Best used cars to buy 2024

More than ever before, it feels as if used car buyers hold the power. Choices are plentiful, and, as a result, prices are the most competitive they have been for years. Hunt around, and whether you’re after a compact supermini or a burly SUV, it really is possible to bag yourself a bargain. 

While 2024 has been the year in which we’ve finally seen new electric cars reach (or even beat) price parity with the equivalent internal combustion-engined cars, the same can now also be said for the used market. 

Many of those EVs, which appeared overpriced when new three or four years ago, have now depreciated to levels where they cost the same as their petrol siblings - meaning  they offer more performance, refinement and value for the same amount of cash.

In what is such a significant year for the used car, it’s more important than ever to pick through the options and single out the models that are most deserving of your cash. That’s why the Auto Express team – influenced by both prices and your feedback via our Driver Power customer satisfaction surveys – has pored over the bewildering level of choice on the used market to single out the very best examples. 

Our 19 categories cover everything from city cars to hot hatchbacks, electric cars to commercial vehicles, and the strength in every class proves  just how good buyers have it right now. 

Used Car Awards 2024: the best used cars to buy now

How to buy a used car

Can you afford it?

This sounds like an obvious thing to ask yourself, but we’re not just talking about the up-front cost or, if you’re financing, the monthly repayments. Make yourself aware of the road tax band, because the annual outlay could be more than expected – cars from March 2001 onwards are taxed according to emissions, and from 2006, the amount charged for the most polluting cars went up significantly.

Be sure to look up servicing costs and find out when a potential purchase last had work done, and when it’ll next need it. It’s also vital to get insurance quotes – if you’ll be switching an existing policy to the new car, your provider will be able to tell you the premium difference either on the phone or online. Neglect to sort any of the above, and that bargain buy might end up being costlier than expected.

Where to look?

Things have moved on from buying a printed collection of classified adverts from the newsagent. There are myriad websites used by both private sellers and dealerships, including the ubiquitous Auto Trader, which says it lists around 400,000 vehicles at any time. Looking there is a must, but it’s by no means the only place to search. Auto Express now has its own used cars available from top dealers all over the country, as well as new ones, so you can buy your car directly through us.

Also, eBay Motors is an increasingly visible player in the used car world, and many – particularly at the cheaper end of the market – are turning to Facebook Marketplace to avoid the fees charged by more established sites.

Regardless of where you look, you’ll really need to do your homework when buying from a private seller because there’s precious little comeback if you buy a dud (see our top buying tips, opposite, for more).

Where to buy?

Manufacturers’ approved used car schemes at main dealers are still well worth a look, particularly for the additional levels of protection offered. They come recommended, but you’ll pay for that peace of mind.

Independent dealers generally have lower overheads, so are cheaper. And the ‘pile-em-high’ ethos of car supermarkets is fertile ground for a bargain. Buying from any dealer will mean you’re protected by consumer legislation, but it’s still worth doing your own checks – not least researching other ‘trade’ ads in the classifieds to ensure you’re getting a good deal.

For fresher cars, there’s a growing number of online services, including Auto Express Find a Car, aiming to take the hassle out of the process by offering quality-checked vehicles delivered to your door. The entire experience is often little more involved than ordering from Amazon.

As well as thinking about which websites to search on, you also need to think about where, geographically, you’re willing to look. We’d always recommend going the distance if it seems to be the right car for the right price – ask for more details or extra photos from the seller if you’re not sure, and you’ll soon get a feel for whether or not it’ll be worth the risk of taking a long trip for nothing.

Know before you go

Arm yourself with knowledge in advance. Buyers’ guides (of which Auto Express has an expansive online archive) make for invaluable reading, pointing out all the common problem areas to check and the right sort of questions to ask the seller before being tempted to reach for your wallet. Find out what recalls your model of choice has been subjected to so you can ensure the work has been done, and read up on the service schedule to check against documents of the vehicle’s history to see if your potential purchase has been looked after properly.

Looking up the MoT test history online is also a great way to work out how well cared for a car might have been, and what bills to expect in the future. Pay particular attention to the advisories – which of these on the latest test could turn into failures by the time of the next one? Are there any which have been neglected for a few years running?

Also check online for faults specific to the car you’re looking at, and check it over from nose to tail – you’ll find guides for all the big-name models on autoexpress.co.uk. And if you’re not confident, several big-name motoring organisations offer paid-for mechanical checks. They’ll give you peace of mind, and any faults that are detected could be used as a bargaining chip during the haggle.

Should anything not look right – or the numbers don’t stack up – don’t be afraid to walk away. There are plenty more cars out there, so don’t feel pressured into buying.

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