Ever wondered what the best used cars for under £5,000 are? Before we get into that, it’s worth saying that this price point is a most effective way of getting on the road for a reasonable sum of money. The cars available are young enough not to be completely worn out, and may even have had a lot of maintenance done already, but the depreciation has done the worst it can.
At this price the choice is remarkable, and includes many of the best used SUVs you can get in the UK – just a little older or higher mileage. All of these options cost less than the deposit on a typical PCP finance deal for a new or nearly-new car. You could even maintain the more demanding ones for less than typical monthly payments, without a long-term commitment. Have a look through our used cars for sale and see what’s available near you.
If you want a cheap car for commuting, or perhaps you’re buying a used hatchback, there are lots of sensible options that will be reliable for a few years. On the other hand, if you fancy a bit of flash without spending the cash, there’s a plethora of older luxury cars – for a fraction of their new price. Those will cost more money to run in the long term, but still tens of thousands less than new equivalents.
So if you’re after a family car, something that’s perfect for your first car or need a little more luxury, we have you covered with our list of the best secondhand cars for under £5,000. As always, the advice is shop around, do your research, and get a car history check.
The best used cars for under £5,000 in 2023
Editor’s choice: Skoda Yeti
Timeless, sensible, practical and thoroughly interesting family car
Pros
✅ Punchy and frugal diesel engines
✅ Reliable and well built
✅ Roomy interior
Cons
❌ Some well-documented engine issues
❌ Residual resistance to the Skoda badge
The Skoda Yeti was the perfect family SUV long before they became as popular as they are today, and that might explain why they are so popular now. It’s been off-sale now for some time, which means that getting a good example for not much money is possible – with the cheapest examples now dipping well below £5,000.
Based on simple Volkswagen technology, they’re proving cheap and reliable to run and finding their way into lots of families – which is why we’re big fans of Skoda’s first SUV. Your £5,000 will buy you a 2014 Elegance powered by the excellent 1.2-litre TSI petrol engine, which is reasonably punchy and capable of returning near-diesel fuel economy.
Problems to watch out for:
Early 1.2/1.4 engine timing chain rattle, rust on arches and end of sills, damaged interior trim, missed Haldex services on 4×4 models.
Read our full Skoda Yeti review
Search for used Skoda Yetis on Parkers
It's the typical deposit on a new SUV - you could be free of monthly bills by buying used instead
Buy carefully, spend the equivalent of a couple of months' PCP payment on maintenance in the year, and you could easily get five years of reliable, comfortable motoring without a big financial commitment or significant compromise in handling or performance.
How to buy a £5,000 car well
You won't find many cars at this price on approved-used schemes, but it's worth buying from a reputable, established dealer. You have more protection than in a private sale, and generally will have more time to look over the car. Bear in mind these cars have had plenty of use, so decide what matters most to you in terms of choosing the best one.
Take time to check the service history and condition of suspension, brake pipes and subframes. Choosing a lower trim level may mean fewer things to go wrong – particularly integrated navigation and nfotainment, where you might want to fit an aftermarket one anyway.
Above all, this end of the market is where you should avoid using long-term finance (or high-interest short-term debt). Pay in full. The only benefit to using finance here is if you pay on your credit card, where you gain some extra protection against bad deals or misrepresented goods.
Pros
- Plenty of cars
- Often cosmetically good
- Modern tech and features
Cons
- Enough margin for profitable scams
- High spec means expensive parts
- Wear-and-tear items may be due
Volkswagen Golf Mk6 (2009-2013)
The benchmark family hatchback, available in a myriad of varieties
Pros
✅ Solid, well-built interior
✅ Economical Bluemotion version
✅ Lots of choices for your money
Cons
❌ Lacks the rock-solid reliability of the Mk7
❌ Expensive compared with its closest rivals
If you don’t want a Ford Focus and would prefer a VW roundel on the nose of your next car, you’re not alone. Despite strong prices, the Golf Mk7 is consistently one of the most popular used cars on the market, and our Used Car of The Year 2023 – but for £5,000, you’re looking at the older Mk6. The good news is it’s an excellent choice, and there are lots of models to choose from – from low-powered petrols, via super-economical Blue Motion models, to the eternally popular GTI.
