A £250 per month budget feels like a real sweet spot for used cars.
Paying £250 a month or less usually gets you into a current-shape model that might only be a couple of years old, but for considerably less than the same car if it’d just rolled out of the factory. So you get the latest tech, a plate that’s not very old and, often, the balance of the manufacturer’s warranty.
We've chosen our 10 favourite cars at this price point, including posh hatchbacks, roomy family cars and some of the most stylish cars on sale. For even more choice, browse our range of used cars under £250 per month here – or check out our cars available for £249 a month with £249 deposit.
SEAT Leon
The Volkswagen Golf is an obvious choice and you’ll find plenty available for under £250 per month, but also check out the closely related SEAT Leon. SEAT’s family hatchback has sharper styling than the Golf, and it’s better value for money too – a used Leon will be a higher spec or have lower mileage than a Golf of the same price.
A lot of Leons are sold in the sporty FR spec, which adds visual interest with toned bumpers and red stitching – as well as a better selection of upholstery materials. Almost every new-shape Leon comes with a smart digital instrument cluster and a big, colourful touchscreen. Passenger space is generous and the boot’s a decent size too; a Leon estate is available if you need more luggage capacity. Petrol, diesel and hybrid engines are on the menu, and some engines offer a choice of manual or automatic gearboxes. The auto is good, but the crispness of the manual takes some beating.
Shop used SEAT Leon cars for sale or read our SEAT Leon review
Nissan Qashqai
As one of the larger cars on this list, the Nissan Qashqai shows you can have family-friendly practicality without spending a fortune. At this budget you can choose from last-shape and current-shape Qashqais, and we’d definitely recommend going for the newer one if you can. It’s bigger and more practical than before, it boasts sharper styling and the interior is noticeably more modern.
Fuel economy is also a little better in the new-shape car, thanks to its standard-fit mild-hybrid assistance. Acenta Premium trim offers an enticing blend of value and equipment, with alloy wheels, lane-departure warning assist, a reversing camera and bright LED headlights.
Shop used Nissan Qashqai cars for sale or read our Nissan Qashqai review
Ford Puma
The Puma takes over from the Fiesta as Ford’s entry-level model and, if both are available for a similar price, you’d pick the Puma wouldn’t you? It’s more practical, sits a bit higher, and feels a bit newer, but still is more fun to drive than its rivals. However, if you’re happy with the Fiesta, you’ve got more choice in terms of trim levels. Both will carry four adults and a weekly shop with ease, and both put a smile on your face on curling B-roads – while managing 50mpg or more.
Shop used Ford Puma cars for sale or read our Ford Puma review
Mazda CX-30
Just like the Volkswagen T-Roc, the Mazda CX-30 straddles the line between small and midsize SUVs, and both are similarly good value on the second-hand market. So your choice might depend on which car’s styling you prefer, or which you find easiest to use. The Mazda is more curvaceous where the T-Roc is chiselled and square.
The Mazda has the slight edge when it comes to material quality, but you might find its infotainment screen – controlled by a rotary dial – a little unusual to use, compared to the more conventional touchscreen fitted in the T-Roc. Fuel economy and performance are largely the same, even if the two cars go about it in very different ways.
Shop used Mazda CX-30 cars and used Volkswagen T-Roc cars for sale, or read our T-Roc review
Peugeot 2008
The small SUV market is awash with excellent options, but the Peugeot 2008 should be in bold and underlined on your shortlist. Behind the sophisticated styling is a high-quality cabin and the sort of design flair that most rivals just don’t bother with. Excellent practicality for a small SUV makes the 2008 a perfectly suitable family car, while the 1.2-litre petrol is one of our favourite small engines. It’s willing and cheeky, and capable of over 50mpg when driven carefully. The 2008 also takes long drives in its stride and deals well with most bumps and jolts.
Shop used Peugeot 2008 cars for sale or read our Peugeot 2008 review
MG4
Take in the MG4’s styling and you’d be forgiven for expecting the interior to be a maximalist fever dream. In fact, it’s cool and minimalist, with just a couple of slim screens breaking up the dashboard and a small control panel jutting out of the centre console. But even so, there’s lots to fiddle with, including shortcut buttons that let you customise their features. And even the basic battery gives a quoted 218-mile range, while upgrading to the 280-mile 64kWh battery doesn’t cost very much.
Shop used MG4 cars for sale or read our MG4 review
Ford Focus
A firm family favourite, the Ford Focus is still a top choice even among a seemingly endless number of SUV alternatives. The Focus offers class-leading rear legroom, a boot that’s big enough for day-to-day use, and an interior that’s as easy to use as it is connected. The 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol is nippy and frugal, while there’s also a 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel engine if you’re aiming your Focus at the motorway network. We haven’t even mentioned that it’s a hoot to drive – ideal if you moonlight as an owl.
Shop used Ford Focus cars for sale or read our Ford Focus review
Mini hatchback
If you don’t need anything so practical, why not treat yourself to something that’s fun to drive, enduringly popular and posh inside. The Mini hatchback is an icon, and it’s barely more expensive than more straight-laced superminis. This budget nets you lots of choice – there’s the mid-range Cooper, some examples of the fast Cooper S, and even electric Minis with the same fun factor as their petrol counterparts (but lower running costs if you charge at home).
Shop used Mini hatchback cars for sale or read our Mini hatchback review
Volkswagen Taigo
There are lots of VW SUVs – you probably can’t think of them all. The Taigo sits alongside the T-Cross and T-Roc, and blends SUV style with coupe sleekness. You get the VW feel of solidity, plus an intuitive interior with a great mix of physical and digital controls. There are a couple of petrol engines to pick from, both capable of 45-50mpg, and automatic and manual gearboxes. The Taigo offers strong practicality for a small SUV, with good passenger space and a very useful boot.
Shop used Volkswagen Taigo cars for sale
Suzuki S-Cross
Like some of the other cars on this list, the Suzuki S-Cross straddles the line between small and midsize SUVs. The interior is simple to use and easy to keep clean, and the mild-hybrid and hybrid petrol engines are capable of over 50mpg. All cars get a reversing camera, a touchscreen and cruise control. The S-Cross’ talents are wrapped up with Suzuki’s new 10-year service-activated warranty.
Shop used Suzuki S-Cross cars for sale
Read our top picks for other monthly budgets
- 10 of the best cars for under £150 per month
- 10 of the best cars for under £200 per month
- 10 of the best cars for under £300 per month
- 10 of the best cars for under £400 per month
Affordable finance on used cars
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