Best cars for £30,000 or less

BMW M2 Mk1
Kia e-Niro Mk1
Lexus GS Mk4
Mercedes E-Class Mk5
Porsche Macan Mk1
Tesla Model S Mk1
Volvo XC90 Mk2

BMW M2 Mk1

Years produced: 2015-2021
Engines available: 3.0T petrol

Pros	Cons
Engaging, exciting handling	Not as exotic as some M cars
Turbo straight-six power	Running costs
Muscular looks	Tricky on the limit

If you’re wanting to scratch that sports-coupe itch, the Porsche Cayman is likely to be the go-to option, but hold fire, because the BMW M2 might just be the perfect alternative.

It’s far more practical than the Porsche, coming with a pair of rear seats and even a decent-sized boot, and it’s a little more ‘ordinary’ under the skin, which makes for more sensible running costs. Well, relatively.

The engine of earlier cars, for instance, is a hopped-up version of the turbocharged straight six from the M135i and M235i. But don’t be fooled; this is still a proper M car. Rear-wheel drive and a short wheelbase do mean these cars can be tricky on the limit, though.

Kia e-Niro Mk1

Years produced: 2018-2022
Powertrains available: 39.2, 64kWh battery/1x-e motor

Pros	Cons
Excellent efficiency	Bland looks
Resonably quick	Still fairly expensive
Well equipped	Dull interior

It’s well worth looking past the e-Niro’s drab exterior, and its equally subdued cabin, because under the skin is an excellent electric powertrain that offers surprisingly punchy performance and brilliant efficiency.

Indeed, in contrast to many EVs, the e-Niro has an official range figure that isn’t a distant dream. That number is 282 miles in the larger-battery 64kWh model, while the 39kWh version manages 180 miles, so you’ll need to decide which better suits your needs.

Lexus GS Mk4

Years produced: 2012-2020
Engines available: 2.5T, 3.5 hybrid, 5.0 petrol

Pros	Cons
Distinctive styling	Some rivals better to drive
Positive ownership reports	Not many around
Smart-looking interior	CVT an acquired taste

According to the results of our Driver Power used car surveys in both 2021 and 2022, the Lexus GS is the UK’s most satisfying used car to own. A budget of £20k to £30k lets you join this happy bunch; for that, you get great looks, efficient hybrid tech and an interior to die for.

But not, sadly, a V8. The rare GS F is outside of our budget. Go for a later facelifted GS 300 and you’ll still have plenty of pace, but you will need to be happy with the car’s continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Mercedes E-Class Mk5

Years produced: 2016-present
Engines available: 2.0T, 3.0T petrol, 2.0, 3.0 PHEV, 2.0, 2.9, 3.0 diesel

Pros	Cons
Wafting ability	Not exciting to look at
Top-class cabin	BMW 5 Series is sharper to drive
Strong engine range	Expensive

The latest Mercedes E-Class is so good, you have to question whether it’s worth making the jump to the pricier S-Class.

Even as Mercedes readies the replacement for this current ‘W213’ version, it remains the mid-size luxury benchmark. It’s a relaxing car to cruise in, thanks to a cosseting ride and a plush cabin filled with all sorts of fancy technology. The E-Class works best with one of the diesel engines, but there are also a few plug-in hybrid examples in this price bracket.

Porsche Macan Mk1

Years produced: 2014-present
Engines available: 2.0T, 3.0T, 3.6T petrol, 3.0 diesel

Pros	Cons
Class-leading dynamics	Expensive
Badge appeal	Some rivals more practical
Refinement	Expensive to buy used

The Porsche Macan has been on sale for the best part of a decade, but don’t go thinking that means it’s possible to get a bargain. These cars have super-strong residual values, so buying one can still be pricey. The other side of this is that you won’t lose much when it comes to selling it on, and in any case, the Macan justifies its price tag.

It’s one of the sportiest SUVs out there, providing a thrilling drive that truly justifies the Porsche crest on the bonnet, and has a brilliant, 911-like cabin.

Tesla Model S Mk1

Years produced: 2011-present
Powertrains available: 75kWh, 85kWh, 90kWh, 100kWh battery/ 1x e-motor, 2x e-motor

Pros	Cons
Fast and efficient powertrain	Iffy build quality
Potential free Supercharger access	Volatile residuals
Very practical	Getting on a bit

Thanks to a seemingly constant stream of tweaks and updates from Tesla, it’s easy to forget that the Model S is now more than 10 years old.

That means some examples can now be picked up for less than £30,000, and some also come with free access to Tesla’s famed Supercharger network, which remains highly rated.

Be warned, though: Tesla’s somewhat erratic approach to new prices can have a knock-on effect on used values.

Volvo XC90 Mk2

Years produced: 2015-present
Engines available: 2.0T, 2.0S/T petrol, 2.0 PHEV, 2.0 diesel

Pros	Cons
Handsome, understated looks	Infotainment could be better
Spacious, premium cabin for seven	Rivals are sharper to drive
Very safe	Still quite expensive

The first version of the current-era XC90, our 2015 New Car of the Year, is still in many ways the best of the bunch. It’s a spacious, handsome SUV packed with safety features. The current XC90 also looks great, and has a fabulous, premium-feeling seven-seat cabin that’s refreshingly different from those in German rivals.

All powertrains are of the same capacity with varying power levels, and there’s something for everyone. There are even models that use a turbocharger and supercharger, plus various plug-in hybrid options, although for many, one of the smooth and economical diesels still makes the most sense. One thing that does grate is that the climate controls are part of the (laggy) infotainment system.

The best used cars for all budgets:

The best cars for under £1,000
The best cars for under £3,000
The best cars for under £5,000
The best cars for under £10,000
The best cars for under £15,000
The best cars for under £20,000
The best cars for under £30,000

Keyword: Best cars for £30,000 or less