Approved Used Cars & SUVs Under £20,000

BEST USED CARS & SUVs UNDER £20,000 

£20,000 is a generous budget in the second-hand market, so if you’re after a used car for this price, you’ll get to choose from a variety of excellent models from the most reputable brands. Fans of spacious and premium saloons, recently released SUVs with hi-tech accessories, or the latest electric cars are sure to find their ideal match. 

However, the sheer number of possibilities might actually make it more difficult for you to choose. This means it is important to know what it is you’re looking for, so as to avoid impulse purchases; whether you want to buy a used premium city car with all the extras, a comfortable and modern minivan, or a used hybrid SUV.  

To help make your decision easier, read on for SPOTiCAR’s guide to buying a used car for £20,000. 

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WHICH USED CAR OR SUV SHOULD YOU CHOOSE FOR £20,000? 

If you’re looking for a luxury minivan, a used Citroën Picasso or SpaceTourer running on diesel are both a good match for your needs, with either the EAT6 or EAT8 gearbox. In the same category, a used Renault Espace would also be an excellent choice, giving you plenty of space and a price easily within your budget of £20,000. 

Combining a daring and chic design with a sporty edge, a used DS 5 or Peugeot 308 would also be possible for this budget and are two popular saloon models on the second-hand market. If you would prefer a larger used saloon, you can find a 2016 or 2017 used Vauxhall Insignia  with less than 50,000 miles on the odometer. For a used station wagon within this budget, you can treat yourself to a used BMW 3 Series Touring with less than 100,000 miles on the clock, as well as more compact and equally well-equipped vehicles like the Peugeot 308 SW GT Line. 

In terms of prestigious German cars, the used Audi A3 Sportback is held in high regard, combining sporty, city-ready elements with elegant touches that make it incredibly popular with young adults. With regards to the 2.0 TDI 150 version, you'll find it sitting very close to the £20,000 mark on the second-hand market, as is the case with the Sportback’s big sister in the brand’s collection, the Audi A5 2.0 TDI. 

If you’re looking for a cheap SUV for less than £20,000, you could get a second-hand Vauxhall Crossland, Mokka X, Peugeot 2008 or a Citroën C3 Aircross. These models are all recently released vehicles, with low mileage and good accessories. 

If you predominantly drive in urban areas, £20,000 could get you a used premium city car like a Mini, a DS 3 or a used Fiat 500. Alternatively, you can buy a trendy used electric car like the hugely popular used Renault Zoé, or something less widely known, such as a used Peugeot Ion, Citroën C1 or Citroën E-Méhari. 

In the station wagon category, the most popular car is probably the Citroën Berlingo leisure activity vehicle, while a used Peugeot Partner Tepee or Renault Kangoo are also good options. For a vehicle with eight seats or more, and a £20,000 budget, you can choose from a used Vauxhall Vivaro, Renault Trafic or Peugeot Expert Tepee.