The best cars for under £10,000
If you’re looking for your next second-hand car, and have a budget of £10,000, there are several great models out there that can fulfill your needs.
The Cazoo editorial team
Published on 14 August 2025 | 1 min read
If you’re in the market for your next second-hand car, and have a budget of £10,000, there are some great options out there.
Whether it’s a two-seat convertible, a hot hatchback or performance estate, all of these offerings are available through Cazoo for the right price.
However, if you’re uncertain of what car to spend your money on, we’ve compiled a list of the best second-hand cars you can buy with a budget of £10,000.
Mazda MX-5
The MX-5 is regarded as one of the best two-seater sports cars in the world, due to its excellent representation when it comes to value for money.
At this price point, it can get you into a decent third-generation car, also known as the ‘NC’. The pick of the bunch is the 2.0-litre Sport as it provides 160bhp, rear-wheel drive and a limited-slip differential.
Plus, because it’s a Mazda, it should be reliable and easy to fix. Also, with its simple manually-folding roof and lightweight body, it makes it one of the best driver's cars out there.
Second-hand prices remain around the £9,000 mark for a 2011 car with 44,000 miles on the clock. However, you could get the car with an electrically-retractable hard-top, with one of those setting you back around £10,000.
Search for used Mazda MX-5 on Cazoo
Toyota MR2
If you lust after a convertible but don’t want something as common as a Mazda MX-5, then the Toyota MR2 is worth a mention.
For £10,000, this will get you into a very clean and low-mileage third-generation car, which comes fitted with a 1.8-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine.
Thanks to its mid-engine layout, this gives the car a perfect weight distribution, making the MR2 handle like nothing else. Also, its low weight, precise gearbox and simple manually-foldable roof make this one of the simplest and entertaining two-seater roadsters around.
Look to spend £6,500 for a car with around 40,000 miles on the clock, or if you want an older car with higher mileage, prices are even cheaper at £3,000.
Search for used Toyota MR2 on Cazoo
BMW Z4
If you fancy a two-seater sports car with a bit more muscle, then the BMW Z4 is a great choice.
For this sort of money, it will get you into a second-generation example with either the 2.0-litre, 2.5-litre and 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engines.
The Z4's exterior design features flared wheel arches, a low front nose and wide rear haunches, giving it more presence on the road.
There is a choice of manual and automatic transmissions available, and all models come with lots of standard equipment to make it a little bit more comfortable on a longer trip.
Look to spend around £9,995 for a 2012 M Sport car that has covered 54,000 miles. However, if you want the beefier 3.0-litre engine, prices start at around £9,500 for a 2010 car with 63,000 miles on the clock.
Search for used BMW Z4 on Cazoo
Porsche Boxster
If you want a sports car with even more prestige, then the Porsche Boxster is your best choice.
It comes with a mid-engined layout, a premium-feeling interior and a choice of 2.7-litre and 3.2-litre engines.
The Boxster’s perfect power-to-weight ratio means it’s one of the best handling cars in its class and the rear-wheel drive layout makes it an entertaining experience out on a twisty road.
Second-hand prices start at £8,495 for a newer 2005 car with the 2.7-litre engine. However, if you want a 3.2-litre example, you’ll have to go for the first-generation model, which can be yours for £9,995 with 70,000 miles on its odometer.
Search for used Porsche Boxster on Cazoo
Volkswagen Golf GTI
The Volkswagen Golf GTI kick-started the hot hatchback market back in the late 1970s and has been perfecting the model ever since.
The Golf GTI looks good, drives really well and has a classy image. For £10,000, this will get you into a sixth-generation car, which comes with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and is available with three and five doors.
Further upgrades include larger alloy wheels, sports suspension, the famous GTI red striping on the front grille, Tartan seat upholstery and bucket seats.
If you want one of these iconic hot hatchbacks, prices for a clean sixth-generation model are priced at £8,000 with 80,000 miles on the clock.
Search for used Volkswagen Golf GTI on Cazoo
Skoda Octavia vRS
If you have a family, but enjoy driving a performance car, then the Skoda Octavia vRS should be on your shopping list.
It’s available as a five-door hatchback or more practical estate and comes fitted with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, or there is the option of a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel unit.
The Octavia vRS is fast, good-looking and very commodious inside for occupants, plus there are several handy cubby holes dotted about the place to make this a great performance-focused family car.
Used examples will start at around £8,500 for a diesel estate variant with 91,000 miles on the clock. If you want a petrol model, prices start at around £9,000 for a five-door hatchback model.
Search for used Skoda Octavia vRS on Cazoo
Suzuki Swift Sport
If you’re looking for your first hot hatchback and need something that is going to be cheap and reliable, then the Suzuki Swift Sport is an excellent choice.
It features a 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine that produces 134bhp and power is sent through to a six-speed manual gearbox.
The exterior features a larger rear spoiler, twin-exit exhaust tips, side skirts, sports suspension and sports seats.
The Swift Sport is great fun to drive and is available with either three or five-door body styles.
Clean, low-mileage examples will set you back around £7,500 for a 2013 car with 43,000 miles on the clock.
Search for used Suzuki Swift Sport on Cazoo
