Best cars under £50k

By Tia Harrison-North

Last updated: 28 July 2025

Shopping for a car on a budget can feel restricting, but a generous £50k limit gives you a lot to play with.

You’ll have no issues finding plenty of impressive used cars under £50k, but you might struggle to pick your favourite from the bunch.

What's the best car under £50K?

• BMW X5

• Porsche Boxster

• Mercedes GLC

• Tesla Model 3

• Jaguar F-Type

• Range Rover

BMW X5

If there’s one thing the market isn’t short of, it's SUVs. There are plenty of options that tick boxes, but the BMW X5 is an impressive all-rounder and one of the best used SUVs under £ 50,000 that we’d recommend.

Where the classic SUV is rugged and outdoorsy, the X5 offers something sleek and glamorous. It’s still got the menacing appeal of a BMW, and the plush interior gives it a real premium edge.

There are a few engines to choose from, and each is a joy to drive. There’s a 3.0-litre six-cylinder on offer, as well as a 4.4-litre V8 that’ll hit 0-62mph in just 4.3 seconds. That’s seriously impressive for an SUV with a 650-litre boot.

Porsche Boxster

Many motorists dream of owning a Porsche, and the Boxster happens to be one of the best used convertibles under £50k.

A popular iteration is the 718 Boxster – a smiley open-top pick that competes with the Audi TT and Jaguar F-Type.

Take your pick from four petrol engines, starting with the entry-level 2.0-litre that still puts out 300hp. The peppiest GTS model is powered by the same engine as the Porsche 911 – a 4.0-litre six-cylinder that’s capable of 500hp.

The interior is everything you’d expect from a Porsche. It’s premium, with plenty of stylish touches and all-around high quality.

It doesn’t prioritise tech as much as some models (like the latest BMW and Mercedes models), but it’s still a real treat.

Mercedes-Benz GLC

A used Mercedes GLC is one of our top picks as it’s something a bit different to the saloons and convertibles that we’re used to. It’s a premium, mid-sized SUV that’s sporty in all the right ways.

The nine-speed automatic gearbox is smooth and responsive, and there’s a choice of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid engines to choose from.

The petrol plug-in hybrid is the fiercest with 335hp, while the 300d diesel isn’t far behind with 280hp.

You can pick from a range of trims as well, including the AMG Line models with extra-aggressive styling. Expect touches like heated seats, 19-inch wheels and lowered suspension.

Sam Sheehan, cinch motoring expert, said: "We love the way the GLC looks, both inside and out. Mercedes seems to have got the balance just about right, which isn’t easy when you consider that SUVs are lofty things.

"Its C-Class-derived cabin looks the part, and while it’s still not as good as an Audi Q5’s, it feels special – and should be able to stand up to the rigours of family life."

Tesla Model 3

The Tesla Model 3 is one of the fastest used cars under £50k and an iconic car to own. The Performance model can hit 0-60mph (Tesla doesn't give 0-62mph figures) in as little as 3.1 seconds, with 430hp on offer.

Electric mile range will differ depending on the model you choose. The entry-level offering gets up to 344 miles on a single charge, while the Long Range model can get up to 421 miles.

It’s not just fun to drive, either. There are plenty of interior features that make this an impressive pick, including a 15.4-inch infotainment screen, a slick and minimalistic dashboard, and there’s even the ability to have your car put on a ‘light show’.

Jaguar F-Type

Few things feel as good as driving a Jaguar, and the Jaguar F-Type is a winner if you’re looking for the best used performance car under £50k.

The F-Type has been on sale for nearly 10 years and is now being phased out by Jaguar, but not before it released a brand-new version with a bigger, supercharged V8 engine to replace the V6.

You might not find these special edition models easily for under £50k, but the V6 is just as tasty to drive.

In fact, you’ll be able to hit 0-62mph in just 5.3 seconds, depending on which V6 model you choose. Both the manual and automatic models are brilliant to drive, so there's no wrong choice – it's a gorgeously styled sporty model that prioritises performance.

Range Rover

If you’re after a luxury car under £50k, few models tick as many boxes as the iconic Range Rover SUV. It’s beautifully designed, genuinely comfortable and enjoyable to drive, and has a premium feel like no other.

There’s a massive range of engines to pick from, including a V8 petrol, some 3.0-litre petrol and diesel models, and plug-in hybrid choices. The diesel picks are a great option for most motorists – they're reliable, solid, and a lot of fun.

The interior is where you’ll feel the most luxury. Even the entry-level SE trim gets features like a 13.1-inch touchscreen unit, 360-degree parking cameras, and 20-way adjustable front seats.

What to look for in a used car under £50,000

Choosing a car is never an easy task, and £50,000 is a large budget to spend – you want to get it right!

Before even looking at cars, it’s a good idea to make a list of everything you’re after in a car. Whether that’s exciting engines, a luxe interior, or bucketloads of tech – it's a great starting point to understand your non-negotiables.

Things like miles-per-gallon for fuel efficiency, reliability ratings, running costs, and safety are also important to consider. Looking at reviews and ratings, such as Euro NCAP safety figures, will help you get an idea of what to expect.

It’s also worth looking at the resale value of your potential cars. Cars that hold their value can be more appealing in the long run and mean you won’t get hit too harshly by depreciation.

Discover used cars under £50k

As you can see, there are so many great used cars under £50k – from sporty convertibles to luxurious SUVs. With so many different options, there will be the car for you.

Browse our range of used cars under £50,000 now.

Read more about cars under £50k:

• Fastest SUVs under £50,000

• Best used sports cars under £50,000