Top 10 Small Used Cars To Buy | Buyers Guide

In the ever-evolving automotive landscape, small used cars continue to be a popular choice among a wide range of drivers for many reasons.

Whether you are a city driver navigating narrow streets, a budget-conscious consumer looking for an affordable and fuel-efficient compact car, or a new driver seeking a manageable and safe car once you have passed your test - the small used car market has something to offer everyone.

Consequently, we have put together this guide to explore some of the top small used cars available, delving into their performance, reliability, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.

Table of Contents

• The Appeal of Small Used Cars
• Top 10 Small Used Cars
• Audi A1
• Citroen C3
• Ford Focus
• FIAT 500
• Mercedes A Class
• Mazda 3
• SEAT Leon
• Volkswagen Golf
• Suzuki Ignis
• Choosing the Right Small Used Car
• Used Small Cars Overall
• Book a Small Used Car Test Drive

The Appeal of Small Used Cars

Small used cars give you several advantages that make them appealing to a broad audience.

For instance, their compact size helps you to easily park and manoeuvre in tight spaces - a blessing in crowded and small-town parking spaces.

Furthermore, these compact cars often feature impressive fuel efficiency, translating to significant savings at the pump for you.

Additionally, the initial purchase price and ongoing costs of ownership - including insurance and maintenance, tend to be much lower than those of larger vehicles, making small used cars a cost-effective choice.

Top 10 Small Used Cars

The following compact cars represent the best of the small used car market, each with unique attributes that make them stand out.

• Audi A1
• Citroen C3
• Ford Focus
• FIAT 500
• Mercedes A Class
• Mazda 3
• Peugeot 108
• SEAT Leon
• Volkswagen Golf
• Suzuki Ignis

audi a1

when it comes to used audi a1 cars, this car gives you a large number of advantages that make it a compelling choice for those in the market for a quality used vehicle.

design

with its sleek design and modern features, the a1 offers you a stylish option for drivers who desire both aesthetic appeal and functionality.

compact size

its compact size makes it ideal for driving around city streets and fitting into tight parking spaces while still providing ample interior space for your passengers and luggage.

performance

one of the standout benefits of the audi a1, though, is its impressive performance, as its 1.4-litre tfsi engine allows you to go from 0-61 mph in around 7 seconds. equipped with equally responsive handling and a range of efficient engine options, you will find that the a1 delivers you a dynamic driving experience without compromising on your fuel economy. as a result, whether cruising along the motorway or manoeuvring through city traffic, the audi a1 offers you a balanced blend of power and efficiency.

technology

in addition to its performance capabilities, the audi a1 also excels in terms of the amount of technology and safety features that can be stuffed into a compact car. from advanced infotainment systems to driver assistance technologies, the a1 is equipped with cutting-edge features designed to enhance both your convenience and peace of mind on the road.

used audi a1 cars reliability

when it comes to the reliability of used audi a1 cars, these are very reliable, with them winning many awards. these awards, for instance, have included:

• what car? car of the year award
• what car? supermini of the year award several years running
• motor trader used car award
• auto trophy awards (victories in five categories)
• what car? reader award for most exciting car
• business car manager sme company car of the year award

used audi a1 cars overall

overall, the audi a1 stands out as a premium option in the used car market, offering you a winning combination of style, performance, and advanced features that appeal to all drivers.

ford focus

a used ford focus offers you a large selection of advantages for both drivers and used car dealers alike.

fuel efficiency

firstly, the ford focus impresses with its fuel efficiency of around 53 mpg - making it a very economical choice for everyday commuting and long-distance journeys alike.

tight parking

its compact size also makes it ideal for navigating city streets and tight parking spaces with ease as well.

spacious interior

additionally, the focus offers a comfortable and spacious interior, ensuring a pleasant driving experience for passengers.

safety features

moreover, the ford focus is celebrated for its safety features, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.

with advanced safety technologies and sturdy construction, the focus prioritises protection on the road.

holds its value

from a value perspective, the ford focus also holds its value well over time - making it a desirable option for resale.

