Even with prices for used cars having risen, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the used cars under £2000 you can pick up. There was a time where a couple of hundred quid would bag you a car sporting an MOT and offering some trouble-free miles. Sadly that all looks like a thing of the past now, but we’ve created a decisive list of the best used cars for under £2000.
We’ve combed through the Parkers Cars for Sale section looking for the best budget motors around. While I’ve tried to cast a wide net and cover all bases, there are three very important guiding principles for this selection. A strict £2000 limit, solid reliability ratings, and decent levels of second-hand stock. After all, there’s no point in waxing lyrical about a car rarer than hen’s teeth here.
So if you’re in the market for something dependable, cheap and maybe even slightly interesting, read on and start shopping for a real bargain.
Best used cars for under £2,000
As with all used purchases, do remember to get a car history check, as this may uncover any outstanding finance or previous repair work.
A safe bet, no matter your budget
Beloved by OAPs and food delivery drivers alike, the Honda Jazz will never win any cool awards, but it is reliable and comfortable motoring for less than £2000.
The interior is huge for a car so small, and it’s clever with space thanks to Honda’s Magic Seats. These allow for flexible seating in the back, maximising space when needed. The engines are frugal, too, but they do lose a lot of refinement at motorway speeds.
You’ll find plenty of first and second-generation examples for less than £2000, in both manual and automatic configuration. These Hondas can take miles with ease, so don’t be put off by 100,000-mile-plus examples as long as they've been cared for.
Problems to watch out for with a used Honda Jazz:
Most issues I could find were relatively minor and easy to fix. The rear storage compartment can leak in rain and the locks can seize over time. Both can be repaired cheaply and quickly.
Recalls for headlight illumination and potentially damaged steel wheels should have been carried out by now. The only area in which the Jazz loses marks here is that it wears through brake pads a bit quicker than its rivals.
Read our used Honda Jazz review on Parkers
Check out the latest Honda Jazz used car values on Parkers
The interior is huge for a car so small, and it’s clever with space thanks to Honda’s Magic Seats. These allow for flexible seating in the back, maximising space when needed. The engines are frugal, too, but they do lose a lot of refinement at motorway speeds.
You’ll find plenty of first and second-generation examples for less than £2000, in both manual and automatic configuration. These Hondas can take miles with ease, so don’t be put off by 100,000-mile-plus examples as long as they've been cared for.
Problems to watch out for with a used Honda Jazz:
Most issues I could find were relatively minor and easy to fix. The rear storage compartment can leak in rain and the locks can seize over time. Both can be repaired cheaply and quickly.
Recalls for headlight illumination and potentially damaged steel wheels should have been carried out by now. The only area in which the Jazz loses marks here is that it wears through brake pads a bit quicker than its rivals.
Read our used Honda Jazz review on Parkers
Check out the latest Honda Jazz used car values on Parkers
Pros
- Spacious and practical
- Excellent comfort
- Exceptional reliability record
Cons
- Dashboard trim looks cheap
- Not the most exciting car
Clever packaging and a dash of luxury
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The usual contenders for a city car for less than £2000 will be rather basic runabouts with all the style of a screwdriver. After all, these cars are often treated like tools. Enter the Toyota iQ, a stylish four-seater that packs a lot of innovation and features into a genuinely tiny footprint.
Its diminutive dimensions make it an ideal first car. At only 30cm longer than a Smart ForTwo, it crams in two occasional seats that can easily accommodate children, if not adults. Like most Toyotas, it’s proven to be reliable, decently frugal, and well-put-together. Boot space borders on pathetic at 32 litres with the seats up, but that’s the trade-off for such a small package.
Please note that you can’t use the iQ for a driving test. The DVLA claims this is because its diminutive size restricts the examiner’s view.
Problems to watch out for with a used Toyota iQ:
The iQ has built a reputation for being bombproof. Its production intersected with a low point for Toyota (the sticking-accelerator scandal), and it was recalled for that reason.
The only other issue we could find was lacquer peeling on white examples. Keep a keen eye while shopping, and you’ll be able to pick up a tidy bargain.
Read Toyota iQ review on Parkers
Check out the latest Toyota iQ used car values on Parkers
Its diminutive dimensions make it an ideal first car. At only 30cm longer than a Smart ForTwo, it crams in two occasional seats that can easily accommodate children, if not adults. Like most Toyotas, it’s proven to be reliable, decently frugal, and well-put-together. Boot space borders on pathetic at 32 litres with the seats up, but that’s the trade-off for such a small package.
