New cars are hard to find for less than £20,000 these days as carmakers hunt for bigger profits. Don't fret, however, because that budget goes a lot further if you can don't mind missing out the very latest numberplate and choose a nearly new car.
A car's value depreciates the quickest when it's first sold, with that rate slowing down as the car gets older. That's why nearly new cars are usually thousands of pounds cheaper than an equivalent brand-new model, without losing the look and feel of a forecourt-fresh model. We've listed 10 of our favourite nearly new cars for less than £20,000 alphabetically, covering a choice of models and body styles.
1. Audi A3
The Audi A3 is widely available for under £20,000, and your budget will typically buy a nicely specced car that's two years old. The same is true of the VW Golf, so why wouldn't you go for the posher Audi? A3s have a posher interior than a Golf, with better materials and a more intuitive infotainment system. And don't forget about Audi's Virtual Cockpit digital dials, which put all the must-read info front and centre.
Shop used Audi A3 cars for sale or read our Audi A3 review
2. Citroen C5 X
If you know where to look, you can find used-car bargains that others won't have thought of. The Citroen C5 X is one such car – it's just as practical as a BMW 3 Series Touring or Audi A4 Avant, and it's almost as stylish inside. And you certainly wouldn't be able to get a year-old BMW or Audi for under £20,000 unless it's been hideously damaged. Citroen's zippy 1.2-litre petrol is more than a match for the suave C5 X, and it'll manage over 45mpg quite easily.
Shop used Citroen C5 X cars for sale or read our Citroen C5 X review
3. Ford Focus
The Ford Focus has such a broad range of talents, it's easy to see why so many have found homes with UK buyers. You get a driving experience that's refined and composed, while somehow also being direct and sporty. It's not just the driver who benefits from the Focus's skillset – there's enough passenger space for four adults to sit comfortably or five at a push, and a handily square 375-litre load space. The £20,000 budget gives a good selection of nearly new Focus models including the practical Focus Estate and chunky-looking Active versions, with a choice of frugal petrol, hybrid and diesel engines.
View a choice of nearly new Ford Focus cars for sale or read our Ford Focus review
4. Ford Puma
The second Ford on this list could be even better value than the first. Widely available with massive discounts, you can drive away in a Puma that's under a year old for around £10,000 less than it was originally worth. The Puma can't quite match the Focus for legroom, but it offers a bigger boot and a slightly higher driving position, plus a chain-driven mild-hybrid engine that's good for around 50mpg. Being based on the Fiesta, the Puma is joyous to drive – and the brilliant Puma ST is available for well under £20,000 if you're happy with a car that's a few plates older.
Shop used Ford Puma cars for sale or read our Ford Puma review
5. Mini Hatchback
It's hardly news anymore that the Mini Hatchback is no longer very 'mini', but that does mean the latest version is safer and more practical than any of its predecessors. That's especially true of the five-door version, which has enough room for adults in the back seats and a boot large enough for most day-to-day duties. Our £20,000 budget here covers a lot of nearly new choices, so make sure you pick one that has a colour and spec you're happy with. The 1.5-litre Cooper has plenty of power but we can't deny the appeal of the sporty 2.0-litre Cooper S with 192hp and true hot-hatch pace. We think the snappy manual gearbox is more fun to use but the automatic option works extremely well so is still a great choice if you'd prefer a two-pedal option.
Check out nearly new Mini Hatchback cars for sale or read our Mini Hatchback review
6. MG HS
The latest MG HS feels expensive – it's smartly styled, feels posh to the touch and has vast rear legroom. So it's all the more surprising that £20,000 will buy you a nearly new HS that's barely tickled the Tarmac. Two trim levels are offered, and even the cheaper SE gets smartphone mirroring, keyless entry and LED headlights; Trophy trim adds nice-to-haves like heated front seats and two-zone climate control.
Shop used MG HS cars for sale or read our MG HS review
7. Peugeot 2008
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Like the Puma above, you can score a 25-plate Peugeot 2008 with a five-figure saving. And you can choose between petrol or electric power – with the 'leccy e-2008 being cheaper to run if you can charge at home – in the top-spec GT trim level. That version gives you a reversing camera, lots of interior tech and some truly fantastic alloy wheels. With so many 2008s available, you can pick the exact colour and spec that you want.
Shop nearly new Peugeot 2008 cars or read our Peugeot 2008 review
8. Polestar 2
The Polestar 2 feels like it shouldn't cost less than £20,000, but it's true – they've started sneaking into budget. This Tesla Model 3 rival is a fantastic electric car, with a high-tech but intuitive interior, a smooth driving experience and a 340-mile range from the Long Range version. Charging at home is the cheapest and easiest way to keep your car's battery full, but fast-charging on the motorway is pretty convenient too – a 10-80% charge takes a little over half an hour. That's a coffee and a few emails.
Shop used Polestar 2 cars for sale or read our Polestar 2 review
9. Renault Megane E-Tech
Consider this French fancy when you’re shopping for nearly new cars under £20,000. The Renault Megane E-Tech is a completely fresh take on Renault's family hatchback, borrowing SUV design cues and getting fully electric power. With the right home tariff, a full charge – giving you over 200 miles even in the depths of winter – costs just a few pounds. The Megane is comfortable and surprisingly fun to drive, and we haven't even mentioned its utterly brilliant Google infotainment system.
Shop used Renault Megane E-Tech cars for sale or read our Renault Megane E-Tech review
10. Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen buyers have several options on the nearly new market for less than £20,000, including the smart Polo and the trendy Taigo SUV. But we’ve chosen the evergreen Golf for this list for its unbeatable all-round ability. It’s more than spacious enough for four adults and their luggage, and it’s a superb motorway car – especially with the 2.0-litre diesel that’s capable of over 60mpg – but it’s small enough to park without a problem. The latest Golf also comes with a vast array of connectivity tech, meaning you never have to be out of the loop.
Shop nearly new Volkswagen Golf cars for sale or read our Volkswagen Golf review
Chosen your £20k champion?
Shop our selection of top-quality used cars priced under £20,000. If you'd like to see more budget-beating options, see our picks for the best cheap electric cars.
