Finest vehicles for £10,000 or much less

Within the not too distant previous, £10,000 might have bagged you a brand-new funds motor within the form of an MG3 or Dacia Sandero. Rising costs imply that is sadly not the case, however on the plus aspect, the used car market nonetheless affords loads of alternative for £10k or much less. 

Our consultants have trawled by the classifieds to search out the most effective vehicles for £10,000 or much less on as we speak’s market. From entertaining hot hatchbacks to luxury SUVs, there must be one thing for almost all people.

For this funds, it’s best to have the ability to discover some low-mileage and comparatively new examples, however irrespective of how good a used automobile seems, it’s vital to take the fitting precautions to keep away from shedding any hard-earned cash. Finishing up an MoT history check beforehand and taking the automobile for an intensive check drive are each extremely really useful, as these ought to assist spotlight any hidden or potential points. A full service history can also be a really affordable requirement for this type of cash. Asking an expert to do a full mechanical inspection will even supply peace of thoughts, whereas stopping any shock payments or breakdowns in a while.

Ford Fiesta ST 

• Value new: £19,065  
• Value now: £6,495
• Powertrain: 1.6-litre 4-cylinder petrol, FWD  
• Energy: 180bhp  
• 0-62mph: 6.9 seconds

Virtually each fashionable Ford Fiesta is nice enjoyable to drive, even when powered by the lowliest engine. However there may be all the time one thing additional particular a couple of quick Ford, and the Mk7 Fiesta ST will some day be seen as one of many all-time greats. The excellent news is that you could now purchase one for lower than £6,500, and it must be low-cost to run.

The ST makes use of a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine to supply 180bhp, giving the little Ford a 0-62mph time of 6.9 seconds. That’s fast sufficient, however isn’t going to win any High Trumps battles as of late. The place the ST actually shines, although, is in the best way it handles, with its mild weight and properly judged chassis that means it conjures up confidence on B-roads and is nice enjoyable.

The ST200 particular version in 2016 had barely extra supple suspension, which additionally made its strategy to the remainder of the ST vary. So search for a type of, particularly if it has been cherished by its proprietor, as a result of many STs could have been pushed arduous and run on a shoestring.

See our used Ford Fiesta ST deals

Mazda MX-5

• Value new: £19,660
• Value now: £8,950
• Powertrain: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol, RWD
• Energy: 129bhp  
• 0-62mph: 8.3 seconds

The present-generation Mazda MX-5 has been round since 2016, which suggests the earliest fashions are nonetheless trying fashionable whereas additionally being temptingly good worth. A properly saved 1.5 SE-L Nav with 70,000 miles might be comfortably inside our funds, and because of the legendary Japanese reliability, it shouldn’t value an excessive amount of to keep up.

Mazda’s 1.5-litre engine delivers all of the efficiency you’re more likely to want, and is arguably extra responsive and enjoyable than the larger 2.0-litre. It additionally delivers exceptional gas financial system, as a result of the Skyactiv tech – plus the little roadster’s mild weight – means 60mpg is a practical return.

The MX-5 will even reward you on each journey, with exact steering, a wonderfully balanced chassis and exploitable dealing with. Even the gearchange is engineered to make driving enjoyable.

See our used Mazda MX-5 deals

Mercedes C-Class Property

• Value new: £34,200  
• Value now: £9,650
• Powertrain: 2.1-litre 4-cylinder diesel, RWD
• Energy: 168bhp  
• 0-62mph: 7.6 seconds

The Mercedes C-Class typically has to stay within the shadow of its arch-rival, the BMW 3 Series, however the technology constructed from 2015 onwards deserves its place within the limelight – particularly as a used purchase. The styling inside and outside is fascinating sufficient to make an Audi from the identical period look boring, whereas the dynamics are a lot improved over older fashions, too. The good-looking Property is pretty sensible too, with a 490-litre boot.

There’s the same old big selection of engines, nevertheless it’s the 168bhp 2.1-litre diesel that catches our eye most. This C 220 BlueTec has official gas financial system of 64.2mpg, giving it low VED road tax and 700-plus miles between fill-ups. It’s Euro-6 suitable too, so there’s no want to fret about low-emission zones. Search for one with the 7G-Tronic computerized gearbox.

See our used Mercedes C-Class deals

MINI Cooper

• Value new: £17,125
• Value now: £8,500
• Powertrain: 1.5-litre 3-cylinder petrol, FWD
• Energy: 134bhp  
• 0-62mph: 7.6 seconds

Whereas there are less expensive and extra sensible second-hand small vehicles, none has the attraction and high quality of a MINI Cooper. It is big enjoyable to drive and there may be loads of alternative throughout  the value vary, so that you’re more likely to discover one that matches your character.

All MINIs have a high-end inside design and there’s loads of tech. Many patrons will even have splashed out on the improve packs when the automobile was new, so test the spec.

The five-door model provides somewhat practicality however doesn’t have the attraction of the usual hatch, whereas the enjoyable Convertible compromises boot and passenger house. Cooper S fashions have real hot-hatch attraction, however our advice is the 134bhp 1.5-litre Cooper with its characterful three-cylinder engine.

See our used MINI Cooper deals

Vary Rover

• Value new: £69,125
• Value now: £9,500
• Powertrain: 4.4-litre V8 diesel, AWD
• Energy: 313bhp  
• 0-62mph: 7.8 seconds

Are we actually recommending a 15-year-old Range Rover as a used automobile? Completely, so long as you go into the expertise along with your eyes vast open. Patrons are realising what the late Queen and sure superstar farmers have recognized for years – that these end-of-line third-generation variations of Land Rover’s iconic flagship are improbable feel-good luxurious vehicles that will even hold you shifting when the going will get powerful.

Whereas a used L322 Vary Rover could be purchased for the value of a Fiesta, don’t count on the identical working prices. The 4.4-litre V8 diesel is able to 30mpg, however the upkeep prices will quickly add up, particularly if one thing goes unsuitable.

One of the simplest ways to stop that is to search out one which has had the big-ticket repairs executed by the earlier homeowners, particularly the turbos, which are likely to go at round 100,000 miles.

See our used Range Rover deals

Skoda Octavia

• Value new: £24,815  
• Value now: £9,995
• Powertrain: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder diesel, FWD
• Energy: 148bhp  
• 0-62mph: 8.8 seconds

Skoda’s trophy cupboard is crammed filled with Auto Categorical awards for the Octavia. Just like the model’s loyal patrons, we all know it affords virtually all the things a family-car proprietor might need at a worth that’s decrease than a lot of the opposition. It’s additionally somewhat greater than lots of its apparent rivals, which is very helpful when choosing the extra sensible Property. However that does not fall inside our funds, so we’re going to need to accept a hatch right here.

The most affordable petrol possibility is a 1.0-litre turbo, which is rather more succesful than it sounds. However we discovered a 2.0-litre TDI with 95,000 miles for £9,995. In the event you aren’t comfy with that many miles, then £10,000 will just about provide the decide of the previous-gen Octavias.

See our used Skoda Octavia deals

Do you know you possibly can sell your car through Auto Express? We’ll enable you to get a terrific worth and find a great deal on a new car, too.