Best Used Cars Under £15,000

You can spend 15k on a decent new car, or you can spend the same amount on a great used car. This budget offers a lot of options - from a subcompact hatchback to a fairly spacious SUV - so let’s narrow them down. We’ve got 15 best used car models to present to you.

Before diving into the list of the best used cars under £15,000, let us remind you that Carplus can find cars on the best terms and for any budget! Use or tool or reach out to us, and we’ll get you behind the wheel of the car you want.

1. Volkswagen Golf

The Volkswagen Golf has been a staple in the motoring landscape in the UK ever since its release in 1974. The seventh-generation model (best in line) - released from 2013 to 2020 - boasts the automaker’s trademark quality, practicality, and user-friendly tech. The looks can only be described as classy and understated.

It comes in a range of low-capacity turbocharged engines - 1.0, 1.4, and 1.5-litre. It’s worth saying that these engines punch above their weight. You can also get a diesel model with either a 1.6 or 2.0-litre engine, which suits drivers travelling the motorway on a daily basis.

Few other mainstream family hatchbacks hold on to their value as much as the VW Golf does. Besides, you can purchase used cars that come in varying levels of performance and economy, depending on the needs and budget.

2. Seat Ateca

Having arrived on the UK market back in 1985, the Seat took a long time to find its footing in the local market. But with the arrival of the fourth-generation model, the brand has finally become widely recognised. The brand’s Ateca cars are well-equipped, generally reliable, and comfortable to drive. For a mid-size SUV, its cabin isn’t short of space.

Engine-wise, the car comes in petrol and diesel varieties - 1.0-litre, 1.4-litre, 1.5-litre, and 2.0-litre petrol; 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre diesel.

The Ateca is a prime example of decent practicality and strong value for money. With many models on the used market - with a wide choice of engines, trims, colours, and mileages - you’re bound to find the Ateca you like.

3. Volkswagen Passat

The Passat hit the showrooms in 1973 and is now on its eighth generation. Each new release made the model safer (4 out of 5 on the forward collision crashworthiness test), more fuel-efficient, spacious, and technologically advanced. The newer models are deliberately aimed at the premium end of the market, but there is a great deal of more affordable options on the used car market.

Similar to other cars on the list, there’s a good choice of engines. Petrol options include a 1.4-litre, 1.8-litre, or 2.0-litre unit. A hybrid model comes with a 1.4-litre petrol engine to produce a combined 215 bhp, which also seems to offer the best fuel efficiency.

Thanks to a decent-sized cabin and a massive amount of boot space, the car can haul five people and their luggage around with ease.

4. BMW 3 Series

Just like the BMW 3 Series ticks a lot of boxes as a new car, a used buy does the same. The pricing remains fairly strong because the new models are still incredibly popular and because it retains many of the initial built-in qualities. Plus, it’s one of the best cars in terms of practicality and refinement.

The engine line-up offers everything you’d need:

• 1.5-, 1.6-, 2.0-, turbo 2.0-, 3.0-, and turbo 3.0-litre petrol varieties;
• 2.0-, turbo 2.0-, 3.0-, and turbo 3.0-litre diesel varieties;
• a plug-in hybrid with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine

The sixth generation of the BMW 3 Series ran from 2012 to 2019, which is what you’ll find on the secondary market. Because it’s been incredibly popular as a company car, used models are often well-maintained, more so than personal-use cars.

5. Renault Grand Scenic

While initially designed to offer simple versatility, the Renault Grand Scenic became known as mostly a family-focused and practical car. The model was officially launched in 2004 and has gone through several facelifts since then. The best aspects of the Grand Scenic are spacious interior, frugal engines, and quiet performance.

You can find five engine choices available on the market: a 1.2-litre petrol in two forms, a 1.5-litre diesel, and a 1.6-litre, also in two forms.

While Renault doesn’t have the best reputation in terms of reliability, the Grand Scenic seems to be better built than the brand’s other models. This particular model is known for prioritising function over fashion. That said, many don’t agree with the stylistic criticism.

6. Audi A3

The A3 quickly established itself as a highly desirable vehicle shortly after being launched in 1996. The current generation is the best in all characteristics. It’s lighter, stronger and more efficient than its predecessors.

Luckily for prospective buyers, there is a wide range of impressive engines: petrols include an entry-level 1.2-litre, a 1.4-litre unit, and a 1.8; diesels include a 1.6 and a 2.0 engine. What’s more, you can also find a 1.4-litre petrol engine with electric power.

With lots of room inside the boot and a pleasant cabin, the Audi A3 is a good all-around choice for an upmarket family car. Even as a downsized, lower-range executive car, it stands against Audi’s luxury models. These characteristics put the car closer to the upper range of our budget.

7. Toyota Auris

The Toyota Auris hit the showrooms in 2006 and is a compact city car derived from the Corolla. This model may not have the desirability of its many rivals - in terms of class – but it still isn’t dull to look at. Across the range, the car is inexpensive to run and reliably built. And the newer-gen examples have received an interior and exterior refresh, making them the best looks-wise.

Earlier examples of the Auris came in a wide choice of engines - a pair of petrols (in 1.3-litre and 1.6-litre forms), a 1.4-litre diesel and a 1.8-litre petrol-electric hybrid. At a later point, Toyota also introduced a 1.2-litre turbo petrol and a 1.6-litre diesel. But any model released in 2017 or after was stripped back to the 1.2 turbo petrol and a hybrid.