Please note that you can’t use the iQ for a driving test. The DVLA claims this is because its diminutive size restricts the examiner’s view.
Problems to watch out for with a used Toyota iQ:
The iQ has built a reputation for being bombproof. Its production intersected with a low point for Toyota (the sticking-accelerator scandal), and it was recalled for that reason.
The only other issue we could find was lacquer peeling on white examples. Keep a keen eye while shopping, and you’ll be able to pick up a tidy bargain.
Read Toyota iQ review on Parkers
Check out the latest Toyota iQ used car values on Parkers
Pros
- Very compact and yet roomy
- Perfect for dity dwellers
- Economical
Cons
- Rubbish boot space
- Works best as a three-seater
The high-mileage, load-lugging hero
There’s nothing quite like a Volvo estate. They’re a mainstay at the cheaper end of the market and our current pick is the P2 V70. Introduced in 2000, it continued the trend of tank-like quality and a huge boot.
We’ve been running a £1500 example for a couple of months now and I’ve grown fond of it. It is a typically leggy example you’d find for this price point, with over 140,000 miles on the odometer. The suspension is tired and there is an alarming whiff of fuel from the rear end.
But it’s never missed a beat. It’s exceedingly comfortable, and everything in it works – bar the rear wiper and central locking. It’s a lot of cars for your money with a wide range of engines to choose from. It’s even available with AWD if that's a requirement. I’d argue it’s up there with the most versatile and dependable cars you could bag for £2,000.
Problems to look out for with a used Volvo V70:
The biggest issues with a Volvo at this price point will often be due to age and mega miles. Suspension bushings will probably be tired, leading to clonks and an unsettled ride. Smaller issues include inconsistent central locking and the headlight wipers packing in.
Read our used Volvo V70 review on Parkers
Check out the latest Volvo V70 used car values on Parkers
We’ve been running a £1500 example for a couple of months now and I’ve grown fond of it. It is a typically leggy example you’d find for this price point, with over 140,000 miles on the odometer. The suspension is tired and there is an alarming whiff of fuel from the rear end.
But it’s never missed a beat. It’s exceedingly comfortable, and everything in it works – bar the rear wiper and central locking. It’s a lot of cars for your money with a wide range of engines to choose from. It’s even available with AWD if that's a requirement. I’d argue it’s up there with the most versatile and dependable cars you could bag for £2,000.
Problems to look out for with a used Volvo V70:
The biggest issues with a Volvo at this price point will often be due to age and mega miles. Suspension bushings will probably be tired, leading to clonks and an unsettled ride. Smaller issues include inconsistent central locking and the headlight wipers packing in.
Read our used Volvo V70 review on Parkers
Check out the latest Volvo V70 used car values on Parkers
Pros
- Huge value for money
- Big, well-made interior
- Advanced (for the time) safety systems
Cons
- Not the last word in dynamic driving experiences
- High mileage rules the roost here
4
Audi TT
Acres of style for pennies
The Audi TT was special. The streamlined body was an instant sales hit, with the coupe and convertible selling like hotcakes. It didn’t matter that the TT wasn’t the sharpest handling car in its class or was a Volkswagen Golf underneath.
Rar space is pokey, especially in coupe form. It’s not the most practical car for your money, but it is a slice of prestige for buttons, and a tidy example may even begin to appreciate in value.
There are even a couple of second-generation (8J) examples available for less than £2,000. These may have lost the concept car looks of the first-gen models, but they were better to drive and safer. For this money, you will have to settle for a high-mileage diesel.
Choose wisely and you can have a reliable modern classic for peanuts.
Problems to watch out for with a used Audi TT:
It's still possible to pick one up for less than £2000, so long as you’re sensible and thorough. As a priority, check for noisy front suspension, poor service records, and coolant leaks. All can be repaired, but they can be pricy, especially if you’re using OEM parts.
As a cheap, sporty-looking car, plenty will have been run on a shoestring, badly modified, and should be avoided like the plague. Thankfully, rust shouldn’t be a concern thanks to impeccable build quality. Any rust will likely point to badly repaired crash damage.
Read our used Audi TT review on Parkers
Check out the latest Audi TT used car values on Parkers
Rar space is pokey, especially in coupe form. It’s not the most practical car for your money, but it is a slice of prestige for buttons, and a tidy example may even begin to appreciate in value.
There are even a couple of second-generation (8J) examples available for less than £2,000. These may have lost the concept car looks of the first-gen models, but they were better to drive and safer. For this money, you will have to settle for a high-mileage diesel.
Choose wisely and you can have a reliable modern classic for peanuts.
