BIGGER isn’t always better, especially when it comes to cars. Smaller cars are cheaper to buy, service, and insure. Smaller engines mean lower bills at the pump, too.
If you’re searching for a small city car, you’re in the right place. In this Sun Motors round-up, we select the UK’s best used small cars, including our pick of cheap small cars, family-favourites, and small hybrid cars.
All these used small cars – and more – can be found at Sun Motors, where you can pick up a used car bargain.
Benefits of small cars
Why buy a small car? Here are five benefits of driving and owning a small car:
- Cheaper to buy:Small cars are often cheaper to buy, meaning you get more motor for your money.
- Smaller engines = lower fuel bills: Small cars have small engines, which means less pain at the fuel pump when you fill up.
- Easier to drive and park:Small cars are ideal for city centres and urban living, where parking can be a challenge. You’ll also find that smaller cars are more maneuverable with better visibility, making it easier to squeeze into tight spaces.
- More affordable to insure:Small cars are cheaper to insure, says Autotrader.
- Cutting servicing and maintenance costs: Small cars, especially those with small engines, are cheaper to service and maintain. This contributes to an overall lower cost of ownership.
Some people may think that city cars aren’t as safe as larger cars.
All cars sold in the UK are tested to high standards, which means you can have confidence that you’ll be safe in an accident.
If you want more information, head over to the Euro NCAP website, where you can find the security rating of all the small cars here and pretty much any other car on the road.
Our pick of the UK’s best used small cars
Sun Motors experts have picked their favourite used small cars for sale today. Learn why each make and model is a bargain.
Best used small cars under £5000
Dacia Sandero Stepway
Model: Dacia Sandero Stepway
The five-door Dacia Sandero Stepway is a small and superb car that’s actually quite spacious when you get inside.
Dacia is one of Europe’s fastest-growing brands, with the Sandero a massive seller for the company.
It’s packing a 0.9-litre turbocharged petrol engine (TCe). It’s a step-up from the entry-level Stepway, with theSE Summit trim featuring a rear parking camera and a front central armrest.
It’s a huge amount of car for a pretty incredible cost. That’s why it’s our choice of the best used small car under £5,000.
Best used small family car
Skoda Fabia
Model: Skoda Fabia
We could have gone with the Stepway again, but we’re going to go for the Skoda Fabia.
We agree with Whatcar?that the Fabia is a practical and functional car for a small family. It’s well-built, affordable and easy to drive.
The Skoda Fabia is a popular car, which means you’ll find loads on the market.
We like this 2014 Skoda Fabia estate in the racy Monte Carlo trim. The 1.6 litre diesel engine is enough to carry a whole family, luggage, bikes, and more for the annual holiday.
Buying a used car? Find cars for under £150 on Sun Motors here.
Best small car for a new driver
Nissan Micra
Model: Nissan Micra
We love the Fiat 500, but thinking with our heads and not hearts, we’re going with the trusted Nissan Micra.
The latest Micra gets rave reviews, but we think there’s more value in an older Micra.
Sun Motors is full of low-mileage Micras, with this 2018 Nissan Micra 0.9 IG-T Acenta Hatchback favourite.
There are just 52,000 miles on the clock, meaning you’ll get years more motoring out of this Micra.
The Agenta spec Micra comes with some nice extras like better in-car entertainment, too.
Best luxury small car​
MINI Cooper
Model: MINI Cooper
It wouldn’t be a small car round-up without a MINI. The luxury MINI Cooper is a practical everyday driver with a little in reserve, says AutoExpress.
Sure, there are more luxurious cars (like the Mercedes A Class and Lexus UX), but the MINI drives as well as it looks and keeps its value, too.
MINIs attract a bit of a premium, but this budget-busting 11-year-old MINI HATCH Cooper is a bargain at £6,900.
Best small hybrid car
Toyota Yaris
Model: Toyota Yaris
Our choice of a hybrid city car is a matter of taste. You’ve got Renault Clio E-Tech, pint-sized Kia Stonic, and the premium MINI Countryman hybrid.
But we’re not going to choose those, we’re going to choose the Toyota Yaris.
Why? The Toyota Yaris is a terrific hybrid car that’s a super-looking city car that’s small, economical, and affordable, says Whatcar?. It’s also ultra-reliable too, which is what you want in a city car, right?
We’ve chosen this punchy and just about perfect Toyota Yaris ICON – 2021.
Best small automatic car for older drivers UK
Kia Picanto
Model: Kia Picanto
The Kia Picanto is a small automatic car that’s ideal for older drivers. The four-door micro-car is surprisingly roomy, but more importantly, it’s super-reliable.
Modern Picantos come with Kia’s incredible warranty, but second-generation versions are where you’ll bag the bargains.
Here’s a 2015 Kia Picanto 1.25 2 Auto with less than 25,000 miles on the clock. Check out some of the positive reviews before making a purchase.
Best used small cars: FAQs
Are small cars reliable?
Modern cars are built to high standards, which means they should last for thousands of miles. Many small cars have easy lives – and lower mileages – which are all great signs for long-term reliability.
Like any used car, you should always check the service history, mileage, and condition of the vehicle before making a purchase.
Do small cars have less longevity?
No, small cars should last as long as any other car – provided they have been cared for, serviced, and maintained.
Do small cars have cheaper insurance?
Yes, you’ll often find that smaller cars are cheaper to insure. That’s because smaller cars typically have smaller engines and lower performance.
They’re less costly to replace in the event of an accident. All that means lower premiums.
Before buying a used small car, you can check out its insurance group on the MoneySupermarketwebsite.
This will provide some insights into the insurance costs. You can also use a comparison site to find an accurate insurance quote for any car.
Buying a used car? Check out Sun Motors and find your next vehicle today. Whether you're looking for automatic, manual or electric, use Sun Motors to decide on your next model.