8. Skoda Superb Estate

When Skoda introduced the Superb in 1991, the idea of it offering an upmarket car was not in the cars. But a massive refresh in 2008 launched the car into a higher-range market. Now, the Skoda Superb Mk2 (2008-2015) is an award-winning family car, and the Skoda Superb Mk3 (from 2015 onwards) is considered big on space and big on value.

The Skoda Superb Estate has offered three petrol engines from launch - a 1.4-litre, a 1.8-litre and a 3.6-litre. Diesel cars include a 1.9-litre and a choice of two 2.0-litre engines with different power outputs. The automaker also launched the Greenline version in 2011, which focused on minimising CO2 emissions and maximising combined fuel economy.

9. Hyundai Ioniq

Hyundai cars have long been perceived as great value and reliable. But the build quality and styling left a lot to be desired for many years. With the Ioniq’s arrival in 2016, this five-seat sedan was one of the first companies to offer high-tech all-electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains.

So, the model is equipped with a 1.6-litre petrol engine and an electric motor. This engine was designed specifically for driving in virtual silence. And a facelifted design in 2019 brought a bigger battery pack.

The Ioniq’s packaging offers plenty of passenger space and a decent amount of boot space, which is typical for a saloon built. And one of the best bits about the Ioniq is its affordable pricing (considering its prime specifications).

10. Toyota Prius

The first-generation Prius was launched in 1997 and hasn’t struggled to get traction ever since. Now, we’re on the fourth-generation version.

Petrol engines in older models are fitted with petrol engines to provide the main source of power. But the newer car has a 1.8-litre engine linked to an electric motor and shuffles its power source between the engine, the electric motor, or both. The introduction of the hybrid option also upped fuel economy spectacularly.

Prius doesn’t skimp on equipment, and buyers can find different packages: Active, Business Edition, Business Edition Plus, and Excel. Overall, the car is dependable and efficient. But if you’re after the newer award-winning hybrid models, be prepared for a fairly high median price even on the used car market.

11. Honda Civic

2022 marks 50 years since the original Honda Civic made its debut. Since then, the model has been through 10 generations and solidified its title as a globally popular family car.

Newer Civics have become sportier, but the key selling points for most buyers remained the same. The car has a dependable build, low running costs, and decent value for money. Plus, it makes for a sound second-hand buy (mid-spec).

As for the engine, there are three turbocharged petrol types: efficient 1.0-litre, quicker 1.5-litre, and super-sporty 2.0-litre units. For a compact four-door car, the Civic is rich in space for cargo and allows passengers to stretch their legs.

12. Peugeot 208

The first Peugeot 208 went on sale in the UK in 2012 with a fair few options and configurations available from the start. It was received well and built a reputation as a pleasantly well-rounded supermini car.

Engine options are not particularly diverse - a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel unit. That said, newer configurations come in the EV version, too.

Bear in mind that the Peugeot 208 brings in a great level of comfort and ride quality by small car standards. It shouldn’t be viewed as a competing car for SUVs featured on the list. Of course, a five-door body style, and a five-seat interior has more to offer for a family.

13. Ford Focus

Ever since the launch of the original Ford Focus in 1998, the car has established itself as the family car for keen drivers. On the one hand, it’s practical and well-built; on the other hand, even the lighter models managed to hold on to the sporty element.

The Ford Focus comes with a huge choice of engines:

• Petrol engines: 1.6-litre, 1.0-litre Ecoboost, two 1.5-litre Ecoboost, 1.5-litre Econetic, and 2.0 units
• Diesel engines: a 2.0-litre, 2.0 turbocharged, 2.3-litre units
• Hybrid: two self-charging 1.0 EcoBoost mild hybrids

The space in the front is decent, but the rear seats feel a little limited. But the newer facelifts improved the front and rear styling, and both were significantly enhanced. The boot is of adequate dimensions for day-to-day use.

14. Vauxhall Astra

The Vauxhall Astra enter its seventh-generation version, having been on the market since 1980. Newer models offer huge improvements in every area - performance, fuel economy, built quality, and spaciousness.

The petrol engines in older models range from a 1.4-litre unit to a 1.6-litre one, with turbocharged versions for both. The 1.6-litre diesel options are the most economical, and you can choose from three different varieties. A major facelift in 2019 brought a 1.2-litre petrol engine with two different power outputs, a 1.4 (petrol), and a 1.5-litre diesel in two forms.

The interior space is fine even for the very tall, and there’s a generous amount of legroom in the back for two (more limited for three).

15. Mazda CX3

Mazda CX3 is a high-riding, polished supermini SUV that went on sale in the UK in 2015. The model line-up consists of SE, SE Nav, SE-L, SE-L Nav, and Sport Nav, each progressively better equipped. That said, the equipment is generous throughout the line-up.

The petrol engine is available in a 1.5-litre and a 2.0-litre. The diesel engine is available in a 1.5-litre and a 1.8-litre. The space in the front is reasonable, which can’t be said about the rear room.

CX3’s relatively steep prices from new are reflected in second-hand values. But if you’re looking for a sharp small SUV, this one’s one of the best picks.

Final words

Hopefully, you like the cars featured on our list, and armed with a budget of £15,000, you can go ahead with the purchase. Once you decide which car suits you best, make sure to use Carplus’ online tool to get an instant car finance quote. Buy with confidence here!