What Are Some of The Best Used Cars Under £5000? (2024)

Are you on a tight budget but still want to get the most bang for your buck when it comes to buying a car? In this blog, we'll be discussing the best second-hand cars under £5000.

We understand that finding the perfect budget car can be overwhelming, but we've done the research for you. From reliable engines to fuel efficiency, we'll cover everything you need to know about the best cars under £5000. Whether you're a student, a first-time car buyer, or someone simply looking for an affordable car, we've got you covered.

So, what is the most reliable car to buy on a budget? And what is the best car to buy for under £5000? Keep reading to find out! Looking for a cheap electric model? Check out our blog highlighting the best electric cars under £5000.

How reliable are budget-friendly used cars?

When it comes to budget-friendly cars, reliability is always a key concern. After all, you don't want to end up spending more on repairs and maintenance than you did on the car itself!

The good news is that there are plenty of reliable options out there for those on a budget. In fact, many of the best cars under £5000 are known for their durability and long-lasting performance.

Of course, as with any car, there are always some models that are more reliable than others. That's why it's important to do your research and look for cars with a reputation for reliability, such as those with low mileage, a clean service history, and good customer reviews. By taking the time to find a reliable budget car, you can enjoy all the benefits of car ownership without breaking the bank.

What fuel efficiency can you expect from these cars?

Contrary to popular belief, a tight budget doesn't necessarily mean sacrificing fuel efficiency. In fact, you can find some great fuel-efficient cars for less than £5000 if you shop around and do your research. From hybrids to compact cars with smaller engines, there are plenty of options out there that can help you save money on fuel.

Of course, it's important to keep in mind that fuel efficiency can vary depending on several factors, including driving habits, road conditions, and weather conditions. That's why it's always a good idea to check the car's fuel economy rating before making a purchase. You’ll also want to consider factors like maintenance costs, insurance rates, and other expenses that can impact your overall budget.

What are the maintenance and repair costs for cheap cars?

Maintenance and repair costs are an important consideration when it comes to buying a budget car. While you may save money upfront by purchasing a cheap car, you could end up spending more in the long run if it requires frequent repairs or costly maintenance.

Luckily, there are ways to keep these costs under control. One of the best tips is to stay on top of regular maintenance, such as oil changes, tyre rotations, and brake inspections. This can help prevent more serious issues from developing and keep your car running smoothly for longer.

It's also a good idea to do your research and look for cars with a reputation for reliability and low maintenance costs. By taking these steps and being proactive about maintenance and repairs, you can enjoy all the benefits of a cheap car without breaking the bank.

What are the best used cars under £5000?

You can get plenty of great cars for less than £5000 these days. Here’s our top picks you’ll want to consider:

  • Suzuki Swift Sport
  • BMW Series 7
  • Renault Sport Clio 200
  • Toyota MR2 Roadster
  • Porsche Cayenne MK1

Don’t forget that cars under £5000 can also be some of the cheapest cars to insure.

Suzuki Swift Sport

What Are Some of The Best Used Cars Under £5000? (1)

Looking for a car that's easy on the wallet, fuel-efficient, and fun to drive? Check out the Suzuki Swift. This pint-sized hero has been a favourite among drivers for years thanks to its nimble handling, impressive fuel economy, and low running costs.

While the latest version of the Swift may be a bit pricier due to its hybrid technology, you can still find great deals on older models that offer the same pure driving experience at a fraction of the cost. In fact, the first-generation Suzuki Swift Sport is one of the best options for those looking for an affordable and reliable car that's a joy to drive.

Prices start below £2k, making it an accessible option for those on a tight budget.

BMW Series 7

What Are Some of The Best Used Cars Under £5000? (2)

When it comes to affordable performance cars, many people turn to the BMW 3 Series for its 6-cylinder power and sporty handling. However, if you're looking for something a little different and more unique, why not consider a V8-powered BMW 7 Series instead?

With the E65 model, produced between 2001 and 2008, you can get all the luxury and power you need at a budget-friendly price. Of course, if you're willing to be patient and do some searching, you may even be able to find a clean and crisp E38 generation 7 Series with a James Bond feel for under £5k.

Renault Sport Clio 200

What Are Some of The Best Used Cars Under £5000? (3)

Why not invest that £5000 into one of the best Renault hot hatches of the last two decades - the Renault Clio 200? With no turbo or shift paddles, this dinky front-wheel-drive car is all about revs and gumption, offering a pure driving experience that's hard to beat.

