There are many reasons for wanting a small car. Maybe you live in the city and need something easy to nip around in and that can squeeze into a small parking space. Maybe you want to keep your fuel costs low, or maybe you just don’t want to spend more money than you need to. Whatever your reasons or requirements, there’s a used small car for you.
The best small cars offer a blend of efficiency and practicality and many of them are fun to drive, too. Despite their diminutive size, most will provide space for four and their luggage while keeping fuel costs down. Many use mechanical elements from their larger counterparts to give you a more refined driving experience than you might expect. There are several more premium options, such as the Audi A1 and Volkswagen Polo as well as value-for-money cars like the Ford Fiesta, Kia Picanto and Vauxhall Corsa.
Buying a used small car is a smart option if you’re after a vehicle that’s both versatile and economical. Small cars are generally more affordable to buy and run, and buying a used model means that the initial depreciation hit has already been absorbed by the first owner. There aren’t many ways to get on the road for less.
While it’s possible to buy a small car with just the basics included, many don’t skimp on modern comforts and convenience features. You’ll find lots of small cars with parking sensors and/or cameras, advanced driver-assistance systems and infotainment features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto..
Britain has long had a love affair with small cars, and as a result there’s a rich and varied market for a wide range of preferences and budgets. The smallest cars are city cars, such as the Volkswagen Up, the Fiat 500 and the Kia Picanto, all of which have proved very popular. Then there are slightly larger small cars, including the Seat Ibiza, Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa. More premium options include the Volkswagen Polo and the Audi A1.
Fiat also makes an all-electric version of the 500, unsurprisingly called the Fiat 500 Electric, and it’s one of an increasing number of battery-powered, zero-emission cars on the market. Others include the Honda e, the Vauxhall Corsa electric and the Peugeot e-208.
As with any type of car, you should consider how a used small car will fit into your life. What do you need it for? If it’s just you and you don’t carry much stuff, you could be the perfect candidate for a compact city car. But if you regularly carry friends or family, you’ll want something that has enough back-seat space to carry them.
Boot space in small cars can be limited, but there are models that can carry larger loads, so think about how much luggage you need to ferry around. And if you’re likely to spend large amounts of time in the car, you’ll want to really consider comfort levels and in-car entertainment options.
Where you drive should have an impact on your buying decisions, too. If you stick mainly to town, then an electric or hybrid car could be just the ticket, and while purchase price could be more expensive it could save you money in fuel. For flexibility, a petrol-powered car will be happy in town and out on the open road, while those who mostly do longer journeys might be more interested in the better fuel economy of a diesel.
If you're not sure if a used small car is quite right for you, we've got 1000s of used cars for sale to suit all budgets and needs.
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