As the cost of living in the UK increases many people are looking for cheaper alternatives to expensive new cars. Smaller budgets mean that, for many people, brand new cars are no longer a viable option and so they are looking to the used car market for their next vehicles. In the UK, the used car market is worth millions of pounds and there are many more used cars sold than new ones. Some models are more popular than others and many of them are popular in part because of their relative affordability. Having said this, some used cars sold in the UK can cost more than similar new cars because the demand for them has risen dramatically.
For many reasons, the used car market can be a bit of a minefield - especially if you are new to driving and are buying your first car, or are buying a used car for the first time having been used to owning new ones on a PCP basis. There are some considerations you will have to make to ensure you are getting the best value for your money and that you are able to choose a decent car that will be reliable. For example, warranties on used cars differ to those on new ones, and if you are used to PCP contracts then you may find the learning curve for buying and owning a used car is somewhat steep.
How to choose a quality used car
There are several things you can do to avoid the potential pitfalls of the used car market. Firstly, you should do your research before you start to look for a car. Decide whether you want a petrol, diesel, hybrid or fully electric car, as well as thinking about how powerful you need the car to be.
You’ll also need to make a decision regarding the size of the car, and for most people this depends on whether you expect to have passengers or carry large amounts of luggage. Set yourself a budget by thinking about whether you will want to buy the car outright or will be using a finance plan, <span style="text-decoration: underline;">UK used cars</span> are often available to purchase using either method.
Once you have made some decisions regarding the above points you can start thinking more specifically about the makes and models you are interested in. You will find that there are plenty of different options on the market that will suit your needs, and many of these will come in at different price points.
Affordable used car models to buy
Some car models are more popular than others, and the sheer number of them in circulation means that the prices tend to be on the lower side. Your definition of ‘affordable’ might be different to someone else’s, though generally speaking the makes and models covered in this article will cost less than similar cars by other manufacturers. Unless you are open to owning a much older car with high mileage, you can expect to need to put down at least a few thousand pounds on your car purchase. With that said, here are some of the more affordable options on the market in 2022.
One of the most popular used cars to buy in the UK is the Ford Fiesta. This model has been around for decades and due to its popularity there are usually a good number of them available to buy second hand. These small cars are compact enough for city driving but offer enough space for 3 or 4 passengers to sit comfortably. They also have a reasonable amount of space in the boot. They are popular for commuters and families alike, and the newer models are known for their sporty looks.
The Volkswagen Golf is another popular favourite. They tend to be a little pricier than others because of their cult status, but because of their popularity and availability they do tend to be on the more affordable side. They are also known for their looks, and are a good choice for commuting, being available with economical petrol or diesel engines. The Vauxhall Corsa can be picked up relatively cheaply, and again this is largely due to the fact that there are a good number of them available at any time. They are a compact option that is great for city driving, and are perfect for small families on a budget.
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