Best Used Small Cars for Under £7,000

There are many good reasons for buying a car. It’s convenient, offers freedom of movement and allows for independence… best of all, you can get all this and more with a quality used small car for under £7,000.

We’d forgive you for thinking your options would be limited with a budget of less than £7,000, but Vertu now offers a wide range of value-added used cars under ten-years old that are safe, affordable and fun-to-drive.

With thousands of cars in stock, Vertu has something for everyone, especially those who might be on a tight budget.

If you have up to £7,000 to spend on a used car, allow us at Vertu to take you through our top buys…

Used Ford Fiesta

The enduring popularity of the Ford Fiesta coupled with the fact that the model has been pulled from sale (much to the chagrin of many) means that not only are there plenty of used examples on the market, they are also competitively priced.

Don’t be discouraged by the fact the Fiesta is no longer on sale, for this purely business-related decision in no way discredits the fact the supermini is still a class-leader even in used trim.

For under £7,000, it is possible to get a Fiesta equipped with the excellent 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, while trims in that price range include the favourable Zetec grade with alloy wheels, a DAB radio, heated front windscreen and air-conditioning.

Coupled with the Fiesta’s talents on the road with a driving experience that is both fun and unintimidating, and Ford’s iconic small car is a superb used purchase.

Used SEAT Ibiza

The Volkswagen Polo might be the aspirational small car choice, but did you know it is possible to get an arguably more attractive version with the same underpinnings for a lot less money?

Indeed, the SEAT Ibiza has always been regarded as a great value alternative to the Polo, with which it shares a platform and offers a similar engine line-up.

The same could be said for a third sibling in the Skoda Fabia, which is the practical alternative, but if you’d prefer a small used car that looks fresh and stylish even now, the Ibiza is the pick of the trio.

With generous kit levels – especially some of the special editions like the Toca – frugal engines and low insurance groups, the Ibiza is an excellent proposition.

Used Vauxhall Corsa

The Vauxhall Corsa has come a long way over the years and its fifth-generation model – sold between 2014 and 2019 now represents an excellent value used small car purchase.

A big rival to the Ford Fiesta for the affections of the UK buying public, there is a broad spread of Corsa options for under £7,000.

Time has been kind to the Corsa on the design front, while the interior is well screwed together and home to a generous specification, even on base models.

Beyond that, the Corsa is spacious inside, comfortable and easy-to-drive, making it an ideal urban companion.

Used Nissan Micra

While sales of the fifth generation Nissan Micra – launched in 2016 – never reached the peak of the wildly popular Mk.II and Mk.III versions, this is arguably the best small car the manufacturer has ever made.

Several examples are now on the market for less than £7,000 and they represent quite the bargain when in N-Connecta and Tekna trims with mod-cons that include air-conditioning, satellite navigation, alloy wheels and even leather seats.

It’s also arguably the most stylish small car of its era, Nissan’s chunky design signatures giving the Micra presence, while touches like silver alloy wheels (on certain models) and hidden rear door handles show an impressive level of detail.

It’s also well-built, while the Renault-sourced mechanicals ensure nippy performance and an easy driving experience.

Used Vauxhall Mokka

The latest Vauxhall Mokka might have morphed into a head turner wherever it goes, but it’s predecessor still has a lot to offer.

One of the best value small SUVs on the used market, the Mokka offers the reassurance of a raised ride height and the kerb appeal of an off roader at a low price point.

Looking like a more muscular Corsa, the Mokka is understatedly attractive, while it gains all of that model’s traits, such as the well thought out interior and light driving controls.

It’s more spacious than your average small car too with a generous 356-litre boot and space for adults in the rear.

Used Nissan Juke

With the Nissan Juke, it is possible to get your hands on a modern style icon for much less than you probably expected.

Indeed, the first-generation Juke we’re featuring here is the model responsible for popularising the small SUV class, triggering a rush of activity among rivals to launch their own take on the trendy formula.

Even then, few have been able to replicate the visual drama of the original Juke, a model that cuts a dash even today with its funky design details like the oversized circular headlights and bulbous proportions.

It’s a fun character that that permeates the whole package, whether it’s the stylish interior – which pop with body-coloured dashboard inserts on some trims – and an enjoyable driving experience, while kit levels are generous and reliability strong.