What is a Pre-Purchase Inspection and Do You Need One?
You’ve done your research and you think you’ve found the right vehicle, so a good next step is a pre-purchase inspection (PPI). But what is a pre-purchase inspection? And do yo... (16-01-2025)
Used cars for sale under £20,000
If you have a budget of £20,000 you might be tempted to purchase brand new. However, there are plenty of used car options for £20,000 on the second-hand market giving you more value for money. Whether you're searching for a spacious family car or simply seeking a reliable car at an affordable price, we have a great selection of hatchbacks, SUVs, saloons, coupes and estates that won't break the bank.
With a budget of £20,000, you'll find an array of reliable, used petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric cars from trusted dealers across the UK with MOTORS.
Volkswagen, EOS
2013 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Sport 2dr DSG
30
Reduced
£7,695
Finance available £38 pm
- 2L
- 79.9kMiles
- Diesel
- Auto
- Convertible
EJB Car Sales Ltd
Nissan, Qashqai
2013 (62) - 1.5 dCi [110] Tekna 5dr
13
Reduced
£3,495
Finance available £33 pm
- 1.5L
- 95.1kMiles
- Diesel
- Manual
- Hatchback
The Car People Brynmawr
Ford, S-MAX
2017 (66) - 2.0 TDCi Titanium Sport Powershift Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
12
£11,495
Finance available £33 pm
- 2L
- 82kMiles
- Diesel
- Auto
- People Carrier
Motorhouse (Beds) Ltd
Nissan, Note
2007 (57) - 1.4 16V Acenta Euro 4 5dr
79
Fiat, 500
2024 - 1.0 Mild Hybrid 3dr
12
£12,798
- 1L
- 10Miles
- Petrol
- Manual
- Hatchback
Glasgow South Street Vauxhall/Peugeot/Citroen/Vanstore
Citroen, C4 Cactus
2015 - 65461 5-Door
Ford, Kuga
2021 - 1.5 EcoBlue ST-Line X Edition SUV 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)
37
Kia, Ceed
2014 (1F) - 1.6 CRDi EcoDynamics 4 Tech Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (126 b
21
SEAT, Leon
2021 - 1.5 eTSI 150 Xcellence 5r DSG Auto 5-Door
33
Reduced
£17,500
Finance available £55 pm
- 1.5L
- 15.4kMiles
- Petrol
- Semi Auto
- Hatchback
Vospers Ford Truro
BMW, 1 Series
2019 - 118d SE 5dr [Nav-Servotronic] Step Auto
38
Low Mileage
£14,599
Finance available £46 pm
- 2L
- 26.1kMiles
- Diesel
- Auto
- Hatchback
Motorpoint Sheffield
SEAT, Alhambra
2019 (19) - 2.0 TDI SE L DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
39
£17,350
Finance available £53 pm
- 2L
- 46.5kMiles
- Diesel
- Auto
- People Carrier
Quality Part X Ltd Stevenage
Kia, Venga
2014 (14) - 1.6 2 Auto Euro 5 5dr
60
Cupra, Formentor
2021 (71) - 1.4 eHybrid 204 V2 5dr DSG
8
BMW, 3 Series
2016 - 2.0 320d ED Sport Saloon 4-Door
25
MINI, Countryman
2011 - 1.6 One SUV 5dr Petrol Steptronic Euro 5 (98 ps) Automatic
20
Cupra, Born
2022 (22) - 58kWh V1 Hatchback 5dr Electric Auto (204 ps) Heated Steering Wheel, Wirele
38
Before buying any car, there are some checks you should do to ensure the vehicle you are looking to purchase is safe and matches what is being advertised by the dealer.
Conduct some visual checks
Conducting visual checks is the first step you should take before purchasing a used car. This includes inspecting things like the paint and bodywork, checking the tyres and also examining the windscreen, windows and lights to ensure there isn't any damage and everything is in correct working order.
Also, don't be afraid to lift the bonnet and check the engine to ensure the internal components appear as they should.
Test drive the vehicle
Taking the car for a test drive will give you the opportunity to check that the vehicle is working as it should. As you drive the car, listen for any unusual noises whilst testing the clutch, brakes and acceleration. This is also a good opportunity to test additional features such as the heating, air conditioning, radio and infotainment system if the car has this.
Ask to see the car's documents
When you are viewing the vehicle, it is also a good idea to check the car's documents in person. This includes things such as the V5C document, MOT certificates, service history and the vehicle handbook. Inspecting these documents will highlight any issues the car has had and whether they have been rectified.
For further advice and guidance on things to consider before buying a used car, check out our used car buying checklist.
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What car can you buy for £20,000?
With a budget of £20,000, you will be able to purchase a used quality car within this range. This includes both petrol and diesel models as well as a range of high-quality electric models. Popular models within this price range include the Audi TT, BMW 1 Series, Mercedes C-Class, Kia Niro, Jaguar XE and Mazda MX-5.
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Can you buy an electric car for under £20,000?
In the second-hand market, you will find a hugely diverse and appealing set of used EVs for under £20,000. Notable EV models within this price range include the Citroen e-C4, Fiat 500 Electric, Hyundai Ioniq, Nissan Leaf, Renault Zoe, and the Vauxhall Mokka X.
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What checks should I do before buying a car?
Before buying any used car you should thoroughly inspect the vehicle using a used car buying checklist. Inspecting components such as tyres, engines, brakes and exhausts, will help you to understand the current condition of the car and if it requires any inspections or work by a professional garage. It is also a good idea to test-drive the vehicle before purchasing it so you can be confident it works as expected. This also allows you to ask any questions and raise any concerns you may have.
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