Revealed: The perfect car for every budget
How to find the perfect car to suit your lifestyle and your finances
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Buying a car is a hefty investment and it's important you find the right vehicle for you.
Is it possible to buy a reliable vehicle without breaking the bank? Well, we look at some of the best value cars for a variety of budgets.
How much are drivers willing to spend?
Based on filtered searches, here’s a full breakdown of the most looked-for price tags between January 2023 to March 2023:
£10,000 to £14,999 – 26%
£15,000 to £19,999 – 25%
£5,000 to £9,999 – 15%
£20,000 to £24,999 – 14%
£25,000 to £29,999 – 9%
£30,000 to £34,999 – 4%
£40,000 or more – 4%
£35,000 to £39,999 – 3%
66% of all searches have been for used vehicles that cost less than £20,000, meaning that British motorists are keen on combining comfort and good value.
Compared to last year’s figures, more people are now browsing for cars within the £5,000-£9,999 range.
In March 2022, it was the fourth most-popular price band on our website, totalling 13% of all filtered searches.
Twelve months later, in claiming 15% of all searches it has become the third most-appealing price category.
As we deal with an ongoing cost-of-living crisis, drivers are clearly trying to save a few quid where they can.
The right car for your wallet
No matter what your budget is, there are plenty of exciting options on the market.
If you’re looking for a reliable used car that can get you on the road in style, here are some valuable solutions to suit different financial needs.
Used cars under £10k
You don’t need a big budget to bag yourself a good-value motor. With £10,000 (or less) at your disposal, you can choose from a wide range of used crossovers and city cars.
Often at the top of young drivers’ wish lists, the Fiat 500 is a very affordable option.
With its Italian charm and sleek design, it’s a great car to manoeuvre around narrow roads and tight parking spaces.
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The used Volkswagen Polo is another good-looking vehicle that can cost you less than £10k.
It’s perfect for working professionals, with the added benefit that it can accommodate partners and children. In this respect, the Volkswagen up! is also worth a look.
Alternatively, you can steer towards an all-British Vauxhall Adam. With a funky style and great potential for interior personalisation, you can rock a cool car without splashing out a fortune.
Used cars under £20k
According to cinch’s price-band stats, most filtered searches (51%) are directed to vehicles that cost between £10,000 and £19,999.
If you have kept some savings aside but aren’t ready to spend more than £20k, you needn’t worry.
With this kind of budget, the used-car marketplace offers a wide range of attractive vehicles.
You can even jump at the wheel of an SUV. The Peugeot 5008, for example, can be found at just under £20,000, equipped with an automatic gearbox option and plenty of legroom for drivers and passengers alike.
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Likewise, with less than £20k, you’ll be able to get the keys to a family-friendly Skoda Octavia Estate.
Practical, comfortable and safe, this cost-saving model is perfect for road trips and everyday chores.
If you’re on the hunt for a car kitted-out with an infotainment system and smartphone connectivity such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, the Audi A3 is another superb, affordable pick.
If you’re the proud owner of a fluffy pooch, the BMW 3 Series will do you just right.
Used cars under £30k
If you can spend up to £30,000, the used-car market is your oyster.
With less than £30k, you can sit in the driving seat of a Hyundai Kona. If you’re after a compact vehicle with a swoopy exterior and urban-explorer vibe, this South Korean crossover ticks all the boxes.
If you want a sharp-looking, high-tech vehicle that oozes sophistication while keeping your finances in check, the Mercedes E-Class certainly fits the bill.
It comes as a saloon, estate or convertible, and is one of the most versatile cars in the Mercedes range. You may even find some used models with a price tag no higher than £25,000.
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Want to play your part in saving the environment? The fully-electric MG 5 is one of the most affordable EVs available. You can plug it in and cruise silently around town for less than £30,000.
Whether you’re on a tight budget or can afford a little extra, there’s always a car ready to hit the road.
Do your sums, check your savings and consider your lifestyle to determine which is the right car for you and your budget.