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best-used-city-cars

Not only are city cars smaller than your average car, but they also keep motoring costs manageable too. You'll find they have lower <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/cheapest-cars-to-insure/n23477">insurance groups</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/real-mpg-calculator">fuel consumption</a>, and cheaper overall buying and running costs. They can serve anyone from young drivers to urban commuters admirably.

Sadly, city cars are a dying breed bought new, but the good news is they are still&nbsp;extensively available on the used market, and there are lots of great options whatever your budget. Here, we've brought together 10 of the best used city cars.

Best used city cars

Hatchback

Peugeot has its strongest model line-up for some years, with some of its cars now rated by our testers as being among the very best available.

Highlights focus around the firm’s newest SUVs, the 3008 and 5008. The 5008 was named Large SUV of the Year at the 2018 What Car? Awards, thanks to its appealing blend of space, interior quality and low running costs.

That bodes well for future launches, too, because many of the learnings from these cars will be passed on as new versions of existing cars are launched – something that could take many years, because the Peugeot range is so big, ranging from an entry-level supermini with the 108 to an executive saloon with the 508, up into the SUV range and also vans.

Buyers should evaluate some of the lower-rated cars in the range more carefully, though. Some are now quite old, and are subsequently left behind in terms of quality when compared with the opposition, making them below-average buys, in our estimation.

PEUGEOT

The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/108/hatchback/used-review/n946">Peugeot 108</a> is extremely easy on your wallet. Even if you're looking at a four-year-old example, as here, the model remains temptingly affordable to buy. You'll find insurance groups in the single digits (for many variants) and official fuel economy at a 68.9mpg average (under the older NEDC fuel tests) for the 68bhp 1.0-litre petrol engine. There are more spacious city cars out there, but few are as&nbsp;pleasantly inexpensive to own.

"This tiny Peugeot is a surprisingly competent little car. I used one&nbsp;every day for a week and soon got used to its foibles and learned how much fun it can be. It's also easy to drive and cheap to buy." - Oliver Young, used cars reporter

We found&nbsp;2020&nbsp;Peugeot 108 1.0 72 Active&nbsp;5dr, 46,000&nbsp;miles, £6950

10: Peugeot 108

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Decent performance</li>
	<li>Real-world fuel economy</li>
	<li>Infotainment</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Noisy engine</li>
	<li>Jerky automatic gearbox</li>
	<li>Very small boot</li>
</ul>

Modern Fiats fall into two categories: the retro models and those with more functional designs.

Cars in the first camp appeal to the heart and include the 124 Spider sports car and the 500 series: a hatchback, a convertible, an SUV and two MPVs.

By contrast, the remaining models rely on their practicality and attractive pricing, with the Panda city car, Tipo hatchback and Fullback pick-up truck all prime examples.

Fiat can trace its roots back to the 19th century but is now part of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group, along with Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Jeep and Maserati.

FIAT

The modern&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/fiat/500/hatchback/used-review/n323">Fiat&nbsp;500</a> reinvented&nbsp;one of the most iconic cars of the Fifties and Sixties. Its retro styling, compact dimensions and competitive used prices have continued the model's success over its 15-year-plus lifespan. The 500&nbsp;isn't all that practical or amazing&nbsp;to drive, but if that's not what you're after, there's plenty to like here.

"What can I say about the Fiat 500? What a success story it is. True, it feels a bit compromised inside, especially if you're over 6ft tall, and there are rivals that ride and handle better, but nothing looks as charming." - Mark Pearson, used cars editor

We found:&nbsp;2020&nbsp;Fiat 500 1.2&nbsp;Lounge, 45,000 miles, £6995

9: Fiat 500

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Distinctive exterior and interior</li>
	<li>Nimble in traffic</li>
	<li>Affordable to buy and run</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Sloppy driving dynamics</li>
	<li>Subpar practicality</li>
	<li>Jittery ride</li>
	<li>Reliability mixed</li>
</ul>

Toyota is a company undergoing a quiet revolution, as it works hard to replace its sensible but somewhat bland reputation with one for being a bit more daring, in areas such as the styling of its cars and its enthusiastic leadership of cutting-edge technology, such as hybrid systems.

That process seems to be working for buyers, with the hugely popular and striking-looking C-HR SUV in particular attracting a great deal of interest. The latest version of the hybrid Prius is also rated highly by What Car?; it’s the first Prius to go on sale that our testers have felt can truly compete all round with existing petrol or diesel rivals.