Despite a reputation for quality and reliability, this generation of Golf has been plagued with issues, especially as they enter middle age. With that in mind, check service history closely, and try to plump for a manual model over a DSG automatic. Our pick of the range would be a 2.0 TDI in GT form, as it’s likely to be the most reliable choice, and still good to drive. £5,000 will get you a very nice 2013 example.
Problems to watch out for:
High mileage DSG gearboxes, rattly timing chain on 1.2 or 1.4, worn suspension, tired paint and headlight plastic.
Read our full Volkswagen Golf Mk6 review
Search for used Volkswagen Golfs on Parkers
Jaguar XF (2008-2015)
Elegant executive saloon and estate that’s reliable and good to drive
Pros
✅ Supremely comfortable
✅ Nice to drive
✅ Reliability of petrol models
Cons
❌ Diesel unreliability
❌ Rear seat space a little cramped
The first-generation XF is a solid, reliable and well-sorted car when powered by Jaguar’s strong and reliable petrol engines. That’s why petrol XFs cost more than diesel, and why they’re more sought after. If you’re looking for an XF, the 3.0-litre V6 petrol is a great all-rounder and surprisingly economical when driven sensibly.
A diesel XF made sense when new, but with many succumbing to expensive failures of turbochargers and engine components, it’s best avoided. That takes discipline, as it’s so good to drive thanks to a well-damped ride quality and fantastic (for such a large car) handling and steering. A great alternative to a BMW 5 or entry-level 7 series, and generally cheaper – your £5,000 gets you a 2011 XF V6 in Luxury form.
Problems to watch out for:
Smoke from diesel, particularly under hard acceleration. Worn bushes. Clogged EGR, coolant leaks (including the EGR valve). Slipping/jerking automatic gearbox. Noisy cam/rattles from engine.
Read our full Jaguar XF review
Search for used Jaguar XFs on Parkers
Ford Focus Mk3 (2011-2018)
Not quite as desirable as the Golf, but more engaging to drive
Pros
✅ Reliable and dependable
✅ Diesel version is excellent
✅ Sharp steering and roadholding
Cons
❌ Interior has been splattered by the button gun
❌ Early Ecoboost engine issues
We like the Ford Focus Mk3 a lot, and apparently so do you – it was consistently Britain’s bestselling family car throughout its life. There are lots of versions to choose from and you can’t go wrong whether you go petrol or diesel. Like all Fords from this era, the Focus is good to drive with sharp steering and tight handling, and great economy, espcially in the 1.6-litre diesel and 1.0-litre Ecoboost petrol versions.
Your £5,000 budget should buy you a nice low-mileage 1.0-litre 2015 EcoBoost version in the most desirable Zetec trim level. By that point, the early reliability issues with the EcoBoost engine were sorted, but do make sure you go for the best example you can find. The 1.6-litre diesel version is well worth considering too, especially if you drive longer distances on a regular basis.
Problems to watch out for:
Juddering clutch, noisy dual-mass flywheel, DPF issues/delete, leaking fuel injectors, faulty key module, rubber trim falling off doors.
Read our full Ford Focus review
Search for used Ford Focus on Parkers
Skoda Citigo (2012-2019)
Costs peanuts to run – and it’s suitably cheaper than a Volkswagen Up!
Pros
✅ Low running costs
✅ Practical for its size
✅ Interior quality
Cons
❌ Limited engine range
❌ Less cool than an Up!
