The Best Cheap Second-Hand Cars to Buy Under £3,000
Discover the best used cars to buy for under £3,000 with our guide as we uncover popular models within your price range. We’ve got some of the very best options to help you get on the road while saving money. From hatchbacks to SUVs, we’ve got something to suit all different types of drivers. With motoring and living costs in general seemingly always on the increase, these cars won’t cost the earth to run. With a budget of £3,000, you’ll find a range of vehicles that provide reliable, comfortable, and highly practical transportation on Cazoo.
The Cazoo editorial team
Published on 17 March 2025 | 1 min read
Finding a reliable, used car for under £3,000 may feel unachievable, particularly with costs rising in every aspect of our day-to-day lives. No matter where you live in the UK, you’ve likely noticed increasing prices. From food and fuel to heating and more, inflation has driven up the cost of living, making everyday expenses more burdensome and the same goes for the car market.
However, if you’re looking to get on the road without breaking the budget, there are still some excellent options currently available and it is possible to find a reliable used car for under £3,000. You can also check out our guide where we explore the best second-hand Cars to buy for under £2,000 or if you have a little more to spend, we also have a guide on the best used cars under £10,000.
What should you consider before buying a car for under £3,000?
Budget
Naturally, the primary concern when you’re looking at used cars for under £3,000 is the cost. However, that doesn’t just include that headline price, it also contains aspects such as servicing, fuel and insurance.
It’s always a good idea to set a budget before you’ve even started test-driving a car and tie up all of those outgoings into it so that you’ve got a clear picture of what you’re able to afford before you start looking.
Servicing
Remember too that cheaper cars might need extra money spending on them as they’re usually a little older than more expensive versions. However, many of the cars on our list have proven to be popular over their time on sale which means that there’s a plentiful supply of spare parts which can help reduce how much you’ll pay to get them fixed.
Other options
If you’re worried about some of the drawbacks that a cheap used car might bring, purchasing a new vehicle using car finance might be a better option for you. Personal Contract Purchase and Hire Purchase finance can get you behind the wheel of a new car and many finance agreements can also include servicing costs so there’s even less to worry about. Remember, you will be tied into a binding financial agreement with this option.
1.Toyota Yaris (2006-2011)
If reliability is a top priority when buying a low-cost used car, a Japanese car maker is nearly always a great place to start, especially a model from Toyota. This brand is known for its dependable products that are known to last for decades not years.
One of the best options within a £3,000 budget is the Yaris supermini, particularly the second-generation model. Expect to pick up a 2008-registered example with around 80,000 miles on the clock for this budget. A Yaris of this age is well-made, practical and economical on fuel too, making for a cracking used buy.
Best Features
- Superb reliability reputation
- Spacious interior considering its size
- Efficient engines
Things to consider
- Yaris is available with three or five doors
- Automatic gearboxes weren’t all that good in a Yaris of this age
- You might find a Yaris more expensive to buy than an equivalent supermini
2. Ford Fiesta (2008-2017)
One of the most popular used cars available is the Ford Fiesta. There are thousands of them available across the country, including lots within a £3,000 price bracket. We’d recommend a seventh-generation Fiesta, which was first introduced in late 2008.
Bringing far more modern styling than its predecessor, the Fiesta has universal appeal, whether it be for smaller families or those wanting their first car. This generation is known for its fun driving experience, extensive range of versions and engines, and for just being one of the best small cars that has ever been sold here in the UK. You can pick up a 2009 example with around 80,000 miles on the clock for the £3,000 budget.
Best Features
- Huge choice of used models available
- Great to drive
- Still looks and feels modern
Things to consider
- Early 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engines had some reliability issues, so could be worth avoiding
- Facelift model in 2012 gave the Fiesta a fresher look
- Diesel models of this age will not meet ULEZ requirements
3. Mini Hatch (2006-2013)
It’s hard to not be charmed by the Mini Hatch. This generation of the iconic four-seater brought more in the way of day-to-day comfort over its predecessor but didn’t lose any of that sense of fun that had made the Mini such a popular option in the first place. The addition of a diesel engine also meant that long-distance drivers needn’t be put off the Mini as the oil-burners are particularly frugal.
This second-generation model is available in a variety of eye-catching colours – along with bonnet stripes for those who like the go-faster look – while its interior is made to a great standard with lots of pleasant materials used throughout. Just bear in mind, however, that the Mini really is, well, Mini – so it’s not got a lot of room in the back whatsoever.
Best Features
- Great fun to drive.
- Lots of options available in the used market.
