With many buyers flocking to SUVs, prices for saloon cars can be surprisingly affordable – especially on the used market.
Saloons make great family cars, too. They have plenty of passenger and cargo space, and often handle better while using less fuel than SUVs by being lower and lighter.
Here are our 10 favourite saloon and saloon-like models you can buy as nearly new cars – saving thousands on the brand-new price.
- BMW 5 Series
- Tesla Model 3
- Audi A6
- Skoda Superb
- BMW 3 Series
- Mercedes C-Class
- Volvo S60
- Skoda Octavia
- Jaguar XE
- Alfa Romeo Giulia
BMW 5 Series
BMW's answer to whether a large saloon should be sporty or comfortable is "why not both?". The 5 Series feels like a precision instrument on the road, with planted handling and sharper turn-in than you'd expect for a car this size. But, for all its agility, it still softens bumps impressively, so your rear passengers won't be complaining about your driving while they're stretching out. There are mild-hybrid petrols at the entry-level point, or check out the 530e plug-in hybrid or the fully electric BMW i5 if you do more urban driving.
Shop used BMW 5 Series cars or read our BMW 5 Series review
Tesla Model 3
It might have the visual appeal of a washing machine and you'll only get a thumbs up from tiresome tech bros, but the Tesla Model 3 is an electric car pin-up. The Model 3 is the car that every other midsize EV tries to beat, and it's still a gold-medal choice despite being on sale for a good few years now. Aerodynamic styling and clever battery technology make the Model 3 one of the longest-range electric cars, while the interior technology is very impressive – once you've got your head around it all. The Model 3 also has surprisingly sporty handling, plenty of standard kit and full access to the Tesla Supercharger network for easy-peasy long-distance journeys.
Shop used Tesla Model 3 cars or read our Tesla Model 3 review
Audi A6
Audi might be more famous for its Avant estates, but the A6 saloon cuts an imperious form wherever it goes. Plus, with no 'SUV tax' to pay, this big Audi might be more affordable than you think. That's especially true on the used market, where the A6 tends to undercut its key BMW and Mercedes rivals. There's space for a pair of VIPs to luxuriate in the back seats, and there'll be no complaints about the ride quality thanks to the A6's well-judged suspension. Audi's recently launched a new A6, but this version built until 2025 is much more abundant on the used market. Check out the smaller Audi A4 if you want similar qualities at a lower price.
See used Audi A6 cars or read our Audi A6 review
Skoda Superb
Rarely in this industry does a car live up to its name as thoroughly as the Skoda Superb. Everything from the driving experience, to the user interface, to the immensely practical cabin is pretty much perfect. Skoda insists on calling the Superb a 'hatchback' since the rear glass lifts up with the bootlid – creating a usefully huge opening. However, the Superb's classic 'three-box' profile means most onlookers will still consider it a traditional saloon. You'll find petrol and plug-in-hybrid engine choices across the lineup, along with a rare diesel option that's great for high-mileage drivers.
Check out used Skoda Superb cars or read our Skoda Superb review
BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 Series has become the definitive sports saloon. Dynamic handling and powerful engines make it good fun to hurl down a twisty road, while retaining enough compliance and refinement that your passengers won't dread every journey. It's not quite as modern inside as the 5 Series as it's been on sale for longer, but that means you still get a handy rotary controller which makes the infotainment system easier to use on the move. There's enough space to use the 3 Series as a family car, but very tall rear passengers might feel a bit cramped.
View used BMW 3 Series cars or read our BMW 3 Series review
Mercedes C-Class
If you need more than just a car to get from A to B, consider the Mercedes C-Class. It's not the most affordable option on this list but, once you step inside, you see where the extra budget went. The materials and build quality are impeccable at this price point, with leather and metal trim on most of the surfaces and controls you regularly interact with. What's more, the C-Class is brilliant to drive, with a composed-yet-cosseting ride quality that floats over bumps, and easy, accurate controls.
Check out used Mercedes C-Class cars or read our Mercedes C-Class review
Volvo S60
You've probably noticed the disproportionate number of German cars on this list. If you want something a bit different, check out the Volvo S60. This slick Swede has been on sale since 2018, but its chiselled styling still looks good today. On the move, the S60 works hard to keep out of your way – it doesn't bombard you with a million driving modes, and its suspension doesn't feel like it's fighting the road surface. Instead, it's calm and easy, with graceful body control and composed handling. It's a bit of a shame that the climate controls are stuffed into the car's screen, but the big, friendly volume knob in the middle of the dash makes up for it.
See used Volvo S60 cars or read our Volvo reviews
Skoda Octavia
Like the Superb, the Skoda Octavia is actually a hatchback masquerading as a saloon but you'd be hard-pressed to tell the difference with the boot lid shut. It's a good chunk cheaper than most of the other options on this list, but you don't need to sacrifice build quality or practicality to enjoy the Octavia's many talents. Efficient petrol and diesel engines borrowed from the rest of the VW Group lineup are available, or you can check out the sporty Octavia vRS if you want a practical family saloon that can also blast down a back road.
Check out used Skoda Octavia cars or read our Skoda Octavia review
Jaguar XE
Jaguar has recently reinvented itself as a high-end luxury EV brand but, before its renewal, it was still going toe-to-toe with the big German brands. That led to cars like the XE, which was aimed squarely at the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4, and is still readily available on the used market. This sharp-suited Jag might never have challenged the Germans for sales figures, but it's still a very accomplished car in its own right. The cabin is plush, with comfy seats, supple leather upholstery, and an easy-to-use centre control stack. Plus, the handling is excellent, with enough compliance to shrug off potholes while maintaining locked-down body control.
Shop used Jaguar XE cars or read our Jaguar reviews
Alfa Romeo Giulia
The Alfa Romeo Giulia feels almost as old as the Piedmont hills in which it was developed, but that's a good thing, honest. Okay, it won't suit you if you're the sort of person who thinks your household appliances should be WiFi-connected – the Giulia's more timeless than that. For one, it's got an evocative name, rather than just an alphanumeric code that could be off a fax machine. It gives proper driving thrills, sporty engines that wave a nonchalant cylinder at fuel efficiency, and an irresistible sense of occasion.
Shop used Alfa Romeo Giulia cars for sale or read our Alfa Romeo Giulia review
Found the perfect saloon for you?
Check out thousands of great-value used cars for sale at Motorpoint. To see more tempting options, check out our picks for the best cars with big boots.