However, it’s worth noting that this period of transition is also a work in progress, and that many of the firm’s cars are still rated as being no more than average among class rivals by our testers.

TOYOTA

AYGO

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/aygo/hatchback/used-review/n653">first-generation Aygo</a>&nbsp;was a well-screwed-together and economical car, and all its good qualities were carried over into the more mature – and even more rakishly styled – second-generation car. It has now been replaced by the largely similar&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/aygo-x/hatchback/review/n24132">Toyota Aygo X</a>&nbsp;but this older version remains a great buy today.

"It's small and agile and nicely screwed together, this Aygo. The good news is it's very competent on the road and bought at a few years old it can be had for buttons." - Mark Pearson

We found:&nbsp;2020&nbsp;Toyota Aygo 1.0 X-Play 5dr, 40,000&nbsp;miles, £8000

8: Toyota Aygo

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Cheap to run</li>
	<li>Good build quality</li>
	<li>Some great interior trims</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Cramped in the back</li>
	<li>Small boot</li>
	<li>Refinement is disappointing</li>
</ul>

Ford builds some of the most popular cars in the UK, including the Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks.

This success is partly down to longevity and the fact that there’s a Ford dealer around every corner. However, it’s also because Fords tend to offer good value and be among the best cars in their respective classes to drive.

The company’s huge range also helps; it offers everything from the small – but surprisingly practical – Ka+ to the large and lavishly equipped Edge SUV.

Meanwhile, other highlights of the range include the S-Max and Galaxy people carriers, the Mondeo executive car and the Ranger pick-up.

FORD

Used car buyers looking for an inexpensive and&nbsp;practical five-door city car that's easy to park, while also being&nbsp;remarkably capable beyond&nbsp;city limits, should find plenty to like in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/ka/hatchback/used-review/n932">Ford Ka+</a>. It rides&nbsp;extremely well. It steers nicely, too, and, pushed hard, it corners neatly, just like the first-generation Ka. The 1.2-litre engine is most&nbsp;palatable in its most powerful 84bhp&nbsp;form, and we’d recommend you track down Zetec trim since it comes with plenty of kit.

"Go a size up on these cars and you'll arrive at the Ford Fiesta, one of our favourite small cars and one I actually own. However, if you don't want the extra size of the Fiesta the Ka+ delivers nearly everything its bigger sibling does and at less cost." - Oliver Young, used cars reporter

We found&nbsp;2020&nbsp;Ford Ka+ 1.2 85 Zetec, 48,000&nbsp;miles, £6995

7: Ford Ka+

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Entertaining handling</li>
	<li>Comfortable ride</li>
	<li>Spacious interior</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Gutless engines</li>
	<li>Cheap-feeling interior trim</li>
</ul>

Suzuki is well known as a motorcycle manufacturer, but the car brand has been enjoying decent success in recent years, thanks to a line-up of neat, well-equipped and keenly priced models.

Its expertise focuses on smaller cars, although its high-riding SUV range is also hugely credible, especially the Ignis and Vitara, which are both rated highly by What Car?’s testers and which have enjoyed success at the What Car? Awards as a result.

Well priced, decent to drive and full of useful tech, Suzuki’s cars also generally stand out for delivering good fuel economy. The Ignis, Celerio and Baleno have all stood head and shoulders above the competition during our True MPG testing.

SUZUKI

CELERIO

While its interior is cheap-feeling, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/suzuki/celerio/hatchback/used-review/n924">Suzuki Celerio</a> gives you a lot of bang for your buck in other areas. For starters, you get a heap of kit, plus it's practical, with a rear-seat area and boot that are impressively roomy for a car of this size. It’s cheap to run, too, and while it won't set your heart alight, it’s still&nbsp;decent&nbsp;to drive.&nbsp;

"Cheap as chips, the Celerio is a lovely example of a truly tiny city car that feels like a bigger car in terms of its driveability. Comparatively rare on the used market but if you can find one great value." - Oliver Young, used cars reporter

We found&nbsp;2019&nbsp;Suzuki Celerio 1.0 SZ2, 61,000&nbsp;miles, £6000

6: Suzuki Celerio

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Cheap to run</li>
	<li>Spacious by class standards</li>
	<li>Reliability record</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Cheap-feeling interior</li>
	<li>Limited infotainment options</li>
</ul>

Buyers seeking value for money should have Kia towards the top of their shopping list.