While you may have to search a bit to find one within your budget, your £5k should be able to secure you a 2010 model with around 80,000 miles on the clock. Or, if you're willing to consider its slightly less brilliant, but still excellent predecessor, the Clio 197, your choices are even greater.

Toyota MR2 Roadster

What Are Some of The Best Used Cars Under £5000? (4)

If you're looking for a budget-friendly sports car that offers an unparalleled driving experience, you might want to consider the Toyota MR2. Specifically, the third-generation model that was produced between 1999 and 2007.

This mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive roadster is often overlooked in favour of more well-known models like the Mazda MX-5. However, it offers a purer and more exhilarating ride that's sure to put a smile on your face. With a bit of searching, you should be able to find a clean, low-mileage example of the MR2 for around £5,000.

Just be aware that this car is not for the faint hearted. With its light weight, responsive handling, and rear-wheel-drive setup, it can be a bit of a handful in wet or slippery conditions!

Porsche Cayenne MK1

What Are Some of The Best Used Cars Under £5000? (5)

When it comes to bargain Porsches, the options used to be limited, with the Porsche 924 and MK1 Boxster’s the go-to choices. However, as both of these models have gained a more iconic reputation, the true budget Porsche is now something different: the early Mk1 Cayenne.

This is one of the first 4x4s to offer genuinely smart handling. The easiest Cayenne to find within budget is the 4.5-litre Cayenne S, which boasts a naturally aspirated V8 engine that produces around 340bhp. It's more than enough power to make decent progress and enjoy some Porsche-like thrills on the road.

However, if you're willing to be patient and do some searching, you may be able to find the Cayenne Turbo with a whopping 450bhp within your budget.

Get a Budget Car Under £5000 With a Little Help from Carmoola

Ready to invest in a budget used car? Check out our blog to learn more about the best car finance deals. At Carmoola, we make it easy to apply for the finance you need, and we offer affordable rates to fit your individual circ*mstances.

Find out how it works now, or contact us today. 👍

What Are Some of The Best Used Cars Under £5000? (2024)

FAQs

What Are Some of The Best Used Cars Under £5000? ›

Toyota is considered to be the go-to vehicle for reliability, while brands like Honda, Mazda, Subaru and Hyundai are also highly ranked for their quality and cheap maintenance costs.

What is the most reliable used car for under $5000? ›

Here are 10 of the best used cars under $5,000.
  • 2007 Mazda3. ...
  • 2006 Honda Accord. ...
  • 2007 Toyota Camry. ...
  • 2007 Subaru Outback. ...
  • 2010 Kia Soul. ...
  • 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. ...
  • 2009 Nissan Sentra. ...
  • 2012 Chevrolet Sonic.
Apr 23, 2024

What used car has least problems? ›

Toyota is considered to be the go-to vehicle for reliability, while brands like Honda, Mazda, Subaru and Hyundai are also highly ranked for their quality and cheap maintenance costs.

What is considered the most dependable car? ›

These Are the 10 Most Reliable Cars of All Time — How Many Miles Could They Reach?
  1. Honda Civic. Potential Top Mileage: 300,000+
  2. Lexus LS 400. Potential Top Mileage: 250,000+ ...
  3. Toyota 4Runner. Potential Top Mileage: 300,000-400,000. ...
  4. Volvo 900. ...
  5. Mercedes-Benz W124. ...
  6. Jeep Cherokee. ...
  7. Toyota Camry. ...
  8. Honda Accord. ...
Jan 4, 2024

Is 5k a good budget for a car? ›

If you finance, it could mean an affordable monthly payment and a smaller down payment. However, with a $5,000 budget, you may have to expect higher mileage vehicles, a higher risk of mechanical breakdowns, and possibly a high interest rate.

Which cars are most reliable as second hand? ›

Toyota Yaris - 89.0 reliability rating

The Toyota Yaris is ranked as the most reliable used car from the 2024. Now on its fourth generation, this data covers only the third-generation version that launched in 2011 that remained on sale until 2019.

Which year used car is best to buy? ›

The “sweet spot” for purchasing a used car is between 2 to 5 years old. This is the age range where the car has already gone through the steepest part of its depreciation curve, but it's still relatively new and in good condition.