used ford focus cars reliability

well renowned for its reliability and practicality, the ford focus boasts a remarkable blend of performance, efficiency, and affordability, winning many awards.

these awards, for instance, have included:

• european car of the year ford focus award multiple times
• auto zeitung auto trophy for compact car class winner in germany
• scottish car of the year awards for best family car
• 5 star euro ncap safety rating award
• businesscar awards for best lower-medium car in the uk
• parkers new car awards for best small family car in the uk

used ford focus overall

overall, the ford focus emerges as a top contender in the realm of used cars. it is clear why it makes this list - it offers excellent fuel efficiency, safety features, and a good resale value down the line, which will benefit you for years to come.

citroen c3

discover the used citroen c3, a compact car that clearly combines style with practicality - making it an ideal choice for drivers. this compact car offers you a host of benefits, starting with its attractive modern design and charm.

impressive fuel efficiency

as a result, one of the critical advantages of the citroen c3 is its impressive fuel efficiency, which allows it to get up to 60.1 mpg. this will enable owners to enjoy long journeys without breaking the bank at the pump.

parking spaces

additionally, its compact size makes it perfect for navigating busy city streets and squeezing into tight parking spaces.

inside

inside, the citroen c3 gives you a very spacious and comfortable cabin, ensuring you get a pleasant driving experience for both you and your passengers. with ample legroom and storage compartments, it's perfect for everyday errands or road trips.

safety

safety is paramount, and the citroen c3 delivers a range of advanced features designed to keep you and your loved ones protected on the road at all times. from adaptive cruise control to lane departure warning systems, you can drive with confidence, knowing that you have an extra pair of eyes on the road with you.

used citroen c3 cars reliability

when it comes to the reliability of used citroen c3 cars, these are very reliable, with them winning many awards. these awards, for instance, have included:

• world urban car award
• fleet news awards for best small car
• contract hire and leasing awards for supermini of the year
• bbc top gear magazine award for best urbanite
• auto express award for best small car for value
• carwale awards for compact car of the year
• india car of the year awards for compact car of the year

used citroen c3's overall

whether you are a city driver or a frequent traveller, the citroen c3 offers the perfect combination of style, efficiency, and safety, making it a top choice in the used car market.

fiat 500

when it comes to used fiat 500 cars you can discover the unparalleled automotive gem that continues to captivate drivers even today.

it accomplishes this by offering a wide selection of benefits and features, making it an ideal choice for those seeking style, efficiency, and reliability in a used vehicle.

exceptional fuel efficiency

first and foremost, the fiat 500 boasts exceptional fuel efficiency with around 60 mpg - ensuring you get cost-effective journeys without compromising on your performance.

compact size

its compact size also makes it perfect for navigating busy city streets with ease, and its surprising interior space for passengers and luggage compared to its size makes it ideal for long trips.

character & iconic design

with its iconic design and playful personality, it brings joy to every drive you take in it and turns heads wherever it goes - still to this day.

used fiat 500 cars reliability

furthermore, the fiat 500 is renowned for its reliability and low maintenance costs, making it an economical choice for those budget-conscious buyers as well, while also picking up many awards.

these awards, for instance, have included:

• parkers new car award for small electric car of the year
• red dot award winner for best design concept
• german magazine auto motor und sport award for best design
• french automobile awards for their green car award
• next green car awards for their city car award
• news uk motor awards for small car of the year
• driving electric awards for car of the year and best small electric car awards
• autobild awards for best small car
• top gear magazine for city car of the year award

fiat 500 overall

overall, the fiat 500 stands as a timeless symbol of automotive excellence, offering you a character car of style, efficiency, and affordability that few can rival in the used car market.

mercedes a class

with a used mercedes a-class car, you get a vehicle that quite literally effortlessly blends style with performance.

comfort & luxury

first and foremost, the mercedes a-class offers you unparalleled comfort and luxury.

its perfectly crafted interior, for instance, is designed to provide you with a premium-level experience - ensuring every journey is a pleasure.

