The nature of the used car market over the last couple of years means that the number and quality of cars available for £1,000 or less has decreased significantly. The reason behind it is a wholesale rise in the cost of used cars that's been driven by the restricted supply of new cars (you can read more about that in our guide to the UK's most popular cars).
That said, it is still possible to buy a car that is perfectly usable and reliable for the same as you’d spend on a few monthly lease payments on a brand-new model. And of course, doing it this way, you can own a whole car outright that should suit most of your needs.
So where do you start? Below, we've rounded up what we rate as six of the best cheap cars you can buy in 2024. 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 2024
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 models, 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, too, though we’d opt for a relatively humble version – a Life or Design model with a 1.4- or 1.6-litre petrol engine – to stand a better chance of getting a solid example.
Other do-it-all options to consider: Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, Skoda Octavia, Honda Civic
Vauxhall Astra Mk5 Review
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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 is reasonably agile to drive. It’s also relatively practical for a coupe, because the boot opens in a hatchback formation and the two small back seats can split and fold. Not much tends to go wrong with it – just listen out for a creaky clutch, which suggests replacement is imminent.
Other sporty options to consider: Toyota Paseo, Ford Cougar, Mazda MX-6
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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 for this budget – if you’re looking at one of the later, higher-spec cars it’s probably a little more ropey, so aim for an early example with black plastic bumpers and low spec, and don’t worry about trying to seek out a low mileage example as these cars wear the miles well. Avoid the 1.0-litre automatic, though – the gearbox on these can be troublesome, though if you’re after an auto, the 1.3-litre is pretty dependable. Otherwise, there’s not much to worry about mechanically, so just buy the best example you can afford.
Other sensible options to consider: Peugeot 206, Nissan Micra, Honda Jazz
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Ford Ka (1996-2008): The Cheeky Option
The original Ford Ka is getting on a bit now, but time has done nothing to dint the sheer joy with which this little runaround is imbued. From the eye-catching exterior design to the clever, simple interior, the Ka is a car that's easy to love being around. Its star turn, however, is the way it goes round corners: of course it’s no Porsche, but it handles with an accuracy, agility and a lightness of touch that bring to mind the original Mini. Granted, there are downsides – the engine is rather noisy, and Kas are notably prone to rust problems, so finding one that’s clean and tidy isn’t the work of a moment. And don’t expect to seat four six-footers comfortably – the Ka’s rear seats are best suited to kids, so practicality is limited. But as a fun, and still rather funky way to get around, the Ka is impossible to beat in this price range. Running costs will be minuscule, too, thanks to low insurance premiums and very reasonable MPG.
Other cheeky options to consider: MINI Hatch, Suzuki Swift, Citroen C1, Ford Fiesta, Renault Clio
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Fiat Panda (2004-2012): The Value Option
When Fiat revived the Panda name in 2004, it knew it had to come up with something pretty good to do the original justice. And it did. The second-generation Panda was smart, stylish and good to drive – but crucially, what won it so many fans was how spacious it was. Despite the fact the Panda’s footprint was barely any larger than that of a city car, it was roomy enough to seat four adults in relative comfort – and it got a decent boot, too. Nowadays, you’ll find most Pandas’ interiors looking a little bit jaded, as the materials’ quality isn’t the greatest, but there are plenty of well-looked-after, low-owner examples out there, which means not only do you get a lot of space for your money, but you can find a good example, too.
Other value options to consider: Hyundai i10, Vauxhall Corsa, Kia Picanto
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Saab 9-3 (1998-2002): The Luxury Option
If you're expecting a Mercedes-Benz for this budget, we're sorry to disappoint, but 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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