Revealed: The best used cars for sale in the UK

Autocar’s sister magazine What Car? has just published its Used Car Awards for 2018 – celebrating the best used cars you can buy.

With more than eight million used cars purchased in the UK last year, the market is flourishing. Dealers’ lots are flooded with top-quality cars at reasonable prices, so a great deal is easy to find.

But all of this makes picking the right car a hard task. Which is why you’ll find out which models our judges have crowned the very best from hundreds of thousands of used cars on sale today. We wish you the best of luck with your next purchase.

Judging the best used cars in Britain

Just how do you go about picking the best used cars in Britain? We broke down used cars out there into age groups and categories so that we could work out which cars were competing against which.

We settled on capping our awards at 10 years old, because the majority of the used cars sold in the UK fall into this age range. Then, within each class of car, we split our decision-making process into age groups. As a result, cars of one to three years old competed against each other, as did cars of four to six years old and cars of seven to 10 years old.

Once we’d worked out the best car in each of the three age groups within a class, we then had to decide our overall winner for that category, pitting these cars of different ages against each other. Each one of them has been through a rigorous process of selection and is truly deserving of its award.

And on with the winners…

Small cars

Above all, a used small car must be cheap to buy and run. But that shouldn’t mean it misses out on the latest safety features, infotainment and other small luxuries. Choosing between cars isn’t a purely economic exercise; these cars must also be comfortable, refined, easy to park and good to drive, not only in town but also on the motorway.

RUNNER-UP: Skoda Fabia 2015-present — Age group 1-3 years — Price from £8000

The Fabia (pictured) is a truly impressive small car, being solidly screwed together, brilliantly refined and good to drive. Plus, in the right spec, it represents excellent value for money; we recommend the 1.2 TSI 90 SE.

RUNNER-UP: Audi A1 2010-present — Age group 4-6 years — Price from £6500

The A1 implements the best elements of larger, more luxurious models into a well-built and efficient small car. Strong residual values mean it makes the most sense as a used buy at this age.

WINNER: Ford Fiesta 2008-2017 — Age group 7-10 years — Price from £2500

The Fiesta’s winning combination of practicality, affordability and cute styling, not to mention its sheer driving ability, have won it many fans. Indeed, it could have won any of our three small car categories here, although to our eyes it represents the best value in this particular age bracket, where it has beaten off stiff competition from the likes of the Mini hatchback and the Volkswagen Polo.

Even more impressively, the Fiesta overcame our other two category winners, the Skoda Fabia and the Audi A1, to take our overall small car crown. We feel, most importantly, that it represents better value for money than both of those two cars, and it’s sharper to drive than the Fabia and more practical than the A1.

WINNER: Ford Fiesta 2008-2017 — Age group 7-10 years — Price from £2500

The Fiesta offers a range of lively and efficient engines, as well as crisp and accurate steering and suspension so well damped that it’s also an extremely comfortable car to ride in. Perhaps the Fiesta’s real trump card is its grown-up feel. No other small car feels as much like a car from the class above.

Our favourite engine choice is the lively and efficient 1.0-litre three-cylinder Ecoboost petrol engine, although this is only available from the 2013 facelift onwards. And whichever trim you go for, your Fiesta will have a good amount of standard equipment.

Not surprisingly, the Fiesta’s popularity means there are lots of them around and, consequently, plenty of good buys to be had. Reliability surveys indicate that most Fiestas stand the test of time well, with few major reported problems.

City cars

Compact dimensions are key here; thus, so is clever use of interior space. And while small engines usually mean cheap insurance and good fuel economy, they can’t be too weedy, because they need to be able to hack the odd motorway journey. Agility and manoeuvrability are important, too, because these cars will spend their lives in town traffic and parking in tight spots.

RUNNER-UP: Skoda Citigo 2012-present — Age group 4-6 years — Price from £2600

The Citigo (pictured) is the value version of the VW Up, but you’d never know it, because it’s still great to drive and roomy inside. An SE model with a manual gearbox makes for a fantastic urban runabout.

RUNNER-UP: Hyundai i10 2008-2013 — Age group 7-10 years — Price from £1100

It’s spacious, very well equipped and frugal. The 1.2 Comfort provides the best blend of economy and performance.

WINNER: Hyundai i10 2014-present — Age group 1-3 years — Price from £4000

This second-generation i10 has impressed us since its introduction in 2014 with its range of efficient petrol engines, quiet cruising manners, comfortable, spacious interior and generous standard specification.

