Best used cars under £15,000
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It might surprise you to learn that the cheapest new Ford Fiesta costs £17,000, while the most affordable Vauxhall Corsa is just shy of £17,500. Your cash certainly doesn’t go as far as it did a few years ago.
This might explain why you’re looking at a guide to used cars under £15,000. It’s not enough for many new superminis, but it will give you access to many thousands of used cars, some of which will be covered by a manufacturer’s warranty.
Armed with a virtual budget of £15,000, we’ve selected some of the best used cars you can buy. We’ve restricted the search to cars registered since 2010 and with no more than 100,000 miles on the clock. There’s a wide selection, from a fantastic family hatchback to a spacious seven-seater.
When you discover what you can buy for £15,000, you start to wonder why people splash out on new cars.
Best used cars under £15,000
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Mazda 3
The Mazda 3 is one of our favourite family hatchbacks and an interesting alternative to the likes of the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf. Launched in 2014, then facelifted in 2016, this generation of the Mazda 3 has it all: smart styling, an upmarket interior and dynamics that seem inspired by the Mazda MX-5 sports car. In fact, we reckon it deserves to be ranked alongside premium cars such as the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series. Higher trim levels feel positively lavish, but all versions boast a generous level of equipment. What’s the catch? There isn’t one.
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Volkswagen Golf GTI
Some will point to the Mk1 as the best Golf GTI, while others will say that honour belongs to the Mk5. We’re going to add to the debate by nominating the Mk7, which is as enjoyable to drive as its illustrious forebears, but with the bonuses of modern tech and safety equipment. No other hot hatch offers the same breadth of ability; it’s as at home on the daily commute as it is on a racetrack. Power is sourced from a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, with power steadily increasing over the car’s lifetime. A budget of £15,000 is enough for a 2015 example.
Audi TT
The Audi TT is the car for you if you’re after a perfect blend of image, style, build quality and dynamic appeal. Launched in 2014, the third-generation TT comes with a range of petrol and diesel engines, front- and four-wheel-drive, plus the option of Coupe and Roadster body styles. Either way, this is a smart and sophisticated car that, while not as sharp to drive as a Porsche 718 Cayman or Boxster, turns every journey into an event. The interior is a particular highlight, especially as all models come with Audi’s excellent ‘Virtual Cockpit’ digital instrument panel.
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BMW i3
Your choice is pretty limited if you’re after an electric car for £15,000, and while you might be tempted to buy a Renault Zoe or Nissan Leaf, we think you should set your sights a little higher. Launched in 2013, the BMW i3 was responsible for adding a touch of premium class to the EV sector, and the earliest models are now available for under £15,000. You might have to put up with a fairly limited electric range of 80-100 miles, but the original i3 boasts the same upmarket styling and superb interior design. Later models come with a larger battery for increased range.
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SEAT Ateca
The SEAT Ateca shares a platform with the popular Volkswagen Tiguan, but lower prices make it a more attractive used buy. Subjectively, we think it looks more stylish than the Tiguan, too. The design of the cabin, admittedly, is a little unadventurous, but it’s built to the same high standards as the Volkswagen. It’s also good to drive, especially if you opt for the excellent 1.4 TSI petrol engine. If you’ve got one eye on running costs, look no further than the frugal 1.6 TDI diesel, which could achieve as much as 50mpg if you take it steady.
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Jaguar XE
We understand why so many people flock to the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, but the Jaguar XE is worthy of your attention. The sharp styling gives it an edge over its German rivals, while the driving experience is rivalled only by the 3 Series. It’s a little short of rear legroom and boot space, but you’ll have no complaints from the driver’s seat, especially if you’re at the wheel of a post-2019 car. The facelift tweaked the styling, improved the dashboard and modernised the in-car tech. A range of four- and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines deliver excellent performance and fuel economy.
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Renault Grand Scenic
Not enough of you bought the Renault Grand Scenic when it was new, which is a shame as we wish there were more available to buy used. Not to be confused with bland Grand Scenic models of old, the latest version used avant-garde styling to great effect, creating an MPV you won’t mind being seen in. Yes, those really are standard-fit 20-inch alloy wheels. Space is a little tight in the third row, but in five-seat mode it’s a terrific family car. Even the entry-level Play model boasts the kind of equipment that would be optional on most rivals. Grab a bargain.
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Skoda Superb
The Skoda Superb was named best large car at our 2019 Car of the Year awards. Three years on, you can buy a 2019 Superb for less than £15,000, which makes it even more appealing. Superb by name, superb by nature, because few cars offer the same blend of space, refinement and equipment. Passengers in the back are treated to limo-like legroom, with a boot that’s a match for an estate car. Need even more space? Opt for the Superb Estate. Excellent build quality and a range of efficient engines make this one of the best used cars you can buy.
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Hyundai Ioniq
Launched in 2016, the Hyundai Ioniq was the first car to be offered with a choice of three electrified powertrains in a single body style. There’s a hybrid for diesel-like fuel economy, a plug-in hybrid for enough electric range for a daily commute, and an all-electric version if you’re ready to join the EV revolution. It’s not an exciting car, but the Ioniq boasts a long list of standard equipment, will be very cheap to run and comes with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty. Not bad, especially when you consider that £15,000 is enough for a 2019 example.
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Vauxhall Astra
Look, don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. The Vauxhall Astra is a thoroughly good family hatchback, and while steep depreciation is a reason to avoid buying one new, it’s great news when you’re buying used. In fact, £15,000 is enough for an Astra registered in 2020 or even 2021. It’s a solid all-rounder with a range of modern petrol and diesel engines, while the Elite and Elite Nav models offer a level of equipment you’d associate with a premium car. Cars built after the 2019 facelift are recommended, but you needn’t pay more than £20,000 for any Astra.
Can I buy a new car for under £15,000?
You can buy a new car for under £15,000, but there aren’t many to choose from. The most obvious choice is the Dacia Sandero, which starts from around £11,500, but the Duster SUV also scrapes in under £15,000. Other options include the Kia Picanto, MG 3, Suzuki Ignis, Suzuki Swift and Hyundai i10. Most people buy new cars on finance, so the monthly repayments are more important than the overall list price.
What should I look for when buying a used car?
It doesn’t matter if you're spending £500 or £15,000 on a used car, the same rules apply. Do your homework before parting with your cash, take a test drive and carry out the necessary checks to ensure the car wasn’t stolen or written-off. A full service history is preferable, but don’t worry about the odd mark on the bodywork or scuff on the alloy wheels. There are plenty of used cars available, so shop around for the best deals.
Should I use car finance or a personal loan?
It all comes down to the interest rate and how much you can afford to spend on the monthly repayments. Using car finance means the vehicle won’t be yours until you’ve made the final payment, but you might be able to negotiate a better deal via the salesperson. The car is yours when you use a personal loan, but in both cases the car is likely to be worth less when you’ve finished the contract.
