The best value used cars for enthusiasts

Open gallery Close News by John Evans 2 mins read 15 August 2024 Follow @JohnEvans510 As prices rise and belts are tightened, our search for the best value used cars intensifies. Of course, value is largely a subjective thing and we were reminded of that recently when a reader called with news of their new Tesla Model 3. It cost £39,000, a figure that included 15,000 miles of free charging via the company’s Supercharger network, a benefit worth around £2000. Although the reader understood the market is choked with used Model 3s and, as a result, his new car will depreciate heavily, he loved the prospect of being its first owner. Related articles However, those numbers got us thinking about how you can get a year-old Model 3 with 5000 miles for £29,000 and how the £10,000 the reader would have saved could at, for example, 45p per kWh (about midway between domestic and rapid-charger prices) be sufficient to pay for 122,000 miles of power.  For balance, we accept this calculation ignores the fact that the reader’s Model 3 is the latest, more efficient and better-equipped version. The two arguments represent different perspectives on value for money but, for this guide, we will go with ours. As we hope to show, used cars represent real value for money when bought well. It’s our choice but we are willing to accept that the car you own – the one you chose to buy with your own money after long research and weighing up its pros and cons – offers the most value for money or else why buy it? But whoever is right, we hope our guide to the best value used cars will help you get more for your money. How to spot a good-value cheapie Check its provenance with HPI or similar. Scrutinise its service history and online MOT record. Inspect the body carefully, using a magnet to locate any filler. Check the tyres and brakes have a long life left. Start it from cold and test drive it thoroughly. Best value used cars 1. Ford Puma (2019-present)9Pros Practical and rewarding to driveImpressive ride quality Cons Cheap-looking interiorHybrid economy could be better A determined haggler can get up to 12% off a new Puma. Not only that, but when financed on Ford’s PCP scheme, the company will also throw in a £450 deposit contribution, although you can expect the discount that the dealer offers to be smaller as result. For 2024, the Puma has been facelifted and gained upgraded tech but, to our eyes, the nearly new car is still the better deal.Read our Ford Puma (2019-present) review Latest Reviews Volkswagen California Hyundai Tucson Mazda CX-5 7 Mazda CX-5 View all car reviews Read our review Car reviewFord PumaFord takes crossover class by storm with revival of the Puma nameRead our review Back to top 2. BMW 3 Series (2008-2012)8Pros Refined, upmarket interiorGood to drive Cons Not much rear space in the saloon This generation of the 3 Series is proving reliable and the facelifted 318i saloon –
the version that best satisfies our criteria and that you are most likely to find for under £5000 – is light on running costs but still has a useful 141bhp up its sleeve.Read our BMW 3 Series (2008-2012) review3. Mazda MX-5 (2005-2015)8Pros Great fun to driveReliable and easy to use Cons Cramped footwellLacks charm of the original The Mk3 MX-5’s rear-drive chassis, steering accuracy and rifle-bolt gearchange shine like a beacon. The 158bhp 2.0-litre engine is punchy but the 123bhp 1.8-litre version suits the car better, as well as being cheaper.Read our Mazda MX-5 (2005-2015) review Back to top 4. Vauxhall Insignia (2009-2017)7Pros Spacious, functional cabinGood economy and CO2 Cons Poor low-speed rideLack desirability The former-generation, fleet-oriented Insignia is still good to drive, especially on the motorway, where it’s at its most comfortable. The diesel engines are economical and punchy but becoming a liability in terms of potential trouble. Instead, seek out a tidy 138bhp 1.4i turbo petrol, which is reasonably quick as well as economical. Smaller-wheel versions ride best.Read our Vauxhall Insignia (2009-2017) review5. Mini Cooper S (2007-2014)7Pros Strong perfromanceNimble ride and handling Cons Price of high-spec modelsPoor rear passenger space When looked after, Minis of all ages are solid things. A healthy 173bhp from the Cooper S’s turbocharged engine makes the most of the car’s darty character. When needs must, an overboost function generates an extra 15lb ft of torque too. No two cars look the same but avoid falling for fancy graphics over condition.Read our Mini Cooper S (2007-2014) review Back to top 6. Land Rover Discovery (2004-2010)8Pros Excellent off-road capability combined with refined on-road mannersSpacious, uber-p