​Best Second Hand Cars in 2017

Thinking of a second hand car? These used cars below will give you examples of what to purchase in 2017. Reasons to go for a second hand car could include being a new driver, cheaper insurance or a wider selection of cars to choose from.

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Best Second Hand Cars in 2017

Thinking of buying a second hand car? These used cars below will give you examples of what you would expect in 2017. Reasons you would want to go for a second hand car could include being a new driver, cheaper insurance or a wider selection of cars to choose from.

Here is a selection of the best second hand cars in 2017 to search:

Kia Sportage (2010-)

The Kia Sportage is perhaps the best value for money, complete, family SUV you could buy as it is very well equipped for the price you pay. With a 5 star safety rating, it’s widely considered as a great option for safety as well as reliability. All-wheel drive versions are available within the Kia Sportage KX range. This allows for better grip in poorer conditions as well as efficiency with the ability to send power to the front wheels in normal driving conditions. If you want the latest features, opt for the refreshed versions from 2014 on ward.

There are plenty of reasons to buy this as a used car. The 7 year warranty is the most obvious. This is limited to 100,000 miles, however, in years 4-7 so keep this in mind when searching for a used car. Secondly, the famous “Tiger Nose” grille makes for plenty of style. The Sportage is also very spacious and has a good quality interior similar to that of a Ford or Volkswagen.

It’s not the best in terms of driving performance but the engines are perhaps the cleanest you could hope for in an SUV. Better as a city car than for the motorway, it could struggle at higher speeds. For the best in fuel efficiency, you’ll want the 1.7 CRDi which does 54.3mpg and 135g/km CO2.

The standard kit is excellent value for money and includes

  • Alloy wheels,
  • Air-con, four electric windows,
  • Rain sensor,
  • Bluetooth and
  • Cruise control
  • Rear parking sensors

Honda Civic (2012-)

The Honda Civic’s sporty and race-car look and feel sets it apart from its rivals.The cheapest 9th generation Civic would be the 2015 model starting from around £10,000. The 2015 version has an upgraded infotainment system and better drive experience compared to older versions.

All versions of this car come with Honda’s ‘Sensing’ safety package. This includes autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. Impressively, this is offered as standard where its rivals require a premium paid. As a family hatchback it is a very comfortable car with large boot space.

Here are more reasons as to why this could be the best used car in 2017:

  • Quiet yet powerful engine
  • High quality interior
  • SE versions have 16-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, heated seats and an eight-speaker stereo

Ford Focus (2011-)

The Ford Focus is a budget friendly option with a wide range of choices from respected dealerships. In 2017, it is still considered the most fun to drive car amongst a growing range of competitors. The best used Ford Focus models are from 2009 onward.

Well-equipped from entry-level, it’s easy to see why this is one of the best in its class. Features include:

  • DAB digital radio and air-conditioning,
  • But upgrading to Zetec offers smart alloy wheels.

The Titanium range has a wider range of engines which feature:

  • Parking sensors
  • Climate-control
  • Autonomous emergency braking.

Seat Leon (2012-)

The Seat Leon is a great looking family hatchback and an excellent option for a used car in 2017. Seat Leon’s main competitors are the Volkswagen Golf and the Ford Focus. However, under the hood the diesel and petrol engines are the same as the Golf.

This used car is a very reliable option, extremely affordable, easy and fun to drive. If you are going to choose this car, avoid standard versions and opt for an SE build if you want additional features.

These include:

  • Alloy wheels
  • Cruise control
  • Touchscreen with DAB radio
  • Sat nav
  • Rear parking sensors

The main aspect that brings the Leon down however, is the not so user-friendly dashboard which lacks practical ease as well as the disappointing 8-inch touchscreen.

Volkswagen Golf (2013-)

The Volkswagen Golf is one of the most popular and reliable used cars in the UK. The VW Golf is a great looking car which comes with the prestigious “VW” logo which promises excellent quality. The cost to buy this car used are slightly dearer so expect to pay at least around £8,000. However, the higher price could be justified as the VW Golf is packed with value. Here are a few reasons to buy this a used car in 2017:

  • Fuel efficient with the Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI 105 boasting up to 74mpg
  • Classy interior compared to its rivals
  • 5 star safety rating
  • Dependable and built to a long-lasting high quality, perfect as a second hand car
  • However, it’s not as fun to drive compared to the Ford Focus.

If you are looking for a more budget friendly option the Seat Leon has the same engine as the Golf but without the classy interior.

Hopefully, this list gives you an idea of what the best second hand cars are in 2017. Prior to purchasing, always ensure that you check the electrics work and there are no issues during the test drive. You can check out our Used Car Buying Guide for more information.