Problems to watch out for with a used Audi TT:
It's still possible to pick one up for less than £2000, so long as you’re sensible and thorough. As a priority, check for noisy front suspension, poor service records, and coolant leaks. All can be repaired, but they can be pricy, especially if you’re using OEM parts.
As a cheap, sporty-looking car, plenty will have been run on a shoestring, badly modified, and should be avoided like the plague. Thankfully, rust shouldn’t be a concern thanks to impeccable build quality. Any rust will likely point to badly repaired crash damage.
Read our used Audi TT review on Parkers
Check out the latest Audi TT used car values on Parkers
Pros
- Jaw-dropping looks
- Sophisticated interior
- Strong selection of engines
Cons
- Handling can't match the looks
- Cramped rear seats
Forget SUV, go MPV
If you’re bored of seeing SUVs on the road, the SEAT Altea combines sharp styling with additional practicality over a standard family hatch. The interior isn’t particularly clever, but there’s plenty of headroom and storage space without having to live with the bulky boxy styling or running costs of an SUV.
You have a range of petrol and diesel engines that blend good performance and fuel economy in varying degrees. The gearbox is slick to use and the composed handling means it won’t feel as cumbersome as an SUV either. The ride can be a little firm on sportier FR models, but these are generally comfortable long-distance cruisers for those long family road trips.
Problems to watch out for with a used Seat Altea:
The big thing to check is the timing belt tensioners on 1.4 and 1.6 petrol engines have been changed, these plastic bits can break, and the results are catastrophic. For diesels, inspect the oil pump is in fine fettle as a priority.
As a popular family car and cheap runabout, you’ll find most Alteas will be careworn at this price point. Smaller niggles include broken air-con, electric windows and faulty cruise control.
Read SEAT Altea owners reviews on Parkers
Check out the latest SEAT Altea used car values on Parkers
You have a range of petrol and diesel engines that blend good performance and fuel economy in varying degrees. The gearbox is slick to use and the composed handling means it won’t feel as cumbersome as an SUV either. The ride can be a little firm on sportier FR models, but these are generally comfortable long-distance cruisers for those long family road trips.
Problems to watch out for with a used Seat Altea:
The big thing to check is the timing belt tensioners on 1.4 and 1.6 petrol engines have been changed, these plastic bits can break, and the results are catastrophic. For diesels, inspect the oil pump is in fine fettle as a priority.
As a popular family car and cheap runabout, you’ll find most Alteas will be careworn at this price point. Smaller niggles include broken air-con, electric windows and faulty cruise control.
Read SEAT Altea owners reviews on Parkers
Check out the latest SEAT Altea used car values on Parkers
A sound investment piece?
Looking for something that may even go up in value? Rapidly approaching modern classic status, the Fiesta-based Puma was a nippy runabout when it launched in 1997.
With effortlessly cool styling, a bargain price tag and handling that could match some of the best sports cars of the era, the Puma is a smart pick for a keen driver. The cheapest examples are all gone to the scrappy but you can still pick one up before they become silly money like all fast(ish) Fords.
The example we’ve been running has become something of an office icon. It’s perfectly usable as a daily runabout and so much analogue fun to drive.
Problems to watch out for with a used Ford Puma:
Rust is an absolute killer for most Pumas. This era of Ford design was particularly prone to water traps, and the carpeted arch liners held water and mud like a sponge. For this price, some serious welding will be needed.
Smaller irritants include melting steering wheel finishes and a collapsing rear parcel shelf. Both can be rectified for relatively cheap, however.
With effortlessly cool styling, a bargain price tag and handling that could match some of the best sports cars of the era, the Puma is a smart pick for a keen driver. The cheapest examples are all gone to the scrappy but you can still pick one up before they become silly money like all fast(ish) Fords.
The example we’ve been running has become something of an office icon. It’s perfectly usable as a daily runabout and so much analogue fun to drive.
Problems to watch out for with a used Ford Puma:
Rust is an absolute killer for most Pumas. This era of Ford design was particularly prone to water traps, and the carpeted arch liners held water and mud like a sponge. For this price, some serious welding will be needed.
Smaller irritants include melting steering wheel finishes and a collapsing rear parcel shelf. Both can be rectified for relatively cheap, however.
Pros
- Very stylish
- Entertaining to drive
- Potential investment piece
Cons
- Rusts like a damp trowel
- Not as fast as it looks
A sporty-looking usable car
If you want something with a bit more style, the Hyundai Coupe, with its sporty two-door looks, is worth considering.
