Simple engines and a good reliability record in a cheap-to-run car.
Watch out for: It is happiest in town. Check the service book.
A roomy supermini with a good reliability record.
Watch out for: Check the service history and test the gearbox.
Good value, well built and may still have manufacturer warranty left.
Watch out for: Check any warranty is valid and test DCT automatics carefully.
Simple petrol engines in a practical small car.
Watch out for: Check the timing belt or chain history on the engine fitted.
Petrol engines to check carefully
These cars are not bad buys, but their engines need the right servicing, so check the history closely:
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Wet-belt engines: some small turbo petrols, including certain Ford EcoBoost and PSA PureTech engines, use a timing belt that runs in oil. See cars with wet belt problems. •
1.0 EcoBoost: some have had coolant leaks. See the Ford Fiesta guide. Petrol, hybrid or diesel?
Checks to run before you buy any of these
A good model can still be a bad car. Whatever you pick from this list, the history of the individual car matters more than the badge.
1.
Run the registration through a free vehicle check and make sure the make, model, colour and year match the advert. 2.
Read the MOT history for mileage that rises steadily and for advisories that keep coming back. See how to check MOT history. 3.
Check for outstanding finance, write-off and stolen markers with a full report before you pay anything.
4.
Match the V5C to the seller and to the VIN on the car. Our V5C guide shows what to look at. 5.
Take our free used car checklist to the viewing so you do not miss anything on the test drive. Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most reliable petrol car? Toyota and Honda petrol models have the strongest reputation, along with Hyundai and Kia. The car’s own service history still matters most.
Are small turbo petrol engines reliable? Many are, but some use a wet timing belt that needs servicing on time. Check the history and the guide for the exact engine.
Is petrol better than diesel for short trips? Yes. Petrol engines do not have a diesel particulate filter that clogs up on short journeys.
What mileage is too high for a petrol car? There is no fixed limit. A well-serviced petrol car can cover high mileage, so the history is a better guide than the number.
Which CarVerified report covers this?
The cars on this list are popular, which also makes them common on finance and common in insurance write-off records. Silver Plus adds the finance check, and Gold is the most complete report.
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Free check: start with the free vehicle check for the make, model, colour, year and MOT and tax status. •
Silver: the core vehicle history check. Finance is not part of Silver, but it can be unlocked separately. •
Silver Plus: adds the outstanding finance check, which matters on any car that may have been bought on PCP or HP. •
Gold: the most complete report, adding ex-taxi, salvage and valuation checks. See all our lists in best used cars UK, or go straight to the best used cars under £5,000, best used cars under £10,000, best first cars under £5,000, best automatic cars under £10,000, best family cars under £15,000, best reliable diesel cars, best used hybrid cars, best used EVs.