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 £500
Whether you're a first-time car buyer, a student on a tight budget, or simply seeking a cheap vehicle to get you from A to B, we have a great selection of used cars under £500 that won't break the bank.
From manuals to automatics and petrol to diesel vehicles, with MOTORS you'll find an array of cheap used cars under £500 from trusted dealers across the UK.
Vauxhall, Insignia
2015 (65) - 1.6 CDTi ecoFLEX Design Nav 5dr [Start Stop]
13
Peugeot, 308
2009 (09) - 1.6 THP GT 2DR - GREAT SPEC + CONVERTIBLE + WARRANTED LOW MILES
7
Mercedes-Benz, GLA
2017 (67) - 2.1 GLA200d AMG Line SUV 5dr Diesel 7G-DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)
14
Vauxhall, Agila
2006 (06) - 1.2i 16V Design [80] 5dr ULEZ DAMAGED REPAIRABLE SALVAGE
7
Vauxhall, Insignia
2012 (62) - 2.0 CDTi SRi Vx-line Red Nav [160] 5dr £55 per week or £3995
13
Ford, Kuga
2019 (69) - 1.5T EcoBoost ST-Line Edition SUV 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)
20
Low Mileage
Call for price
- 1.5L
- 41.6kMiles
- Petrol
- Manual
- SUV
Hilton Car Supermarket Aylesbury
Ford, Focus
2004 - 1.6i 16v LX 5dr
10
Hyundai, Ix35
2015 (15) - 1.7 CRDi SE 5dr 2WD -CAR IS £6999 - £183 PER MONTH
29
MINI, Clubman
2008 (58) - 1.6 Cooper S 5dr
3
Nissan, Juke
2016 (66) - 1.5 dCi Tekna 5dr - Car is £8,499 - £50 Per Week
28
BMW, 2 Series
2015 (65) - 218i Sport 2dr
SEAT, Leon
2020 (70) - 1.0 TSI EVO SE Dynamic Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (110 ps)
18
Low Mileage
Call for price
- 1L
- 33.1kMiles
- Petrol
- Manual
- Hatchback
Hilton Car Supermarket Aylesbury
BMW, 3 Series
2021 (70) - 2.0 330e 12kWh M Sport Touring 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto Euro 6 (s/s)
18
Mercedes-Benz, A-Class
2015 (15) - A180 SE 5dr - CAR IS £9,999 - £59 PER WEEK
30
SEAT, Ibiza
2022 (22) - 1.0 TSI FR Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (95 ps)
18
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 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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Can you buy a reliable car for £500?
It is possible to buy used cars with a budget of £500. However, it's important to note that cars at this price point will likely have high mileage as well as interior and exterior defects. You may notice cars listed for £500 are considered Category N or Category S, which means the vehicles have experienced some damage which will require an inspection before they are safe to drive.
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What is Category N?
Previously known as Category D, vehicles listed under Category N will have cosmetic or non-structural faults that will require an inspection from a professional garage before being safe to drive.
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What is a Category S?
Formally known as a Category C, Category S is used to describe cars that have structural damage. Cars in this category are considered to have more damage than those listed as Category N and they will require repair from a professional garage to ensure the vehicle is safe to drive.
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What checks should I do before buying a car for under £500?
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 the vehicle works as expected. This also gives you the opportunity to ask any questions and raise any concerns you may have.
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