Which brand is best for a second hand car? ›

Popular Second Hand Car Brands
  • Maruti Suzuki.
  • Hyundai.
  • Mahindra.
  • Honda.
  • Tata.
  • Toyota.
  • Mercedes-Benz.
  • Renault.

What is the best car with no problems? ›

9 of the most reliable cars
  1. 2024 Kia Forte (Top-rated compact car) ...
  2. 2024 Kia K5 (Top-rated midsize car) ...
  3. 2022 Toyota C-HR (Top-rated small SUV) ...
  4. 2024 Kia Sportage (Top-rated compact SUV) ...
  5. 2024 Chevrolet Blazer (Top-rated midsize SUV) ...
  6. 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe (Top-rated large SUV) ...
  7. 2024 Toyota Sienna (Top-rated minivan)
Jan 2, 2024

What is the cheapest used car to fix? ›

Most Affordable Used Cars to Maintain
  • Toyota Corolla. The Toyota Corolla is a compact sedan with a reliable track record. ...
  • Honda CR-V. The Honda CR-V is one of the most popular SUVs on the road, and for good reason. ...
  • Subaru Outback. ...
  • Honda Accord. ...
  • Lexus NX. ...
  • Mercedes-Benz C-Class. ...
  • Ford Mustang. ...
  • Honda Odyssey.
Feb 21, 2020

What car brand has the least problems? ›

1. Lexus. The luxury brand of Toyota has topped our dependability chart for seven years in a row, partly because its cars rarely go wrong, and also because when they do, its dealers fix the problems for free. Its star performer is the 2014-2021 Lexus NX family SUV, which has a reliability rating of 99.8%.

What do mechanics say is the most reliable car? ›

Following its 2023 survey to determine who makes the most reliable new cars, Consumer Reports concluded that Lexus and Toyota lead the industry with predicted reliability scores of 79 and 76, respectively. This doesn't surprise auto mechanics already familiar with Toyota's solid reputation for reliability.

What is the longest lasting reliable car? ›

The 20 Longest-Lasting Cars You Can Buy
  • What are the longest-lasting vehicles on the road? A study by iSeeCars.com provides the answer. ...
  • Toyota Land Cruiser. Toyota. ...
  • Toyota Tundra. Toyota. ...
  • Ford F-250 Super Duty. Ford F-Series Super Duty. ...
  • Honda Pilot. Honda. ...
  • GMC Sierra 2500HD. GMC. ...
  • Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD. ...
  • Toyota Avalon.
Mar 17, 2024

How long will a $5,000 dollar car last? ›

If you have never had one or have never been shopping for one, this might be a foreign concept to you. A $5,000 car is a 7-year-old Nissan Sentra or Mazda 6 with 100K miles on it. That car will probably run for another 50-150,000 miles over 5-15 more years while needing a few minor repairs and a major repair.

What is the 50 30 20 rule? ›

The 50/30/20 budget rule states that you should spend up to 50% of your after-tax income on needs and obligations that you must have or must do. The remaining half should be split between savings and debt repayment (20%) and everything else that you might want (30%).

What is a good budget for a used car? ›

The Bottom Line:

By using the 10% rule of thumb, you can quickly determine how much of your monthly income can be spent on car costs without jeopardizing any of your other financial goals. For most folks, buying a used car within the $10,000 – $25,000 range is a great way to proceed.

What is the safest and most reliable used vehicle? ›

A well-maintained modern car can last more than 200,000 miles without problems. What brand of car is the most reliable? Kia, Hyundai and Nissan have multiple entries on our list, so those brands are excellent if you're shopping for a reliable and affordable used car.

What is the safest mileage to buy a used car? ›

There's no rule to how many miles on a used car is too much, but by attempting to stick to the 12,000 miles per year rule is a great place to start. Find out how old the car is, multiple the number of years by 12,000, and if the number on the odometer is significantly higher than that, some concern might be warranted.

What is the cheapest used car to maintain? ›

1996-2016 Honda CR-V: A favorite among families for its safety and reliability. 2001-2016 Honda Civic: A compact car with a long-standing reputation for durability. 2003-2014 Honda Accord: A midsize car that rarely disappoints in terms of maintenance. 1998-2017 Toyota Corolla: Its longevity is legendary.

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