The used car market can be seemingly endless and confusing, with many cars of all different makes and models, specifications and trim levels. We understand how daunting this can be for someone looking for a new car.
You can relax now though, you’ve found the car finance ninjas who are on hand 7 days a week to help! We can help you find the car you are looking for with just a few details, find the best possible rate for finance, and deal with all the paperwork for you!
Our ninjas have scoured the used car market in search of the top 10 best cars under £20,000 for 2023 and we have pulled them together here for you. Now £20K is serious money, and you may think to go for a brand-new car. But you may be surprised how far that will take you with a nearly new used car:
1. Ford Focus 1.0 Ecoboost Titanium Edition
Back in 2018, the American manufacturing giant launched a new version of their very popular family hatchback – the Ford Focus. It is a brilliant, versatile and economical hatchback that drives very well and continues to go from strength to strength.
If you are looking for a well-equipped version with things like cruise control, a touchscreen media system and a heated windscreen then we suggest going for the Titanium edition.
Ford’s 1.0 petrol Ecoboost engines are also widely popular across the industry for their economy and power. They provide the driver with the speed of a larger engine whilst keeping the economy of a smaller one.
2. BMW 3 Series MK6 (2011-2019)
The size down from its big brother, the 5 Series, this BMW is perfect for those who don’t need the extra space. Just like the larger model, the 3 Series drives brilliantly and offers the same rear-drive platform.
You get a choice of brilliant four and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. As with every BMW, the cabin is a very pleasant place to be with high-quality materials and a very good media system.
If you are looking for a comfortable cruiser with a great reputation, brilliant engines and a class-leading drive, then the 3 Series could be perfect for you!
3. Volkswagen Golf GTI MK7 (2012-2020)
This car needs no introduction at all, one of the most famous hot hatchbacks ever made, the Golf GTI has been around since its launch in 1975. The Golf remains subtle, not shouting about how fast it is. To many, it will look like the standard Golf, but it is more special than that.
You can have the GTI as a 3-door or 5-door hatchback, and both have plenty of space in the back seats for kids. It is powered by a fantastic 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine putting out 220PS (217bhp) which is more than enough to have some fun on UK roads!
If you are looking for a car that is fun and exciting to thrash around as well as practical enough to use on the school run, then the Golf GTI is absolutely for you!
4. Mercedes C220d Estate AMG Line
If you are looking for a luxury estate car then the Mercedes C-Class Estate is right up there with the best in the market. It has masses of interior space as well as being very comfortable and high-quality.
For your £20K budget, you can source some great economy-focused diesel models such as our recommended C220d AMG Line. It is powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine that produces 200 horsepower and 440 Nm of torque. This gives the car plenty of power for everyday driving.
The Mercedes C220d Estate AMG Line is the perfect car for those who want the best of both worlds: practicality and performance. With its spacious interior, versatile cargo area, and powerful diesel engine, the C220d Estate is the perfect car for families and active lifestyles.
5. Audi TT MK3 (2014-Present)
This version of the famous Audi TT has been in production for almost 10 years and is set to be the last-ever TT Coupe! If you are looking for the S or the RS models, then I’m afraid this budget won’t stretch that far.
Not to worry, as there are plenty of variations that are more affordable and stiff fantastic cars to drive. Such as the 228bhp 2.0-litre TFSI engine, which is plenty powerful enough for most people. Whichever TT you buy, you’ll enjoy the comfortable, minimalistic cabin and the Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster.
6. BMW 5 Series 520d
With our £20,000 budget, you may be surprised that you can pick up a 2017-2018 BMW 5 Series with plenty of equipment! Being a few years old doesn’t matter with these cars either, as they come with everything you may need from cruise control to heated seats and Bluetooth connectivity.
Pretty much all are 520d diesels, but that’s not a bad thing as the engines are economical, refined and powerful. Those wanting something sportier can opt for the M Sport version.
Although these do come in slightly more expensive than the SE models, and have slightly firmer suspension, it’s worth deciding whether you want a more relaxed, comfier drive or sportier looks and feel behind the wheel.
7. Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi GT-Line S DCT
If you are looking for a well-equipped SUV with a class-leading 7-year warranty then the Kia Sportage is for you! Your £20K budget will also get you the sportier GT-Line that comes with cruise control, a reversing camera and sat nav.
The Sportage comes out on top in many categories against rivals such as the Nissan Qashqai and the Ford Kuga. The Sportage is a crossover, designed to combine the comfort and efficiency of a standard hatchback with the higher driving position of an off-road car.
8. Hyundai Ioniq Electric MK1 (2016-2019)
It may look a little bland but this is a very smart purchase for someone looking to switch to a used electric car. The Ioniq is reasonably inexpensive for a car of this type and one of the most efficient EVs.
It is quick and punchy with its straight-line performance, although it only has a pretty mediocre range of 173 miles. It is powered by a 28kWh battery producing 120hp.
So if you are looking for strong EV performance, good practicality and an efficient powertrain, then the Hyundai Ioniq sounds like the car for you!
9. MINI Convertible Cooper S
The brilliantly fun MINI Convertible was updated back in 2018, and the most eye-catching addition the update introduced was the stylish Union Jack rear lights, along with various other additions both inside and out.
Even better news is your £20,000 will easily stretch to the Cooper S version if you are looking for a bit more performance. You could even find a John Cooper Works for this budget, but they are very limited at this price and are extremely hot hatchbacks.
MINI’s are well known for their personalisation options so finding one that fits your style and needs can be tricky. Don’t worry, just ask our friendly CarMoney ninjas to help you find one that works!
10. Mazda 3 MK4 (2019-Present)
The brilliant, long-running Mazda 3 has been the choice for many when it comes to family hatchbacks. It boasts brilliant styling, good equipment and a high-quality cabin.
It is a very engaging car to drive, with a fab gearbox and handling corners with ease! Mazda also stand by their naturally aspirated petrol engines which many people like, but these units can be a little uneconomical.
Overall, the Mazda 3 is a brilliant little hatchback with a great reputation. If you want something a little less mainstream and a little more characterful, then the stylish Mazda 3 is right up your street!
Why Choose CarMoney?
With a budget of £20,000, you can go much further in the used market than you may think! Push the boat out a little and search around a bit, you could find your next dream car!
Need help financing a car? Well, Nikki and his car finance ninjas are on hand to source you the best possible rates, the fastest possible acceptance and the friendliest service around! We can even help you find the right car for you.
Come and find out how much you can save with the car finance ninjas!
Why not see our best used cars under £20K 2024…
