Five best used cars to buy in 2026: From budget hatchbacks to family SUVs

The best used car of the year has been revealed – and for the first time ever it's an EV.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has become the first electric car to be named as the Auto Express Used Car of the Year.

The awards look specifically at second-hand cars, recognising models that combine value, practicality, performance and desirability.

This year, the Ioniq 5 demonstrates that a used electric car can tick all of these boxes.

Hyundai's compact electric SUV arrived in 2021 and was refreshed last year. 

It was the first model from Hyundai's Ioniq EV-exclusive brand and today you can get used examples for a fraction of the price of a new model.

Phil McNamara, editor-at-large of Auto Express, said: 'The best used cars aren't necessarily the ones with the biggest badges or the highest new-car price tags. 

'The smart buys are those that deliver what drivers really need - whether that's low running costs, family-friendly space or a premium experience - at a price that makes sense.'

Which cars are the best to snap up on the second-hand market this year? Here are Auto Express' top five used buys.

1. Hyundai Ioniq 5

Launched five years ago, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a crossover which costs from £40,695 new but can be as little as £13,000 used – an affordable way into electric motoring.

The maximum range is 354 miles which is enough to get you from London to Berwick-upon-Tweed on the East Coast on a single charge.

Judges were impressed with its distinctive design, spacious, well-equipped interior and engaging driving experience.

Phil says: 'The Ioniq 5 is a brilliant all-rounder that shows just how good a used electric car can be. 

'It combines head-turning looks with a spacious, practical interior, plenty of technology and a genuinely enjoyable driving experience.

'With prices starting at little over £13,000, it makes a compelling case for going electric - and is a thoroughly deserving Used Car of the Year.'

2. Renault Clio

The Renault Clio may have lost out to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 for the overall prize but it separately took home Best Used Small Car.

Over six generations this supermini has proven that low running costs and practicality can go hand-in-hand.

Judges awarded it silver because it combines compact dimensions with a grown-up driving experience, generous equipment and efficient engine options, including a hybrid that helps keep running costs down.

Phil says: 'One of the most accomplished small cars on sale, and a winner in the supermini class of our New Car Awards several years on the trot, the Renault Clio combines dinky dimensions with big-car tech.

'Throw in hybrid drive, and those regular fuel-station visits will be a thing of the past.'

Three-year-old used versions can be typically snapped up for £11,000-£14,000.  

3. Volvo XC90

The Volvo XC90 took bronze overall as well as Gold in the Best Used Large SUV category.

The XC90 is one of the most popular seven-seaters on the market thanks to its quiet luxury design, plush but tasteful interior and large family practicality.

The Auto Express team praised its ability to deliver family-friendly versatility and luxury at a fraction of its original price.

Priced from £57,270 new, it's not in everyone's budget, but a second-hand version can shave thousands off the price tag.

Phil says: 'Another former New Car Award winner, the XC90 has stood the test of time, with a design that still feels fresh years after launch.

'Diesel models are plentiful but plug-in hybrid versions are worth considering, too, allowing shorter journeys to be made on electric power alone. The commanding driving position makes the Volvo a favourite for school-run mums (and dads), but it's the space inside that really sells it.

'There's room for seven people, and no chair feels like the cheap seat; load the XC90 up with a small football team, and they'll all be able to bask in the leather-lined luxury.

'With used prices starting below £20,000, it offers an awful lot of car for the money.'

4. Polestar 4

In fourth place is the Polestar 4, which also wins Best Used Premium Electric Car.

The 4 electric coupe – which was the first car in the UK to have a rearview camera instead of a mirror – has a range of 391 miles – almost enough to get from London to Edinburgh on a single charge – and can do 0-60mph in 3.8 seconds. Top versions offer 536bhp.

Auto Express judges appreciate how it is stylish, well-built and enjoyable to drive, saying it offers an alternative to more familiar electric executive cars, with depreciation creating opportunities for used buyers.

Polestar's used buying platform offers 4 Coupes from £31,000 – more than £20,000 less than the new £54,750 price tag.

5. Dacia Jogger

Rounding out the top five is the Dacia Jogger, which takes two category awards: Best Used Hybrid Car and Best Used Family Car.

Dacia is the Romanian no-frills brand that is now owned by Renault but continues to offer maximum value to buyers.

The Jogger seven-seater family car only costs from £18,995 new, but can be snapped up from under £10,000 used.

Auto Express commends how its blend of space, versatility and affordability makes it a standout option for buyers who need room for the family without stretching their budget.

Expert tips for buying a used car

From choosing a less obvious model to negotiating a better deal, here are Auto Express's top tips on how to make your money go further. 

1. Look beyond the badge

Looking at alternative brands or body styles can unlock significant savings without sacrificing practicality.

For instance, Carwow data shows that four- to six-year-old Vauxhall Astras cost £5,500 less on average than equivalent Volkswagen Golfs, while choosing a hatchback over an SUV could save thousands.

2. Consider buying an EV

Used EVs can offer particularly good value, with Cap HPI data showing that three-year-old electric cars with 30,000 miles on the clock typically have trade values around 10 per cent below equivalent petrol or diesel models.

Plus, lower charging costs and less frequent servicing could offer further savings, particularly if you can charge at home.

3. Find the depreciation sweet spot

New cars can lose 15-30 per cent of their value in the first year alone, according to VIP Data, with depreciation slowing as they get older.

So cars aged between two and five years can offer a great balance of affordability and manageable running costs, although it's worth checking whether the manufacturer's warranty is still valid.

4. Time your purchase smartly

Prices for used cars fluctuate throughout the year by anything between 1 per cent and 3 per cent per month, making buying timing important.

The end of the month can be a good time to negotiate, particularly in March and September, when new registration plates bring more part-exchange cars onto the market and dealers are keen to meet sales targets.

5. Consider models most readily available

Don't limit your search to local dealerships or the most popular models. Instead, consider cars with greater availability, because then you have more scope to negotiate, and compare prices across the country, which could save you hundreds or even thousands of pounds.

But don't forget to factor in the cost and inconvenience of travelling to collect your car.

6. Negotiate more than the price

Never pass over the opportunity to ask for a discount, but if the dealer won't budge, see if they'll include extras such as a warranty, servicing, alloy wheel refurbishment or a full tank of fuel.

If you're buying on finance, you could also ask whether there's any flexibility on the interest rate. Agree the car's price first, then negotiate any extras.