Best cars under £10,000 in 2024
You don't have to blow your budget to get an impressive car - take a look at our top picks for the best used cars under £10k
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A budget of £10,000 can go a long way within the used car market – especially for city cars and crossovers.
Not only are there hundreds of cars to choose from on our site at this price, but there are also lots of different body styles and fuel options available too.
Take a look at the best cars under £10k on the used market:
Cars under £10k
Mini Cooper
Volkswagen Polo
Nissan Juke
Fiat 500
Volkswagen up!
Vauxhall Adam
Toyota Aygo
Vauxhall Corsa
Citroen C1
Hyundai i20
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Mini Cooper
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The Mini Cooper is as British as a small city car can get. When anyone mentions it, your first thought is probably of the classic English ones because they’re just so recognisable. Now, of course, they’re owned by BMW – which makes them German.
But with this new model, you’re getting a safer, larger, better-built and more advanced vehicle. It’s available with a range of engine options including petrol, diesel and electric.
However, if you fancy breaking out of this budget then there are also the faster and more advanced Mini Electric and Mini Cooper S models on offer.
Choosing a used Mini Cooper will also keep your car below budget.
Read our Mini Cooper review
Volkswagen Polo
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If it’s a small and safe hatchback you’re after, then the Volkswagen Polo ticks all the boxes and is one of the best used cars under £10k.
Most of us don’t need large SUVs, and, in fact, smaller cars like the VW Polo are great options for working professionals and small families.
Whether your commute consists of city traffic or a longer motorway journey, this used VW will handle it with ease – in both petrol and diesel, and manual and automatic gearbox configurations.
Plus, finding a used VW Polo will save you money on the cost of a brand-new car.
Read our VW Polo review
Nissan Juke
 "Nissan Juke")
As our demand for cars that are higher up for greater visibility, but are also not too large has grown, crossovers have increased in popularity.
One car that is responsible for this is the Nissan Juke. It's not the fanciest or most expensive option out there, but it’s familiar and reliable.
This small used Nissan is also available in lots of different trim levels and with either an automatic or manual gearbox.
You can get a higher trim level for a lower price than when purchasing brand-new if you opt for a used Juke. There are plenty of cars for £10k and under.
Read our Nissan Juke review
Fiat 500
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Sitting at the bottom of the Fiat range but at the top of many people’s wishlists is the plucky Fiat 500.
This is a city car that grabs the attention of almost everyone because of its compact body, good looks and Italian charm.
The newest examples are most popular in all-electric 500e form, but the modern (and more affordable) petrol options are still epic little things to drive and manoeuvre around tight city streets.
You don't need to worry about battery health when buying a used electric car, either. These things are built to last.
Read our Fiat 500 review
Volkswagen up!
 "Volkswagen Up GTI")
Whether you’re looking for an cheap first car or just something small to get you around town, the Volkswagen up! is a great shout. Its also one of the best used cars under £10,000.
What makes the up! so great is that there are so many different trim levels on offer.
The range starts with the Take up! and goes all the way up to the more advanced all-electric e-up! and sporty up! GTI variant.
Plus, choosing a used VW up! is a great way to find a cheap deal.
Read our VW up! review
Vauxhall Adam
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Naming a car ‘Adam’ feels a bit like calling a dog a human name like ‘Nigel’ – it gets some getting used to. But while its name may be too human for some people, its on-road capability is another thing.
The little used Vauxhall model's main rival is the aforementioned Fiat 500, but it offers funkier styling and incredible interior personalisation potential.
Included in this are lots of cabin colour options to match its exterior paintwork.
The Vauxhall Adam reliable too thanks to its Corsa-derived engines, which have been tried and tested for years across the business.
Read our Vauxhall Adam review
Toyota Aygo
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Toyota’s entry in this list is the small but mighty Aygo.
Not only is it one of the brand’s most popular models to sell in the UK, it’s also one of the greatest city cars money can buy – especially true when it comes to used examples.
In terms of driving, the Aygo feels great around a tight bend, plus it’s exceptional in and around town thanks to its tight turning circle and efficient nature.
Read our Toyota Aygo review
Vauxhall Corsa
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Like the thought of the Adam but want something with more boot space and a larger cabin?
Perhaps the Vauxhall Corsa is for you, with its sleek styling and variety of engine and trim level options.
Despite coming out in the ‘90s, the Corsa is still one of the best-selling cars in the UK and has adapted very well across its generations.
The turbocharged petrol engine is the most popular configuration because of its robust reliability and superb power delivery.
Read our Vauxhall Corsa review
Citroen C1
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If you're after one of the best compact city cars under £10k, a used Citroen C1 is an ideal bet.
It's a quirky little Citroen with a unique appearance and would be ideal for first-time drivers or those who spend most of their time in urban areas.
It's actually a spacious and comfortable car to drive, with a 196-litre boot that works just fine for shopping trips and daily life.
Plus, fuel economy is seriously impressive. You can expect up to 60mpg, depending on how you drive.
Read our Citroen C1 review
Hyundai i20
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Another great pick for a used car under £10k, the Hyundai i20 is a solid contender. It's a small car but has plenty to offer, including a groovy appearance that stands out on the roads.
There's a 48v mild-hybrid engine on offer that helps improve fuel efficiency, claiming up to 55.4mpg.
The interior is surprisingly roomy and you won't struggle if you want to use this Hyundai model as a family car. It's a great alternative to the VW Polo or Ford Fiesta.
Read our Hyundai i10 review
What to look out for when buying a used car under £10k
If you're buying a used car under £10,000, you'll want to make sure you're getting value for money. Choosing a used car from a reputable seller will usually mean you're getting a high-quality car that's been thoroughly inspected. All of our used vehicles are given a full inspection before they're listed on-site and come with a free 90-day warranty.
It's also important to check that all the paperwork is in order, especially if you're buying from a private seller.
An HPI check can help make sure that everything is looking good with the car and help you dodge any surprises in the future. These checks spot things like if the car has been listed as an insurance write-off or is stolen.