Used cars with no road tax to pay – 2025 update
Cars that used to pay no road tax but are now the cheapest to keep on the road – here are some of our faves
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Finding the best used cars with no road tax to pay
2025 update
From 1 April 2025, the only cars that have no road tax to pay are 'historical vehicles' more than 40 years old with no significant changes in the last 30 years.
Electric and low-emission (less than 100g/km CO2 emissions) cars from between 1 March 2001 and 31 March 2017 used to benefit from free road tax, but now that has changed.
Cars that fall into this category now have to pay £20 road tax each year, the same as cars that produce between 101-110g/km of CO2.
With all that in mind, here are our favourite cars that used to pay no road tax, but are now in the lowest tax band.
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What makes a car tax exempt?
For free road tax, your best bet used to be cars registered between 1 March 2001 and April 2017, but the cheapest emissions-based band for these cars is now £20 (as of 1 April 2025).
Genuinely free road tax is only available for 'historical vehicles', which are cars that have been registered for more than 40 years and haven't had any significant changes in the last 30 years.
Explore used cars with low road tax
Nissan Qashqai
 "Nissan Qashqai front three quarters")
The Nissan Qashqai needs no introduction. As one of the best-selling SUVS in the UK, you’ll have a hard job making it a mile down the road without spotting one.
The used car market is packed with great Qashqai examples and can mean you’ll find premium trims like the Tekna at much lower prices.
Speaking of lower prices, a used Nissan Qashqai from pre-2017 can get you low road tax of just £20. Specifically, a 1.5 dCi engine model with 99g/km emissions is in the right tax band.
Ford Fiesta
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If the Qashqai is ruling the SUVs, then the Ford Fiesta is leading the hatchbacks. It’s another UK bestseller that can have £20 road tax.
A used Ford Fiesta is a reliable pick that’s suited to families, new drivers, older motorists, and everyone in between.
For £20 road tax, you’ll need a used Fiesta from before 2017 with a 1.5 TDCi engine – but check the trim level as there’s some tax variation across the range.
BMW 3 Series
 "BMW 3 Series (F30)")
No, we’re not pulling your leg – there really are BMW 3 Series models out there with £20 road tax.
You’ll need to be picky with the models you choose, but it’s worth it for the savings. A 330e SE Step Auto model from 2016 to 2017 will be free to tax until April 2025, while a 330e M Sport model from the same year can also be free (if you can believe it).
We think it’s also worth noting that there are used BMW 3 Series models on the market in the next band up, which cost just £35 to tax for the year.
For example, a 316d from 2015 will set you back £20 annually, with the 318d jumping up slightly to £35.
Skoda Citigo
 "Skoda Citigo front three quarters")
For something smaller, the Skoda Citigo is another cheap tax option that (as the name suggests) is perfect for inner-city living.
Sibling to the Volkswagen Up and SEAT Mii, the Citigo can be free to tax if you choose a GreenTech model from before April 2017. There are models that are just £20 per year to tax, as well.
They’re seriously fuel efficient as well, with that GreenTech model capable of up to 67.3mpg in best-case – keeping emissions as low as 96g/km.
Benefits of cars with no road tax
The benefits of cars with low road tax are pretty self-explanatory – you're spending less money on running costs.
As well as that, choosing low-road-tax cars means you’re also picking a low-emission vehicle. That means you’re doing your bit for the environment.
How to save even more on low tax cars
There are a few things you can do to cut back even further on car running costs. You might want to consider:
Find a car in a low insurance group to save on the cost of getting covered
Get a few insurance quotes or consider black box insurance
Choose an electric or hybrid car to cut back on fuel costs
Look at the miles per gallon (mpg) figures to find a frugal fuel-powered car
Electric cars often need less upkeep as there are fewer oily engine parts to look after
Cars with low road tax
Even after the road tax changes on 1 April 2025, cars with low emissions are still set to be the cheapest to tax, so it’s still worth considering those factors.
Find used cars with low road tax at cinch
Cutting running costs with low road tax cars is easier when you can still enjoy models like the BMW 3 Series and Nissan Qashqai.
We’ve got plenty of used cars for sale from before the April 2017 cut-off that are eligible for £20 road tax.