THE average motorist pays £3500 per year to run a car – and it’s not getting any cheaper.
The budget didn’t bring much joy for drivers, with increasing fuel prices adding to the cost-of-living crisis.
Could trading in your inefficient old motor save you cash this Christmas? Absolutely – and we’ll show you how.
Driving during winter exposes our cars to extreme conditions, putting pressure on all systems.
Fuel economy drops as engines and batteries are less efficient when operating in cold weather, meaning more frequent trips to the pumps.
The key to saving cash is choosing a suitable car – and Sun Motors can help.
We carry the UK’s best stock of efficient cars at affordable prices.
We’re going to show you what to look for in a low-cost motor and pick some of our favourites.
What to look for to lower running costs
When most people talk about car running costs, they simply mean fuel.
While all drivers should keep a keen eye on prices at the pumps, the total cost of car ownership involves more, including:
- Fuel economy (miles-per-gallon): Check how efficient your car is to make the best savings at the pump. During winter, fuel economy drops, with bigger cars using more fuel to move.
- Insurance costs: The lower the insurance band, the cheaper the car will be to insure. (Check the insurance band for any car with Compare the Market).
- Servicing and maintenance costs: You’ll pay more to service, repair and maintain a premium car like an Audi than you will for a cut-price brand like Dacia.
When selecting a used car, you should consider all these costs. They will give you a more accurate picture of the total cost of ownership.
What impacts a car most in winter?
Driving during winter puts extra pressure on every part of your car.
The engine is forced to work harder, starting from cold and operating at extreme temperatures. (As a result, you should check your oil and coolant levels regularly.)
Fuel economy can be up to 20% lower in cold weather, meaning more frequent fill-ups.
You’ll also find running essential systems like internal heaters can hit your wallet.
Tyres, too, can wear out more quickly. Your lights are on more, which means a greater chance of a blown bulb. Salt on the roads can increase corrosion to bodywork and exposed components.
If you’re like Chris Rea, and driving home for Christmas, you’ll want to ensure your car is safe, well-maintained, and ready for the road to avoid costly repairs.
The best used cheap-to-run cars available on Sun Motors
Smart buyers know that used cars offer huge savings over new ones. Select the right make and model, and you can save on fuel, insurance, and maintenance costs.
Here is our selection of the 5 best used cars with the lowest running costs:
Miniature mile-muncher Hyundai i10
Model: Hyundai i10
The Hyundai i10 is the epitome of a dull mile muncher, which makes it perfect for penny pinchers.
Low insurance band? Check. Cheap to buy? Check. Fuel efficient? It’ll do over 50mpg – more if you drive sensibly.
Overall costs are around 11p per mile.
Cold-start superstar: Suzuki Swift
Model: Suzuki Swift
The Suzuki Swift has an incredibly impressive reliability rating, says consumer champions Which?.
As well as a bulletproof engine, the car is hugely fuel-efficient and cheap to repair, too. You’ll also find it’s cheap to insure.
There are plenty of Suzuki Swift bargains on Sun Motors, like low-mileage 2016 motors for less than £6000.
Find Your Next Car by What You Can Actually Afford
Sun Motors has created the UK’s First Finance-First Marketplace
*Finance Powered by DSG Finance who are a Credit Broker Not A Lender. Representative 21.6%. Your rate may differ depending on individual circumstances
You can check in less than 60 seconds if you are eligible for financing, and then search for your dream used car within your monthly budget.
Here’s how…
- Soft credit check, with no impact on your score
- 60-second decision, get a real finance decision in less than a minute
- Instant match, only see cars that fit your real budget
- AI-powered help, get tailored advice, suggestions, and instant answers from an AI advisor called Theo
Find out what you can afford in just 60 seconds here.
Fantastic 4×4: Dacia Duster
Model: Dacia Duster
Drivers who need a low-cost 4×4 should start with the Dacia Duster.
Ignore expensive modern models and go for an older version. You’ll find MPG is around 40, with insurance costs much lower than an XC40 or other higher-end 4×4.
Smash through the ice and snow while saving cash. What could be better?
Penny-pincher: Toyota Prius
The Prius is the elder statesman in the world of hybrids, but it’s still a cheap and efficient car to run.
Ignore current premium models and pick up a 2016-22 Prius and you’ll get a great motor that’s eco-friendly, efficient and inexpensive.
You can pick up a used Prius for less than £10k, but we’ve found low-mileage 2018 Toyota Prius’s, with finance deals of sub-£300 per month.
Cheapest small car on Sun Motors: Fiat 500
Did you think you could pick up a 2019 car with 80,000 miles on the clock for £5000? Nor did I until I checked.
Low insurance grouping, a small engine and good (if not great) reliability mean it’s a great choice. It’s arguably the best-looking motor in our list, too.
Ultra reliable: Honda Jazz
Honda has been named the UK’s most reliable car brand.
We’ve selected this 2015 low-mileage Honda Jazz as our choice. It’ll deliver almost 50 mpg and costs a little over £175 per month.
Sun Motors: Buy your next vehicle today
If you’re part of the 3.3 million Brits looking to buy a used vehicle this year, Sun Motors is an ideal place to start
*If you click on a link in this boxout we will earn affiliate revenue
Sun Motors is a seamless, straightforward, transparent platform that ranks by customer searches, not payments. It offers innovative financing and concierge services, ensuring a simple, fair car-buying experience.
Enjoy:
- A choice of fuel type whether it’s petrol, diesel, electric or hybrid
- A range of models from convertible, estate, saloon and many more
- A range of top brands such as Ford, Volkswagen, Toyota and BMW
- Financing options
- Trusted dealers
Mileage monster: Toyota Yaris Cross
Want a car that can deliver over 100 mpg?
Meet the Toyota Yaris Cross. This little beauty delivers incredible real-world performance.
OK, so this nearly-new 2023 Toyota Yaris Cross model isn’t ultra-cheap, but higher up-front costs could pay back with fewer trips to the pump.
Cut price: Citroen C3
Buy cheap and don’t buy twice with this 2018 Citroen C3 1.2 PureTech.
At only 7 years old and with a relatively low 81,000 miles on the clock, it’s ready for much more.
It’ll also deliver nearly 60mpg on the motorway, making it highly efficient too. Oh, and it’s just £110 per month.
Awesome EV: Dacia Spring
The perfect entry-level EV? That’s the Dacia Spring.
It’s a Renault Clio-sized EV that’s fantastic for economy.
A used Dacia Spring can be picked up for a mind-bogglingly bargain price.
Electric vs petrol: Is one better than the other for the seasons?
Electric vehicle drivers don’t have to worry about an engine struggling to start from cold.
The instant torque from an EV can provide more traction, especially in icy conditions.
In the end, though, all cars should be fine as long as they’re well-maintained and in good condition.
How does Sun Motors keep you safe when buying a used car?
When you buy a car with Sun Motors, you’re able to shop from a range of trusted traders.
All used car dealers have been vetted, and all cars are checked before being sold.
You can always ask questions about every car and ensure you’re happy before going ahead with your purchase. Oh, and you can access low-cost finance deals, too.
Can I see the history of a used vehicle on Sun Motors?
Yes, you can request information on the history of any vehicle at Sun Motors using our simple-to-use AI chatbot tool.
You can also check the MOT history of any vehicle on the GOV.uk website.
Buying a used car? Check out Sun Motors and find your next vehicle today. Whether you’re looking for automatic, manual or electric, use Sun Motors to decide on your next model.