The i10’s driving experience, for the most part, is what you’d expect of a city car, with light steering making slotting into even the tightest of gaps a breeze. Yet this doesn’t come at the detriment of straight-line stability; the i10 feels secure at higher speeds and, to our surprise, isn’t badly affected by crosswinds as city cars typically are.

WINNER: Hyundai i10 2014-present — Age group 1-3 years — Price from £4000

We suggest the SE spec and onwards. All SE models get air conditioning, cruise control, front and rear electric windows and electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors. Where the i10 truly blows away most of the competition, though, is with the roominess of its interior. Its tall roof, combined with wide-opening rear doors, mean access for adults is easy, and the same can be said for fitting child seats. Even adults will be comfortable in the i10’s rear seats – certainly not the norm in this class.

We can confirm that Hyundai normally does well in terms of reliability. In our latest survey, the brand came seventh out of 32, while the i10 itself scored 88% – good enough to seal its victory in this class.

Family cars

A used family car needs to be a jack of all trades, having to combine a roomy interior with manageable dimensions, quality with reliability and an enjoyable drive with comfort for every occupant. So our Used Family Car of the Year has a tough job to do. As if that wasn’t enough, it also has to be a great-value used buy that won’t cost the earth to run.

RUNNER-UP: Ford Focus 2005-2011 — Age group 7-10 years — Price from £600

The Focus of this generation (pictured) combines ride comfort with excellent manners. At this age, maintenance costs are cheaper, while the widely available petrol versions offer great reliability.

RUNNER-UP: Kia Cee’d 2012-present — Age group 4-6 years — Price from £4000

What really makes the Cee’d stand out at this age is that you’ll still get a chunk of Kia’s warranty left on it. Throw in low prices and plenty of equipment and you have a stellar proposition.

WINNER: Seat Leon 2013-present — Age group 1-3 years — Price from £5000

Four of the best cars in this age range are much the same under the skin: Skoda Octavia, Seat Leon, Volkswagen Golf, and Audi A3.

All four could, as you can see, stake a very valid claim to being the best used car in its age range and, indeed, in the class as a whole. But, for us, the Leon is the one that hits the mark most squarely. For one thing, it’s currently the best value; a three-year-old example with average mileage starts at around £8000 – a price that even the Octavia struggles to match.

WINNER: Seat Leon 2013-present — Age group 1-3 years — Price from £5000

And while the Leon can’t match the Octavia for space, or the Golf for comfort, or the A3 for quality, it manages to sit beautifully in the middle ground between them all. In short, the Leon is cheaper than these three cars and yet it feels like the perfect blend of their talents. Not only that, but its handsome looks and sharp handling will bring a smile to your face just as often as the low price will.

What is it that makes the Leon stand out? Well, once again, its value for money plays a huge part. As impressive as the Kia Cee’d is, the Leon isn’t that much more expensive to buy, even for a car that’s a couple of years newer. And while the 2005-2011 Focus is a great car at a steal of a price, we reckon the Leon’s extra cost is worth it in terms of the technological and safety advantages it gives you.

Small SUVs

‘SUV’ no longer means a four-wheel-drive off-roader; nowadays, people buy SUVs, especially small ones, because they make great family transport for those who want something more versatile than a hatchback but which you can still drive easily in town. Key attributes here are road manners, spacious interiors, big boots, generous standard kit and good fuel economy.

RUNNER-UP: BMW X1 2015-present — Age group 1-3 years — Price from £20,000

The X1 (pictured) takes the win in this age group due to its fine handling, practical, high-quality interior and class-leading infotainment system. In fact, if prices were a shade lower, it could have been our overall winner.

RUNNER-UP: Skoda Yeti 2009-2017 — Age group 7-10 years — Price from £4000

Abominable name aside, there's nothing scary about the Yeti. With a choice of frugal engines, generous space for five and enjoyable driving manners, it makes for an excellent small SUV.

WINNER: Nissan Qashqai 2006-2013 — Age group 4-6 years — Price from £8000

You could argue that the Qashqai is simply a family hatchback on stilts, seeing as it isn’t any more spacious inside than the Ford Focus or Volkswagen Golf. But that’s no bad thing; because of its high ride, it feels like a bigger car, affording you and your passengers more comfortable entry and a commanding view out over the road ahead.

Early Qashqais suffered from an overly firm ride, which is why we think the model is best served in post-facelift form with its smoother suspension. Still, any Qashqai will keep its body well controlled, not leaning too much in corners, and will grip firmly. Well-weighted steering makes the Qashqai feel stable at higher speeds, too.

