Used cars for sale under £500
Whether you're a first-time car buyer, a student on a tight budget, or simply seeking a cheap vehicle to get you from A to B, we have a great selection of used cars under ?500 that won't break the bank.
From manuals to automatics and petrol to diesel vehicles, with MOTORS you'll find an array of cheap used cars under ?500 from trusted dealers across the UK.
Dacia, Duster
2021 (21) - TEST CAR 5-Door
Subaru, Outback
2004 (04) - 2.5i SE Outback 5dr Auto
Peugeot, 407
2011 (11) - 2.0 HDi 140 SR Connectnav 5dr
MINI, Hatch
2009 - Cooper 3-Door
Nissan, Juke
2017 (67) - 1.2 DiG-T Tekna 5dr - CAR IS £7499
Jaguar, X-Type
2009 (09) - 2.0d S 2009 5dr
Ford, Fiesta
2005 (54) - 1.4 LX 5dr [AC] Auto
Mazda, CX-5
2012 (12) - 2.2d SE-L Nav 5dr
Mercedes-Benz, A-Class
2016 (16) - A200d Sport Executive 5dr - CAR IS £9999
Vauxhall, Astra
2008 (08) - 1.6 16V Sport 2dr [115]
Nissan, Note
2011 (11) - 1.4 16V n-tec Euro 5 5dr
Citroen, C3
2010 (10) - 14 VTi 16V VTR+ 5dr
Renault, Arkana
Trafic VAN Ll30 Blue dCi 130 Advance SF
Kia, Rio
2011 (11) - 1.4 1 5dr
Vauxhall, Meriva
2010 (10) - 1.4i 16V Club 5dr
Before buying any car, there are some checks you should do to ensure the vehicle you are looking to purchase is safe and matches what is being advertised by the dealer.
Conduct some visual checks
Conducting visual checks is the first step you should take before purchasing a used car. This includes inspecting things like the paint and bodywork, checking the tyres and also examining the windscreen, windows and lights to ensure there isn't any damage and everything is in correct working order.
Also, don't be afraid to lift the bonnet and check the engine to ensure the internal components appear as they should.
Test drive the vehicle
Taking the car for a test drive will give you the opportunity to check that the vehicle is working as it should. As you drive the car, listen for any unusual noises whilst testing the clutch, brakes and acceleration. This is also a good opportunity to test additional features such as the heating, air conditioning, radio and infotainment system if the car has this.
Ask to see the car's documents
When you are viewing the vehicle, it is also a good idea to check the documents in person. This includes things such as the V5C document, MOT certificates, service history and the vehicle handbook. Inspecting these documents will highlight any issues the car has had and whether they have been rectified.
For further advice and guidance on things to consider before buying a used car, check out our used car buying checklist.
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Can you buy a reliable car for £500?
It is possible to buy used cars with a budget of £500. However, it's important to note that cars at this price point will likely have high mileage as well as interior and exterior defects. You may notice cars listed for £500 are considered Category N or Category S, which means the vehicles have experienced some damage which will require an inspection before they are safe to drive.
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What is Category N?
Previously known as Category D, vehicles listed under Category N will have cosmetic or non-structural faults that will require an inspection from a professional garage before being safe to drive.
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What is a Category S?
Formally known as a Category C, Category S is used to describe cars that have structural damage. Cars in this category are considered to have more damage than those listed as Category N and they will require repair from a professional garage to ensure the vehicle is safe to drive.
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What checks should I do before buying a car for under £500?
Before buying any used car you should thoroughly inspect the vehicle using a used car buying checklist. Inspecting components such as tyres, engines, brakes and exhausts, will help you to understand the current condition of the car and if it requires any inspections or work by a professional garage. It is also a good idea to test-drive the vehicle before purchasing it so you can be confident the vehicle works as expected. This also gives you the opportunity to ask any questions and raise any concerns you may have.