Best used cars 2023

Want to know the top 10 most popular used cars of 2023 at AA Cars?

Last year proved to be another bumper 12 months for the new car market, with registrations bouncing back following years affected by the pandemic.

The used car market continues to be strong as well, and as prices have fallen slightly in recent months following years of record figures, it means secondhand vehicles are a fantastic buy at the moment.

Demand for used cars remains strong, especially for the most popular and in-demand vehicles. But what were the cars that buyers were looking at the most in 2023? We’ve analysed our data to look at the 10 most-searched-for used cars.

1. Ford Fiesta

While Ford might have pulled the plug on the Fiesta last summer, meaning new versions of this best-selling supermini are no longer available, it hasn’t stopped used buyers flocking to it. In 2023, it was by far the most-searched-for used car, and with more than 3,500 listed on our website, there’s no shortage of examples for sale.

The Fiesta has almost universal appeal, from first-time drivers through to those looking for a small family car. Across the generations, it’s always been fun to drive, roomy for its size and has represented great value for money. That continues today, with prices starting from just £1,000 for an old example, right up to £25,000 for a last-of-the-line car.

2. Ford Focus

Though the Ford Focus remains on sale, it’s fallen off the list of the UK’s most popular new cars. But it certainly hasn’t dropped off the agenda of those looking for a secondhand example, with this family hatchback and estate being the second most searched-for vehicle on AA Cars in 2023.

There are currently more than 3,000 listed on our site, with a huge variation in price, from less than £1,000 for the oldest examples to more than £40,000 for limited-edition performance models. The Focus is a practical, no-nonsense family car that has always been among the top cars available in its class.

3. Volkswagen Polo

The Volkswagen Polo is another one of those cars that has huge appeal. While one of VW’s smallest models, the latest examples have grown considerably in size and offer plenty of space. There’s a broad choice of versions available, too, with prices ranging from £1,000 through to £30,000 for the latest GTI hot hatch model.

At AA Cars, we have more than 2,000 secondhand Volkswagen Polo models listed on our site, meaning there’s something to suit every budget. The Polo has a great reputation for its solid, well-built feel and is among the best small cars you can buy.

4. Nissan Qashqai

There’s been a huge rise in demand for higher-riding crossovers and SUVs in recent years, and the car that helped to kickstart this craze was the Nissan Qashqai. First introduced in 2007, it has continued to rise through the ranks since and is among the UK’s most popular new cars. That appeal also extends to the used market, as it’s one of the most viewed vehicles on AA cars.

Across the generations, the Qashqai has always been stylish and practical, while buyers get plenty of car and equipment for their money. Currently, we have more than 3,500 secondhand Nissan Qashqais listed on our website, with prices ranging from just £2,000 to almost £40,000 for the latest hybrid model.

5. Volkswagen Golf

Over the years the Volkswagen Golf has always been a brilliant choice, and especially on the secondhand market where this family hatchback has an excellent reputation for its solid build quality and classy image.

With the Golf being on sale for almost 50 years, there’s no shortage of models available, with more than 3,000 examples listed on AA Cars. With prices starting from £1,000 and rising to almost £60,000 for the flagship hot hatch versions, there’s a Volkswagen Golf to suit nearly all tastes and budgets.

6. Fiat 500

If you want a stylish small car, they don’t get much more desirable than a Fiat 500. It’s been around in its current form since 2007, yet is remarkably still on sale if you fancy a new one. But it’s expensive this way, which is why a used model makes such a lot of sense, and probably why it's the sixth most viewed car on AA Cars.

Despite the 500 never selling in as large numbers as other cars on this list, there are still more than 1,700 used examples of this Fiat listed at the time of writing. You can pick up a used Fiat 500 for just £2,000, rising to almost £30,000 for the latest electric models that are the new city car of choice.

7. Vauxhall Corsa

The Vauxhall Corsa is another car that’s among the best-selling new cars and has been for decades. The result is that there’s a huge number of used examples for sale, with more than 3,300 currently listed on AA Cars, with prices ranging from £1,000 to £25,000 for the latest flagship versions.

The Corsa is a popular first car owing to its low price and running costs, though newer models have moved more upmarket and offer lots in the way of style and technology. Vauxhall has even offered an electric Corsa if you fancy making the switch.

8. Ford Kuga

In recent times, many Ford buyers have been opting for SUVs like the Kuga over the more conventional Focus, and that’s been reflected in the fact searches for this higher-riding model continue to increase. The number for sale continues to rise too, with more than 1,800 currently listed with AA Cars.

The Kuga makes a lot of sense for families with its roomy interior that offers more space than a conventional hatchback. There have been three generations of the Kuga too, with a broad range of prices – from just £3,000 to £35,000 for the latest models.

9. Ford Transit

While our name might be AA Cars, we also stock a huge number of vans, with one of the most popular searches for being Ford’s brilliant Transit. In fact, with more than 2,800 currently listed on our site, there’s a huge range of choice, from older models starting from £2,500 up to newer versions listed for more than £75,000.

The sheer choice of Transits available is vast, with a variety of different versions available, from smaller runabouts to large vans ideal for heavy duty. There are even camper vans available and electric and hybrid models too.

10. Audi A1

While Audi might have an extensive range of models, it’s the firm’s smallest model that is the most searched for – the A1. Introduced in 2010, it’s become renowned for being a small car that offers the refinement and quality of much larger vehicles.

With almost 1,500 A1s listed on AA Cars, there’s a great variety of different versions, from cheaper high-mileage cars starting from £3,000 through to brand-new models costing more than £30,000.

Prices correct at time of publication [01/2024].