The Qashqai’s interior is well screwed together and contains dense, soft-touch plastics. Post-2010 facelifted models received minor interior upgrades.

WINNER: Nissan Qashqai 2006-2013 — Age group 4-6 years — Price from £8000

Space inside is decent, and the boot is big enough for regular family duty. The pick of the engine range has to be the 104bhp 1.5-litre diesel, because it has a healthy amount of torque to get you moving is quiet at cruising speeds, and should give you 50mpg overall.

Even entry-level Qashqais come with a decent amount of standard equipment, but Tekna trim level is very impressive, providing you with heated front seats, leather upholstery, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, sat-nav, an upgraded sound system and a panoramic glass roof.

This all leads to the Qashqai being a cut above the other cars on this list, and for the money, it’s easy to see why it won this award.

Large SUVs

The large SUV market is full to bursting, with a plethora of models fighting to meet the huge growth in demand. The best of them will be a car that has a roomy and versatile interior, as well as a comfortable ride and well-controlled handling, making for a relaxing drive. On top of that, it needs all of the best safety kit and an excellent reliability record.

RUNNER-UP: Kia Sorento 2015-present — Age group 1-3 years — Price from £17,000

It’s not just the space of the Sorento (pictured) and generous spec that mark it out, but also its premium feel and unmatched seven-year warranty. This is a car that makes excellent sense in so many ways.

RUNNER-UP: Volvo XC60 2008-2017 — Age group 7-10 years — Price from £8000

The XC60 excels in all the areas you would expect it to: it’s beautifully made, with a luxurious and practical interior, and it’s packed with safety tech. Even at this age, its quality shines through.

WINNER: Mazda CX-5 2012-2017 — Age group 4-6 years — Price from £9000

Handsomely equipped and competitively priced, the CX-5 wins our overall award for its unequalled combination of space, quality and style and the value that it represents at this age and price.

Most impressively, it fends off the likes of the Audi Q3 and the BMW X1, which are both premium models yet not as enjoyable to drive or such good value for money as the CX-5. The CX-5 also beats our other age group winners, the Kia Sorento and Volvo XC60, because it’s better to drive and very nearly as practical.

The CX-5 also has a smart and sporty interior with an intuitive infotainment system, an excellent driving position and acres of room for all the family.

WINNER: Mazda CX-5 2012-2017 — Age group 4-6 years — Price from £9000

Under the bonnet, you have the choice of either a petrol engine or one of two diesels, and also the option of four-wheel drive. The performance of all versions of the CX-5 is impressive, as are their fuel economy and emissions. The CX-5 is a solidly built car, with a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. Mazda has an excellent reliability record, too, finishing strongly in this age range in our latest survey. Most of its models put in an above-average performance in nearly all areas, and the CX-5 itself achieved a creditable 78% score.

When it comes to speccing the CX-5, we’d go for a model with the 2.2-litre 150 diesel engine in SE-L Nav trim, blending economy with a good amount of standard kit. We advise spending around £12,000 to get a car with an average mileage for the year.

Luxury SUVs

They sit at the top of the SUV tree, so these high-flying 4x4s must not only deliver practicality and versatility but also soothe occupants with a smooth ride and quiet road manners, cosset them with the latest tech and swaddle them in high-quality materials. For all this, a high price is to be expected but, next to rivals, they should at least make monetary sense.

RUNNER-UP: BMW X5 2013-present — Age group 4-6 years — Price from £25,000

A high-quality interior and punchy engines help to make the X5 (pictured) a great luxury SUV, but what really sets it apart from most of its rivals is the fantastic driving experience it provides.

RUNNER-UP: Volvo XC90 2003-2014 — Age group 7-10 years — Price from £4000

As well as impressive safety kit, a plush interior and decent efficiency, the original XC90 was the first luxury SUV to offer seven forward-facing seats. Diesel models are the most reliable.

WINNER: Audi Q7 2015-present — Age group 1-3 years — Price from £39,000

It hasn’t been long since examples of the second-generation Audi Q7 started filtering down into the used car market and, as a result, prices are still high for this sizeable SUV. Don’t expect to get much change from £40,000 for an early example, even at two years old, yet that undercuts some big-name rivals like the Range Rover Sport and Porsche Cayenne.

Given the prodigious talents of the Q7, that sounds like a good deal. For starters, it gives you seven seats as standard on most models – something that not all of its luxury rivals can contend with and a feature that puts its vast size to good use.

