The best value used cars

This generation of the 3 Series is proving reliable and the facelifted 318i saloon –
the version that best satisfies our criteria and that you are most likely to find for under £5000 – is light on running costs but still has a useful 141bhp up its sleeve.

But while the 318i is the sensible man's choice, an E90-generation BMW 3 Series is even more desirable with a six-cylinder engine under its bonnet. 

Low-price, high-spec models are around if you look.

Mark Tisshaw, Editor

The 330d, especially in estate form, is a phenomenal all-rounder, delivering on both performance and economy in equal measure. 

If petrol is more to your taste, and you're willing to take a hit on economy then an early 325i or slightly more potent 330i with the atmo six-pot are both rewarding to drive. 

You could go all out on a 335i, which feels like a junior GT car thanks to its 302bhp twin-turbo straight-six, but be prepared to fork out for new turbochargers when they inevitably go wrong. 

The Mk3 MX-5’s rear-drive chassis and rifle-bolt gearchange shine like a beacon. The 158bhp 2.0-litre engine is punchy but the 123bhp 1.8-litre version suits the car better, as well as being cheaper.

An absence of pace won’t deter you from the MX-5, though. Precise steering and an agile chassis means there’s plenty of grip, and yet it remains comfortable and pliant over unkempt road surfaces. 

The MX-5 needs to be stretched, but there's a laudable amount of fun in doing so.

Matt Prior, Editor-at-large

The facelifted car, which launched in 2009 with revised styling and an upgraded cabin, are also good value for money.

It also gained a more free-revving 2.0-litre engine and its suspension was turned for more agility without sacrificing on ride comfort. 

Fun, well-built and smooth riding, the second-generation BMW Mini is a solid choice for any prospective supermini buyer. 

A healthy 173bhp from the Cooper S’s turbocharged engine makes the most of the car’s dirty character.

The toggle switches are a simple retro touch, and much cooler than mere buttons.

Matt Saunders, Road test editor

When needed, an overboost function generates an extra 15lb ft of torque too. No two cars look the same but avoid falling for fancy graphics over condition.

It's brisk and refined in almost all environments, and even feels happy on longer journeys up the motorway. 

Petrol power suits the Mini’s character more, especially when driving more spiritedly on a cross country road, but many will be attracted by the Cooper D and its impressive 70mpg claimed economy. 

Look out for tired suspension, exhaust smoke and a sticky gearbox as these are all reliability sticking points. 

As refined off-road as it is off it, the Land Rover Discovery of 2004-2010 offers a huge amount of space for the money. 

While its iffy reliability will deter many, the Discovery is the sort of family hauler we all dream of. It's big, spacious, practical and has just enough premium feel to off-set its utilitarian vibe. 

They’re superb for low road noise, mainly because they use a separate chassis with tall tyres and excellent, high-tech insulation between rigid body and under bits.

Steve Cropley, Editor-in-chief

Inside, there’s easy space for seven adults but turf all bar two of them out, fold away the middle and rear seats and your Disco has morphed into a removal van.

Flexibility is high on the agenda, and the same can be said for its drive. Even today, a well-used Disco will have no trouble navigating a muddy field or wading through a deep river.

Watch for weak spots like fragile flywheels and coolant leaks, and be prepared to fork out for the odd unexpected repair bill – warning: it might be a biggie. 

With a reputation rooted in value for money, Dacia can now also take a bow for offering one of the roomiest cars on the market. 

It’s so roomy, in fact, that the car maker will sell you a neat camping conversion that sleeps two.

I have a friend who’s looking to replace a trusty Volvo for mucky household jobs and general dog-carrying. He took one look at the Jogger and just knew it was all the car he needed. Can’t argue with design as direct as that.

Richard Lane, Deputy road test editor

But while the Jogger prides itself on interior space and versatility, it's a pleasingly fun and simple car to potter around in thanks to its cubic proportions, three-pedals and user-friendly interior.

It's quite happy being hustled down a meandering B-road, and there’s more than enough refinement here to make it pleasant on longer cruises. 

Many will be tempted by the  frugal hybrid, but the petrol is more than up to task where economy is concerned.

Either way, the Dacia is likeable, good-looking and above all, dependable – which is exactly what a family car should be. 

Few cars can match the third-generation Skoda Superb for its balance of durability and refinement.

Even today it's one of the best value family estate cars you can buy, and an appealing proposition now that prices have fallen slightly since the launch of its successor last year.

The Superb copes admirably with UK roads, thanks to a supple ride and ample grip.

Richard Lane, Deputy road test editor

It's hugely spacious inside, has plenty of standard kit, and usable modern tech that helps it make a case for being the ultimate all-rounder, especially in wagon form. 

A broad engine line-up adds to its appeal, but we suggest you keep things simple and buy one with a 2.0-litre diesel. 

Mechanical refinement is good and it has more than enough pep to haul itself along, even when the cabin is fully loaded with passengers and luggage. 

Factor in the Superb’s strong efficiency, and you have an estate car that will easily slot into family life.

During its short life, the original Cayenne Turbo S seemed to defy physics with its astonishing acceleration and ability to go around corners without spilling its occupants. 

Its ability to please its driver on the road was chiefly down to its fabulous 4.5-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, which made 514bhp and 530lb ft of torque for an almighty impressive 5.0sec 0-60mph time. 

Pound for pound, surely one of the best bargains in the world.

Murray Scullion, Digital editor

Now available for around £7000, the Cayenne is a steal, but far from cheap to run and can suffer from some pretty major reliability issues, from cylinder problems to coolant leaks. 

That said, there aren’t many SUVs as engaging as the Porsche, which still have the capability to entertain on, or off road. 

There are performance estate cars, and then there’s the Lamborghini V10-powered Audi RS6 Avant of the late 2000s. 

Bonkers doesn’t quite justify how beguilingly quick the RS6 is, with its twin-turbo engine requiring seven radiators to cool its searingly hot brow. 

It brings a sub-5.0sec dash to 62mph and a soundtrack that ’s clearly been refined for everyday use but has enough of the Lambo’s operatic vocals to keep things interesting.

James Disdale, Special correspondent

Prices have now tumbled to a scarcely believable £15,000, making it top value for money. Just don’t be fooled into thinking the spending stops there, ming. 

That 572bhp V10 might be a technological tour de force but look out for coolant leaks, turbocharger issues and the gearbox overheating. 

High-running costs and reliability woes aside, the V10 RS6 is the most practical rocketship around, and has enough performance to embarrass most modern supercars.