London's ultra-low emissions zone (ULEZ) now covers the majority of the city. Thankfully, you don't need to break the bank to find a car that complies with the emissions rules.
We've chosen 10 of our favourite affordable used cars that are ULEZ-compliant. We're looking at nearly new and recent used models because they mostly avoid the reliability problems that can affect older cars.
See how much you could save by shopping nearly new and used cars from Motorpoint. Every car sold by Motorpoint is ULEZ and Clean-Air Zone (CAZ) compliant.
Skoda Fabia
The Skoda Fabia ticks so many boxes in this price range that it's an easy recommendation for almost any buyer. Inside, it's deceptively practical with enough room for four adults or five at a pinch. The relatively spacious cabin and wide door openings means it's one of the best cars in this class for carrying kids, and boot space is impressive too, with one of the largest cargo areas in its class. Everything else about the Fabia is classic Skoda – faultless usability, solid build quality, an easygoing, refined driving experience and excellent value.
Search used Skoda Fabia cars or read our Skoda Fabia review
Peugeot 208
Supermini hatchbacks often focus on value for money, stripping away frills to get the purchase price down. The Peugeot 208, however, aims to elevate the small hatch experience with a premium, stylish cabin, plush materials and glossy infotainment tech. It's no juvenile jester behind the wheel either, with an impressively refined, grown-up driving experience, mimicking the calm experience you usually get in larger, more expensive models. Despite all its lofty ambitions, the 208's price is still comparatively sensible, and especially good value if you buy a nearly new model.
Browse used Peugeot 208 cars or read our Peugeot 208 review
Hyundai i10
There's a quiet brilliance to the Hyundai i10 that becomes more obvious as you spend time with it. Compared to so many ultra-compact city cars in this class, the little Hyundai rides with the softness and maturity you'd expect from a much larger car. And while the design won't trick you into thinking it's a luxury car, everything is neatly laid out and easy to use, with a robust sense of quality to the construction. You'll also be able to squeeze more passengers and luggage into the i10 than you might expect thanks to its clever packaging.
Shop used Hyundai i10 cars or read our Hyundai i10 review
Toyota Aygo X
While the Toyota Aygo X shares a name with the older Aygo, it's a substantially better car. Build quality feels more robust and the interior feels more expensive. What's more, the few inches of extra ground clearance, ride height and passenger space make a world of difference when tackling the concrete jungle in this dinky Toyota. Standard equipment includes all the expected mod cons like Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, adaptive cruise control and air conditioning. Performance isn't particularly impressive but it's smooth and easy to drive, especially if you pick the optional CVT automatic gearbox.
Take a look at used Toyota Aygo X cars or read our Toyota Aygo X review
Fiat 500
There's a reason the reincarnated Fiat 500 has endured for such a long time, first arriving way back in 2007. Where so many cars in this budget make concessions to affordability, the 500 makes those concessions part of its charm. Sure, there's exposed body-coloured metal in the cabin and some of the plastics feel quite scratchy, but the overall style is so charming that it's easy to overlook these minor issues. The cabin is tight and the driving experience is 'fine' rather than 'great', but the 500 delivers retro charm at a very friendly price.
See used Fiat 500 cars or read our Fiat 500 review
Volkswagen T-Cross
If you need a family car for your jaunts into the ULEZ area, consider something like the Volkswagen T-Cross. This is the smallest SUV in the brand's lineup, taking up barely any more space than a Polo hatchback, which means it feels right at home in congested urban areas. However, the tall body and sliding rear bench means this is a compact car that can handle a bulky child seat or a folded pushchair without complaint. Everything else is pure Volkswagen, with a simple user experience and an understated sense of style.
Check out used Volkswagen T-Cross cars or read our Volkswagen T-Cross review
Kia Picanto
While it shares most of its parts with the i10 above, the Kia Picanto can't quite replicate that car's impressive refinement. However, the difference isn't vast and you might prefer the Kia for two reasons – for one, its factory warranty is two years longer, and it's usually a little more affordable like-for-like. Plus, the Kia still has a well-stocked bag of tricks to draw from, including its own deceptively spacious cabin and reassuringly solid build quality. Standard equipment is generous too, so you won't be bored as you battle your way into the city.
Find used Kia Picanto cars or read our Kia Picanto review
Dacia Duster
Most choices on this list are compact city cars, which are usually affordable enough that you needn't look at older or high-mileage examples. The Dacia Duster, however, is a legitimate SUV available with low prices and a fairly recent number plate. Like the rest of the Romanian brand's lineup, the Duster is all about no-frills motoring, so you'll find most of the basics inside but few luxuries, and more than a little cheap plastic trim. Nevertheless, this is easily the most practical and capable car at this price point that can drive into the ULEZ area without charge.
Browse used Dacia Duster cars or read our Dacia Duster review
Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf was one of the very first mass-market EVs, but newer and flashier rivals have somewhat stolen its limelight. However, that makes it a very smart buy on the used market, as the stiff first-year depreciation common among EVs means second-hand prices are remarkably low. Smaller-battery 39kWh models are a little more common on the used market, and their 168-mile range means this is best used as a car mainly for short and medium journeys but, if you can charge at home, your running costs will be tiny.
Shop used Nissan Leaf cars or read our Nissan Leaf review
Vauxhall Mokka
The Vauxhall Mokka is a stylish city-friendly SUV, borrowing mechanical parts from the Peugeot 2008 and Citroen C4. Compact dimensions mean the Mokka is no harder to park in tight urban spots than a typical hatchback, while the extra ride height and tall seating position inspire confidence as you go down the road. All versions of the Mokka are compliant with ULEZ rules, including the entry-level petrol models all the way up to the battery-powered Mokka e, which is perfect if you want to minimise your impact on the local environment.
Search used Vauxhall Mokka cars or read our Vauxhall Mokka review
Find a low-emissions used car
Motorpoint has thousands of nearly new and used cars for sale, and the majority are compliant with ultra-low emissions and clean-air zones throughout the UK.