Performance from the three petrol engines don’t quite live up to the looks, and it’s not the sharpest handling coupe, but this remains a stylish way to get around if practicality isn’t a concern. That said, you still have a usable boot and the rear seats are big enough for children.
Tax is a little high considering the modest performance figures, but our owner’s reviews suggest they seem to enjoy living with them.
Mileage varies, but these tend to be reliable too. This is a facelift model, too, which was introduced in 2007, but a pre-facelift one is available as well. The 1.6 is underpowered but cheap to run, the 2.0-litre is a good all rounder, while the wonderful-sounding V6 will be tempting, but watch out for the high road tax and fuel consumption. The two bigger engines can also be had with an automatic gearbox.
Problems to watch out for with a used Hyundai Coupe:
The exhaust manifold is prone to cracking and can be a pricy fix. You can tell it’s cracked from the unearthly noise it'll produce.
Irritating things that go wrong include the handbrake and central locking. The former will be fixed with a calliper adjustment, the latter will need a new actuator. Parts are the easiest to source either.
Read Hyundai Coupe owners reviews on Parkers
Check out the latest Hyundai Coupe used car values on Parkers
Performance from the three petrol engines don’t quite live up to the looks, and it’s not the sharpest handling coupe, but this remains a stylish way to get around if practicality isn’t a concern. That said, you still have a usable boot and the rear seats are big enough for children.
Tax is a little high considering the modest performance figures, but our owner’s reviews suggest they seem to enjoy living with them.
Mileage varies, but these tend to be reliable too. This is a facelift model, too, which was introduced in 2007, but a pre-facelift one is available as well. The 1.6 is underpowered but cheap to run, the 2.0-litre is a good all rounder, while the wonderful-sounding V6 will be tempting, but watch out for the high road tax and fuel consumption. The two bigger engines can also be had with an automatic gearbox.
Problems to watch out for with a used Hyundai Coupe:
The exhaust manifold is prone to cracking and can be a pricy fix. You can tell it’s cracked from the unearthly noise it'll produce.
Irritating things that go wrong include the handbrake and central locking. The former will be fixed with a calliper adjustment, the latter will need a new actuator. Parts are the easiest to source either.
Read Hyundai Coupe owners reviews on Parkers
Check out the latest Hyundai Coupe used car values on Parkers
For moving house or frequent campers
As a one-size-fits-all family car, the Ford Mondeo is tough to beat, with a big boot, plenty of space for four adults and an entertaining drive. Plus, this generation is refined, has comfortable seats and is even quite stylish by this point. It’s perfect for what family life can throw at it. Zetec models and above are well-equipped, too.
Those on sale are generally above 100,000 miles at this age and price, and while the 1.8 TDCI engine isn’t the most gutsy engine, it has proven to be reliable if serviced properly.
You may be tempted by the petrol engines simplicity, to avoid big future repair bills, but they’re thirsty, and you typically want the diesel’s torque to manage a full car of cargo, or if you plan to tow.
Problems to watch out for with a used Ford Mondeo:
You’ll likely find high-mileage diesels at this price point, and they can easily make for a reliable companion, so long as you’re diligent. Issues range from the catch-all clogged DPF filter to failing turbos, injectors and wet belts. The other big issue is the dual-mass flywheel. Check for vibration at speed and juddering at low speeds.
Read Ford Mondeo Estate owners reviews on Parkers
Check out the latest Ford Mondeo Estate used car values on Parkers
Those on sale are generally above 100,000 miles at this age and price, and while the 1.8 TDCI engine isn’t the most gutsy engine, it has proven to be reliable if serviced properly.
You may be tempted by the petrol engines simplicity, to avoid big future repair bills, but they’re thirsty, and you typically want the diesel’s torque to manage a full car of cargo, or if you plan to tow.
Problems to watch out for with a used Ford Mondeo:
You’ll likely find high-mileage diesels at this price point, and they can easily make for a reliable companion, so long as you’re diligent. Issues range from the catch-all clogged DPF filter to failing turbos, injectors and wet belts. The other big issue is the dual-mass flywheel. Check for vibration at speed and juddering at low speeds.
Read Ford Mondeo Estate owners reviews on Parkers
Check out the latest Ford Mondeo Estate used car values on Parkers
* Prices based on examples found on Parkers Cars for Sale and limited to availability. Similar examples may be on offer.
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Ryan Gilmore is the Car Buying Editor of Parkers. Having previously worked as Deputy Commercial Content Editor for Parkers, he’s a savvy shopper dedicated to helping you when car shopping. In his spare time, he enjoys going to the gym and walking
