Ten of the best used cars you can buy today

These are our top ten best-value motors

Buying a new car can be an exciting occasion, and there’s nothing quite like the smell of a brand new motor. But the shine soon comes off, usually literally, and then you’re faced with depreciation that makes a mockery of the car’s supposed economic engine. So why not think about buying used? You can save a shedload of money and get the sort of car that would be out of reach as a new proposition. Here we suggest the top ten that you should look at, many of them for surprisingly modest money.

BMW 3 Series Coupe

Build: 1999-2006
Price range: £650-£23,995
Target price: £1200

The last of the ‘proper looking’ 3 Series, some would say. You’re not going to find an M3 version for decent money, but a 330Ci from the first years of this century would be pretty cheap to run and is a prestige, premium car for the money. A Sport version would be even hotter, but whatever you go for, go for one with FSH and not too many owners. Note there was a bit of a price jump around the 2004 facelift.

Honda HR-V

Build: 1998-2006
Price range: £400-£2999
Target price: £999

It’s certainly different to look at, even if it might possibly not live up to its Japanese moniker of ‘Joy Machine’. This is a refined and responsive machine with looks that really stand out. The VTEC engine is great but was only in 103bhp form, apart from the later models, from 2000 on, which had 122bhp. With Honda’s legendary reliability this might be a keeper.

Ford Galaxy

(Wieck)

Build: 2000-2006
Price range: £600-£7000
Target price: £1895

Living up to its name, this is a big vehicle, a people carrier and beyond. There’s basically space, the final frontier, inside, with seven seats. Five of them can be taken out if you’re planning to get the ISS in there. But this doesn’t drive like a stolid people carrier. It drives more like a Mondeo, and works well with the 2.3-litre petrol engine, even if most buyers opted for the 1.9-litre diesel.

Volvo S80

Build: 1998-2005
Price range: £400-£3200
Target price: £1000

For just one grand you can have all this, a sophisticated big saloon that can cover the miles with grace and pace. Engines, whether petrol or diesel, are all amply powerful and the handling and ride are accommodating and comfortable even at higher cruising speeds. Look after it and it should be very reliable, but if you neglect it then steering and electrical problems can become major issues.

Audi A6 Avant

Build: 1998-2004
Price range: £600-£4000
Target price: £2000

Formidably well built, this is a reliable, solid and classy executive estate. Inside they’re as refined and spacious as you’d imagine them to be. This is a class buy, but fixing Audis can get costly, and they’re known for wearing out axles and suspension, so look for full service history if possible.

Alfa Romeo GT

Build: 2004-2010
Price range: £950-£15,500
Target price: £1795

Such a gorgeous looking car, for really sensible money – it’s hard to believe. It looks great outside and in, but one reason they’re so cheap now is that depreciation is severe and probably won’t stop with you buying it. Most models you’ll find used have the 1.9-litre diesel which is quite economical, but the 2.0-litre and 3.2-litre petrol engines are fabulous. But, hey, it’s an Alfa, so don’t buy it and expect to just drive it.

Fiat Panda

Build: 2004-2011
Price range: £500-£3000
Target price: £1000

If the Fiat 500 is a bit too chi-chi for you then the Fiat Panda makes a more practical case for itself. It’s like a small van in many ways, and can swallow a surprising amount of kit as well as four people. The 1.1-litre petrol engine can manage 50mpg and that’s only going to cost £20 a year in road tax, so, along with good reliability, the little Panda ticks lots of small boxes.

Saab 9-3 Convertible

Build: 2003-2011
Price range: £999-£11,975
Target price: £1995

This second-generation convertible has many attractions, but as a driver’s car it’s not that great. But that hasn’t put off a lot of people drawn by its good looks, sound build quality and welcoming comfort. The seats are wonderfully designed and will mean even long journeys are no sort of strain. Electrical problems can plague cars that haven’t been looked after, otherwise you will be sitting comfortably.

Suzuki Grand Vitara

Build: 1998-2005
Price range: £895-£3995
Target price: £1500

If you want a good-value proper SUV then this is it. You really can go off-road in any Vitara, Grand or otherwise. This larger version came with a 2.7-litre V6 petrol engine that was silky smooth, and worked well with the auto transmission and four-wheel drive. The XL-7 had seven seats and was even bigger, but for most the 2.0-litre engine and five seats will be more than enough, and great value.

Toyota Corolla

Build: 2002-2006
Price range: £400-£5995
Target price: £1000

Fabulous styling and sporty handling – no, not here. This is where you come for sensible motoring and it doesn’t get much more sensible than the Corolla. It’s well-made, efficient and reliable, and that will be more than enough for many, especially when they see the cabin, which is spacious, well-equipped and built to high standards. There’s the sensible 1.4-litre diesel engine, or a sensible 1.6-litre alternative, but if you must go crazy there is also the less sensible T-Sport Compressor.

Graham Scott is a writer for AutoCar.