The best used cars to buy for under 10,000 in 2024 including sporty Mazda & budget-friendly Merced

THESE are the best used cars that you can pick up for under £10,000 in 2024 - including a sporty Mazda and a budget-friendly Mercedes.

The list, compiled by experts at vehicle sales site Motors, provides drivers with plenty of options, from SUVs to hatchbacks, amid the cost of living crisis.

Mini Countryman

Mini's take on a chunkier SUV line, the Countryman is an ideal runaround.

Its retro styling gives it an old-school feel, though buyers should be aware it is a little smaller than some of its rivals.

Nonetheless, if you don't need all that much storage space, its perfect as an upsized version of the beloved Mini range.

The model received a facelift in 2014 which updated its exterior, but versions from before that can sell for as little as £4,000.

Kia Picanto

The third generation Picanto, so those made after 2017, made its name as a reliable and affordable city car.

Its "compact" size makes it a cinch to park in tight spaces and its simple design and control set-up make it great for beginners and experienced drivers alike.

They also come with a transferable seven-year warranty, which will only run out on the earliest models this year.

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Those looking for a bit more tech and power can opt for the Picanto 2, which still won't break the bank.

Older models start from around £7,000.

FIAT 500

A favourite of British drivers for decades, the 500 is renowned for its quirky appearance and zippy nature.

It even features a dedicated city button which lightens the steering, making it more manoeuvrable on packed roads.

Prices bottom out at just under £4,000 but taller drivers may struggle with the car's limited space.

500s also don't have quite the same track record on reliability as some of Fiat's other models, with some drivers reporting issues with build quality.

Nissan Qashqai

Back to the bigger models we go with the Qashqai SUV.

Versions going back to 2014 fit well under the budget, with the cheapest coming out around £6,000.

There's plenty of room for passengers and in the boot, while Nissan also offers an automatic version.

One maintenance quirk to bear in mind is that some owners have reported unusually fast oil consumption in older 1.2-litre variants, so it's best to keep a close eye on your dipstick if you pick one up.

Mazda MX-5

The MX-5 is Mazda's flagship model and has a great reputation amongst enthusiasts for both its hardy reliability and silky smooth drive quality.

It's also a convertible, with a simple roof design that's easily mastered, adding a bit of extra style.

The third generation, from 2005-2015, will keep you under budget, but very early versions could run into issues with ULEZ or CAZ charges so if your city has environmental restrictions be sure to check first.

Also just be vigilant for cheap offerings which have been driven hard by petrolhead owners.

Toyota Prius

No environmental worries here as the Prius is one of the UK's most popular hybrids.

They are loved by private taxi drivers for a reason, as they are low maintenance, cheap to run and happy to eat up the miles.

However, the other side of this coin is that most second-hand offerings tend to be quite high mileage.

The best prices sit somewhere around the £5,000 mark.

Kia Sportage

The 2016-2021 fourth-generation Sportage takes the spotlight here as it provides the most up-to-date styling and gadgets for the best price.

Its main advantages are the large amount of space it provides and the wide range of engine types available.

Post-2016 models also mean that you are generally safe on environmental regulations for diesel versions.

These also benefit from Kia's seven-year warranty.

Many sit around the £15,000 range but they can still be picked up for £7,000-£8,000 at the bottom end.

Seat Leon

As a good mid-sized hatchback, the Leon offers a bit of a middle ground between the earlier entries on the list.

Manoeuvrable around the city while providing a little more space than the smaller Picanto, for example, its closest rival is the VW Golf.

Third-generation models from 2013-20 boast a good reliability reputation and are generally cheaper than the competition, especially when running the three-cylinder engine.

Some can be picked up for as little as £3,000 but £5,000-£6,000 is more standard territory.

Skoda Octavia

Another one to target from 2013-20 is the Octavia, which offers a pretty similar package to the Leon.

Both sell for well under the budget and offer a wide variety if engines.

The Octavia just edges things when it comes to boot space, boasting a very roomy rear compartment.

It also offers an auto version, though these have been reported to see some transmission issues so check service histories where possible.

Mercedes B-Class

The Mercedes name always carries with it certain expectations when it comes to build quality and reliability.

The B-Class MPV makes good on those promises for quite a significant price cut on the rest of the manufacturer's catalogue.

Bottoming out at around £6,000, they are near the higher end of the budget but offer a great amount of tech, excellent comfort and great drive quality.