Best used cars under £10,000
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A budget of £10,000 doesn’t go a long way when you’re buying a new car. In fact, unless you’re a master at haggling, it’s not even enough for a basic Dacia Sandero. Not good news if you’re after a bargain. Sorry, James May.
All isn’t lost, though, because you’ll find that £10,000 goes a very long way when you’re buying a used car. Whether you’re after a nearly-new city car or something bigger, you won’t struggle to find a car that’s right for you.
We know this, because we’ve spent a few hours trawling the classifieds to bring you the best used cars under £10,000. To narrow the search, we’re looking at cars registered after 2012 and with no more than 100,000 miles on the clock.
Do your homework before parting with any cash. There are plenty of used car guides to read, but make sure you arrange a test drive. We’d also recommend looking at a few cars before making a final decision.
See the latest cheap cars under £10,000.
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Hyundai i10
The Hyundai i10 is a great choice if you’re after a small car with a long warranty. With a budget of £10,000, you can afford to buy a late example of the Mk2 i10, on sale from 2014 until 2020. It’s surprisingly spacious, with most models offering room for three adults along the rear bench. Practicality is aided by the fact that all come with five doors, while the boot offers an impressive 252 litres of luggage space. The 1.2-litre engine is great for longer drives, but the 1.0 is perfect for city use. A five-year unlimited mileage warranty adds some reassurance.
Volkswagen Polo
The current Volkswagen Polo puts us in mind of the previous-generation Golf. It shares a similar design, and although it’s not as spacious as its larger sibling, it feels bigger inside than its exterior dimensions would suggest. Unless you opt for the rapid 2.0-litre GTI, the Polo errs on the side of comfort and ease of use. There’s a general sense of solidity, especially on the inside; the cabin is a masterclass in German quality. All models get a digital instrument cluster, and although the Polo is more expensive than its supermini rivals, it should be worth more when you decide to sell it.
- Read our full Volkswagen Polo review
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Kia Ceed
It’s hard to stand out in a market dominated by the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra. Launched in 2012, and on sale until 2018, the second-generation Kia Ceed won many fans thanks to its smart styling, Germanic interior, seven-year warranty and excellent value for money. A budget of £10,000 is enough for a 2018 hatchback or estate (Sportswagon), which will be guaranteed until 2025. The 1.6-litre diesel engine offers excellent fuel economy, while all versions boast a long list of standard equipment. Officially, this generation of the car was called the Cee’d. Note the apostrophe.
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Ford Kuga
Generally speaking, crossovers can be a little dull to drive. A lofty stance and a feeling of detachment from the road can make them seem unwieldy and numb. Because it’s based on the Ford Focus, the Kuga is a different story. It’s agile and full of feedback, sharing many characteristics with the Focus hatchback. A range of petrol and diesel engines are available, and while most cars are front-wheel drive, a four-wheel-drive option was offered with the 1.5-litre petrol and 2.0 diesel engines. Fancy something plush? Check out the top-spec Kuga Vignale, which arrived in 2016.
- Read our full Ford Kuga review
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Skoda Superb
If you like the feeling of getting more for your money, you’ll love the Skoda Superb. Launched in 2008, the Mk2 Superb offers a compelling blend of space, equipment, quality and value for money. In many ways, it feels like you’re getting an Audi A6 or Mercedes-Benz E-Class on the cheap. The boot is massive, so you probably won’t need the estate, while there’s enough legroom in the back to rival a luxury limo. The use of tried-and-tested Volkswagen parts should provide comfort when you’re buying used, while the diesel engines will deliver excellent fuel economy. A budget of £10,000 is enough for a 2015 model.
Suzuki Vitara
The Suzuki Vitara offers a convincing package in the crowded compact crossover sector. Lightweight construction means it’s great to drive, while the slim-fast diet is also great news for fuel economy. For this money, you’ll almost certainly end up with a 1.6-litre petrol or diesel engine, but while they’re perfectly acceptable, we’d stretch the budget to the excellent 1.4-litre Boosterjet petrol engine. All models are well equipped, but the mid-range SZ-T would be our pick. Four-wheel drive is available if you’re after some all-weather reassurance on slippery roads, but don’t expect to venture too far off the beaten track.
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Toyota Auris
It might be about as exciting as watching the test screen (ask your parents), but the Toyota Auris offers excellent value for money. It’s a Corolla in all but name, but don’t tell Toyota we said that, and is available as a five-door hatchback or spacious estate (called the Touring Sports). The Auris is known for being one of the most reliable cars you can buy, with customers reporting very few problems. The 1.4 and 1.6 diesel engines will deliver excellent fuel economy, but the 1.8 petrol-electric hybrid might be a better option if you spend most of your time in the city or doing short trips.
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Honda CR-V
Although your head might be turned by something with a premium badge, we’d urge you to consider the Honda CR-V. On sale from 2012 until 2017, the CR-V majors on comfort, practicality and low running costs. The diesels are particularly frugal, and you could find the 1.6 i-DTEC offers everything you need. One of the car’s biggest strengths is the amount of space on board; there’s ample room for five adults, while the boot is one of the largest in its class. Throw into the mix an excellent record for reliability and you’ll see why it makes our list of the best used cars under £10,000.
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Vauxhall Insignia
Look, before you skip to the fancy BMW you’ve seen below, you should add the Mk1 Vauxhall Insignia to your shortlist. It’s not the most glamorous used car you can buy, and we know the name doesn’t exactly stoke desire, but the Insignia is a seriously underrated car. It’s big, especially if you opt for the estate version, supremely comfortable and, when powered by one of the efficient diesel engines, excellent at sipping fuel. Opt for one of the higher trim levels and you’ll discover that you can have a premium experience for a much cheaper price. Honestly, it’s much better than you think.
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BMW 3 Series Convertible
Yes, £10,000 is enough to secure a BMW 3 Series Convertible. Granted, it will date from 2012 or 2013, but the styling still looks fresh today, and it’s better for your image than a Vauxhall Insignia. It’s reasonably practical with the roof up, but you’ll have to pack lightly if you’re preparing to go topless; the fancy folding hardtop eats into the boot space, leaving you with the capacity to rival a city car. Does it matter? Just enjoy a car that drives as well as the coupe or saloon, can accommodate four adults, and has a roof that will fold away in the time it took you to read this paragraph.
- Read our full BMW 3 Series review
Can I buy a new car for £10,000?
Amazingly, it’s no longer possible to buy a new car for £10,000. With Dacia axing the basic Access version of the Sandero hatchback, the Essential trim is now Britain’s cheapest new car. It costs around £11,500, although you can upgrade to Comfort trim for an extra £1,500. At £14,500, the Dacia Duster is still Britain’s cheapest crossover, but you’ll need to spend at least £20,000 if you want the 4x4 version.
What should I look out for when buying a used car under £10,000?
The same rules apply whether you’re spending £10,000 or £100,000 on a used car. It’s important to create a shortlist of your needs and wants, as this will help narrow the search to a few candidates. Set a budget and stick to it. Take a test drive to check for any faults, then inspect the vehicle to ensure it’s right for you. Use an online guide to discover any common faults and make sure you check for any signs of crash damage or outstanding finance.
Is a test-drive always important when buying a used car?
With the rise of online retailers, you might think that a test-drive is no longer necessary. This might be true when you’re buying a nearly-new car with a money-back guarantee, but a test-drive is always recommended when buying something older. You’re not just checking for faults, you need to make sure that you like the car. Is it pleasant to drive? Is the boot large enough for your needs? Even little things matter, like can you connect your phone to the infotainment system?
