Best Used Cars Under £5,000 (Updated for 2024)

Which cars can I buy for under £5k?

If you have a budget to stick to but don’t want to compromise on the car, then you’ve come to the right place. We’re counting down our top picks of the very best used cars under £5,000.

Whether you’re looking for power under the bonnet, something cheap to run or simply want a car that looks good, we’ve got something just for you! It’s quite remarkable how far £5k will get you when you consider the cost of a brand-new car. But used doesn’t mean bad by any means. You can get a quality car, that is fun to drive, cheap to run, and desirable in looks well within your budget.

£5,000 can get you a fantastic ride, find out our personal favourites below:

1. Volkswagen Golf.

At this point, we feel like we can’t write one article without mentioning the Volkswagen Golf! From the best hatchback car you can buy to the best car for your family, the VW Golf is truly an all-rounder! Golfs can come in all different shapes and sizes for your budget, from 3, 4, and 5-door options to hatchbacks and convertibles, there is sure to be a Golf model for you. The VW Golf is an affordable and sporty car which won’t leave you out of pocket but can guarantee fun on the road. 

2. Ford Fiesta.

The Ford Fiesta is one of the best-used cars you can buy for under £5k. It was the top-selling car in the UK for 12 consecutive years which means there is so much choice when it comes to second-hand car buying. The engines are nippy and they’re really fun to drive too. The Fiesta is well known for its low price tag and a range of efficient engines. You can get a lot for your money when it comes to buying a Fiesta and there’s no doubt you’ll find one easy enough. 

3. Honda CR-V.

It can be hard to find a good quality SUV for under £5k but we think the Honda CR-V fits the bill. Older models may be lacking some of the high-tech equipment Honda has invested in over the years but you’ll still get a lot of car for your money. The Honda CR-V is very practical and comes with low running costs too. Due to its impressive amount of space and ease of access, we’ve also featured the CR-V on our list of the best cars for wheelchair users too! 

4. Vauxhall Astra.

A diesel car for less than £5k? Yes, please! The Vauxhall Astra is a reliable hatchback which is great value for money. The Vauxhall Astra is one of our top picks for the best-used cars under 5,000 pounds because it’s spacious, practical and there’s plenty of choice on the market. Vauxhall decided to scrap the Astra in 2023 but there were plenty sold during its run time for second-hand buyers to take advantage of. Check out our Vauxhall Astra finance deals. 

5. Kia Sportage.

The Kia Sportage is a family-friendly SUV which won’t leave you out of pocket and it makes a great car for the school run too. It’s not the most exciting car on the market but even the older models can be well-equipped and great value for money. Kia has a long history of being reliable and they even offer a 7-year/100,000-mile warranty with each new car and it can be transferred with ownership. Finding a Kia Sportage for under £5k with a valid warranty may be hard but could really pay off!

6. Toyota Avensis.

The Toyota Avensis gives you the choice of either a saloon or tourer body style. Both of which make the Avensis one of the most spacious cars you can buy. For a used car under £5k, you’d probably be looking at the 2011-2015 generation which comes with an improved ride and a touchscreen multimedia system. Not only is the Avensis great value for money but it’s also one of the most comfortable cars within its class! 

7. BMW 3 Series.

Getting cheap BMW 3 series finance doesn’t have to be a worry when you go through us. The BMW 3 series is one of our most popular cars to finance and it’s easy to see why. They are great cars to drive, have engaging handling and impressive frugality. Not only that but they also look good too. Buying a car for under £5k doesn’t mean you have to skimp on quality and the BMW 3 series gives that luxurious feel without the dent in your pocket to match.  

8. Skoda Yeti.

The Skoda Yeti has long been a reasonably priced car anyway so when buying one for under £5k you may be able to get a younger car than you would with some of the other cars on our list. Previous owners reported very few major faults or breakdowns whilst owning which helps to back up Skoda’s reputation for reliability. It’s a small family SUV that looks rugged and masculine, hence the Yeti name but will certainly put a smile on your face whilst on the road. 

9. Mazda MX-5.

The Mazda MX-5 is one of our favourite convertible cars to buy and it’s one of the most fun to drive! The MX-5 has been around since 1989 and is one of the best-selling sports car globally. It’s nippy, efficient and lightweight which all contributes to a smooth and enjoyable ride. It should come as no surprise but the Mazda MX-5 is as small as you would expect and it’s a two-seater car with limited boot space. 

10. Jaguar XF.

Many of the cars on our list of the best-used cars under £5k are mid-rang but what if you’re after something with a little extra style and luxury? We recommend the Jaguar XF! Even the older models come with high-quality interior and responsive handling. There’s plenty of interior equipment for your money and fuel consumption is also good. Check out our Jaguar finance page for more. 

There we have it, our 10 best-used cars under £5,000 or less!

We hope you found something that ticks the boxes. If you have a top pick that didn’t make our list just let us know.