Then there’s the dashboard and interior quality, which is unmatched by any of its rivals – even those that are more expensive. What’s more, every engine offered in the Q7 delivers smooth, potent performance while keeping fuel consumption reasonable.

WINNER: Audi Q7 2015-present — Age group 1-3 years — Price from £39,000

While the Q7 isn’t the sharpest SUV of its type to drive, that won’t matter to most buyers. Of greater importance is the ride, which, even without the optional air suspension, is just about smooth enough. Find a Q7 with it fitted and the ride transforms into an experience akin to gliding along on a featherbed.

That the Q7 offers all this at a price considerably downwind of some of its biggest rivals makes it a tempting pick. Its advances are just too great to ignore, its sense of quality too satisfying and its road manners too delightful. It is, without a doubt, the best used luxury SUV you can buy.

Executive cars

The compact executive saloon segment is one of the most competitive classes in the industry. These cars have to offer buyers affordable running costs, high levels of build quality and engaging dynamics. However, handling shouldn’t take precedence over a cosseting ride; after all, their natural environment is the motorway.

RUNNER-UP: Volkswagen Passat 2015-present — Age group 1-3 years — Price from £9000

With its restrained interior, focus on comfort and economical engines, the Passat (pictured) is a tempting choice for those who cover big miles. It’s also cheaper to maintain than some executive cars.

RUNNER-UP: Ford Mondeo 2007-2014 — Age group 7-10 years — Price from £2000

The Mondeo is a car of many talents. Not only is it quiet and composed on the motorway, but it’s also surprisingly engaging to drive. Excellent practicality adds to an already compelling package.

WINNER: BMW 3 Series 2012-present — Age group 4-6 years — Price from £6500

The 3 Series in our chosen 4-6 years age group undercuts the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4, and it’s not that much more expensive to buy than a Volkswagen Passat of the same era. What’s more, the 3 Series is by far the sharpest executive saloon on the market. It steers with terrific precision and rides with an impressive deftness and control. It blends refinement, class and all-out fun better than any contemporary rival.

There’s also a wide range of engines to choose from, the majority of which deliver smooth, strong performance while also offering reasonable fuel economy.

WINNER: BMW 3 Series 2012-present — Age group 4-6 years — Price from £6500

Then there’s the interior, which, despite being a little dull to behold, is unmatched in quality by most competitors. You get a mix of materials that include soft-feel plastics on the top of the dashboard, gloss black or aluminium finishes on the centre console and high-quality leather on the seats. It looks restrained and well constructed, while the switches operate with a nicely damped action.

The 3 Series has the best combination of class, comfort, quality and driving involvement. And yet it doesn’t cost the earth, even compared with its less upmarket rivals.

Luxury cars

It’s not enough to just stuff any old motor with wood and leather; the best used luxury cars need to make their owners feel special. They should be hewn from the finest materials inside, sprinkled with electronic gadgetry, ride like a magic carpet and be as quiet as a mouse. Just to make things trickier, they should be dependable and can’t cost the earth, either.

RUNNER-UP: Mercedes-Benz CLS 2011-present — Age group 4-6 years — Price from £12,000

The CLS (pictured) isn’t just a striking coupé with a comfy ride; most were specced up to the nines when new. There’s only space for four, but few cars of this size offer so much glamour for such a reasonable price.

RUNNER-UP: Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2006-2013 — Age group 7-10 years — Price from £5000

If the CLS is a bargain, the S-Class is even more so, especially when you consider that many considered it the best car in the world when it was new. There are few finer ways to travel for so little money.

WINNER: BMW 5 Series 2010-2017 — Age group 1-3 years — Price from £10,000

While any age of 5 Series is a sound buy, we reckon this generation is best served in our 1-3-year age group, in which you’ll be getting a post-facelift car. The facelift brought exterior styling tweaks and some important upgrades, with xenon headlights coming as standard. More importantly, the engines were updated to improve performance and efficiency. Opt for the popular 520d model and you’ll be looking at yearly road tax of just £30 and performance that’s more than punchy enough. If you want more pace, there’s always the creamy six-cylinder petrol and diesel units.

The infotainment system is also worth a mention; BMW’s iDrive was upgraded, so all models including entry-level SE get sat-nav as standard. Find a car with the upgraded Professional system and not only do you get a wider screen, but the top of the rotary controller also turns into a handy touchpad.

WINNER: BMW 5 Series 2010-2017 — Age group 1-3 years — Price from £10,000

The interior is a fantastic place in which to while away the miles, thanks to an attractive design, expensive-feeling materials and a layout that isn’t that different from the latest model. Rear space is impressive and the boot is a decent size.

