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Here’s a list of some of the best cars you can buy for under £5k.
Buying a new car can be expensive, especially if you’re looking to buy a newer model directly from a manufacturer or dealership. You may find that when looking for a brand-new car, you struggle to find anything that fits your budget.
One of the best ways to find cheaper cars is to explore the second-hand market. The used car market in the UK is highly competitive and is currently thriving with quality vehicles you can get for a cut price.
You don’t even have to obtain a particularly old car to get a saving, as even after just three years from its initial sale, a car’s value will depreciate by as much as 50%. This means you can get a used car with modern features for a lot cheaper.
It may not seem like much when looking for brand-new cars, but if you enter the second-hand market with £5,000 to spend, you can easily find some quality vehicles if you know where to search.
At Car Adviser, we’ve scoured the internet looking for the best-used vehicles you can get at multiple prices, including cars for under £5,000. Here’s a list of some of the best options we’ve seen sold consistently for under £5,000.
We have many other articles for those with larger or smaller budgets, meaning that you can use Car Adviser to help you find the perfect car that suits your circumstances.
You can also find guides on what to look out for when buying used cars and various maintenance tips on Car Adviser.
The Dacia Duster has always been an excellent value-for-money car, even when bought new, meaning that grabbing one from the second-hand market represents tremendous saving potential.
The Duster is an SUV, meaning that it has a spacious interior for passengers and storage, with it boasting a fantastic boot area. If comfort is your main priority, then the Duster is a great option, as it comes with quality seats and so much legroom no matter where you’re sitting. That said, the interior doesn’t have the sparkle and can look a bit plain.
The driving experience for the Duster could be more inspired, which is the case for most SUVs. There could be a better deal of thrust, with its weak acceleration making it feel like it’s plodding when you try to get it up the gears. The suspension is refined, though, with it being reasonably smooth at high or low speeds.
The Duster has good fuel economy for this type of vehicle, making it an economical choice even once you’ve made your purchase.
The biggest issue with the Duster is that it’s lacking in a lot of safety features. This omission seems odd for an SUV that will likely be designed to carry families, as it stops it from being a no-brainer choice in this category.
The Duster is a fantastic option, especially when buying it new, and is sure to be a reliable and practical option for various owners.
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If you want to grab a cheeky and fun convertible off the second-hand market, you can quickly get a Porche Boxster for under £5,000. The Boxster is, perhaps unfairly, known as the poor man’s Porche, and although that is said to be an insult to the car, it also illustrates the vehicle’s value and how it’s a sensibly priced car.
The Boxster is not a practical car at all, as it only able to seat two people and lacks boot space. It is, however, an enjoyable car to drive, as it is agile and handles nicely with sharp and responsive steering while also being quick when accelerating.
In fact, the handling is one of the best things about this car, as it has an incredible amount of grip, which can make driving around town extremely fun. It does start to feel fragile at super high speeds, especially if you’re driving with the roof down, but for some, that can add to the excitement of the car.
The driving position of the Boxster is an excellent position for thrill seekers. It’s low to the ground, making the car feel much faster; however, it’s still comfortable, meaning that it’s great when at both low and faster speeds.
The view from the seat is excellent when looking forward; however, it can be hard to see when reversing or checking your blind spot. This may be a bit offputting for some drivers. This is because the pillars are much larger for convertibles to ensure structural integrity.
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For decades, the Volkswagen Golf has been one of the most popular and revered cars on the road. Known for its refinement and good driving ability, this iconic vehicle boasts an array of impressive features that appeal to drivers of all sizes and skill levels.
Whether you are looking for a reliable commuter car or a fun weekend cruiser, the VW Golf is guaranteed to exceed your expectations. With its sporty styling, agility on the road, and advanced safety features, this car offers everything you could want in a second-hand vehicle.
With the Golf being a very popular and long-lasting model from Volkwagen, countless options are available on the second-hand market. It can be picked up fairly cheaply, and in terms of sheer driving experience, it is one of the best budget hatchbacks you can get.
Despite its many advantages, some potential negatives associated with the Volkswagen Golf should be considered when making a purchasing decision. For example, many drivers have complained about the Golf’s limited cargo space, making it difficult to transport bulky items.
In addition, some drivers have noted that the Volkswagen Golf is not always fuel-efficient, with some models getting as little as 30 miles per gallon.
That said, the VW Golf is still a fantastic option for those looking for a car second-hand.
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The BMW 3 Series has long been known as one of the top sports saloons on the market. With its sophisticated styling, excellent performance, and high-quality features, the BMW 3 Series is a standout choice for anyone looking for a quality vehicle that offers both luxury and agility.
The BMW 3 Series is known for its superior handling, thanks to its well-tuned suspension and powerful engine. Whether you’re tearing around tight corners or zipping through traffic on the motorway, this car always feels responsive and surefooted under pressure.
And with an array of high-tech features like adaptive cruise control, a premium sound system, and a heads-up display, driving the BMW 3 Series is a truly luxurious experience from start to finish.
However, you need to consider a few flaws about the 3 Series before opting to get one. For one, it is not particularly fuel efficient, averaging just 20 miles per gallon in city driving. In addition, BMWs are notorious for requiring frequent maintenance and repairs, which can cost you a fair bit over time.
While these downsides certainly do not make the BMW 3 Series a bad choice for luxury vehicle buyers, they are worth considering when comparing different models and deciding which car is right for you.
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The Ford Focus is one of the most popular cars on the road today, and for a good reason. This reliable, well-designed vehicle offers all the features drivers want and need, from powerful performance to top-notch safety features.
Whether you are looking for a saloon or hatchback style, the Ford Focus has something to offer every driver.
This car stands out from the crowd thanks to its innovative design and advanced technology, especially if you can pick up a modern version. Its sleek exterior hints at the cutting-edge technology lurking under the hood, including fuel efficiency systems that help you save money at the pump.
Additionally, even though it is packed with high-tech features, this vehicle is still fun and easy to drive, making it a great choice for novice drivers.
The second-hand market for Ford Focuses is already a big one, and that’s set to get even larger after Ford announced in 2022 that it’s discontinuing the model in favour of electric vehicles. This means that if you want a Ford Focus, it will have to be from the second-hand market.
However, the Ford Focus does have some negatives and issues that potential buyers should be aware of before making a purchase.
For example, some Ford Focus models have been known to have transmission problems. Additionally, some Ford Focus vehicles are prone to rust, leading to structural damage over time and more repairs and maintenance.
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