Has a strong reputation for reliability, and even older examples tend to hold together well when serviced.
Watch out for: Check the service history and the clutch on manual cars. Hybrid versions are at the top of this budget.
Practical for its size, with a decent boot and simple mechanicals. Often a better-value alternative to the VW Polo.
Watch out for: Check timing belt or chain history on the engine fitted, and listen for rattles on start-up.
A small, cheap-to-run city car with low insurance groups and a good reliability record.
Watch out for: It is best suited to town driving. Check the service book and tyre wear.
Very cheap to run and insure, and simple enough that there is little to go wrong.
Watch out for: It is small and basic, so make sure it fits your needs. The x-shift automatic is an automated manual, so try it before you buy.
Feels a class above its size, with a solid interior and good refinement.
Watch out for: Automatic versions use a DSG gearbox, which should change smoothly with no jerking in slow traffic.
A bigger family hatchback for the same money as many superminis, and still one of the best to drive.
Watch out for: As with the Fiesta, test any Powershift automatic carefully. Diesels need regular longer runs to keep the DPF healthy.
Huge boot and cabin, especially as an estate, and running costs similar to smaller cars.
Watch out for: Many are ex-fleet with high mileage, so check the MOT mileage record and the service history carefully.
Honda’s reputation for reliable petrol engines makes an older Civic a safe-feeling budget buy.
Watch out for: Check for a full service history and test every electrical item. Older cars can show suspension wear.
How to choose at this price
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Mileage versus history: a higher-mileage car with a full service history is often a better buy than a low-mileage car with gaps.
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Small petrol for short trips: if you mostly drive in town, a small petrol avoids the DPF problems diesels can get on short journeys.
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Budget for a service: keep a few hundred pounds back for tyres, brakes or a service straight after you buy.
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 used car under £5,000? Toyota and Honda models have the strongest reliability reputation at this price, but a well-maintained car of any make is better than a neglected one. Always check the service and MOT history.
Is it worth buying a car under £5,000? Yes, if you check it properly. Most cars at this price are older, so a full history check and a careful viewing matter more than on a newer car.
Should I buy petrol or diesel under £5,000? For mostly short or town journeys, petrol is usually the safer choice. Diesel suits high-mileage motorway drivers, but check the car meets any clean air zone rules where you drive.
How many miles is too many on a cheap used car? There is no fixed limit. A car with high miles and a full service history can be a better buy than a low-mileage car that has been neglected.
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 £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 reliable petrol cars, best used hybrid cars, best used EVs.