Best cheap cars in 2024
Looking for a great car without breaking the bank? Well, the good news is that finding something affordable without sacrificing quality is possible!
The best cheap cars combine low running costs, reliability, and smart features while staying easy on your wallet. Whether you’re after a nippy city runabout or a practical family car, plenty of options suit your budget.
Tempted? Motorway can help you sell your car and buy the perfect, affordable vehicle. Get a free, instant valuation now, and with a network of 7,500 certified dealers bidding to purchase your vehicle, you’re sure to get their most competitive price. In fact, 84% of our customers get more money.
The best cheap cars in the UK this year
Dacia Sandero
The no-nonsense option
Price
RRP £13,795 – £17,295
Pros
👍 Great value for money
👍 Spacious interior
👍 Keeps hold of its value
Cons
👎 Not the best safety rating
👎 Interior fittings lack quality
Summary
The Dacia Sandero is a true budget-friendly gem. It’s packed with practicality and plenty of space for passengers and luggage, making it an excellent option for those seeking great value.
Whether driving along city streets or heading out on longer journeys, the Sandero delivers with its roomy interior and impressive fuel efficiency. This no-nonsense car is all about simplicity and reliability, giving you everything you need without unnecessary frills.
Affordable and dependable, it’s a top contender for anyone looking to save money without compromising everyday usability.
Kia Picanto
The city slicker
Price
RRP £15,595 – £19,145
Pros
👍 Great around town
👍 Bundles of tech as standard
👍 Well built
Cons
👎 Engine lacks punch
👎 Not that comfortable
Summary
The Kia Picanto proves that good things come in small packages! This compact city car is ideal for zipping through tight streets and squeezing into snug parking spots.
Despite its small size, it packs a punch with solid build quality and impressively low running costs, making it a go-to for budget-savvy drivers. Add Kia’s famously generous warranty into the mix, and you’ve got peace of mind for miles to come.
Practical, reliable, and easy on the wallet, the Picanto is a top contender for the best cheap car.
Hyundai i10
The smooth operator
Price
RRP £15,430 – £18,980
Pros
👍 Stylish exterior design
👍 Good boot for its size
👍 Makes city driving easy
Cons
👎 Interior’s a bit ‘meh’
👎 Engine’s weedy
Summary
The Hyundai i10 is a smooth operator that thrives in the hustle and bustle of city life. Its compact size and nimble handling make weaving through urban traffic a breeze, while its surprisingly spacious interior ensures plenty of room for passengers and essentials.
With efficient engines and impressively low running costs, it’s a top-notch option for budget-conscious drivers who want a practical and economical car without skimping on comfort. The i10 ticks all the boxes for everyday driving and feels like a contender for the crown of ‘Cheap Car of the Year.’
A small car with a big personality!
Suzuki Swift
The fun one
Price
RRP £19,199 – £21,550
Pros
👍 Buckets of interior space
👍 Awesome fuel economy
👍 Lots of equipment
Cons
👎 Noisy when the foot’s put down
👎 Feels a bit cheap inside
Summary
The Suzuki Swift certainly packs a punch. It’s got excellent fuel economy and a surprisingly spacious interior for its size.
Perfect for city commutes and weekend adventures alike, the Swift is not just easy on the wallet – it’s genuinely enjoyable to drive. Its zippy handling and smart, practical design make navigating tight streets and winding roads a breeze.
Whether you’re after an affordable daily driver or a car with a bit of personality, the Swift is a standout choice that delivers practicality with a side of fun.
Renault Clio
French style
Price
RRP £18,395 – £24,895
Pros
👍 Humongous boot
👍 Nice quality inside
👍 Exterior looks stylish
Cons
👎 Tight on space in the back
👎 Not that comfy
Summary
Ooh la la! The Renault Clio brings a touch of French flair to the budget car world, effortlessly blending style with substance.
Its sleek interior and exterior design make it a real head-turner, proving that affordable cars can still have a dash of sophistication. But the Clio isn’t just about good looks; it’s also incredibly fuel-efficient and packed with clever features that make everyday driving a breeze.
Perfect for city commutes or weekend getaways, it combines practicality with panache. For those seeking a budget-friendly option with a bit of ‘je ne sais quoi’, the Clio truly shines.
