10 of the Best Cheap Small Cars to Buy

We could hardly talk about the best cheap small used cars without mentioning the Ford Fiesta, could we? It’s a true household name here in the UK and there’s a good reason for that – the Fiesta has always been there to provide reliable, low-cost transportation that doesn’t feel cut-price.

We’ve opted for the model built between 2008 and 2017, as it brings the best blend of value and features. There are many, many options of this type of Fiesta available on the used market, too, bringing plenty of standard features such as air conditioning and electric windows. Plus, the vast majority of models come with a fuel-sipping 1.2-litre petrol engine that’ll prove very inexpensive to run.

Plus, the Fiesta’s long production run and high numbers mean that parts are easy to find and inexpensive to buy, so you should find that routine repairs won’t cost the earth.

The Skoda Fabia is a car which packs a lot into a small package. This third-generation model is well regarded for its comfortable and spacious cabin, while a refined driving experience means that this is a small car that can do big distances with ease. 

It’s accompanied by a great choice of efficient engines, too, with the turbocharged 1.0-litre units being our pick of the bunch thanks to the extra flexibility that they bring – they’re quiet, and efficient but have a good amount of punch for getting up to speed when joining the motorway, for example. As with all Skoda models, the Fabia has been designed with practicality in mind which is why you’ll find plenty of usefully-sized cubbies and a handily square boot. 

If a no-frills cheap used small car is what you’re after, then look no further than the Hyundai i10. It’s built with Hyundai’s now-legendary attention to value, with hard-wearing materials used throughout to ensure that it still looks fresh even after years of use.

But what we love about the i10 is its refinement. Though it’s a very small car, the i10 feels and drives like a far larger vehicle and remains quiet even on the motorway. It’s the second-generation car that we’re focused on here, too, as it offers great value for money but still has all of those must-have features. This generation of i10 is available with two petrol engines; either a three-cylinder 1.0-litre or a four-cylinder 1.2. Pick the latter if you’re after a little more punch on the open road.

The Honda Jazz is something akin to a big car-little car. What do we mean? Well, despite its relatively small proportions, the Jazz can deliver absolutely loads of interior space alongside a large boot, making it a model with very few drawbacks.

This third-generation model combines the low running costs of a compact car with the versatility of an MPV, all tied together in a vehicle which looks and feels solid.

For instance, even though it nears the Ford Fiesta in size, it’s able to offer a boot similar in capacity to that of the larger Focus. Plus, because of its boxy design, it’s got plenty to give in the headroom department. All versions get loads of standard equipment, too, including air conditioning and Bluetooth connectivity.

Seat’s Ibiza has always been a go-to choice for drivers after a low-cost mode of transport which still feels fun from behind the wheel. This model retains those features, too, and because of this car’s popularity, there are loads to choose from in the used market. With sharp styling and plenty of good colours to choose from, the Ibiza still looks as fresh today as ever. You’ll find loads of clean-running engines to pick between, too, as well as the option of either manual or automatic transmissions. 

There are three- and five-door versions to choose from while a more practical ST model is there for drivers who need a little extra space from their Ibiza. It’s also very nicely put together inside with chunky controls that help with this car’s user-friendliness. 

Want a cheap small used car that also has an electric powertrain? Those requirements point towards one car – the Renault Zoe. It’s a car which epitomises the lightweight, un-fussy electric car appeal with its nippy powertrain and well made interior. The Zoe is also compact and easy to drive, so it’s ideal for use in the city where its zero-emissions powertrain means it incurs no extra charges in low-emissions or congestion zones.

The Zoe has been on sale since 2013, which means that there are plenty of examples available on the used market for cut-price amounts. Early examples only had compact batteries delivering up to 130 miles, but this is still more than enough for ‘usual’ trips and local journeys. Opt for a post-2015 model to get a range of up to 250 miles if you want to travel further afield.

Citroen has a longstanding history of creating quirky models and the C4 Cactus definitely tied into this. Released as a compact SUV, this is a car which doesn’t go to town size-wise but brings a little more space inside. Plus, because it was quite affordable when new, it represents a very well-priced option in the used market.

It’s accompanied by a solid range of petrol engines which are cheap to run, while a diesel model is there for those who require it. We particularly like the turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol as it offers a nice combination of performance and efficiency.

There’s loads of standard equipment on board the Cactus, too, including a seven-inch touchscreen and cruise control among other features. What are those panels on the side of the Cactus, you ask? They’re called ‘Airbumps’ and are designed to protect the Cactus from errant shopping trolleys or car park door-dings.

The Mini Hatch has been a familiar sight on our roads ever since its rebirth by BMW in the early 2000s. Despite the onset of new rivals, the Mini’s popularity seems unwavering, too, and even though it’s quite compact, it fits the bill for a whole lot of drivers.

The Mini Hatch has always carried a premium price tag, but the second-generation model that we’re focusing on represents a really great used buy. It’s packed with features and loads of charm, but the overarching positive which covers all Mini models is how the Hatch drives – it’s great fun and genuinely engaging from behind the wheel.

Though the rear seats are pretty tight, but the interior is made to a high standard and feels special to this day. You’ve also got plenty of engine choices with this age of Mini, including a diesel which was introduced for the first time with this generation.

The Toyota Yaris is cheap small used car with very few drawbacks. It’s put together really solidly and though early entry-level Yaris models lacked creature comforts like air conditioning, the rest of the range had plenty of equipment to offer.

The Yaris is also a breeze to drive, particularly around town, thanks to light steering and good visibility. It’s not too big, either, so pitching into a tight parallel park shouldn’t cause too many issues.

Like so many other Toyota models, the Yaris was also offered with a hybrid engine alongside traditional petrol and diesels. Though the hybrid may cost a touch more than the equivalent ‘regular’ car, it’ll prove to be cheap to run and tax. Toyota claims it could return just over 80mpg combined, too.

The Volkswagen Up! epitomises the small, value-orientated car. Since 2012 it has been the smallest car in the Volkswagen line-up, but has delivered strongly during that time thanks to its spacious interior, high levels of standard equipment and frugal engines.

These days, the Up! represents one of the best cheap small used cars you can buy. It has sold in big numbers since it first went on sale so there are loads to choose from, but because of its solid build quality, used examples have held “up” well. Volkswagen also wasn’t tempted to give it a big mid-life facelift, so there’s very little to distinguish older Up! models from more recent ones, giving it a timeless quality.

You could also get the Up! with an electric setup – in the e-Up! – and with a sportier flavour in the Up! GTI, though both of these models will cost a lot more to buy than the standard version.