Most popular pre-owned cars in the UK

The UK used car market is dominated by practical, fuel-efficient cars that are small enough to negotiate the nation’s often-narrow roads and cramped car parks. Additionally, top pre-owned cars are typified by good handling and low maintenance costs. Whether you’re a sole trader or a private buyer, one of the following models could be a great choice – it’s easier to find a good example for sale – and to find a buyer later on.

Ford Fiesta

The ubiquitous Ford Fiesta often tops both used (and new) sales charts – with good reason. Affordable used prices, low running costs and spaciousness are among the main draws. And because they are so common, mechanics know their way around them, spares are easy to come by, and finding a well-cared-for example is easy. More than 70,000 used Fiestas were sold in Q2 of 2022 alone – suggesting buyers are hardly thin on the ground.

Vauxhall Corsa

While Corsas are a common sight on UK roads, there’s a multitude of special editions to add interest. Nearly 60,000 used Corsas were sold in Q2 of 2022, with buyers attracted to inexpensive used prices, great fuel economy (the 74bhp petrol model returns 53.3mpg) and low CO2 emissions. While the rather ordinary three-year/100,000-mile warranty and surprisingly high insurance category groups (group 10 for even the cheapest model) may be downsides, it remains 4 Blogs x 2 | Letchworth Motor Auctions | September 2022 a reliable city runabout with great build quality and low maintenance costs. Plus, it’s easy to find an onward buyer.

Volkswagen Golf

Superior build quality inside and out, a range of engines, and top-notch comfort have made the Golf a household name. The entry-level 108bhp three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol model returns an impressive 52.9mpg while emitting just 121g/km of CO2, making it a winner among company car drivers thanks to the attractive Benefit-in-Kind band. While reliability and spaciousness make the Golf a supremely practical car, the GTI model ensures the funseeker is catered to as well. Almost 55,000 used examples were sold in Q2 of 2022.

Ford Focus

Because so many Ford Focuses are on the used market it’s easy to secure one for a low price. But despite the low cost, it offers superb handling and ride comfort, not to mention good fuel economy (the Ford Focus Zetec 1.0L EcoBoost returns a claimed 54.64mpg). Excellent safety features including seven airbags and a drivers’ knee bag, electronic stability control, and hill start as standard; a range of (mostly quiet) engines; and plenty of space make this a perennial winner in the used car market. 54,000 used examples were sold in Q2 of 2022.

MINI

Oozing personality, the MINI is available in a dizzying array of colours, decals and special edition trims, making it a favourite among drivers who desire a nimble car that really stands out. Not that there’s a dearth of examples on UK roads – more than 40,000 used models were sold in Q2 of 2022 alone. Undeniably fun to drive, MINIs are also fairly practical, boasting ease-of-parking and surprisingly spacious cabins. While out-of-warranty repairs can be costly, easy maintenance, good fuel economy and high resale values have made the MINI a stalwart of the pre-owned market. Hunting for a great car at a great price?

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