Best Cars to Buy for Under £15,000 in 2025
18th Sep 2025
By Ellie Brown
Whether you go for a new or used car, the cost of purchasing one can often be daunting. After factoring in further costs, such as insurance premiums, maintenance, and fuel, car ownership can often leave many searching for cheaper alternatives to those they were dreaming of.
But the word 'cheap' doesn't have to mean unreliable, low-quality, and out-of-date. With innovation in the automotive market driving down the cost of handy gadgets and technology, we were surprised at how much you can get for less than 15k.
With a wide range of affordable options out there, including hatchbacks, SUVs, and executive cars, we've selected 10 of the best new and used models currently available for under £15,000.
Best new cars for under 15k
When you buy a new car, you're not just getting a shiny new vehicle. Brand-new cars come with a range of benefits, including a full manufacturer's warranty and the latest technology.
Many may assume that a new car will cost you a fortune, but this isn't the case, as there are a handful of new cars that are available within the budget of £15,000. Furthermore, there are a variety of flexible finance options to make paying for your car more manageable.
Dacia Sandero
Dacia have built up a strong reputation for producing some of the most affordable cars currently available, and the humble Sandero supermini is a great example. As one of the cheapest new cars on the market, expectations may be low, but it comes equipped with a range of features that are sure to surprise many.
As well as an improved front-end design, the latest Sandero offers its owners a redesigned interior that's more refined and versatile than ever. Included in this refresh is technology such as Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, and emergency brake assist, as well as LED headlights for maximum visibility.
With fuel economy figures of over 50mpg on all models, the Sandero is an efficient vehicle too, resulting in less money spent at the pumps.
If you're looking for a brand-new car that's fantastic value for money, the Dacia Sandero is definitely worth considering. Plus, if you want to save even more, there are plenty of used examples to choose from.
After something along the lines of the Sandero that's just a little more rugged? The Sandero Stepway is a fantastic option, and is also available around the 15k mark.
Search New Dacia Sandero Offers Search Used Dacia Sandero OffersDacia Spring
It should come as no surprise that Dacia are mentioned twice on a list of affordable cars, and the Spring is a perfect example of their commitment to value. As one of the most affordable electric vehicles on the market, the Spring offers a fantastic eco-friendly option for buyers looking to make the switch to electric.
The Dacia Spring is a compact crossover with a practical design, offering enough space for small families or urban commuters. Despite its low price point, it includes features like a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, air conditioning, and electric windows. Its electric powertrain delivers a range of around 189 miles, making it ideal for daily commutes and even longer journeys.
Thanks to zero emissions and low running costs, the Spring is not only kind to your wallet but also to the environment. For those dipping their toes into the world of EVs without breaking the bank, the Dacia Spring is an arguably unbeatable choice.
Search New Dacia Spring Offers Search Used Dacia Spring OffersLeapmotor T03
For those wanting to embrace the electric future without stretching the budget, the Leapmotor T03 is an excellent option that’s turning heads in the ever growing EV market. This compact city car brings a surprising amount of kit for its sub-£15,000 price tag, making it a genuine contender for city drivers.
The T03’s design is adorable and modern, with quirky accents, 15-inch alloy wheels, and a panoramic sunroof that adds a touch of class. Inside, you’re greeted with a 10.1-inch infotainment screen, voice control, and a decent suite of safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind-spot detection.
With a 165-mile range (WLTP), it’s well-suited for daily commutes and nipping around town, while the 210-litre boot (expandable to 508 litres) offers decent practicality for a car that's so small.
Search New Leapmotor T03 OffersBest used cars for under 15k
A major benefit of buying a used car is that it's already depreciated a significant amount, meaning you'll generally get closer to what you paid when you go to resell it. This also results in there being more variety on the used car market, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
All the used cars sold at Evans Halshaw have undergone a rigorous inspection to ensure they're fit for the road, so you can rest assured knowing you're getting a good deal. Like new cars, there's also a range of finance options to choose from, to make purchasing your used car more affordable.
Volkswagen Polo
Fancy something with the build quality and reliability we've come to expect from our friends over in Germany? Then look no further than the Volkswagen Polo. Being in the lowest insurance group there is, the Polo is sure to be a strong candidate when it comes to affordable cars.
But don't let this supermini fool you. Its spacious back seats leave enough room for your friends or children, while a respectable 352 litres of boot space place it at the higher end of its class in terms of practicality.
A wide range of trim levels are available within the budget, such as the R-Line with its sporty looks or the Beats with its funky interior.
In a highly competitive field featuring popular rivals such as the Ford Fiesta, Peugeot 208, and Renault Clio, the Volkswagen Polo fights its corner by offering a reliable yet fun option of affordable motoring.
Search Used Volkswagen Polo OffersMINI Hatchback
We all love the character and charm of the classic MINI Hatchback. Since BMW's takeover of MINI, the perfect formula of MINI charisma and BMW quality has been found, putting a large grin on our faces when we found examples within the £15,000 budget.