sleek design and sleek lines

additionally, with its sleek design and sleek lines, the a-class gives you a used car of class, making it a timeless choice for those who appreciate fine craftsmanship.

performance

in terms of performance, the a-class delivers you an impressive driving experience.

with responsive handling and powerful engine options, it can go from 0 to 62 mph in around 8 seconds and has a top speed of around 140 mph. it offers a very dynamic ride that is both exhilarating and refined simultaneously.

used mercedes a class cars reliability

when it comes to the reliability of used mercedes a-class cars, these are very reliable, with them winning many awards. these awards, for instance, have included:

• kelley blue book best new subcompact car award
• autotrader best compact car interior award
• car and driver 10best cars award
• motor trend car of the year award

used mercedes a class cars overall

overall, the mercedes a-class represents some of the top rungs of luxury and performance in the used car market. with its combination of style, comfort, and technology, it is sure to impress you from inside and out.

mazda 3

boasting a sleek design and intuitive features, a used mazda 3 car offers you an enticing combination of both style and functionality.

fuel efficiency

one of the mazda 3's standout benefits is its fuel efficiency, which can reach up to 51 mpg. this makes it a very economical choice for daily commutes or weekend road trips.

handling

its agile handling and responsive steering also ensure a smooth ride, whether navigating city streets or winding uk country roads.

safety

safety is paramount, and the mazda 3 delivers advanced driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, helping to provide you with peace of mind on every journey.

interior

inside, the mazda 3 offers you a comfortable and spacious cabin, with supportive seats and user-friendly technology such as apple carplay™ and android auto® integration.

used mazda 3 cars reliability

when it comes to selecting a used car, reliability is key. as a result, the mazda 3 stands out as a dependable option for those seeking quality without compromising performance. this is in part due to mazda's reputation for durability and industry awards. it has picked up over time, which means you can trust in the longevity of your investment for years to come - making the mazda 3 a wise choice for your next used car.

some of these awards, for instance, can consist of:

• world car design of the year award
• red dot best of the best award
• women's car of the year supreme winner award
• uk car of the year awards for small hatch of the year
• iihs top safety pick award
• autopacific ideal vehicle awards for most ideal compact car
• kelley blue book best new cars awards for best compact car award
• car and driver 10best cars award
• j.d. power initial quality study (iqs) winner for small car segment
• consumer reports top picks winner of compact cars consumer reports

used mazda 3 overall

in summary, the mazda 3 combines reliability, efficiency, and safety in a stylish package, making it an excellent option for anyone in the market for a used car.

seat leon

if you are looking for a reliable and stylish ride, consider a used seat leon car.

practical

it is a compact car that combines practicality with performance, making it ideal for those seeking value in a used car.

sleek design

with its sleek design and efficient engine options, the seat leon offers you a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience for both city commutes and long journeys.

affordable

one of the key benefits of the seat leon is its affordability. as a used car, it provides you excellent value for money without compromising on quality.

highly manoeuvrable

with a turning circle of only 10 metres, its compact size makes it easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces while still offering ample room for passengers and luggage.

performance

in terms of performance, the seat leon delivers you a smooth and responsive ride thanks to its well-engineered chassis and suspension system.

safety

safety is another area where the seat leon excels, with a range of advanced features and technologies designed to keep you and your passengers protected on the road at all times. from adaptive cruise control to lane-keeping assist, the seat leon offers you peace of mind wherever your travels may take you.

used seat leon cars reliability

when it comes to the reliability of used seat leon cars, these are very reliable, with them winning many awards.

these awards, for instance, have included:

• what car? awards for best family car for value
• parkers new car awards for best medium family car
• caravan and motorhome club small car tow awards for tow car of the year
• auto express awards for best small family car
• what car? awards for best estate car for value
• the car awards for best small family car
• what car? awards for best family car for value

used seat leon overall

overall, the seat leon is a practical and reliable choice for anyone in the market for a used car. with its combination of affordability, performance, and safety features, it's easy to see why it continues to be a popular option among savvy car buyers.

