Used cars for sale under £5,000
With a budget of ?5,000 you have lots of options when it comes to buying a used car. Whether you're a first-time car buyer or simply seeking a reliable car at an affordable price, we have a great selection that won't break the bank.
From manuals to automatics and petrol to diesel vehicles, you'll find an array of cheap, used cars from trusted dealers across the UK with MOTORS.
Kia, Picanto
2013 - 1.25 2 EcoDynamics 5dr
Ford, Fiesta
1999 (T) - 1.25 Ghia 16V 5dr MOTED till 22/07/2025
Audi, TT
2010 - 1.8 TFSI 2-Door
Nissan, Qashqai
2015 (15) - 1.2 DiG-T N-Tec+ 5dr
Volkswagen, Polo
2010 (10) - S 60 5-Door
Renault, Clio
2014 (64) - 0.9 TCe Dynamique MediaNav Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr
Mitsubishi, Colt
2011 (60) - 1.1 CZ1 3DR Manual
Vauxhall, Corsa
2015 (15) - 1.4i ecoFLEX SE Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (90 ps)
Ford, Galaxy
2008 (08) - 2.0 TDCi Zetec 5dr Auto [140]
Fiat, 500
2012 (62) - 1.2 Colour Therapy Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr
Vauxhall, Corsa
2000 (W) - 1.2 16V Club 5dr
MINI, Hatch
2003 - 1.6 Cooper Hatch 3-Door
Citroen, C4 Picasso
2007 - 1.6 HDi VTR+ 5-Door
Jaguar, XF
2008 (08) - 2.7d V6 Premium Luxury Saloon 4dr Diesel Auto Euro 4 (207 ps)
Volkswagen, Golf Plus
2010 (60) - 1.6 TDI SE DSG Euro 5 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 car's 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 £5,000?
If you have a budget of £5,000 it is possible to buy a used car in a suitable condition with reasonable mileage. However, depending on the make and model, the cost of the vehicle will reflect its current condition. High-spec cars at this price point may have high mileage or some visual defects. For that reason, you should conduct a thorough inspection of the vehicle and its documents before making a purchase.
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What type of car can you get for £5,000?
With a budget of £5,000, you will find plenty of options on the second-hand market. Popular models you'll likely find within this price range include the Fiat 500, Peugeot 107, Toyota Aygo, Nissan Note, Citroen C1 and Citroen C3.
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Are old automatic cars good?
As with any used car, the reliability and likelihood of repairs required do increase with the age of the car and the same can be said for automatic cars. If you are looking to purchase a used automatic car, you should pay particular attention to components such as the automatic gearbox and brakes. However, if the used automatic car you are looking to buy has been maintained to a high standard, then there is no reason it would be any less dependable than its manual counterpart.
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What checks should I do before buying a car?
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 it works as expected. This also allows you to ask any questions and raise any concerns you may have.