But the 5 Series is also good to drive on a back road. If driving enjoyment is a priority, mind you, you’ll want to seek out one of the examples fitted with the optional Variable Damper Control, which gives the car astonishing agility and poise that belie its size.

There are plenty of cars from 2014 and onwards for around £10,000, which seems like very respectable value, especially given the 5 Series’ premium feel. Up your budget to £20,000 and you can choose from lots of barely run-in examples.

Estate cars

Estate cars have enjoyed a bit of a resurgence of late after being put in the shade by the growth in popularity of MPVs and then SUVs. Buyers looking for huge boot space, flexibility, a roomy interior and a relaxing driving experience should look no further, because the best estates combine all of these qualities along with plenty of bang for your buck.

RUNNER-UP: Seat Leon ST 2013-present — Age group 1-3 years — Price from £7000

In a class that contains several excellent estates, the Leon ST (pictured) eclipses its rivals by being just as good to drive and as practical to own yet substantially undercutting them all on price.

RUNNER-UP: BMW 5 Series Touring 2010-2017 — Age group 4-6 years — Price from £10,000

The 5 Series Touring is large, spacious, satisfying to drive and stuffed with tech – and it has the air of a premium product. It really could have won any age group, but it’s at its best value in this one.

WINNER: Ford Mondeo Estate 2007-2015 — Age group 7-10 years — Price from £3000

It’s fair to say that our winner here, the Ford Mondeo Estate, offers just about everything you could reasonably expect from a family car. It’s spacious enough, both front and rear, for even the tallest of passengers, while its boot offers acres of space. It’s easily big enough for a family’s holiday luggage, or, with the rear seats folded down, some flat-pack furniture or a dog – or quite possibly both at the same time.

On top of that, the Mondeo Estate is a hoot to drive, with a range of efficient and rewarding engines and an agility to the way it steers and handles that belies its generous size. It’s also as quiet and as refined on the motorway as you could desire.

WINNER: Ford Mondeo Estate 2007-2015 — Age group 7-10 years — Price from £3000

The Mondeo Estate should be cheap to run, too, especially taking into account its good reliability record. To take this victory, the Mondeo Estate had to defeat serious competition in the form of the Audi A4 Avant and A6 Avant, BMW 3 Series Touring, Skoda Octavia Estate and Volkswagen Passat Estate – not to mention our two other age group winners, the Seat Leon ST and BMW 5 Series Touring. That it did so is due to its unmatched combination of sparkling driving dynamics, immense practicality and amazing value for money.

As for trim levels, entry-level Edge provides all the essentials, although we’d try to find a Zetec model, if possible, because it adds alloy wheels, electric rear windows, front foglights and climate control. Our pick: £5000 for a clean 2009 2.0 TDCi Zetec.

MPVs

MPVs have had a bad rap in recent history, with many buyers defecting to SUVs for their more interesting looks. But this need not be the case; as our winners here prove, with a deft touch of the designer’s hand, even a functional box can be made to look good. That said, space and versatility shouldn’t be sacrificed.

RUNNER-UP: Volkswagen Touran 2015-present — Age group 1-3 years — Price from £11,000

Strait-laced it may be, but the Touran (pictured) has a supple ride quality that embarrasses cars costing twice as much, a slick gearbox, fine handling and seven seats that can be folded flat in seconds.

RUNNER-UP: Ford S-Max 2006-2015 — Age group 4-6 years — Price from £6000

The first MPV to successfully marry maximum-occupancy motoring with fun-to-drive handling. Find a 2.0 TDCi Zetec and you’ll have a well-equipped and economical family hauler.

Winner: Citroën C3 Picasso 2009-2017 — Age group 7-10 years — Price from £2000

Citroën has managed to pack a lot into the C3 Picasso, even though the car is only a little more than four metres in length. The car is roomy, with an airy interior from large windows, with excellent forward visibility. All that glazing helps children in the back, because they won’t feel quite so claustrophobic sitting there and it should reduce car sickness.

You can also trade boot space for rear passenger leg space, and vice versa, because the rear seats slide forwards and backwards. The boot is bigger than that of a contemporary Volkswagen Golf, despite the C3 Picasso being smaller. There is also a false boot floor to hide valuable items away.

The ride is very comfortable, at least on smaller wheels. It does lean in corners, exacerbated by its soft suspension, but grips well and ultimately has a very forgiving chassis. Steering is light, too, so parking is a breeze.

