15 Best Used Cars Under £6,000

The chance to buy the best used car for £6,000 in the UK (or under) is very much possible. There are options available that won’t break the bank — from small cars to larger car examples (although, no massive SUV players here). The beauty of the used market is that you can extend your budget pretty far.

We’ve scoured the market to bring you a selection of the best used cars that typically sell for £6,000 or less. However, it’s wise to set aside some extra funds for occasional maintenance. And when you’re ready to take the next step in your search, Carplus is here to help.

1. Volkswagen Polo

The Volkswagen Polo in its current generation is a practical and cheap car. What’s worth special attention is the efficient diesel engine option and standard 95hp powertrain.

The model has a smooth ride, excellent visibility, and responsive controls, which make it ideal for city driving. On long journeys, it shows remarkably low wind and road noise, which enhances the overall driving experience.

Inside, the Polo is surprisingly spacious and offers a premium feel with soft-touch plastics and optional colourful trim finishers. Despite its affordability, it comes with a nice set of standard equipment. All Polo models come with a digital instrument display, replacing traditional analogue dials.

2. Fiat 500

The modern Fiat 500 is bigger than the original model but still small compared to today’s cars. It’s not the most comfortable or quiet ride, but it handles well on winding roads and offers cruise control for longer trips.

The key touchpoints, such as the steering wheel, gear knob, and door armrests, are crafted from quality faux leather, soft plastic, or glossy piano-like trim. All this creates a tactile and visually appealing experience.

The seat space is a bit cramped, especially for taller drivers. However, if you’re after a stylish and affordable city car that’s easy to drive and generally cheaper to maintain, the Fiat 500’s retro design is a standout from other options.

3. Ford Fiesta

The Ford Fiesta is one of the best used cars with its excellent driving experience and comfort. Plus, it comes packed with plenty of features. Even the basic Ford Fiesta models handle well on twisty roads, with precise control and good grip. It’s fun to drive, like more expensive sports cars — great in the city and handles well on motorways, too.

Inside, the Fiesta feels nice, especially where it matters. The front seats are roomy and adjustable for most people, but the back seats might feel a bit tight.

While the Fiesta might not be as cheap as before, it still offers good value compared to similar cars. Overall, it’s a good mix of fun driving and comfort.

4. Škoda Fabia

The Škoda Fabia is a top contender when it comes to small hatchbacks. Performance-wise, the 110hp option offers quick acceleration and a decent top speed.

For city driving, the Fabia’s steering is light and accurate, but the optional Sport driving mode provides better handling on winding roads. If you spend a lot of time on the motorway, the optional Travel Assist system is worth it.

Inside, the Fabia offers an excellent driving position, good visibility, and a logically laid-out dashboard. It doesn’t have some luxury materials and excitement, but it excels in practicality and running costs. Overall, the Škoda Fabia is a great car, especially in the used car market.

5. Citroën C3

The Citroën C3 is another budget-friendly option that is cheap to run. It’s best suited for city driving, as its small size makes it easy to manoeuvre and park. Despite a slight blind spot, most models come with a reversing camera to help with parking.

The C3 prioritises comfort with its soft suspension, though it can feel unsettled around town. However, it performs better at higher speeds.

Inside, the Citroën C3 has nice styling and uses colour cleverly; the slightly raised driving position gives good visibility. It may be surprising, but the car comfortably fits three passengers in the back, with a wide middle seat and enough shoulder room.

6. Hyundai i10

The Hyundai i10 comes in different versions, offering a plentiful supply of choices. It’s perfect for urban driving and easy to manoeuvre and park, thanks to its small size and light controls. The larger windows provide a clear view outside.

For city driving, pick the 1.2-litre or turbo 1.0-litre models, not the 67hp entry-level engine. The i10 handles bumps well and is very fun on twisty roads. The N Line version has a firmer suspension for spirited driving.

Hyundai prioritised practicality with the i10, so there’s a lot of storage in the cabin. Plus, there’s plenty of space in the back seats.

7. Kia Picanto

The Kia Picanto is an economical choice for a small car. As expected, the compact size makes it perfect for city driving, with easy manoeuvrability and simple parking. However, it feels less comfortable on faster roads. It feels rather cheap, with wind gusts affecting its stability and jiggly suspension.

Inside, the Picanto maintains a no-frills approach — there’s a spacious front area and a sensible layout for easy use. The 255-litre boot space should be sufficient for everyday needs, but it’s worth checking beforehand.

While you won’t find any soft-touch plastics, the Kia Picanto feels solidly built and well-assembled. As a used example, the model remains a reliable choice.

8. Nissan Micra

The Nissan Micra is not as practical or exciting to drive as some other best used cars, but it offers a comfortable ride and desirable extras.

