Motorists looking for a second hand used car should look no further than five iconic models with Ford, Volkswagen and Mazda among the best picks.

Used cars are the backbone of the UK market with around a whopping 82% of passenger vehicles coming from the second hand market. Used cars may be the nation’s go-to but with so much choice available, it can be difficult to know where to start. Ultimately good value usually wins over many road users but reliability, driveability and legacy should all be questions on the lips of potential owners. These five all feature at least some of the tenets which make them unbeatable selections for those unsure of what to secure. 

Mazda MX-5

This plucky sportscar is one of the finest second-hand cars around and is one on my own personal wishlist. 

Not only does the MX-5 look great, Mazda has a strong reputation for producing reliable cars which stand the test of time. 

The MX-5 is already being labelled by many as a “modern classic” with Wheeler Dealers Mike Brewer previously praising the model. 

This means second-hand values are likely to hold and a good quality MX-5 could even generate a small profit if sold later down the line.

Hard-top options are the best pick for those without a warm garage to store their car with some good models available in the UK for just under £5,000.

Ford Fiesta 

Surely, it wouldn’t be right for the UK’s most popular second-hand car to not make the list. 

The Fiesta has earned that title for a reason with stats showing a staggering 306,207 second-hand models swapped hands in 2024. 

It’s believed around 22 million units  were produced across seven generations with the car’s affordability one of its big selling points.

The Fiesta is cheap to run with motorists likely to get up to 56mpg on one tank of fuel with repairs easy and hassle-free. The model is also one of the cheapest to insure making it a steal for younger drivers looking at getting their first vehicle.

Nissan Qashqai 

Among the recent surge in demand for SUVs, one model has stood taller than the competition. The Nissan Qashqai. 

The model is perfect for families offering an excellent blend of good fuel economy, spacious interior and an array of technological gadgets. 

Qashqai’s are usually a lot cheaper than Range Rover’s making them ideal for those keen to dip their toes into SUVs. 

Toyota Aygo X

Reliability is one of the most important aspects of used car shopping, making the Toyota Aygo X one of the standout picks. 

A recent study from WhatCar? found that the Aygo X was the most reliable on the market with 100% score. 

This means not a single Aygo X that took part in the study had suffered any issues within the past 24 months. The Aygo X is now a rare breed as it is one of the only city cars built specifically with a combustion engine.

Volkswagen Golf

Alongside the Fiesta, the Golf is always listed among the UK’s most popular second-hand cars.

The iconic hatchback has built somewhat oif a cult status with a broad demographic catering to everyone from first-time drivers to families.

One of the Golf’s big selling points is its driveability with comfortable and smooth handling at its forefront. The Golf has a good Euro NCAP safety record with newer models fitted with the latest safety tech at a budget price.