Winner: Citroën C3 Picasso 2009-2017 — Age group 7-10 years — Price from £2000

The interior is attractively styled, with quality improving from the 2013 facelift onwards. The car is also well equipped, with our recommended VTR+ specification getting air conditioning, cruise control, side airbags, 16in alloy wheels and front foglights. Top-spec cars get climate control, rear parking sensors, electric rear windows and automatic headlights and wipers, while the front passenger seatback can be folded flat.

In this form, the C3 Picasso chalks up a win over our other finalists, the Volkswagen Touran and Ford S-Max. While both of the newer cars can seat more people, the C3 Picasso’s phenomenal value is too strong to ignore. That the C3 Picasso has reliability on its side, too, even at this age seals its victory.

Hot hatches

Driving pleasure is at the very top of the agenda here. Hot hatches need to be engaging at any speed, offer plenty of feedback for keener drivers and have enough power to give more expensive models a run for their money. But they also need to be comfortable and practical enough to live with every day – and all without a high price tag or ludicrous running costs.

RUNNER-UP: Honda Civic Type R 2007-2012 — Age group 4-6 years — Price from £4000

The Type R (pictured) is a cult icon among hot hatch fans. Its high-revving 197bhp engine is intoxicating, while communicative steering and plenty of grip make it a hoot to drive. It’s also remarkably good value.

RUNNER-UP: Volkswagen Golf GTI 2005-2008 — Age group 7-10 years — Price from £3500

A 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine, sure-footed grip and precise steering make this iteration of the Golf GTI incredibly good fun to drive. It retains the same quality and everyday usability as regular Golfs.

WINNER: Ford Fiesta ST 2012-2017 — Age group 1-3 years — Price from £8000

The Ford Fiesta ST has been named the Hot Hatchback of the Year at the What Car? annual new car awards since 2013 because nothing comes close to it for sheer driving fun while also keeping costs relatively low. The good news is that, because the Fiesta ST is based on such a popular family hatchback, there are plenty around to choose from. This makes finding an example that’s competitively priced fairly easy.

Prices in the age group in which we think the Fiesta ST is best served – 1-3 years – start at around £8000, but more like £10,000 for a tidy example with reasonable mileage and full service history. Prices may still seem relatively high for a used hot hatch, but we think the price is worth it, because the driving and handling experience is nothing short of superb.

It has only a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, but the Fiesta ST can keep up with far more expensive performance cars. Coupled with a smooth six-speed manual gearbox, the car is a delight to drive at any speed.

WINNER: Ford Fiesta ST 2012-2017 — Age group 1-3 years — Price from £8000

The Fiesta ST is also a perfectly usable daily car, though ride is firm. Its interior is spacious and comes with comfortable Recaro sports seats as standard, and there’s enough space in the boot too. It should also return almost 40mpg in real-world motoring.

But what makes the Fiesta ST a better bet than our other finalists, the Golf GTI and Civic Type-R? The former can’t match the Fiesta ST for sheer thrills, while the latter’s harsh ride compromises its day-to-day usability. Throw in the fact that it’s so much newer and more readily available and the Fiesta ST wins the day.

Convertibles

When it comes to convertibles, people tend to conjure up an image of driving with the top down in the sun. But this is Britain. So, in reality, all convertibles must work in the rain as well. Practicality shouldn’t be too compromised by the folding roof, and those origami-like awnings are so well engineered these days that refinement shouldn’t be an issue, either.

RUNNER-UP: Audi A3 Cabriolet 2014-present — Age group 1-3 years — Price from £12,000

The A3 Cabriolet (pictured) is a classy four-seater built on a fun-to-drive platform with a vast choice of engines. The cloth roof keeps the weight down and means the boot is actually not much smaller than the A3 saloon’s.

RUNNER-UP: Mazda MX-5 2005-2015 — Age group 4-6 years — Price from £7000

There’s a choice of fabric or folding hard-top, but both have entertaining rear-wheel-drive handling, useful storage space for two and rev-happy engines. Guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

WINNER: BMW Z4 2009-2017 — Age group 7-10 years — Price from £8500

The BMW Z4 had to deal with stiff competition from the Audi TT Roadster and Mercedes-Benz SLK, while, the Porsche Boxster was the handling king of the class. The Z4, then, had plenty to live up to.

A number of alterations were made to the Z4 to make the car appeal to a wider audience. The interior was improved and there was a greater level of chassis customisation, which aimed to turn the car into a more rounded proposition for everyday motoring. The folding hard top gives increased protection against thieves though with the roof down, it does steal a bit of boot space.