For city driving, the 100hp 1.0-litre petrol engine is the best. It feels nimble in town and runs smoothly and quietly. The more powerful 117hp 1.0-litre engine may feel unnecessary in comparison. If fuel economy is your priority, there’s also an option powered by a 1.5-litre diesel that’s surprisingly delicate for a small car.

The suspension isn’t perfect for handling potholes at lower speeds, but it settles down on the motorway. The roomy boot fits items like fold-up buggies or large grocery shops.

9. Toyota Auris Hybrid

The Toyota Auris Hybrid doesn’t offer the most thrilling driving experience, but this actually suits some drivers more. The light steering is solid in town but requires constant small corrections on long motorway drives, which can be tiring.

This hybrid operates conventionally, meaning it doesn’t charge from a wall box. While this limits its electric range, it also keeps the purchase price lower. Equipment levels are decent across the range, except for the basic Access model.

The Auris provides peace of mind with its reputation for reliability. So, it’s a sensible choice for those focused on dependability and value for money over excitement.

10. Vauxhall Corsa

The Vauxhall Corsa works well for families looking for great value for their money. It comes well-equipped and is reasonably priced.

In the city, any of the three petrol engines suffice; e.g., the 100hp 1.2-litre engine provides a good balance of power and fuel efficiency. The electric version offers a silent and swift urban driving experience with a generous range. On the motorway, the Corsa feels stable and comfortable.

The front seats offer ample space, but the rear legroom is more suitable for kids than taller adults. The quality outshines many competitors — well-crafted interiors with soft-touch plastics and high-quality materials.

11. Jaguar XF

The Jaguar XF is a luxurious saloon with an upscale interior and ample space. While it’s not affordable as a new car, you can find a nice deal on it as a cheap used car.

The petrol engines in the Jaguar XF are smooth, quiet, and powerful. However, they don’t deliver exceptional fuel economy compared to the diesel and the hybrid. It also features a stylish design — a striking grille, sleek headlights, and sporty bonnet creases give it a classy yet sporty appearance.

Inside, the XF offers a sporty driving position, though not as high as an SUV. If the narrow boot opening is a concern, you might prefer the XF Sportbrake for more practicality.

12. Toyota Aygo

The Toyota Aygo is an attractive option when it comes to cost, especially when you consider used examples. It’s powered by a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine producing 72hp. This makes it peppy for city driving, but it struggles on motorways. Also, it’s fairly quiet on roads and inexpensive to run.

While it does a decent job of softening bumps, larger potholes can still be felt inside. Space is ample in the front seats for tall adults, but rear space and boot are lacking.

The car is designed primarily for city driving, and it comes equipped with great safety features suitable for urban environments.

13. Dacia Sandero

The Dacia Sandero is an excellent choice among family cars, with exceptional value for money. Its affordability is a positive feature, and it serves its purpose well, even if it’s not particularly thrilling to drive.

Despite the budget-friendly price, the Sandero is comfortable and suitable for long drives. The cabin, especially in the top-of-the-range model, has an impressive wow factor. The driving position is comfortable, and there’s good visibility and adjustability in the seat and steering column.

Backseat passengers will find ample legroom and headroom, and the boot space is typical for a car in this class.

14. Renault Twingo

The Renault Twingo is a serious player among the best cheap used cars. Despite being Renault’s smallest offering, it serves as a practical alternative to other small family car options.

The Twingo has excellent cabin space, which is achieved by placing the engine at the back. However, this layout results in a smaller boot capacity compared to rivals. The engine layout means the Twingo feels lighter, and its rear-wheel-drive setup allows for a very tight turning circle. However, it’s not the most enjoyable driving experience on open roads.

The Twingo costs a bit more than some alternatives, but it comes well-equipped with features across all models.

15. Škoda Citigo

The Škoda Citigo is a great used car. It offers big-car features in a compact package, and it’s easier to afford than the equivalent Volkswagen models, for example.

The Citigo has easy-to-use controls, provides a clear view, and is simple to steer and navigate. So, it’s a joy to drive in urban areas and feels stable on the motorway. It’s also less affected by crosswinds compared to other small cars.

Inside, the Citigo provides spaciousness in the front with ample storage options. The back seats fit two passengers and might be cramped for tall people, but shorter individuals will find plenty of head and elbow room.

Conclusion

You can capitalise on new car buyers who are selling their perfectly good cars at fantastic prices. If you’re not particular about your next car having a flashy, pristine interior, that’s great. Simply select from our range of the best used cars and hit the road. It’s not like there are few cars to choose from.

Don’t forget about Carplus’s finance — it’s crucial for securing those great deals!