The electric car market has come a long way, and that's brilliant news if you're shopping on the used market. Cars that were eye-wateringly expensive just a few years ago are now tumbling in price, making electric motoring genuinely accessible for the first time. Whether you're after a nippy city car, a practical family hatchback, or even an electric estate, there's a used EV out there that won't break the bank. To prove the point, in this guide we've picked out what we rate as the 10 best electric cars you can buy right now, each available for less than £10,000.
What's more, the running costs of an electric car make them even more attractive as a second-hand purchase. Charge at home and you'll spend a fraction of what you would on petrol or diesel, and servicing costs are typically lower too. The trick is knowing which models offer the best combination of value, range, and everyday usability – and that's exactly what this guide is here to help with.
About this guide
The cars in this guide have been selected to represent the best options currently available. Our recommendations are the result of a unique three-part scoring system that takes into account real-world tests from our team of expert reviewers, ratings from real-life owners who live with these cars every day, and an analysis of market data from CarGurus UK to identify which models offer the highest percentage of good and great deals. This combined approach ensures our list highlights cars that are not only great to own but also good value to buy. For more information, scroll to the bottom of this page.
The Best Cheap Used Electric Cars 2026
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 35.9%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Lively and entertaining to drive |
Limited driving range |
| The EV is ideal around town |
Small rear seats |
| Excellent interior quality |
Ride can be firm |
If you're looking for a cheap entry into electric car ownership that doesn't skimp on personality, the MINI Electric is a cracking choice. It keeps the famous 'go-kart handling' the brand is known for, with sharp steering and plenty of instant punch from its 181bhp electric motor. While the official range of 142 miles might not sound like much next to newer EVs, it's more than enough for city dwellers and daily commuters, with a real-world range of around 100 miles. It's fun, stylish, and perfect for zipping around town without ever visiting a petrol station.
Inside, the MINI feels more premium than its price tag might suggest, with a high-quality finish and that iconic circular central display, which houses an 8.8-inch infotainment screen. The driving position is spot on, and unlike many modern rivals, you get proper physical dials for the heating, which are far easier to use on the move. Practicality is the main compromise; being based on the 3-door hatch, the rear seats are best for occasional use and the boot is small. However, if you don't need to haul lots of luggage, the low running costs – charging at home is a fraction of the price of petrol – make it a very tempting used buy.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The MINI Electric does a good job of capturing that same sense of fun. Its steering is similarly alert and there's plenty of oomph from the 181bhp electric motor." - Dan Prosser, car reviewer
Read our full MINI Electric review
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 35.9%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Affordable for an EV |
Lumpy and unsettled ride |
| Drives very well, both in town and on the open road |
Cramped rear seats |
| High-tech infotainment system |
Short range with the smaller battery |
The Fiat 500e has quickly become a standout choice for those seeking a stylish and affordable entry into electric motoring. As a used buy, it's even more compelling. You'll find two main versions on the market: a lower-cost model with a 23.8kWh battery offering an official range of 115 miles, and the more common 42kWh version, which is the one to go for. It boasts an official range of up to 199 miles, though in the real world, you can expect around 160-170 miles in summer. Whichever you choose, running costs are rock bottom.
Beyond the savings, the 500e is a joy to drive, especially in town where its nippy 117bhp motor (in 42kWh models) makes zipping through traffic effortless. The interior feels far more premium than the price tag suggests, with a smart, retro-modern design and a great infotainment system. However, there is a trade-off for all that style: practicality. The three-door layout makes accessing the rear seats tricky, and once back there, space is tight. The boot is also a modest 185 litres, so it's best suited to singles, couples, or as a characterful second car rather than a family's primary transport.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Fiat 500e is a fantastic small EV, a car that you can buy with your head as much as your heart. It's relatively affordable by electric car standards, great to drive around town and surprisingly competent on the open road." - Chris Knapman, editorial director
Read our full Fiat 500e review
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.3 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 39.6%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Futuristic looks meet family-friendly space |
Not as energy-efficient as some rivals |
| Good range of battery and engine options |
Not quite as premium-feeling as you'd hope |
| Well equipped |
Infotainment system glitchy and flawed |
Think of the Volkswagen ID.3 as the electric people's car, a futuristic alternative to the ever-popular Golf. Launched back in 2020, early examples are now becoming seriously tempting on the used market, offering stylish looks and a practical cabin for a fraction of their original price. Thanks to its purpose-built electric underpinnings, there's more space inside than you'll find in a Golf, and the 385-litre boot is a good size for a family hatchback, easily swallowing the weekly shop or a weekend's worth of luggage.
