Ten best used cars that will save you tens of thousands of pounds instead of buying new

Anyone stepping foot into a new car dealership in 2026 will likely think one thing: when did new models get so incredibly expensive?Over the last decade, the average list price of a new petrol car has shot up by a staggering 67 per cent – far outstripping consumer price inflation and wage growth.In 2015, the average new petrol car cost £27,035. Fast-forward to today and that figure has ballooned to £45,218, according to analysis by Cox Automotive using Cap HPI data.But there is an obvious way to steer around these price hikes: buy used. And Britons have been doing just that in recent years.Used car sales rose by 2.2 per cent in 2025, marking three consecutive years of growth as registrations of new models continue to lag behind pre-pandemic levels.And according to What Car?, drivers who are willing to pick up the keys to the best-rated second-hand models that are at least a year old can typically save between £18,000 and £67,000.This week, the automotive magazine has revealed its 2026 used car award winners – and they've dubbed them 'half-price heroes' because you can find second-hand examples for sale for less than 50 per cent of their showroom 'on the road' prices. The Skoda Kodiaq is What Car?’s best used seven-seater of 2026. If you buy a used Kodiaq instead of a new one you can save £18,0251. Skoda KodiaqSaving: £18,025Used half-price hero: 2024 Skoda Kodiaq 1.5 TSI e-TEC SE L (7 seats)Large family cars capable of carrying seven people often come with hefty price tags as manufacturers combine luxury with practicality.For buyers who need three rows of seats without a monster budget, the Skoda Kodiaq is a fantastic option – especially on the used market.A brand-new Kodiaq will set you back £43,025, but you can snap up a 2024 model for around £25,000 – saving yourself more than £18,000 in the process. The Kia Sportage is one of the most popular affordable SUVs on the market and a 2022 model can be bought used for only £13k - a saving of over £18k compared to a new Sportage2. Kia Sportage Saving: £18,395Used half-price hero: 2022 Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi 3It may surprise many to learn that the Kia Sportage recently celebrated its 30th birthday.The first generation hit UK shores in August 1995, and the range received an anniversary facelift last year. It continues to deliver SUV practicality, great tech, and impressive reliability.While the Sportage isn't overly expensive brand-new at £31,395, you can pick up a 2022 model for just £13,000 – a solid £18,395 saving on a new example. The Toyota Corolla proves that a hatchback can offer great family driving. If you pick up a used version you only have to spend £11,000 - a saving of almost £20k 3. Toyota CorollaSaving: £19,845Used half-price hero: 2019 Toyota Corolla 1.8 Hybrid Icon TechNot every family needs a mammoth SUV; many are perfectly content with a traditional hatchback that comfortably seats five when it's required. The Toyota Corolla is a versatile, economical and stylish hybrid option. It remains one of the world's best-selling cars for good reason and earned What Car?’s best used hatchback title.Instead of paying the £30,845 new OTR price, you can get behind the wheel of an average mileage used 2019 model for £11,000 – saving £19,845. Save yourself almost £20k by buying a used Skoda Superb estate which will offer you practical and comfortable family driving4. Skoda SuperbSaving: £19,990Used half-price hero: 2021 Skoda Superb Estate 2.0 TDI 150 SE TechnologyThe Superb Estate is the second award-winning Skoda on our list – and it won't be the last.While it may not carry the outright glamour of a BMW M3 Touring, it boasts a surprisingly plush, upmarket interior alongside an enormous 690-litre boot.Like its stablemates, the Superb is sensible family motoring at its finest. It costs £34,990 new but buying used drops the price to just £15,000 – saving you almost £20,000 compared to purchasing a zero-mile car. The Skoda Karoq isn't the flashiest but this well-equipped SUV can be picked up for only £12,000 - £20,135 less than a new example5. Skoda Karoq Saving: £20,135Used half-price hero: 2022 