Whether work is a necessary chore or a fulfilling career for you, most of us spend an astonishing amount of time and money getting there. To avoid unnecessary stress and fatigue, it’s consequently worth picking up one of the best used commuter cars – and these top used car choices are perfect for the slog…
The TUC’s – Trades Union Congress – latest figures indicate we spend an average of 27 working days a year commuting to and from work, with more than three million people spending at least two hours a day in the car or on public transport. Drivers are by far the most committed commuters, facing the longest journeys in both distance and time.
If you’re going to spend a decent proportion of your daily life inside a metal box, it might as well be a comfortable one. Below, we’ve put together a list of sensible and stress-free cars ideal for the daily commute. All have spacious, comfortable interiors, good seating and (with one exception) can average 50mpg or more on the combined fuel economy cycle.
Long-distance commuter cars
For those of you who live on the road, here are our high-mileage heroes; chosen to minimise costs and maximise comfort, they’re as much a place of work as a means of getting there.
Electric saloon is smooth, refined and comfortable
The Model 3 was introduced in 2019, and prices are now falling to an affordable level. You'll struggle to get a car with as much performance and technology on it for less money than the Model 3, and with its advanced driver assistance features, it makes long journeys much easier. Quick and easy access to Tesla's brilliant network of electric car chargers is another big bonus
Used price: £16,444 – £52,000
Our pick for engine and trim: Long range
Range: 348 miles
Power output: 346hp
To find out more, read our full Tesla Model 3 review
Pros
- Fantastic electric range and strong performance
- Impressive levels of technology
- Easy access to Tesla's EV charging network
Cons
- Some build quality concerns, especially from early cars
- Saloon shape isn't the most practical
Stylish hatch offers stacks of room and premium appeal
We’ve chosen the 2.0-litre TDI S Line version, which is a rational choice for most needs; Quattro all-wheel drive is available, but we'd look for cars with features like Traffic Jam Assist and LED or matrix headlights first. You could even have massaging seats, but finding a used car with these may prove more challenging.
Used price: £11,349 – £40,100
Our pick for engine and trim: 2.0 TDI 190, S Line
Average fuel consumption: 68mpg
Power output: 190hp
To find out more, read our full Audi A5 Sportback review
Pros
- Lots of interior and boot space
- Upmarket and comfortable cabin
- Option of all-wheel drive
Cons
- Entry-level equipment levels aren't great
- More expensive than a regular saloon
Oft-overlooked Vauxhall has a lot to offer
One of the cheapest cars on this list, the Insignia Grand Sport is still available with active-matrix LED headlights and adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist. The Insignia's diesel engines are impressively efficient and give it a fantastic long-distance driving range. Steep depreciation, and the fact Vauxhall recently stopped Insignia due to slowing sales, makes it a great used buy.
Used price: £5490 – £19,199
Our pick for engine and trim: 1.6 CTDI SRi VX-Line Nav
Average fuel consumption: 65mpg
Power output: 136hp
To find out more, read our full 2017-2022 Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport review
Pros
- Great for long-distance drives
- Refined cabin and comfortable ride
- Affordable to buy and run
Cons
- Not that interesting to drive
- Dull interior
Town and country commuting
Comfort, reliability and entertaining handling can make living in the country and working in town a breeze, and give the flexibility to enjoy the open road when traffic allows. These are our top choices for mixed conditions and minimal stress when your commute offers the chance to reach the national speed limit.
Tenth-generation Civic is practical and good to drive
Switch into sport mode and explore the well-balanced chassis, and bends become something to look forward to – though the CVT and relatively small engine do place the focus on cornering ability rather than power. A manual version would be our preference.
Used price: £8645 – £21,451
Our pick for engine and trim: 1.0-litre Turbo EX
Average fuel consumption: 57mpg
Power output: 129hp
To find out more, read our full 2017-2022 Honda Civic review
Pros
- Smart styling
- Gratifying to drive
- Lots of space
Cons
- Frustrating touchscreen system
- Some reliability issues
Ever-popular Focus is a safe bet
Outside styling of the Focus might have been diluted in this most recent iteration, but underneath the hood and inside the cabin is a car that will keep you safe and entertained on your drive to and from work. Diesel versions still offer exceptional fuel economy too.