Optional adaptive M Sport suspension (standard on 35iS models) means you can slacken the suspension - a handy feature if the car has been fitted with larger alloy wheels. Inside, the layout is logical yet attractive, with all the major controls falling easily to hand. Z4s equipped with satellite navigation have the iDrive infotainment system.

WINNER: BMW Z4 2009-2017 — Age group 7-10 years — Price from £8500

Engine choices range from an entry-level 154bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit in the sDrive18i to a 335bhp 3.0-litre straight six in the sDrive35is. In 2011, BMW swapped the 23i and 30i versions for more economical 20i and 28i models, powered by 2.0-litre engines of 181bhp and 245bhp respectively.

The Z4 wins this award overall because it fulfils the role of a classic convertible sports car better than any other in its class. Later versions succumbed to engine downsizing which is why we chose the car in the 7-10-year category. In this age range, the Z4 still feels both modern and comfortable yet prices are reasonable and it manages to make you feel special. In truth, it is everything we look for in a used convertible.

Coupés

There should be something that appeals to the heart at least as much as the head when it comes to a coupé, and even more so when you’re buying a used one. It must look stylish, for starters, and have a strong engine and good handling. It must also be reasonably comfortable. And in spite of all that, it’ll need to be good value to buy and not cost a fortune to run.

RUNNER-UP: Audi TT 2014-present — Age group 1-3 years — Price from £14,000

Some sports cars now are more thrilling to drive, but none can match the unique combination of qualities of the current TT (pictured). It’s quick, agile, easy to live with and, at this age, a truly tempting proposition.

RUNNER-UP: BMW 3 Series Coupé 2006-2013 — Age group 7-10 years — Price from £4000

It may look like a two-door version of the 3 Series saloon, but this coupé is stunning to drive, with great handling and good refinement. There’s room for four, too, adding an extra layer of appeal.

WINNER: Audi TT 2006-2014 — Age group 4-6 years — Price from £10,000

We deem this second-generation TT in the 4-6 years category to represent the best example of a sensational car for a reasonably diminutive outlay.

It saw off competition from a huge range of desirable coupés to win this age group. But, ultimately, the TT’s driving dynamics and value shone through. We then pitched it against our other two category winners, the BMW 3 Series Coupé and – yup, you guessed it – the 2014 Audi TT, this time in the 1-3 years group. The second-generation TT beat those too, thanks to a combination of very tempting prices and its sheer all-round ability.

This second-generation car has some strong engine options and is amazingly agile, fast in a straight line and quick in the corners. It’s easy to drive, too, and refined at low speeds, and feels solid and durable.

WINNER: Audi TT 2006-2014 — Age group 4-6 years — Price from £10,000

It has a high-tech and user-friendly layout, and it’s made from sumptuous materials that wouldn’t look out of place in a luxury car. It’s even pretty practical, with an easy-to-access boot and rear seats that fold flat.

It won’t cost a fortune to buy or run, either. Entry into the TT world in this age bracket starts at around £10,000 for a neat and tidy 2011 car. If running costs are a concern, there’s an economical 2.0-litre diesel version, which has a claimed average of 53.3mpg, but we prefer the petrol options, because they suit the TT’s spirit better. The smooth and punchy 197bhp 2.0-litre engine is our favourite, although you will undoubtedly enjoy great thrills in the blistering TTS and TT RS versions.

Sports cars

Whether it’s a convertible, coupé or even a saloon, a good sports car should deliver thrilling performance and incisive handling, giving you pure driving enjoyment. Of course, a modicum of comfort and usability is required, too. These cars shouldn’t be horribly expensive to buy and run, either, and should hold their value well – or even appreciate over time.

RUNNER-UP: Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG 2009-2016 — Age group 1-3 years — Price from £31,000

Super-saloons mix sport and usability, and while the E63 (pictured) is neither the sharpest nor the most potent, its thunderous V8 engine and mobile chassis make it a joy to drive. Its smart interior only adds to the appeal.

RUNNER-UP: Porsche Cayman 2005-2012 — Age group 4-6 years — Price from £22,000

Any Cayman offers an exhilarating driving experience, but it’s at this age that it makes most sense; the post-facelift Mk1 model is less prone to big bills than the original and still compellingly priced.

WINNER: Audi R8 2007-2015 — Age group 7-10 years — Price from £38,000

Spanning the worlds of the common coupé and the genuine supercar, as it does, you’d be forgiven for thinking the Audi R8 has an impossible gig, because it has some very tough rivals to contend with in both markets. That it succeeds in doing so is a testament to just how good it is.

