Introduction
In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of the best cars on a reasonable budget, ideal for the rugged or cityscape driving conditions of the UK and Ireland. If you’re a first-time buyer, looking to upgrade to a lower-mileage substitute, or want a practical car that won’t break the bank, choosing the right vehicle on a reasonable budget can be tricky.
We’re picking five champions to help inform your milestone decision. We will be be assessing these cars based on their best attributes. So, let’s have a look at the world of budget-friendly, yet high performing vehicles.
Ford Fiesta
Who would’ve thought this would be here. A popular car in the UK and Ireland, the Ford Fiesta offers affordability, practicality, and fun-to-drive characteristics. With various engine sizes and configurations, the Fiesta suits all types of drivers – whether you’re a city commuter or someone looking for a small, sporty hatchback.
Attributes:
- Fuel efficiency: Can easily surpass 50 MPG, especially with the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine.
- Affordable pricing: Newer models start at around £14,000/€17000, but you can find good used options for as little as £7,000/€8300.
- Low insurance costs: Insurance groups are generally low, especially for the smaller engine variants, making it ideal for young drivers.
- Practicality: Despite its compact size, the Fiesta offers plenty of boot space and is well-equipped with tech features.
The Ford Fiesta has a long history of being one of the best value-for-money cars in the UK and Ireland, thanks to its two-hit combo of low running costs and solid performance, not to mention a commonplace competitor on the rally scene.
Hyundai i20
Another excellent option for buyers on a budget, the Hyundai i20. This compact hatchback brings good looks, a high-quality interior, and an overall solid driving experience.
Attributes:
- Low maintenance costs: Hyundai’s reputation for reliability remains true today, leading to fewer repairs and lower service costs.
- Fuel efficiency: With its 1.1 and 1.2-litre petrol engines, the i20 returns impressive fuel economy of up to 50-60 MPG, diesel variants vary between 1.1 and 1.4-litres.
- Modern tech: Base models include The i20 features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Warranty: Hyundai is home to one of the best warranties in the market, which can extend to 5 years or 100,000 miles.
At around £14,000//€17000 for newer models, the i20 is a great choice for those seeking something practical with a lot of standard equipment.
Volkswagen Polo
A premium hatchback in its own right, the Volkswagen Polo provides a great blend of style, refinement, and value for money. It must be stated that it carries a slightly higher price tag than some of its competitors mentioned herein, but the Polo is built to last, with excellent build quality and a reputable reliability.
Attributes:
- Fuel economy: Depending on the engine, you can expect anything from 50-70 MPG, especially in diesel variants.
- Comfort: With its spacious and high-quality interior, the Polo feels more premium than many cars in its class, but note, this will come with a higher price tag.
- Low depreciation: The Volkswagen brand tends to hold its value better than most small cars, making it a good long-term investment, the Polo is no exception.
- Advanced safety features: Modern Polos come with a range of driver assistance technologies, such as lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking.
Prices for a new Polo start around £15,000 (UK)/€33,000 (Ireland), told you they can be pricy! You can find used options from £8,000 (UK)/€14000 (Ireland) onwards, making it a great choice for those wanting something with a bit more sophistication without breaking the bank.
Photo Credit: Matt Gasnier
Skoda Fabia
Here’s where the Polo’s Czech cousin steps in. A small hatchback, the Skoda Fabia has built a strong reputation for being incredibly practical, cost-effective, and spacious for its size. With a focus on simplicity and functionality, it’s the ideal option for someone looking for low-cost, reliable motoring.
Attributes:
- Affordability: A new Fabia costs between £13,000 and £18,000 (UK)/€22,500 (Ireland), and used models can be found for less than £7,000 (UK)/less than €10,000 (Ireland). A cheaper but certainly no lesser alternative to the Polo.
- Fuel efficiency: Its 1.0-litre TSI engine returns up to 55 MPG, making it an economical choice.
- Spaciousness: Despite its compact exterior, the Fabia offers a surprisingly roomy cabin and boot space.
- Reliability: Skoda is known for building tough, long-lasting cars, which means fewer unexpected repair costs.
An overall budget-friendly car whether you’re a new driver or not, the Skoda Fabia delivers plenty of value without sacrificing practicality or comfort.
Toyota Yaris
Renowned for its reliability, excellent fuel economy, and smooth driving experience, the Toyota Yaris is a subcompact car perfect for navigating the narrow streets of UK and Irish cities, but also providing ample interior space.
Attributes:
- Hybrid option: A great asset of the Yaris is that its available with a hybrid engine, returning upwards of 65-70 MPG – ideal for bringing down your fuel bills.
- Low running costs: Toyota’s reputation for building reliable, low-maintenance cars is well-earned.
- Small footprint, big space: The Yaris might be small on the outside, but it’s spacious enough inside for most people, with good boot space for its class.
- Safety: Toyota has equipped the Yaris with a full suite of safety features, including lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control.
With prices for a new Yaris starting at around £15,000 (UK)/ €29,000 (Ireland) and used models available for as little as £7,500 (UK)/€20,000 (Ireland), it’s an affordable and eco-friendly choice for anyone looking for a dependable vehicle.
Kia Ceed
An all-around solid hatchback, the Kia Ceed punches above its weight in terms of build quality, features, and value for money. With a stylish design and a generous standard equipment list, it’s one of the best compact cars in the budget range.
Attributes:
- Warranty: That famous Kia warranty offers an unprecedented seven-years of coverage, providing peace of mind that your car will be covered for the long term.
- Fuel efficiency: The Ceed’s engines provide around 50-60 MPG, with the hybrid model offering even better figures.
- Modern tech: Standard features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a touchscreen infotainment system.
- Low depreciation: The Ceed holds its value well, meaning it won’t lose as much in resale value compared to some competitors.
With prices starting at £18,000 (UK)/€22,000 (Ireland) for a new model, the Kia Ceed is an excellent option for those who want a well-equipped, reliable car at an affordable price.
Conclusion
Choosing the right car on a reasonable budget can be a daunting task, but with options like the Ford Fiesta, Hyundai i20, Volkswagen Polo, Skoda Fabia, Toyota Yaris, and Kia Ceed, there’s no shortage of fantastic choices in the UK and Ireland. Each of these cars offers their own unqiue qualities, but they all share common values such as excellent value for money, affordable running costs, impressive fuel economy, and plenty of features to enhance your driving experience.
Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific needs – whether that’s a reliable city car, a spacious family vehicle, or a stylish hatchback. Whatever you decide, you’re sure to find a budget-friendly option that won’t compromise on quality.