Used price: £7991 – £28,999
Our pick for engine and trim: 1.5 EcoBlue Diesel
Average fuel consumption: 67mpg
Power output: 118hp
To find out more, read our full Ford Focus review
Pros
- Good passengers space
- Engaging handling
- Modern tech in latest versions
Cons
- Boot space isn't great
- Ride can be a bit harsh
The ultimate fun daily driver
A commuter car doesn't have to be boring, so if you want something that can make your drive before and after work more entertaining without being compromised, we recommend a look at the Volkswagen Golf GTI. The previous generation model, sold between 2013 and 2020, is our pick. Its mix of performance, quality and everyday usability is almost unmatched, and it doesn't have to be hugely expensive to run, obviously dependent on your driving style.
The GTI of this era hasn't depreciated all that much, and should hold onto its value well too. If you want something a
Used price: £9990 – £20,995
Our pick for engine and trim: 2.0 TSI GTI (Performance Pack)
Average fuel consumption: 44mpg
Power output: 245hp
To find out more, read our full 2013-2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI review
Pros
- Excellent real-world performance
- High-quality interior
- Satisfying to drive yet usable
Cons
- Will be more expensive to run
- Not the most exciting hot hatch
City commuters
If your commute is spent envying the cyclists whizzing by, electric power may be an ideal solution for you. Until full autonomy is possible, these are the nearest you’ll get to letting the car take the strain. For mixed commutes using rail and car, eco-friendly cars often qualify for discounted or free station parking, such as schemes run by London Midland.
An appealing alternative to the common choices
While previously we would recommend the diesel model, the small 1.2-litre PureTech petrol is now the better choice for inner-city driving, and should be very frugal. However, the stand-out feature for the cut and thrust of congested urban dual carriageways and roundabouts is the built-in dash-cam. Unobtrusive and linked to your smartphone, the ConnectedCam will record beautiful scenic drives on your behalf. It will also record any incidents you may encounter on the road when the contact does more than bounce off your Airbumps, which could save your no-claims bonus.
Used price: £4880 – £18,995
Our pick for engine and trim: Flair 1.2 PureTech 110
Average fuel consumption: 58mpg
Power output: 110hp
To find out more, read our full Citroen C3 review
Pros
- Stands out from the crowd
- Rides well
- Competitive pricing
Cons
- Automatic version isn't great
- Annoying climate and infotainment system
Fun EV is ideal for around the city
Mini's first electric car was a brilliant first entry into this new world, but it has one caveat, its small electric range. However, if you're primarily using the car for city commuting, its real-world 100-mile range should be more than enough. The Mini Electric is a superb EV for around town, with its small dimensions and great visibility making it simple to drive and park.
It retains all of the charm of the regular Mini Hatch which it's based on too, including its iconic styling and fun and engaging driving experience. There were three trim levels offers – Levels 1, 2 and 3. The middle model is the pick of the line-up as it comes with features such as keyless entry, heated seats and a useful reversing camera.
Used price: £12,950 - £23,995
Our pick for engine and trim: Cooper S Level 2
Range: 145 miles
Power output: 184hp
To find out more, read our full Mini Electric review
Pros
- Great fun to drive
- Cool styling and lots of personalisation opportunities
- High-quality interior and plenty of standard equipment
Cons
- Small electric range if you do a lot of miles
- Compromised boot and rear-seat space
A capable and complete small hatchback
A hybrid car can be ideal for city driving as they're able to spend more time running on electricity and therefore return better fuel economy in the process. Toyota has more experience with hybrid cars than most, being the first firm to put these in mass-market use. One of its best hybrid cars is also its smallest, the Yaris.
Choose a previous-generation example and the Yaris is massively frugal – easily returning 60mpg in gentle use – while having an impressive reliability reputation. It's an ideal choice for around town with its fairly compact size, plentiful safety features and general ease of driving.
Used price: £6490 – £17,995
Our pick for engine and trim: 1.5 VVT-h Icon Tech
Average fuel consumption: 59mpg
Power output: 100hp
To find out more, read our full Toyota Yaris review
Pros
- Excellent urban fuel economy
- Great reliability reputation
- Simple and easy to drive
Cons
- Not a car that is ever fun to drive
- Fiddly infotainment system
*Prices based on examples found on Parkers Cars for Sale and limited to availability. Similar examples may be on offer. Prices correct at time of publication. Pictures not representative of specific examples.