Although once a niche brand in the UK, today Kia outsells many more established brands, helped by its market-leading seven-year warranty and a strong reputation for reliability; in fact, Kia regularly finishes towards the top of our reliability surveys.

There are plenty of models to choose from, too, ranging from the small Picanto city car to the Ceed family hatchback and the Sorento large SUV. The Picanto was the first Kia to win its class at the What Car? Car of the Year awards.

PICANTO

City cars often have skimpy equipment levels and meagre engines, but the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/picanto/hatchback/review/n58">Kia Picanto</a> offers lots of big car features and sprightly motors. It's a great blend of space, performance, comfort and equipment.&nbsp;The Picanto is good fun to drive, too, and its light steering makes it a doddle to park – ideal for a small city car, really.

"Like the i10, the Picanto feels remarkably grown up. As a town car, it is without serious fault, and its success means it holds on to its value well. I drove one happily for a week into town and out of it and down country lanes and was sad to see it go." - Mark Pearson, used cars editor

We found&nbsp;2021&nbsp;Kia Picanto 1.25 3, 38,000&nbsp;miles, £9500

5: Kia Picanto

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Useful boot</li>
	<li>Good fun to drive</li>
	<li>Long warranty</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Slightly firm ride</li>
	<li>Noisy engines</li>
	<li>Dated infotainment on cheaper versions</li>
</ul>

Today, the resurgent Seat brand is selling better cars than at any time in its history.

In large part, that’s because it is one of the brands owned by the VW Group. Underneath, all of the cars it sells are strongly related to similar models sold by Volkswagen itself, or the likes of Skoda and even Audi. If you are buying a Leon, for example, the hardware will be similar to that of the Golf, Octavia and A3.

But while Seat makes the most of this tie-up to offer everything from city, small and family cars, including estates, through to a full range of SUVs, it also adds in its own slice of character, both with its distinctive styling approach and because its engineers generally tune the cars to deliver sportier handling.

While all of its cars are decent, it is the SUVs that stand out. The Arona and Ateca are among the class leaders and have enjoyed triumphs at the What Car? Awards.

SEAT

The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/mii/hatchback/used-review/n822">Seat Mii</a> is perhaps a smidge more fashion-conscious than the closely related&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/citigo/hatchback/used-review/n836">Skoda Citigo</a>&nbsp;and a fraction more expensive used but there are&nbsp;no other notable differences between them. Ecomotive versions are a bit more economical than regular models because they’re fitted with low-rolling-resistance tyres and a start-stop system. Fewer examples exist than the Citigo and Up, though, which makes also them slightly harder to source on the used market. &nbsp;

"Sharing so much with the Up and the Citigo makes the Mii a winner before it even turns a wheel. It loses little or nothing in overall quality to the other two and for me only its comparative scarcity counts against it." - Oliver Young, used cars reporter

We found&nbsp;2020&nbsp;Seat Mii 1.0 Ecomotive SE Technology, 30,000&nbsp;miles, £7500

4: Seat Mii

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Comfortable ride and fun to drive</li>
	<li>Economical three-cylinder engine</li>
	<li>Safety equipment</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>A bit slow</li>
	<li>Only seats four people</li>
	<li>Automatic gearbox is slow and jerky</li>
</ul>

The VW Group famously spends more money on research and development than any rival – and as a result, perhaps it should be no surprise that our testers rate its cars so consistently highly.

The fact that many of those cars use the same underpinnings also helps, because it means that if they get it right once, they have the foundations to keep on getting it right.

However, the Volkswagen brand faces plenty of tough competition, often from within, because the rapidly rising Seat and Skoda brands that are also part of the group have access to the same technology.