- Diesel versions are remarkably frugal.
Things to consider
- Very cramped in the back and the boot is small.
- Some mechanical issues are cropping up now – make sure any car you’re looking at has a good service history.
- Low-spec models weren’t given a lot of equipment as standard.
4. Skoda Octavia (2004-2013)
If you need something with more space than the cars we’ve already mentioned, the Skoda Octavia will most certainly do the trick. Available as a large hatchback or as an estate, both offer a great deal of space and are ideal for families or those with large dogs, for example.
It would be a second-generation that is the best option with this budget, with a tidy 2010 example with around 100,000 miles on the clock available for this budget. There’s a broad range of petrol and diesel models available, while you can even get a sportier vRS version for less than £3,000.
Best Features
Very spacious interior
Reputation for its reliability
Great value for money
Things to consider
DSG automatic gearbox can be troublesome so ensure it has been serviced properly
Skoda updated the Octavia in 2009, bringing a more modern design and additional technology
Check carpets are dry as door seals can fail
5. Honda CR-V (2007-2012)
If you want reliability, a Honda is another great place to start. From the Jazz supermini to the Accord saloon, it’s quite hard to go wrong with a used Honda. But for this budget our pick has to be the CR-V – one of the few dependable SUVs you can pick up for less than £3,000.
We’d be looking at a third-generation CR-V, and expect to get a 2007 car with 125,000 miles. That might seem a lot of miles, but as long as a car has a good maintenance history, there should be little to worry about. The CR-V is well-equipped and still feels very solid inside, with the excellent diesel engines being our pick of the range.
Best Features
- Good reliability reputation
- Great build quality
- Strong diesel engines
Things to Consider
- Despite its SUV styling, the CR-V isn’t really much of an off-roader
- Manual versions are smoother to drive
- 2010 facelift brought more modern styling
6. Citroen DS3 (2009-2016)
Much like the Mini Hatch, the Citroen DS3 is a car which trades on stylishness first and foremost. It’s a good-looking hatch with lots of cool exterior features, but these are backed up by a surprisingly nippy driving experience which appears to revive the spirited French hatchbacks of old. It’s also quite a lot of car for our £3,000 budget and nets you a car with a decent amount of on board technology.
The DS3 won’t cost the earth to run, either, thanks to a frugal range of engines. It’s also reasonably spacious with a good-size boot so it’s quite easy to live with on a day-to-day basis. While some interior plastics aren’t that plush, they’re hard-wearing so they can stand the test of time.
Best Features
- Stylish exterior design.
- Reasonably practical inside.
- Engine choices are frugal and easy to maintain.
Things to consider
- Some interior plastics aren’t the nicest.
- Ride can be quite firm on certain models.
- Rear seats aren’t too spacious for taller passengers.
7. Volkswagen Polo (2005-2009)
You might find used Volkswagens are a bit more expensive than rival models of a similar age, but not only are you paying for that more premium brand, you also a get higher-quality finish inside. That’s the case for the Volkswagen Polo, as you will likely be shopping for an older example.
It would be a facelifted fourth-generation car that you will get for this budget, and something with around 70,000 miles on the clock. This generation of Polo is a very well-built small car that has the road manners of something far larger. A broad range of petrol and diesel engines means there’s something to suit most audiences too.
Best Features
- Great build quality
- Plenty of choice on the used market
- Good brand image
Things to consider
- Flaking paint is quite common, so inspect the condition thoroughly
- As with any car, look for thorough up-to-date servicing
- Be aware many Polos have been used as first cars and around town, so parking damage is likely
8. Nissan Qashqai+2 (2008-2014)
Nissan’s Qashqai was the car that helped to establish the trend for more compact SUVs, known as crossovers, and remains one of the UK’s best-selling cars. What you might not know, however, is that Nissan sold a seven-seater version for a number of years, known as the Qashqai+2.
Offering three rows of seats, albeit the rearmost seats are only really suitable for children, it adds additional functionality to what is already a practical car. The Qashqai is also comfortable and refined, while there’s a good choice of petrol and diesel models available. You should be able to pick up a diesel, 2010-registered model with around 110,000 miles on the clock for within this budget.
Best Features
- Seven seat practicality
- Good equipment levels
- Efficient diesel engines
Things to consider
- If you don’t need the seven seats, the standard Qashqai might make more sense, and there are more of them for sale
- Diesel examples aren’t suited to short journeys
- 2010 facelift brought much fresher styling
9. Audi TT (1999-2006)
Just because you’re shopping on a budget, it doesn’t mean you can’t have something fun to drive. So if you’re looking for thrills for less than £3,000, we recommend the first-generation Audi TT. It’s a bit older than the other cars here, but still feels solid and has aged brilliantly. You’d never know it was almost 25 years old.
