Best cars under £20,000 in 2025
Looking for a great car under £20k in 2024? Then you’re at the right place!
We look at the best models in this price range, with options ranging from efficient city cars to versatile family vehicles. From fuel efficiency to smart tech and roomy interiors, there’s quite a bit to consider.
And if you’re looking to sell your current car, Motorway is the place for you! Get a free, instant valuation, and with more than 7,500 certified dealers bidding to buy your vehicle, you’re bound to get a good price. In fact, 84% of our customers get more money, which can be put towards a new car under £20k.
So, with this in mind, settle in as we explore the UK’s top cars, starting at under £20k.
This year’s top 10 best cars for under £20k
Hyundai i10
The stylish one
Price
RRP £15,430 – £18,980
Pros
👍 Makes driving around town easy
👍 Stylish design
👍 Great boot for such a small car
Cons
👎 Engine doesn’t have much poke
👎 Interior’s a bit boring
Summary
The Hyundai i10 is a standout choice for those wanting style on a budget. Its compact size makes it ideal for city driving, and you’ll have no trouble squeezing into tight parking spots.
Despite its small frame, the i10 packs a punch with its modern design, giving it a youthful, fresh vibe. It’s not just practical – it’s fun to drive, too! Whether navigating busy streets or looking for a car that offers more personality without breaking the bank, the Hyundai i10 delivers.
It’s an excellent pick for anyone looking for a stylish set of wheels that doesn’t break the bank.
Toyota Aygo X
Small and fun
Price
RRP £16,140 – £21,555
Pros
👍 Decent steering
👍 Smooth manual transmission
👍 Nice styling
Cons
👎 Gearbox too noisy at times
👎 Bit plasticky inside
Summary
The Toyota Aygo X is one fun, nimble little car perfect for anyone who loves zipping through city streets. Its light steering and slick manual transmission make navigating tight corners and busy roads a breeze.
The compact design not only adds to its agility but also makes parking a breeze, even in the most crowded spaces. Plus, the Aygo X has a stylish, modern look that stands out, proving that small doesn’t have to mean boring.
If you’re looking for a practical, affordable, and enjoyable car to drive for under £20k, this is a smart pick.
Dacia Sandero
The family choice
Price
RRP £13,795 – £17,295
Pros
👍 Unbeatable value for money
👍 Loads of space inside
👍 Good at holding value
Cons
👎 Not the best safety rating
👎 Lack of USB charging points
Summary
If you’re on the hunt for a car that delivers more than its price tag suggests, the Dacia Sandero should definitely be on your radar. This budget-friendly vehicle has a surprisingly spacious interior, offering plenty of room for families or anyone needing a little extra space.
Its comfortable ride makes long drives a breeze, and the Sandero’s ability to hold its value adds to its appeal. This makes it a smart choice for anyone looking for something reliable and practical under £20k.
It’s the kind of car that surprises you in all the right ways!
Kia Picanto
The city zipper
Price
RRP £15,595 – £19,145
Pros
👍 Nimble around the city
👍 Offer a lot for its size
👍 Plenty of tech as standard
Cons
👎 Engines on the weedy side
👎 Lacks fun over longer trips
Summary
The Kia Picanto is the perfect car for city living. It offers smooth handling and a compact design, making it a breeze to zip through tight streets and park in small spaces. Despite its size, it’s surprisingly roomy inside, giving you ample space for everyday use.
The Picanto is also packed with modern tech, making it a smart choice for anyone on a budget who wants to take advantage of valuable features. It may be small, but the Picanto punches way above its weight, offering great value and a fun driving experience in one neat package.
Ford Fiesta
Fast fun
Price
RRP £20,980 – £23,670 (Okay, we cheated here a little!)
Pros
👍 Bags of fun to drive
👍 Nippy engine
👍 Excellent fuel efficiency
Cons
👎 Some models are expensive
👎 Small rear and boot
Summary
Ah, the trusty Ford Fiesta! It’s still a top pick in 2024 for those looking to spend around £20k. This classic hatchback is fun to drive, with sharp handling that makes navigating city streets a breeze.
Its compact size is perfect for urban living, offering easy parking and excellent manoeuvrability. Despite its small stature, the Fiesta doesn’t skimp on practicality, providing a comfortable ride and enough space for your daily needs.
Whether you’re commuting, running errands, or just enjoying a drive, the Ford Fiesta continues to be a reliable and enjoyable choice that never goes out of style.
