Best used car of the year announced – and it’s not a BMW or Audi

A leading motoring publication has announced which vehicle they think is the best used car in the UK as more people elect not to buy a new car. Although purchasing a vehicle with barely any miles on the clock is great, it can be a very expensive endeavour. Instead, most people opt to go on the used car market where they might be able to pick up a premium bargain.

With this in mind, motoring authority Auto Express has put together a list of what it thinks are the best used cars available today, with their winner being a vehicle that may come at a perfect time for those looking to make the switch from petrol and diesel to electric.

The car in question is the Ioniq 5, an electric five-door hatchback from Korean manufacturer Hyundai. Originally released in 2021, they can now be bought for as little as £13,000.

On why they picked the car, which from the side looks like a little like a Lancia Delta Integrale, Auto Express said it was in large part because of its range, styling, and potentially intact warranties.

They explained: “The futuristic styling is a big draw, but that beauty is more than skin deep. The tech-filled cabin is packed with equipment, and the long wheelbase ensures there’s plenty of room for the entire family.

“All versions, even those with a single motor driving the rear wheels, handle well, and every model will comfortably do north of 200 miles on a charge….Many Ioniq 5s will have part of their original, five-year manufacturer warranty still intact, too.”

Another draw for the Ioniq 5 is the fact that it’s electric. Although the price of electricity has risen in recent years, it has not gone up as far, or as fast, as petrol or diesel prices.

According to the RAC’s October 21 data, the average price of a litre of petrol is around 174.04p whilst it’s even higher for diesel at 199.05p. In some places, diesel has breached the £2 market for the first time, leading to calls for the government to take action. Furthermore, electric cars, both new and used, have become more appealing than ever before.

In a statement following the expensive milestone, the RAC’s head of policy Simon Williams warned people would face challenges going into a very expensive time of year.

He said: “This is a pump price threshold that no-one wanted to cross – the average price of a litre of diesel has risen to a record 200.01p and is showing no signs of slowing, heaping more misery onto motorists.

“The cost of filling up an average family car is now £110, almost £32 more than it was at the start of the US/Iran war. This will be very challenging for households and companies that drive a lot of miles, from commuters, haulage and delivery firms, businesses with large fleets all the way through to sole traders.”

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