On the road, the ID.3 is smooth, quiet and easy to drive. Most versions come with a 201bhp electric motor that provides plenty of punch for nipping through city traffic or getting up to speed on a motorway slip road. As a used buy, you'll find a choice of battery sizes, but even the mid-range 58kWh models offer a respectable official range of up to 266 miles. If you regularly tackle longer journeys, seek out the 77kWh battery, which boosts that figure to a very impressive 347 miles, making range anxiety a thing of the past for most drivers.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Volkswagen ID.3 is a well-rounded family car that's comfortable, spacious and feels well built. As an overall prospect, the ID.3 sets a high standard for the family car of the future." - Chris Knapman, editorial director
Read our full Volkswagen ID.3 review
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 35.6%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Choice of electrified powertrains |
Not much fun to drive |
| Futuristic styling |
Sloping roofline compromises rear headroom |
| Low running costs |
Fidgety ride |
The Hyundai Ioniq Electric stands out as a superb entry point into the world of used EVs, especially for those who prefer a more conventional family hatchback design over the sometimes-quirky styling of its rivals. It's a practical choice, offering a decent 350-litre boot that's on par with a Nissan Leaf. Used buyers have two main versions to consider: pre-2019 models with a 119bhp motor and an official range of 174 miles, or the post-facelift version which upped the power to 134bhp and the range to a more useful 193 miles.
Whichever version you choose, the Ioniq Electric is a doddle to drive, with the instant, seamless acceleration that makes EVs so enjoyable in town and on the open road. While the extra weight of the batteries can make the ride feel a little fidgety on broken surfaces, post-2019 models are noticeably smoother. Running costs are, of course, impressively low, and even the entry-level SE trim is generously equipped with features like adaptive cruise control and a rear-view camera, making it a well-rounded and affordable package.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Electric model in particular represents a relatively affordable and enjoyable route into EV ownership." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
Read our full Hyundai IONIQ review
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.8 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 31.9%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| One of the most affordable EVs on the market |
Lots of body lean when cornering |
| Spacious and practical |
Slow charging speeds for early models |
| Very low running costs |
Unfashionable shape and styling |
The MG5 EV carved out a unique space for itself as the UK's first all-electric estate car, and it remains a standout choice on the used market for anyone needing maximum practicality on a tight budget. While newer electric estates have since arrived from premium brands, the MG5 is in a different league for affordability. Its biggest selling point is space; the boot offers a very useful 479 litres with the seats up, which is more than enough for family life and easily beats most similarly priced electric hatchbacks. As a used buy, the transferable seven-year/80,000-mile warranty is a huge plus, offering peace of mind that's rare at this price point.
For a car focused on value, the MG5 delivers respectable performance and range. Later models, which are the ones to go for, feature a 61.1kWh battery paired with a 154bhp motor, giving a real-world range of around 220 miles and surprisingly brisk acceleration. Rapid charging at up to 87kW allows for a 10-80% top-up in about 35 minutes, making longer trips perfectly feasible. Because MG has now stopped making the MG5, it's exclusively a used proposition. This is great news for bargain hunters, as the first owner will have absorbed the steepest depreciation, making an already cheap car an even more compelling used electric bargain.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The MG5 isn't a car that trades on desirability, but it is a thoroughly practical, common-sense electric car that's pleasant to drive and has a decent real-world range. More importantly, it's the best-value electric estate car on the used car market by a comfortable margin." - CarGurus Editorial Team
Read our full MG MG5 review
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.6%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.2 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Very comfortable ride |
Not cheap to buy |
| Well finished cabin |
Fiddly infotainment system |
| Excellent electric version |
Rear seats don't slide |
If you thought cheap electric cars had to be dull, the Peugeot e-2008 is here to prove you wrong. It wraps up all the benefits of a small electric SUV in a seriously stylish package. From the sharp exterior styling to the beautifully crafted interior with its futuristic 'i-Cockpit' layout, the e-2008 feels a cut above many rivals. The driving experience backs this up; the 134bhp electric motor provides swift, silent acceleration, making it a joy to pilot around town and a relaxing companion on the motorway.