Vauxhall Corsa
Comfort meets style
Price
RRP £18,505 – £29,030
Pros
👍 Design looks smart
👍 Nice, comfortable drive
👍 Big on standard equipment
Cons
👎 Cramped in the rear
👎 Cheaper alternatives may tempt
Summary
The Vauxhall Corsa is a fantastic blend of comfort and style, making it an excellent option for those seeking a car under £20k. Its sleek, modern design turns heads, while its smooth, comfortable ride makes even the busiest commutes more enjoyable.
Whether navigating tight city streets or heading out on longer drives, the Corsa delivers a pleasant experience every time. Inside, you’ll find plenty of space for passengers and luggage, proving that it’s just as practical as stylish.
For a reliable, chic, and fun-to-drive option, the Vauxhall Corsa is definitely worth considering.Suzuki Swift Hybrid
Skoda Fabia
A fab choice
Price
RRP £19,730 – £25,780
Pros
👍 Extremely practical
👍 Uber comfortable
👍 Looks smart
Cons
👎 Inside quality is lacking
👎 Bit boring
Summary
Smart, practical, and with a touch of style, the Skoda Fabia is a top contender for the best car under £20k. Its spacious interior is designed with clever storage solutions, making it an excellent choice for everyday use, whether it’s the school run or weekend getaways.
The sleek, polished design ensures you’ll look good on the road, too. The Fabia strikes a perfect balance between function and style, offering practicality without compromising on looks. The Skoda Fabia is a solid, dependable option, whether you’re after a reliable daily driver or something that stands out on your budget.
Suzuki Swift
The economical choice
Price
RRP £19,199 – £21,550
Pros
👍 Good fuel economy
👍 Plenty of equipment as standard
👍 Spacious inside
Cons
👎 Cabin has a cheap feel
👎 Gets noisy when you put your foot down
Summary
The Suzuki Swift is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to save on fuel without sacrificing fun. Known for its excellent fuel economy, this little car makes trips to the pump much less painful.
Despite its compact size, the Swift surprises with a surprisingly spacious interior, offering enough room for passengers and daily essentials. It’s ideally suited for city driving, with zippy handling that adds a bit of excitement to every journey.
Its affordable price tag also ensures it stays within reach for those on a budget. The Swift is a well-rounded, practical, fun car that ticks all the boxes.
MG3
Value for money
Price
RRP £18,495 – £20,495
Pros
👍 Good price for what it offers
👍 Packed full of equipment
👍 Driving it makes you smile
Cons
👎 Not that efficient
👎 Interior’s a bit cheap
Summary
The MG3 is the perfect car for those who want to add a little excitement to their daily commute. Its sporty design and lively handling make driving a blast, whether navigating city streets or heading out on a weekend trip.
But it’s not all about fun. The MG3 also delivers a spacious interior, making it a comfortable and practical choice for everyday use.
Add in its great value for money, and you’ve got a car that combines style, comfort, and excitement in one neat package. What more could you possibly ask for in a vehicle under £20k?
Fiat 500
The car about town
Price
RRP £16,800 – £18,300
Pros
👍 Cool looking
👍 Plenty of personalisation options
👍 Handles city driving like a dream
Cons
👎 Teeny weeny back seats
👎 Not as comfortable as some rivals
Summary
The Fiat 500 was made for cruising around town in style. Its funky design stands out on the road, while its compact size makes it a pro at slipping into tight parking spots.
But it’s not just about looks – the Fiat 500 is also fuel-efficient, perfect for those looking to save at the pump. It’s easy to handle and a joy to drive, whether running errands or enjoying a fun city adventure.
With its trendy vibe and practicality, the Fiat 500 is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a stylish, budget-friendly vehicle under £20k.
FAQs
What’s the cheapest car on the market in the UK?
The cheapest car on the UK market is typically the Dacia Sandero, known for offering excellent value for money. With a price well below £20k, it’s a no-frills option that delivers practicality, reliability, and low running costs, perfect for budget-conscious drivers.
Can I get a stylish car for under £20k?
Yes! The UK has plenty of stylish cars for under £20k. Models like the Fiat 500, Peugeot 208, and Toyota Aygo X are perfect examples, offering trendy designs without breaking the bank. Who says you can’t have style on a budget?
Want to sell your car for something new?
Keen to learn more about owning, maintaining, and selling your car? Check out more of our guides here, covering everything from finding buyers to negotiating a reasonable price and completing payment safely.