Let’s start with the price. Good, early R8s with the V8 engine are now available for less than £40,000, while a V10 model can be had for well below £60,000.

That may not sound particularly cheap, but those in the know believe that the R8 is close to bottoming out at these sorts of prices. More importantly, though, this is a legitimate supercar, with supercar pace – especially if it has the 518bhp V10 under its bonnet. But even the V8 produces 414bhp, which is enough for a blistering 0-60mph sprint time of 4.6sec.

WINNER: Audi R8 2007-2015 — Age group 7-10 years — Price from £38,000

Let’s not forget, either, that like all good supercars, the R8 is mid-engined, with excellent handling balance. Indeed, it’s exceptional to drive, with astonishing grip, beautifully weighted steering and just the right amount of tail-happiness built in to the four-wheel drive system. Because all of its wheels are driven, the R8 is more user-friendly than most other supercars when the weather turns sour, with everyday usability.

The Cayman’s fabulous poise makes it a tempting alternative, but it can’t match the R8’s sense of drama, while the E63’s incredible all-round talent and delightfully raucous engine aren’t enough to overcome the R8’s handling balance or, perhaps more importantly, its potential as an investment.

All of which leaves the R8 as our Used Sports Car of the Year, a car with many and varied talents.

Green cars

The competition for used hybrid and electric cars is hotting up. A good used green car must not only offer low (or no) CO2 emissions and impressive fuel economy, but it must also be comfortable, good to drive, well equipped and no less spacious than its conventional rivals. And the best ones will be available for a reasonable sum and offer low running costs.

RUNNER-UP: BMW 330e 2016-present — Age group 1-3 years — Price from £20,000

The 3 Series is a great executive car, so it’s no surprise that BMW has nailed a plug-in hybrid variant (pictured). An enticing drive, good economy and the option of electric-only running justify its relatively high price.

RUNNER-UP: Honda CR-Z 2010-2015 — Age group 7-10 years — Price from £4500

With stylish looks and involving handling, the hybrid CR-Z is far more interesting than most green cars of this era, yet it won’t cost you the earth to buy or run; it has a reputation for reliability as well.

WINNER: Renault Zoe 2013-present — Age group 4-6 years — Price from £5000

Pick a model built before June 2015 and you’ll be getting a Zoe with a 22kWh battery that delivers a real-world electric range of 60-90 miles and a charging time from empty to 80% in less than an hour from a fast charger – and priced from as little as £5000. There is, of course, the cost of a battery lease to factor in; this varies depending on how many miles you intend to do in a year. For the 22kWh battery, if you do less than 4500 miles the battery lease is £49 a month; the most you’ll pay is £89 a month for 10,500 miles.

Even taking the lease into account, a used Zoe represents staggering value, undercutting many fuel-powered small cars. What’s more, the Zoe’s arrangement has a handy upside: Renault guarantees up to 75% of the battery’s original capacity. If the battery drops below that, Renault will repair or replace it. You also get 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the deal. On top of that, the Zoe is a peach to drive.

WINNER: Renault Zoe 2013-present — Age group 4-6 years — Price from £5000

Stick to urban roads and you’ll be cruising around in a blissfully quiet interior. You also get sprightly performance off the mark. While it tails off at higher speeds, the Zoe is still perfectly usable.

All of which leaves the Zoe as our best used green car. With its usable electric range, low running costs, funky styling and fantastic prices, it’s hard to resist.

And the overall winner is… The SEAT Leon

The 2018 What Car? Used Car of the Year is the SEAT Leon. It's no ordinary family car. Its sharp looks, smart interior and involving drive make it truly desirable. And yet it’s also practical and spacious enough for most families’ needs. Whether you pick a frugal diesel engine, an easy-going petrol or something a little spicier, there’s a model out there for everyone. Quality is high, too; our reliability survey results show that the Leon is a dependable choice. But what the Leon really has going for it as a used buy is value.

Given all that it offers, you might think the Leon would fall at the pricier end of the used hatchback spectrum – but the opposite is true. It’s one of the cheapest, with examples from 2013 onwards available from just £5000, and truly desirable ones for just £1000 more than that. The good news doesn’t end there, either. To take advantage, you don’t have to live with a spartan, entry-level model. Solid mid-range versions with impressive equipment levels and desirable engine options are plentiful and barely more expensive than the most basic cars.

It takes a special car to stand out in the hugely crowded used family car market. But the Leon does so while also offering the sort of value for money that causes you to do a double take. For that reason, it is our used car of the year for 2018.