Used Small Cars For Sale

Small cars for sale with heycar

There are lots of reasons why a small car might be a great choice for you. Maybe you live in a busy city and need something easy manoeuvre and park. Perhaps you need to keep your fuel costs low, or simply want an affordable, low-hassle way of getting around. Whatever your needs, there’s a used small car to match them.

The best small cars combine efficiency, practicality, and often a surprising amount of driving fun. Despite their diminutive dimensions, most offer enough space for four people and a respectable amount of luggage, while keeping running costs refreshingly low. Many small cars are built using technology and mechanical parts from larger cars, giving them a refined and stable driving experience.

There’s a wide choice on the used market, too, from premium small cars like the Audi A1 and Volkswagen Polo, to great value all-rounders like the Ford Fiesta, Kia Picanto, and Vauxhall Corsa.

Why buy a used small car?

Choosing a used small car is one of the most cost-effective ways to get on the road. Not only are small cars cheaper to buy outright, they’re typically cheaper to run too, with lower insurance costs, excellent fuel economy, and affordable maintenance.

Buying used offers even more savings, as the car’s biggest depreciation hit will have already been taken by the first owner. That means you could get a relatively new, well-equipped car for a fraction of the original price.

And don’t assume you’ll have to sacrifice creature comforts. Many small cars now come loaded with modern features like parking sensors, reversing cameras, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and even driver assistance systems like lane-keep assist and autonomous emergency braking.

What are the best makes and models of small cars?

Britain's love affair with small cars has lasted for decades, and as a result you'll find a wide and varied range of cas to suit every taste and budgets.

At the compact end of the market, city cars like the Volkswagen Up, the Fiat 500 and the Kia Picanto are all incredibly popular. They're easy to driver, cheap to run, and perfect for tight city streets.

If you need something larger, superminis like the SEAT Ibiza, Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa offer a bit moire interior space and stronger performance without sacrificing affordability. They're great all-rounders that can comfortably handle longer trips as well as urban driving. More premium supermini options include the Volkswagen Polo and the Audi A1.

If you're interested in electric small cars, there’s growing choice too. The Fiat 500 Electric leads the way with retro charm and urban usability, while the Honda e, Vauxhall Corsa Electric, and Peugeot e-208 offer stylish, fun-to-drive options with good electric range – ideal for zero-emission motoring in town.

What should I look for when buying a small car?

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.