You don’t have to break the bank to buy a quality used car. There are lots of options on the market that offer great value, have relatively low running costs, enjoy good fuel economy and provide reliability. There’s an incredible choice and you’ll be certain to pick out a vehicle that is affordable and suits your lifestyle and driving requirements.
There are a number of factors to consider when narrowing down your options including drive and handling, economy, style, practicality and running costs. Just because a car represents good value, it doesn’t have to be boring. That’s why we’ve picked out our favourite 6 best second-hand cars below to help you consider the options.
1. Mini
First on our list of best used cars for under £8000 - the MIni. Virtually everyone knows the brand and whilst the new generation vehicle is much bigger and heavier than the classic model, it has managed to retain much of the charm that made people love the original car. They’re fun, engaging and easy to drive with excellent dealer support. Reliability is good and with a large volume in circulation, there is some tremendous value on the used market.
2. Volkswagen Golf
Seven generations on from its debut, the iconic Volkswagen Golf remains the benchmark for family hatchbacks. The pillars of its appeal have been relatively constant over its lifespan thus far and remain true; an air of solidity and class coupled with understated looks, a high level of refinement and good performance. There is a huge choice of engines and trim levels akin to an executive saloon augmenting a sophisticated driving experience and upmarket feel. Rival models such as the SEAT Leon, SKODA Octavia, Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra compete against the Golf and may have the edge on some elements of style, practicality or driving fun, but none are able to match the Golf’s blend of upmarket feel and all-round functionality.
Used Volkswagen Golf Under £8000
3. Ford Focus
The first generation of the Ford Focus, released in 1998 was truly ground-breaking and it remains one of our top choices for the best second-hand cars. The subsequent versions have refined many of the original’s qualities. It’s been the best-selling family hatch-back in the UK for many years and it still offers the best blend of ride and handling in its class. It’s comfortable but can be a little cramped with a smaller boot and less rear leg-room than its rivals.
The estate is an excellent choice as it drives just as well as the hatchback but solves the issue of the relatively small boot. It offers a wide range of petrol and diesel engines with the majority offering refinement with good pace and low running costs. It’s a strong competitor to the VW Golf thanks to its excellent quality, comfort and handling.
4. SKODA Octavia
From the same Volkswagen Group platform as the VW Golf and SEAT Leon, the SKODA Octavia is a brilliantly packaged variation that offers greater boot space and an incredibly practical interior with ample room for five passengers. It offers good drivability and is solid, reliable and practical. It's available as either a five-door hatchback or more practical estate, though both offer plenty of space and identical levels of standard equipment. The estate version offers outstanding value, a spacious interior and understated looks. Overall, the SKODA Octavia is hard to beat for either families or business drivers.
Used SKODA Octavia Under £8000
5. Ford Fiesta
The Ford Fiesta remains the UK best-selling car since first arriving on the market in 2008. Just take a quick test drive in one to see the reason why. The Fiesta is probably the best all-around small hatchback available on the market. It boasts a blend of versatility, comfort and driving enjoyment that’s hard to match. It comes with a range of economical petrol and diesel engines and retains residual values well making it a cost-effective car to own.
6. SKODA Citigo
Last on our list of best second-hand cars: the SKODA Citigo. The model shares a platform with its Volkswagen Group stable-mates; the VW Up! and SEAT Mii. These are solid performers boasting low running costs and surprisingly spacious interiors for a small car. The SKODA Citigo provides the best value of the three and has picked up numerous awards including the 2016 Auto Express Best City Car, which it won for five consecutive years until the Volkswagen UP! Celebrated a 4-year win streak. The Citigo offers a blend of refinement, quality, practicality and low running costs setting the standard in the class. It’s available as three and five-door hatchback variants with a punchy 1.0-litre engine.
There you have it: our top 6 of best used cars for under £8000. Looking for a cheap car for a new driver? We put together a full list of the best first cars to buy under £5,000, take a look.