The Skoda Citigo and its SEAT Mii and Volkswagen Up! sister cars really are the perfect motors for city dwellers, or those who need a cheap-to-run first car. Fuel economy is excellent – you’re doing something wrong if you’re getting less than 50mpg, while the running costs are low thanks to there being plenty of independent specialists who support Volkswagen Group cars like this one.
Reliability is excellent, and a quick look at our owners reviews will reveal that drivers really rate these cars. It’s been off-sale since 2019 in the UK, but thanks to pleasing styling, it’s a timeless choice that should serve you well. With used examples available for less than £1,500, your £5,000 budget will get you a well-trimmed SE L version from around 2017. We’d recommend the 75hp version over the 60hp model – it’s faster but no less economical, and makes the perfect car for new drivers.
Problems to watch out for:
Check the service history for skipped oil changes, and if you feel confident doing so on older or higher mileage cars, check the timing belt condition for cracks or damage (you need to remove a cover on the engine). The EA211 engine timing belt was designed to last the life of the car, but UK cars were given a recommendation to check at five years or 160,000 miles – which some dealers took to mean it should be changed then.
If considering an e-Up look for the later model with larger battery.
Read our full Skoda Citigo review
Search for used Skoda Citigos on Parkers
Suzuki Swift (2010-2017)
A quality item that’s reliable and good to drive – just avoid the diesel
Pros
✅ Frugal petrol engine
✅ Excellent standard equipment
✅ Rugged interior quality
Cons
❌ Very small boot
❌ Diesel version unrefined
Any regular Parkers reader will know how much we rate the Suzuki Swift. It’s well-built, super-reliable and good fun to drive, and although it’s not the roomiest small car out there, it’s perfectly suited to small families who travel light. Performance is excellent in all the petrol versions, and 45mpg is possible without trying too hard. The diesel will make closer to 65mpg, if you’re after the best possible economy.
Swifts are extremely highly rated by their owners, and most end up plumping for another when moving on. Your £5,000 budget should stretch to a 1.2-litre 2017 SZ3 with sat-nav, with its best years ahead of it. We’d always prefer the petrol version, as the diesel is noisy, unrefined and not that great to drive – buy only if economy is your number one priority.
Problems to watch out for:
Rust underneath the car, accident damage/underbody scrapes on optimistically-driven 4Grip models.
Read our full Suzuki Swift review
Search for used Suzuki Swifts on Parkers
Dacia Duster (2013-2018)
Brilliant family hauler that’s robust and reliable
Pros
✅ Roomy and solidly-built interior
✅ Two- or four-wheel drive available
✅ Well-proven, reliable technology
Cons
❌ Low-powered petrols are gutless
❌ Lots of abused examples out there
Bargain new prices really set the Dacia brand apart from all of the competition, but bargains are relative. With high interest rates and cost of living to consider, a used Dacia is a real bargain. Canny buyers are switching on to the Duster as a low-cost, nearly new SUV that fits most situations. We rate the Duster, and would recommend one to anyone looking for a rugged car that will shrug off all that family life throws at it.
For your £5,000, you should find a 2016 Ambiance model powered by Renault’s excellent 1.5-litre dCi engine. This will deliver good economy, reliabilty and pulling power – you could get a more recent or lower mileage Access model, but that car’s lack of basic equipment makes it best left to those who aren’t too bothered about basic creature comforts. Overall, an excellent, honest vehicle for your money.
Problems to watch out for:
Paint, trim and neglect seem to be the biggest issues for a used Duster, particularly pre-2014 models. If financing a used Dacia, make sure you compare the monthly payments with a new one first.
Read our full Dacia Duster review
Search for used Dacia Dusters on Parkers
Nissan Qashqai Mk1 (2007-2013)
The pioneering family crossover is as sensible used as it was new
Pros
✅ Cheap to run and service
✅ Two- or four-wheel drive available
✅ Seven-seater +2 version offered
Cons
❌ Lots of hard-used examples – try to avoid
❌ Less reliable than you’d think
The Nissan Qashqai came like a bolt from the blue when launched in 2007. It managed to revolutionise the car industry, and turn a generation of car buyers away from traditional hatchbacks and saloons and onto chunkier SUV-themed looks with a nod towards adventure. You can find a good example for less than £2,000 although there are a lot of worn-out examples out there which are well worth avoiding.