volkswagen golf

used volkswagen golf cars are celebrated for their performance and driving dynamics, coupled with high-quality interior finish.

timeless design

well renowned world over for their timeless design and superior engineering, the golf delivers you and unmatched reliability and performance on the road. its sleek silhouette, combined with its exterior aesthetics, makes it a very desirable choice for those seeking a stylish yet practical vehicle.

exceptional fuel efficiency

one of volkswagen's key advantages is its exceptional fuel efficiency. the plug-in hybrid golfs get up to 313 mpg, allowing you to save significantly on running costs without compromising on power.

spacious interior

whether navigating city streets or embarking on long journeys, the golf excels in delivering a smooth and responsive driving experience. its spacious interior provides ample room for your passengers and luggage, ensuring comfort and convenience for all occupants at all times.

safety

safety is paramount in the golf, with advanced features and cutting-edge technology working to protect both you and your passengers. From intelligent driver assistance systems to robust construction, it is clear that every aspect of the golf has been engineered to prioritise the well-being of its occupants.

used volkswagen golf cars reliability

when it comes to the reliability of used vw golf cars, these are very reliable, with them winning many awards. These awards, for instance, have included:

• european car of the year multiple times award winner
• world car of the year award winner
• top gear the all the car you'll ever need car of the year award winner
• car & driver 10best list award winner for multiple years
• motor trend car of the year award winner
• sunday times family car of the year for the volkswagen golf 8 hatchback
• sunday times manufacturer of the year award
• japan car of the year award

used vw golf cars overall

For those in search of a pre-owned vehicle that combines performance, style, and reliability, the volkswagen golf emerges as a compelling choice. With its reputation for excellence and a legacy of innovation, the golf continues to set the benchmark for compact cars in the automotive industry.

suzuki ignis

with a used suzuki ignis, you get a compact car that packs a punch in both style and performance.

consequently, this sleek vehicle offers you a myriad of benefits, making it an excellent choice for those in the market for a reliable used car.

Fuel Efficiency

First and foremost, the Suzuki Ignis excels in fuel efficiency, being able to give you around 57 MPG, making it an economical option for everyday driving.

Its compact size also makes it ideal for navigating tight city streets and squeezing into small parking spaces.

Safety

Furthermore, the Suzuki Ignis gives you awe-inspiring safety features, providing you with peace of mind for you and passengers alike.

From its advanced airbag system to its stability control technology, this small compact car prioritises the well-being of its occupants while on the road.

Comfortable

In addition to its practicality, the Suzuki Ignis offers you a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. Its responsive handling and smooth ride make every journey a pleasure, whether you're running errands around town or embarking on a road trip adventure.

Used Suzuki Ignis Cars Reliability

Used Suzuki Ignis cars are very reliable and have won many awards. These awards, for instance, have included:

• NDTV Car and Bike Awards for Hatchback of the Year
• What Car? Awards Best Buy in the Small Car Category
• What Car? Awards for True MPG Award in the Small Car Category

Used Suzuki Ignis Cars Overall

Overall, the Suzuki Ignis stands out as a reliable and efficient choice in the used car market. With its combination of affordability, safety, and driving enjoyment, it's a vehicle that truly delivers for you on all fronts.

Used Small Cars Overall

Choosing a small used car is a smart decision for a variety of drivers, as these types of cars offer you many benefits, including cost savings, efficiency, and manoeuvrability, to name only a few. By considering some of the small cars outlined in this guide and prioritising your specific needs, you can easily find a compact used car that not only meets but exceeds your expectations.

Choosing the Right Small Used Car

Selecting the ideal small used car involves considering your personal needs and preferences. Whether it's fuel efficiency, cargo space, or tech features you are after, prioritising what matters most to you will guide your decision. Additionally, thoroughly inspecting the vehicle and taking it out for a test drive can ensure you make a confident choice in a car that will last you for years to come.

Book a Small Used Car Test Drive

Ready to find out the perfect small used car for you? Well, there is no better way to do that than to test drive one. So why not visit one of our used car dealerships today and take a look at your favourite?