The status of the used car market – and the wider economy – over the past few years means that it's become increasingly hard to find decent used cars for sale for £1,000 or less. But it is still possible. For the same as you’d spend on a few monthly lease payments on a brand-new model you can buy a car that’s usable, reasonably modern and even delivers a helping of fun or style. And of course, doing it this way means you can own a whole car outright from the start.
So where do you begin? Below, we've rounded up what we rate as six of the best cheap cars you can buy in 2025. When you're looking at cars for sale at this end of the market, bear in mind that condition is key. There's no point spending £1,000 on a flashy BMW or a swanky Jaguar if you have to spend half as much again to make it roadworthy. A full service history and a warranty are probably a stretch, but look for evidence of regular (and particularly recent) maintenance – including for consumables such as tyres. Check the MOT history online to see what advisories might have come up, and ensure all the relevant paperwork is present and correct – especially the V5C registration form. Cars that have been modified from their original specification are also likely to cost more to insure, while those with large engines could cost you more in VED (road tax).
The Best Cheap Cars under £1,000 in 2025
Vauxhall Astra (2004-2009): The Do-It-All Option
The fifth-generation Vauxhall Astra is firmly in bargain territory these days, but that doesn’t make it a bad car. In fact, the Astra’s crisp styling, smart interior and willing engines mean it’s a good all-rounder, and it was well regarded in its time.
There’s a choice of practical five-door and sporty three-door hatchbacks, or a roomy estate, and a wide range of engines and variants that mean there’s an Astra out there for everyone. Servicing is affordable, and spares are easy to come by. And the best part is the Astra is an absolute bargain – it’s one of the most modern and fresh-feeling cars you can buy for this sort of cash.
There are plenty to choose from for this money, although we’d opt for a petrol manual version because the CDTi diesels and automatics can be problematic. A no-nonsense 1.4- or 1.6-litre petrol engine is a good bet.
Other do-it-all options to consider: Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, Skoda Octavia, Honda Civic
Vauxhall Astra Mk5 Review
Hyundai Coupe (2001-2008): The Sporty Option
Combing the classifieds for something sporty with a budget of £1,000 is a thankless task, but not entirely fruitless. It'll take a bit of searching, but you can just scrape your way into a handsome coupe, as long as you aren't too fussed about the badge. The Hyundai Coupe might not have the cachet of a BMW or an Audi (or even a Fiat Coupe for that matter), but it is one of the best-looking cars available at this price, with sleek styling that doesn't look dated even today.
It's similarly swanky inside and, with the reliable 2.0-litre, 141bhp engine, the Coupe has a bit of pep in the way it drives. Front headroom is tight if you're on the tall side, but it’s relatively practical for a coupe because it has a hatchback boot opening and the two small back seats split and fold. Not much tends to go wrong – just listen out for a creaky clutch, which suggests a replacement could be needed soon.
Other sporty options to consider: Toyota Paseo, Ford Cougar, Mazda MX-5
Toyota Yaris (1999-2005): The Sensible Option
The first-generation Yaris was a bit of a revelation when it came out in 1999 – following the utterly uninspiring Starlet, its curvy styling and quirky interior made it immensely popular among the small cars and superminis of the day. That’s good news, because it means there are plenty of examples still tooling around now, helped along by Toyota’s legendary reputation for building reliable cars.
Don’t be too picky about spec for this budget – better to get an example that’s been well maintained rather than one that’s been neglected but happens to be in your favourite colour. You don’t need to worry about seeking out a low-mileage example, however, because these are solid, simple cars that wear the miles well. A diesel is available but these are rare and petrol is the fuel type to go for if you want to minimise the chance of problems. Toyota’s ‘VVT-i’ petrols are zingy and eager, but we’d recommend avoiding automatic models, because the gearbox on these can be troublesome. Otherwise, there’s not much to worry about mechanically, so just buy the best example you can afford.
Other sensible options to consider: Hyundai i10, Nissan Micra, Honda Jazz, Vauxhall Corsa
Seat Ibiza (2002-2007): The Cheeky Option
If you’re looking for a small car that’s cheap to own and has a bit more verve than most, the third-generation Seat Ibiza could be just what you’re looking for. Its curvy, distinctive shape gives it a sporty, characterful look and the good news is that you get a driving experience to match. Sharp handling and a precise gear change make it more fun than the average early noughties supermini and there are some fine engines available. The thrummy 1.2-litre three-cylinder might not give you much bhp to play with but it’s wonderfully eager and sounds great. If you’re looking for a bit more oomph there’s also a 1.4-litre petrol and some gutsy diesel options.
Inside, there’s a lot of black plastic but also a touch of design flair, with round air vents and a driver-focused dash that enhance the sporty feel. As long as you're not expecting MPV-style practicality you won't be disappointed with the amount of interior space, while the boot is larger than a concurrent Ford Fiesta's. Most versions are pretty well-equipped, with features such as air-con – or more sophisticated climate control for higher-spec models – as standard. Overall reliability is about average but the Ibiza has a robust feel and isn’t as rust-prone as some small cars of the era.
Other cheeky options to consider: Citroen C1, Ford Ka, MINI Hatch, Suzuki Swift
Seat Ibiza Mk3 review
Renault Clio (2005-2012): The Sophisticated Option
The Renault Clio always has a bit more joie de vivre about it than many small cars and the third-generation car that was launched in 2005 took things up a notch or two. Above all, it managed to combine chic looks with more of a ‘big car’ feel than most rival superminis of the time. There’s a smooth ride, for a start, along with notably low levels of noise on the motorway. Renault included more safety features than many rival brands, too, as reflected in a five-star Euro NCAP rating when tested in 2005.
Interior space is about average, but this Clio has a surprisingly high-quality look and feel inside, especially in higher-spec trim levels. The 1.4-litre unit is the pick of the three petrol engines that were available. You’ll get incredible fuel economy from a diesel, but also the potential for more problems. The Clio’s reliability record isn't a match for a Honda Jazz's so it's worth finding one with a decent service history.
Other sophisticated options to consider: Fiat 500, Hyundai i10, Mini Hatch, Peugeot 207, Volkswagen Polo
Renault Clio Mk3 review
Saab 9-3 (1998-2002): The Luxury Option
If you're expecting a tidy Mercedes-Benz for this budget, we're sorry to disappoint. It isn't going to happen. However, if you're after comfort and quality in a family car package, then you could do a lot worse than the Saab 9-3. The 9-3 was never a particularly sporty car to drive, but it does have a relatively smooth ride and some of the most supportive seats in the business.
With a range of mostly turbocharged engines that balance performance and fuel economy very well, a 9-3 is both punchy and cheap to run. Earlier cars are more affordable, and they also benefit from lower tax than those registered post-2001, so they’re the ones to go for. Steer clear of anything with dodgy-looking lights on the dashboard, listen for clunking from behind the dashboard when turning the wheel, and check carefully for rust.
Other value options to consider: Nissan QX, Lexus IS, Volvo S40
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