Problems to watch out for:
Given Nissan’s previous reputation for bulletproof reliability, the Qashqai’s has been something of a disappointment, with weaknesses around the automatic transmissions and 1.5-litre diesel engines. The interior’s also a little flimsy when exposed to the rigours of family life. But the good news is that running costs are low, as are parts prices, so keeping one in fine fettle won’t be hard on the household finances.
Read our full Nissan Qashqai review
Search for used Nissan Qashqais on Parkers
Vauxhall Insignia (2009-2017)
Hard-working family hatchback offers loads of metal for your money
Pros
✅ Cheap to run and service
✅ Good quality interior
✅ Spacious cabin and boot
Cons
❌ A Ford Mondeo is a sharper steer
❌ David Brent and Alan Partridge drove one
The Vauxhall Insignia was designed first and foremost as a business tool – which means that when you’re looking to buy one, you can be sure it’s been honed to work well on motorways and provide reliable service. These work better as diesels than petrols, which means you should take a look at the 2.0 SRI in 163hp form for the best all round mix of performance and economy.
Insignias are great value secondhand, and your £5,000 will easily get you into a 2015 2.0 CDTi EcoFlex SRI in VX-Line form, which gives you a great suite of equipment for your money. Owners report good fuel consumption and motorway performance.
Problems to watch out for:
With lights and electrical systems there are one or two reliability niggles that spoil an otherwise good record, but the biggest problem is the diesel’s tendency to lose oil pressure due to the design of the oil pump pickup. Make sure you get one that’s fully documented all the way from new, and look for the oil pump/pickup seal having been replaced as it’s a relatively easy job – if it’s done before the engine is damaged.
Read our full Vauxhall Insignia review
Search for used Vauxhall Insignias on Parkers
Porsche Cayenne (2003-2009)
Big, capable, and at current prices, a bargain – if you choose wisely
Pros
✅ Performance from V8 Turbo
✅ An SUV with car-like handling
✅ Roomy and great value
Cons
❌ Early V8 cylinder liners, gadgets expensive to fix
❌ Poor fuel economy
You might think that buying a Porsche Cayenne that’s pushing 15-years old could be risky, but as long as you’re careful in your car selection it’s a trustworthy choice. Avoid cars with patchy or no service history and try to buy from an enthusiast owner, and you should be able to trust your Porsche as much as you would a similar age of Ford or Volkswagen.
You get a lot of car for your money – £5,000 gets you a 2007-2008 3.2-liitre V6, and for that you get a full-sized SUV, reasonable performance, reliable running gear, and the in-built kudos of owning a Porsche. There is good specialist support out there, too, so running one shouldn’t pose any insurmountable problems for you. Look after it before problems arise and you’ve discovered the art of cheap, luxury motoring over monthly new-car payments.
Problems to watch out for:
Non-turbo 4.5 V8 looks like the sensible choice, but the engines can fail at any time due to badly-specified cylinder liner treatments. Servicing has little influence, beware any V8 that sounds like it has a tapping or knocking noise. Coolant pipes can crack, blocked sunroof drains flood the ECUs and make the interior damp, and air suspension looks simple, but rear struts are very expensive. Avoid ones that have been abused as cheap, fun tow cars.
Read our full Porsche Cayenne used review and buying guide
Search for used Porsche Cayennes on Parkers
* Prices based on examples found on Parkers Cars for Sale and limited to availability. Similar examples may be on offer.
Parkers Top Buying Tips
Don’t forget you can use our valuation tool to get an idea of how much you should be paying for a car. You can also check our reviews section for more information about the cars you are interested in.
