and good driving feel.
Its steering wheel is "very communicative", and there is the benefit of there being so many to choose from on the market.
Cazoo adds: "Better still, buy a pre-2017 1.0-litre EcoBoost Fiesta and you’ll benefit from incredibly low road tax – it was actually free when new, and while that has changed, you only pay £20 per year at the time of writing.
"From April 2026 these rates will likely rise alongside those of other vehicles, but should still be very cheap."
Skoda Octavia
Cazoo listed the Skoda Octavia as the best used car for families, thanks to its versatility and practical features.
They add: "Go for the estate version if you regularly find yourself carting around pushchairs or doing runs to the tip, but even in regular hatchback form there’s plenty of boot space."
Renault Clio RenaultSport
The Renault Clip RenaultSport was rated as the best used car for track/car racing.
Cazoo shares: "Aficionados love them because they’re simple, love to be thrashed around a circuit, offer plenty of thrills and can then get you home again after a day of racing."
Toyota MR2 (1999-2007)
The Toyota MR2 was ranked as the best used sports car, thanks to its lightweight design and sharp handling.
Cazoo shares: "While the previous generation cars have already shot up in value, this third-generation model is still a bargain entry into a very special kind of motoring."
Mazda MX-5
The best used convertible is considered by Cazoo to be the Mazda MX-5 due to being more refined than its predecessors.
Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V was rated as the best option for a used SUV for its reliability and the commanding view of the road it gives you.
Jaguar S-Type
The best luxury used car for the price point of £5k or under was said to be the Jaguar S-Type.
It offers a comfortable and luxurious leather interior, smooth automatic gearboxes and a range of petrol and diesel engines.
Cazoo adds: "If you want something that looks and feels expensive but is far from it, the Jaguar S-Type is worth considering."
Citroen C4 Picasso
The Citroen C4 Picasso is said to be great as a people carrier, so it will come in handy if you have a big family.
Cazoo adds: "Some diesel versions were produced after 2015 and will be ULEZ compliant, but it’s important to check this before you buy if you’re based in London."
Suzuki Swift Sport
This is considered to be the best all-rounder by Cazoo, with features including five doors and economical fuel consumption.
Additionally, it sits in low insurance groups and is said to be "one of the most reliable car brands out there".
What's the best second-hand car you've bought? Let us know in the comments.
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