The MINI Hatchback offers a wide variety of colours, from sleeker all black configurations, to examples with pops of colour for a more fun look, there's sure to be a setup that's to everyone's taste.
We chose the MINI Hatchback, due to its wide variety of equipment and the exciting go-kart feel that MINI has become famous for. However, it's worth bearing in mind the service costs of a MINI, but our handy aftersales finance options allow you to spread the cost of your aftersales invoice at no extra cost.
Search Used MINI Hatchback OffersSEAT Leon Sport Tourer
If it's something a little bigger you're looking for, then the SEAT Leon Sport Tourer is a great candidate. SEAT have done an excellent job of maintaining the Leon hatchback's sharp looks within the estate version, whilst optimising boot space (587 litres) and comfort.
A variety of trims and engine configurations are available. The sleeker looking FR Technology comes with added benefits such as a navigation system, but opting for a lower specced SE trim level provides an extra 100 miles per tank and a lower insurance group, saving you money across the year.
Whichever trim level you choose, you'll have peace of mind that the SEAT Leon Sport Tourer can be relied on. Being part of the Volkswagen Group, the SEAT Leon Sport Tourer possesses the usual VW reliability, along with a Euro NCAP rating of five stars.
Search Used SEAT Leon Sport Tourer OffersAudi A1
After something a little more premium? The Audi A1 is a superb choice for those who fancy a touch of class without straying beyond the 15k mark. While new models often exceed this budget, the used market offers plenty of well-maintained A1s, particularly from first-generation models, that deliver Audi’s renowned build quality and style at a tiny fraction of the cost.
The exterior is a compact hatchback with a sharp, sophisticated design, featuring Audi’s signature single-frame grille and sleek LED headlights on higher trims. Inside, you’re treated to a refined cabin with high-quality materials, a clear driver-focused layout, and tech like a 6.5-inch infotainment screen, Bluetooth, and DAB radio.
Under the bonnet, efficient petrol and diesel engines, like the 1.0 TFSI or 1.6 TDI, offer up to 60mpg, keeping running costs sensible.
Search Used Audi A1 OffersVauxhall Insignia
The name Vauxhall has become something of a staple when discussing affordable motoring, and the Insignia is no different. This family-friendly vehicle has plenty of room for luggage, with almost 500 litres of boot space, whilst maintaining a comfortable and spacious cabin.
Opting for smaller engine variants could see you reaching over 50mpg, and with insurance costs being affordable, this could save you some of your hard-earned pennies. The Insignia comes well-equipped, with features such as parking aids, cruise control, and Multimedia Navi being available.
With a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, along with further safety features such as a lane assist system, the Vauxhall Insignia is an excellent option to get you and your family on the road.
Search Used Vauxhall Insignia OffersMercedes-Benz C-Class
If you're craving a bit of luxury without splashing out, a used Mercedes-Benz C-Class delivers genuine luxury and refinement for well under 15k.
With its signature Mercedes-Benz grille that's loved by many and elongated shape that give the C-Class a sense of sophistocation, it’s a model that really looks the part. Tech-wise, you get a smart cabin with quality materials, supportive seats, and tech like a 7-inch infotainment screen, Bluetooth, and, on higher-spec models, navigation and leather trim.
Practicality is another strong suit of the C-Class, with a boot that offers a generous 455 litres of space, easily capable of luggage for weekend getaways or family shopping trips. Rear seats provide ample room for passengers, making the C-Class a versatile choice for those who need a car that’s as functional as it is luxurious. Add in the brand's reputation for durability, and a well-maintained used example can offer years of service.
Search Used Mercedes-Benz C-Class OffersMG ZS
The rebirth of the popular MG brand has brought some real gems to the affordable motoring market, such as the MG3 supermini, resulting in them becoming one of the UK's fastest-growing car manufacturers. But it's the larger ZS that caught our attention.
Cheaper to buy from new than a Ford Fiesta, the ZS comes with features such as cruise control as standard, which is ideal for those long motorway trips. Whilst a brand-new version was slightly out of the budget, we found used examples with low-mileage readily available. The interior is also spacious, offering plenty of room for both driver and passengers, with the finish being impressive considering the price tag.
MG have also matched Kia's industry leading 7-year warranty, meaning you can benefit from multiple years of manufacturer's warranty even when buying used.
Search Used MG ZS OffersDiscover your next affordable car with Evans Halshaw
There we have it, our top 10 cheap cars for under £15,000. We've proven that finding, purchasing, and maintaining a well-equipped, high-quality vehicle is easier than it may seem. If you're working with a smaller budget, we've also selected some of our favourite used cars for under £10,000.
With a wide range of affordable vehicles ready and waiting, our new and used car collections are sure to have a vehicle that suits your budget and needs. Alternatively, our reviews section provides an independent opinion on a wide variety of the cars we sell.
