The online vehicle retailer Carwow has recommended a number of affordable used cars that comply with the clean-air and ultra-low emission zones found in some UK cities.
With motorists forced to pay up to £4,500 per year to use a non-compliant car in the centre of cities such as London and Birmingham, many can actually save money by buying a more modern car.
Mat Watson, Chief Content Officer of Carwow, noted that motorists interested in buying a used city car should consider the Volkswagen Up!, with a massive range available for well under £10,000.
He explained: “If you want a small car, then one of the best and most compact is the Volkswagen Up! (or its siblings, the SEAT Mii and Skoda Cigito, which may also be slightly cheaper).
“The 1.0-litre engine gives 60bhp and a low insurance group of 1E. We found a 2015 model with less than 62,000 miles for £5,998.”
Carwow suggested that motorists interested in a slightly larger supermini should buy a third-generation Honda Jazz.
Built between 2013 and 2022, the Jazz may have a slightly elderly image but offers a good track record for reliability and interior space.
The company highlighted that they found a 2013 example with a 1.4 engine and 42,000 miles on the clock for just £6,922.
Carwow also noted that one of the best SUVs to beat clean-air zone charges is the Kia Sportage, one of the best-selling new models on the UK market during 2023.
Drivers with a £10,000 budget will be able to buy an early example of the fourth-generation Sportage, built between 2015 and 2021.
Buyers can choose from a comprehensive range of petrols and diesels, and smart shoppers may be able to find an example that is still under the company’s impressive seven-year warranty.
Finally, proving that not all cheap used cars have to be dull, Mat recommended the Mazda MX-5 for motorists after a sub-£10,000 sports car.
He added: “If [drivers are] keeping it in a city, then get one with the retractable hardtop to make it more secure.
“The 1.8-litre petrol engine is Euro 5, so still clean-air zone-compliant as it’s a petrol. We found a 2013 example with less than 23,000 miles for £9,650.”