Strong engines offer great performance, while the TT has a very solid-feeling interior that still feels remarkably well-built. You can have this Audi as a coupe or convertible, with the quattro four-wheel-drive models being the most appealing. You can pick up usable, if not immaculate, examples with around 100,000 miles for this budget.
Best Features
- Iconic styling
- Great engines
- Brilliant build quality
Things to consider
- Though fairly reliable, repair bills might be quite expensive
- TT is likely to be a future classic, with investment potential
- Look out for failed LCD displays and rust on the front arches
10. Suzuki Swift (2005-2011)
Moving back to smaller, cheaper-to-run cars, we have the Suzuki Swift. This supermini isn’t quite as well-known as models like the Fiesta and Polo, but if you’re looking for a reliable and fun small car, it’s worth a look.
The Swift brings modern styling, considering it’s approaching 20 years old, while it’s roomier inside than you might expect.
With small, efficient engines, it should be fairly frugal, while equipment levels are fairly generous as well. You’ll be able to pick up a low-mileage car from 2008 in this budget, while those wanting something a bit more lively can choose the Swift Sport hot hatchback for within this price, albeit with more miles.
Best Features
- Cheap to run
- Good reliability reputation
- Great value for money
Things to consider
- Listen out for cabin rattles
- Can go through front tyres quickly, so check the tread depths
- Some replacements parts (such as bumpers) can be expensive
Tips for finding and buying a car for under £3,000
Finding and buying a car for less than £3,000 does require a bit of research. At this price point, you’ll be dealing with cars that have higher miles and potentially more issues, so making sure you do all of your key vehicle history checks is essential. We’d run a history check on any car you’re looking at, with these paid-for services flagging up any issues in the car’s past such as whether or not it has been declared crashed and repaired previously.
You also might want to part-exchange your current car against the cost of the new one or you may sell it privately beforehand. It’s worth getting clued up on safe car buying processes before you start all of this too in order to ensure that you’re not going to get caught out down the line.
And if you need a little extra information or want some help in fine-tuning your choice of car, remember that we have an extensive range of car reviews where we take an in-depth look at some of the most popular models available to see what their plus points potential downsides are. A wide variety of cars are covered on the YouTube channel, too.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a good car for £3,000?
Of course you can! Just because you’re shopping on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality entirely. We would just emphasise the importance of doing a solid history check, thoroughly test-driving to listen out for any noises or rattles and giving the interior a good prod to make sure everything is properly attached. This can ensure you’re getting a good car for the money.
What is the best used automatic car under £3000?
There are several used automatic cars under £3,000 that stand out for their reliability, affordability, and overall performance. These include the Honda Jazz, Toyota Yaris, Ford Fiesta and Nissan Micra.
Which cheap cars last the longest?
How long a car lasts depends on how regularly it has been serviced. After all, it has been known for some cars to have hundreds of thousands of miles under their wheels but they keep going because they’ve been looked after and serviced at proper intervals.
That’s why it is so important to ensure any car you’re looking at has a solid history of servicing. If you want to save money then you might be tempted to look past this, but just remember that it could end up costing you more in the long run.
What is a reliable but cheap car?
Again, reliability is often linked to servicing – but some cars do have a better reputation when it comes to not going wrong than others. However, one car which does come out well in this regard is the Toyota Yaris. It’s a model which has become well-known for its reliability and it’s easy to see how this is the case on the used market – there are plenty of examples available with well over 170,000 miles on the clock and they’re still going strong.
What is the cheapest second-hand car to buy?
You can go pretty cheap when you’re shopping in the second-hand car market. However, we’d advise being cautious about going too low as, though there are some used cars under £500, there’s the potential that these models will have a chequered past or may have been involved in a crash and repaired.
As the old saying goes ‘if something looks too good to be true, it probably is’ and this is well worth bearing in mind when shopping in the used car market. If you have any doubts, don’t be afraid of walking away from a sale and don’t part with any cash if you’re unsure.
Find a car for under £3,000 with Cazoo
Now we’ve whet your appetite for cars costing under £3,000, it’s time to take the next step of the journey. You might want to start browsing through some of the cars currently on sale via Cazoo or you might want to get some more information from our reviews and guides to better inform your car-buying decision.
With thousands of cars available, there’s plenty to choose from while all manner of shapes and sizes means there’s something for all types of drivers.