Skoda Karoq 1.5 TSI 150 SESkoda dominated this year's What Car? Used Car of the Year awards, with the Karoq taking home a third victory for the Czech brand.While it might not be the flashiest crossover on the road, the Karoq is an immensely functional compact SUV offering generous cabin space, punchy performance and excellent fuel economy.Rather than shelling out £32,125 for a new model, savvy buyers can pick up a used example for £12,000 – pocketing over £20,000 in savings. The Volkswagen Passat is now only available as an estate and family car buyers can get a used 2024 model for £22,285 - a £22k-plus saving on a new Passat6. Volkswagen PassatSaving: £22,285Used half-price hero: 2024 Volkswagen Passat 1.5 TSI eHybrid 204 LifeThe Volkswagen Passat is a household name, having shifted more than 34 million units globally since 1973.The latest Passat is available strictly as an estate, with a choice of petrol or plug-in hybrid powertrains. With 510 litres of boot capacity and an electric-only range of up to 81 miles, the eHybrid is as practical as it is sleek.A brand-new model costs £44,285, but you can secure a 2024 used version for half that amount – £22,285. The Toyota GR Yaris is so popular new that it's sold out. But hot hatch enthusiasts can get this cult car for £22,000 used and save £26,795 7. Toyota GR Yaris Saving: £26,795Used half-price hero: 2020 Toyota GR Yaris 1.6T GR CircuitHere is the ultimate second-hand bargain for performance enthusiasts. The rally-bred GR Yaris hot hatch has earned instant cult status thanks to its raw, driver-focused setup.Demand for this sub-four-metre pocket rocket has been so high that it is currently unavailable to order brand-new.That makes the used market your only route to ownership. You can pick up a second-hand GR Yaris for £22,000 – a £26,795 saving compared to its £48,795 new list price.It's ok to own a Tesla again so EV buyers might be interested to snap up a used Model 3 instead of a new Model 3 and save almost £38k in the process8. Tesla Model 3Saving: £37,990Used half-price hero: 2019 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWDSurging fuel prices driven by ongoing global conflicts have sparked renewed interest in electric vehicles, bringing Elon Musk's brand back into favour.After two years of sales dips, the Model 3 has rebounded strongly, taking home What Car?’s best used executive car title this year.A 2019 Model 3 Long Range offers up to 322 miles of range on a single charge and can be picked up second-hand for just £12,000 – a £37,990 discount off the £49,990 new price tag. The previous version of the BMW iX3 is rather pricey new - almost £60k - but can be bought used for £17k - a £40k-plus saving9. BMW iX3Saving: £40,520Used half-price hero: 2021 BMW iX3 M Sport ProWhile BMW's latest iX3 overhaul promises ranges of up to 500 miles, the previous generation remains a compelling buy.Crowned What Car?’s best used electric SUV, the previous iX3 retains the familiar, handsome styling of its petrol and diesel siblings while offering a refined, practical and engaging electric drive.You can pick up a used iX3 for £17,000 – a massive £40,520 saving compared to buying new at £57,520. Buy a used Range Rover Sport and save yourself a eye-watering £67,010 - the biggest used car saving in this list10. Range Rover SportSaving: £67,010Used half-price hero: 2018 Range Rover Sport 3.0 SDV6 HSEIf you want the biggest price drop on this list, look no further than an eight-year-old Range Rover Sport.Named best used premium SUV by What Car?, it remains one of the most luxurious high-riders on the market. The 2018 facelift refreshed the cabin with leather, satin finishes and metal accents, while standard air suspension delivers an effortlessly smooth ride. And, contrary to the general consensus about JLR product reliability, the automotive title says this generation of Range Rover Sport has an impressive 96.6 per cent reliability rating.A new example of the sporty Rangie will set you back an eye-watering £87,010. Going for a 2018 second-hand example with average mileage (though will be well outside its warranty period) will set you back around £22,000 – delivering a staggering £67,000 saving. CARS & MOTORING: ON TEST