Click to read the full Volkswagen Golf Mk7 review
Choosing one car as ‘used car of the year’ is always going to be difficult. After all, drivers are not one-size fits all. So we cheated. We’ve chosen five, but they’re all called Volkswagen Golf. It’s hard to believe it’s approaching a decade since the Mk7 went on sale, and it still looks fresh. In addition to the diesel and petrol hatchbacks you know and love, there’s a high-performance R, a practical estate, a compact convertible and the electric e-Golf or hybrid GTE for greener motoring.
Just one brand, but there several very different characters of car behind that familiar face. It’s hard to think of a situation a Golf won’t fit in perfectly.
Aging better than the previous generation, the most affordable Volkswagen Golf Mk7s are still likely to be a dependable, reliable choice. Diesel models are economical, and most are ULEZ-compliant (perhaps unfairly so, but it saves you money regardless). The petrol engines are efficient, advanced for the era and generally robust. Some might say it’s the best Golf yet – and that includes the Mk8…
Based on a 43year old Male the VW Golf MK7 would cost £425.5 to insure
*Insurance quotes are from mustard.co.uk in September 2022 and are based on a 43-year-old, employed married male living in Stowmarket with 9 years NCD and no claims or convictions. Insurance quotes will vary depending on individual circumstances.
RUNNERS UP
Click to read the full Ford Fiesta (2008-2017) review
The Ford Fiesta is a perennial favourite, and still offers a lot for new drivers looking for an affordable first car. It’s getting a bit dated now, but still offers secure, predictable handling, lots of space for the size of car, and utterly straightforward access to spares, repairs and servicing. Covering economical diesel to sporty ST models the range is diverse.
The strongest argument against this Fiesta is… the next generation Fiesta. Introduced in 2017, the Fiesta Mk8 should be dominating second hand car sales. Global and industry-wide issues with manufacturing and supply mean the current model has yet to represent the great value you’ll find in a late Fiesta Mk7.
Click to read the full BMW 1 Series review
Blending class-leading engineering, and handling tailored to those who really enjoy driving, BMW’s skill is keeping those values intact from the smallest to the largest cars it makes. The second-generation 1 Series improved packaging and tech, making it a more credible Golf alternative, but it’s really all about the joy of driving it; this is a small hatchback that can rival a sports car for putting a grin on your face.
Yet it’s easy to live with and economical, too. With an average owner rating of 4.4 stars it’s one of the most satisfying used cars you can buy. Rather cramped rear space and a relatively small boot mean it’s not for every family, though.
