Used Cars In Exeter
What are the best used cars to drive in Exeter?
For driving around the city centre:
A smaller hatchback makes a lot of sense if your week includes tighter streets around Heavitree, St Leonards, or the approach into the city centre. Look for rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, and an automatic gearbox as best fit features. Then on your test drive, check how easy it is to steer at low speeds, particularly when you turn into side roads or line up parking in a narrow space.
For regular motorway miles:
If you regularly head past Pinhoe, Sowton, or out towards the M5 and A30, look for features that make long motorways journeys much more comfortable, such as adaptive cruise control and good seat adjustment. On a test drive, pay close attention to road noise at 60 to 70 mph and check whether the car has built-in navigation or easy phone mirroring.
For a family-friendly car:
A roomy five-door with a wide boot opening is a practical fit if your routine swings between school runs, Marsh Barton errands, and family trips through Topsham. Check the rear door opening before you buy, because a wider opening makes child seats, sports bags, and bigger supermarket shops much easier to manage.
Why should I buy a used car in Exeter from Vertu?
Our Exeter team makes the buying process straightforward, whether you collect locally or prefer us to talk you through the handover before you travel.
Our 14-day money-back guarantee gives you time to make sure the car works for your routine.
We carry out a multi-point inspection, so you know the car has been checked before sale.
We confirm a verified history, which helps remove guesswork from the buying process.
You can reserve online with a refundable deposit, which is handy if you need time to plan your visit.
We offer home delivery, so you do not need to fit collection around work or family plans.
In a city where one day can mean Princesshay parking and the next can mean a quick run out towards Exminster, we help you choose a car that matches real use.
That gives you a clearer, more supported way to buy than going private, where checks, history, and aftercare are far more limited.
If you're comparing second hand cars in Exeter with nearby options, take a look at used cars in Devon, Barnstaple, or Plymouth.
Can I buy a used car in Exeter on finance?
Yes, you can buy a used car on finance in Exeter with Vertu. For drivers balancing busier stretches near Heavitree with quicker roads around Sowton, finance can be a practical way to spread the cost and look at cars that better match day-to-day needs, whether that means a smoother automatic, useful parking support, or a higher overall spec.
For more information on how to buy a used car in finance in Exeter, head over to our car finance explained page.
Used cars in Exeter FAQs
Can I part exchange my current car and finance the next one in Exeter?
Yes, and that is often the simplest option if you are changing cars locally. In our Exeter dealership, we can talk through part exchange values and your next steps for financing, so everything stays in one place.
Can I book servicing after I buy my used car in Exeter?
You can, and it is worth planning early if the car will be doing regular miles around Marsh Barton or out towards the M5. Our teams can help with servicing and show you how a Priority Service Plan can help spread routine maintenance costs, which many drivers find useful.
Which used car Vertu dealerships are located in Exeter?
Honda Exeter on Alphin Brook Road is one of our Vertu dealerships located in the city, which is handy if you would rather talk things through in person before you buy. There's also BMW Exeter on Matford Park Road or Hyundai Exeter on Trusham Road, if you'd like more options in the city.
Is a hybrid or electric car a good fit for Exeter driving?
It can be, especially if most of your miles are shorter runs across Exeter rather than long motorway days. A hybrid suits stop-start traffic around the city well, and an electric car can work nicely if you already know where you would charge near home or work.
Do I need a smaller car for Exeter?
Not always, but many drivers appreciate a smaller car if they spend a lot of time around older streets and tighter city-centre parking. If your driving is mostly around Heavitree, St Leonards, and central Exeter, test the turning circle and rear visibility before you buy and you'll know quickly what feels comfortable.
Can I check child-seat space and boot space before I decide?
Yes, and you should. If your week includes nursery drop-offs, sports kits, or bigger shops around Marsh Barton, ask us to show you the rear doors, ISOFIX points, and boot opening properly so you can judge it with your real routine in mind.