VOLKSWAGEN

The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/up/hatchback/used-review/n794">VW Up</a> has a lot in common with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/mii/hatchback/used-review/n822">Seat Mii</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/citigo/hatchback/used-review/n836">Skoda Citigo</a>&nbsp;but is a little bit classier with a smarter interior. It's great to drive, relatively spacious inside and has a smooth ride. While its plusher plastics make the Up a smidge pricier, it's also likely to hold on to its value better than the equivalent Mii or Citigo. Avoid automatic versions, though, because the gearbox is a little sluggish.&nbsp;

"I think this is one of the nicest and most innovative small cars of all time. It makes every town and A-road journey fun. If the city car class comes to an end soon this is the car we'll all miss and the one that set the benchmark for what a diminutive hatchback can achieve." - Mark Pearson, used cars editor

We found&nbsp;2021&nbsp;Volkswagen Up 1.0 High Up, 24,000&nbsp;miles, £8500

3: Volkswagen Up

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Comfortable ride and fun to drive</li>
	<li>Economical three-cylinder engine</li>
	<li>Upmarket interior</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Some rivals are better value</li>
	<li>Smaller engines are sluggish</li>
	<li>Optional automatic gearbox is slow and jerky</li>
</ul>

Hyundai has transformed itself from a maker of oddball hatchbacks that sold in small numbers in the UK, to a major rival to the likes of Ford, Vauxhall and Volkswagen.

The Korean firm’s Ioniq Hybrid is particularly impressive, having beaten the trend-setting Toyota Prius when we tested the cars back to back.

Meanwhile, at the extremes of the Hyundai range you find the tiny i10 city car – a four-time What Car? award winner – and the stylish yet family-friendly Santa Fe SUV.

As a bonus, all of these cars come with the reassurance of a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, whereas most of Hyundai’s rivals offer only three years and 60,000 miles of cover.

HYUNDAI

Temporary taxonomy to unlink review until CAP taxonomy is updated

If you're looking for a tiny town car that offers more civilised motoring on a sensible budget, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/i10/hatchback/review/n49">Hyundai i10</a> is an ideal candidate. It's relatively spacious, comes with a smart-looking interior and great infotainment system, and rides and drives more impressively than plenty of bigger, pricier cars. More refined than the Citigo, but it'll cost you a fraction more like-for-like to buy.&nbsp;

"This is a truly grown-up car. It's good to drive and feels like something from a couple of classes up. The interior is nicely finished, too. Anyone downsizing from a larger car will have found the perfect vehicle here." - Oliver Young, used cars reporter

We found&nbsp;2021&nbsp;Hyundai i10 1.0 MPi SE Connect, 25,000 miles, £9000

2: Hyundai i10

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Comfortable and quiet to drive</li>
	<li>Five seats and decent rear space</li>
	<li>Loads of safety kit on even entry-level model</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Not the cheapest small car out there</li>
	<li>Non-turbocharged engines are a bit lacklustre</li>
	<li>Insurance can be pricey</li>
</ul>

One of the greatest success stories in the car world of recent decades is Skoda’s rise to become a hugely credible mainstream maker of good-value, good-sense cars.

Central to that success has been its place within the VW Group, alongside the Volkswagen brand itself, plus the likes of Seat and Audi. That has given it access to exactly the same underpinnings for its cars as the other brands, and it has complemented this by adding its own developments, from the way the cars drive and ride through to the features they have and the pricing.

The result is a range that extends from a city car to a large executive saloon, with family and large seven-seat SUVs too. There’s a wide variety of petrol and diesel engines, all of which are competitive for the class.

As a result, Skoda has a range of cars that is almost entirely class-leading or among the class leaders, and it has enjoyed long-time success at the What Car? Awards as a result.

SKODA

CITIGO

The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/citigo/hatchback/used-review/n836">Skoda Citigo</a> and the near-identical&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/mii/hatchback/used-review/n822">Seat Mii</a>&nbsp;are admittedly the cheaper siblings of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/up/hatchback/used-review/n794">Volkswagen Up</a>, but we see that as a tremendous positive. You see while it's true that the Citigo misses out on some of the Up’s smart interior plastics, it's still great to spend time in and it's even more stupendous value as a second-hand buy. What’s more, it shares the Up’s spacious interior, smooth ride and top-notch&nbsp;driving experience.&nbsp;

"For me, there's something immensely likeable about the Citigo. Within reason, it does all you need of a city car and does it with character. That you can buy one so cheaply now only makes it even more attractive in my eyes." - Mark Pearson, used cars editor

1: Skoda Citigo

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Great to drive</li>
	<li>Smooth ride</li>
	<li>Cheaper than a Volkswagen Up</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Only four seats</li>
	<li>Clumsy automatic gearbox</li>
	<li>Volkswagen Up holds its value better</li>
</ul>

City cars are small, agile, cheerful and – if you buy one used – tremendously good value. Here we name our top 10 favourites

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