Toyota Aygo
The funky one
Price
RRP £8,711 – £17,010
Pros
👍 Looks great
👍 Inexpensive to run
👍 Handles driving around town like a boss
Cons
👎 Boot isn’t much to write home about
👎 Engine’s a bit sluggish
Summary
The Toyota Aygo is proof that great things come in small packages! This compact car is big in style, with its funky design turning heads wherever it goes.
Perfect for city driving, the Aygo’s small size makes squeezing into tight parking spaces a breeze, while its low running costs keep your wallet happy. Fun to drive, super affordable, and incredibly practical, it’s a brilliant choice for budget-conscious drivers who don’t want to compromise on personality.
Whether zipping through urban streets or nipping to the shops, the Aygo makes everyday driving a joy. What’s not to love?
Fiat Panda
The cool customer
Price
RRP £14,775 – £16,275
Pros
👍 Big on value
👍 Looks cool
👍 Great in the city
Cons
👎 Not much standard equipment
👎 Competitors offer more
Summary
The Fiat Panda is as cool as it is practical, bringing quirky charm and fantastic value to the budget car scene. Its distinctive boxy shape isn’t just for show. It cleverly maximises interior space, making it surprisingly roomy for such a small car.
Affordable to buy and delightfully cheap to run, the Panda is a versatile little workhorse that’s as comfortable on city streets as countryside roads. Fun, functional, and full of personality, it’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on character.
A big shout for ‘Cheap Car of the Year’.
Citroën C3
The comfortable choice
Price
RRP from £14,150
Pros
👍 Spacious inside
👍 Easy to park
👍 Comfy seats
Cons
👎 Not the most fun to drive
👎 Feels a bit cheap inside
Summary
The Citroën C3 is a stylish and comfortable gem in the budget car world. Its spacious interior and famously comfy seats make it a dream for everyday errands and longer road trips.
This quirky little car isn’t just about practicality – thanks to its unique design, it’s got bags of personality, too. In addition to that, it has affordable running costs, and you’ve got a car that’s easy on the eyes and the wallet.
Whether in the city or on the open road, the C3 delivers a winning combination of comfort, charm, and cost-efficiency. It’s a fantastic pick for budget-savvy drivers!
Peugeot 108
The green choice
Price
RRP £13,390 – £15,000
Pros
👍 Looks great
👍 Emissions on the low side
👍 Nice to drive
Cons
👎 Gets noisy at speed
👎 Cramped in the back
Summary
The Peugeot 108 is a cool little number bursting with style and personality. It’s a fantastic fit for city life, and its small size and nimble handling mean you can easily breeze through busy streets and slip into tight parking spots.
Plus, with its low emissions, the 108 is a greener choice for eco-conscious drivers. Cute, fun to drive, and incredibly cost-efficient to run, it’s perfect for urban dwellers looking to save money without compromising on charm.
Whether you’re commuting or running errands, the Peugeot 108 delivers practicality and personality in one delightful package. A smart pick for budget-savvy drivers!
Vauxhall Corsa
The all-rounder
Price
RRP £18,505 – £29,030
Pros
👍 Smart design
👍 Loads of standard equipment
👍 Comfortable drive
Cons
👎 Rear seats lack space for adults
👎 Infotainment is a bit fiddly
Summary
The Vauxhall Corsa is a sharp-looking car that combines style, comfort, and practicality in one neat package. Renowned for its smooth ride and effortless handling, it’s a perfect companion for city commutes and weekend road trips.
Its sleek design turns heads, while its comfortable interior and clever features make every journey pleasurable. And the best part? The Corsa keeps things affordable, with low running costs that won’t break the bank.
Whether cruising around urban streets or hitting the motorway, this reliable all-rounder proves you don’t have to spend big to drive in style.
FAQs
What’s the least you should spend on a car?
The least you should spend on a car depends on your needs. But you’re looking at around £3,000 for a reliable used car. For new vehicles, budget options start around £10,000. Just remember, cheap doesn’t always mean cheerful – so choose wisely!
What’s the cheapest car to run?
The cheapest car to run is often a small, fuel-efficient model like the Toyota Aygo or Hyundai i10. These cars offer low fuel costs, affordable insurance, and minimal road tax. Their compact size makes them perfect for zipping around the city without hurting your wallet.
Ready to sell?
Check out our other ‘Best of’ guides and car-related articles here. And if you’re looking to sell your vehicle to fund something affordable, we can help.
Enjoy a free, instant valuation. With our network of 7,500 certified dealers ready to bid for your car, you’re sure to get their best price. 84% of our customers make more money selling their vehicle with us.
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