Practicality hasn't been forgotten in the pursuit of style. The 434-litre boot is a good size for a car in this class, easily handling the weekly shop or a weekend away. While the official range is over 200 miles, you can expect a more realistic 160 miles from a full charge in day-to-day driving, which is plenty for most commutes and school runs. As a used buy, the e-2008 makes a compelling case, offering rock-bottom running costs if you can charge at home, combined with a premium feel that makes every journey feel a bit special.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The 2008 is one of the better offerings, with plenty of all-round talent and lots of smart design. In electric form it's even better, making it a smooth-driving, upmarket-feeling little SUV." - Alex Robbins, senior car reviewer
Read our full Peugeot 2008 review
CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 30.4%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.2 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Electric model for the price of a petrol |
Cramped in the back |
| Nimble cornering |
Laggy infotainment |
| Great value as a used buy |
Small boot |
The Vauxhall Corsa has been a staple on UK roads for decades, but this latest version is a world away from its predecessors. Sharing its underpinnings with the excellent Peugeot 208, it's available as a fully electric model, which is where the smart used money is going. Early cars are badged 'Corsa-e', while facelifted models from 2023 are called 'Corsa Electric' and feature a sharper front-end design. With an official range of up to 246 miles in the 156bhp Long Range version, it has the legs for more than just city driving. While pricey when new, the Corsa Electric is becoming a real bargain on the used market, making it a top contender for a cheap-to-run EV.
Inside, the Corsa feels much classier than before, though rivals like the Peugeot 208 still have the edge on outright plushness. Space in the back is a bit tight, and the boot in the electric model is a modest 267 litres, so it's not the most practical small car. However, it's enjoyable to drive, with the instant response from the electric motor making it feel nippy and fun around town. The Corsa feels predictable and inspires confidence through the corners, although the ride can be a little jiggly on broken surfaces and there's a bit of tyre noise at higher speeds.
The CarGurus Verdict: "While the Corsa Electric is expensive as a new purchase, used models are becoming great value and are well worth a look. It's a stylish and mature-feeling small car, but be aware that the back seats aren't the roomiest." - Chris Knapman, editorial director
Read our full Vauxhall Corsa review
CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.2 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 37.8%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.2 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Distinctive looks really stand out |
Early versions have a short range |
| Nimble handling for an EV |
Stiff and unsettled ride |
| Appealing cabin design |
An expensive car to buy |
The BMW i3 was a car ahead of its time when it launched in 2013, and its futuristic looks still stand out today. Built around an innovative carbon-fibre passenger cell, it feels special and upmarket inside, with a stylish cabin that uses natural fibres. It's a strict four-seater, and while access to the back is tricky in tight car parks due to the rear-hinged doors, space up front is excellent. As a cheap used EV, it offers a premium experience that mainstream rivals struggle to match. The boot is on the small side at 270 litres, but there's a handy space under the bonnet for the charging cables.
On the road, the i3 is more fun to drive than most small EVs, with its 168bhp electric motor, rear-wheel-drive layout, and light weight making it feel nimble and quick. When looking at used examples, it's vital to check the battery size; early cars had a range of around 80-100 miles, while later models with bigger batteries can manage up to 192 miles. There was also a Range Extender (REX) version with a small petrol engine to top up the battery. Running costs are low thanks to zero VED and cheap home charging. Be aware that the ride can be a bit stiff and its skinny tyres puncture easily and can be surprisingly pricey to replace.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The BMW i3 is an appealing, upmarket and beautifully finished electric car that's engaging and easy to drive. It's also an interesting piece of design and engineering, and it's packed full of modern and useful technology, all of which bolsters its desirability further." - Lewis Kingston, contributor
Read our full BMW i3 review
CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 3.7 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 38.4%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.2 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Lots of space in the cabin |
Not compatible with CCS charging |
| Affordable for a family EV |
Driving position is short on adjustment |
| Extremely cheap to run |
Many rivals will go further on a full charge |
The Nissan Leaf was one of the cars that started the whole electric revolution, and now it's matured into a seriously tempting cheap used buy. Think of it as a normal family hatchback, just one that you plug in. It's properly practical, with more passenger room than you'd find in a Ford Focus and a big 435-litre boot that easily swallows the weekly shop or a buggy. Running costs are where the Leaf really shines; charging at home costs a fraction of filling a petrol car, and Nissan's servicing is famously affordable, making it a brilliant choice for families looking to slash their motoring bills.
When looking at a used Leaf, the main choice is battery size. The original 40kWh model has an official range of 168 miles, while the later 62kWh 'e+' version claims up to 239 miles. In the real world, expect closer to 140 and 210 miles respectively. The standard 148bhp motor provides plenty of punch for zipping around town and feels perfectly at home on the motorway. One thing to be aware of is the CHAdeMO rapid charging port. It works fine, but the UK's charging network is increasingly favouring the more common CCS standard, which could make finding a compatible rapid charger a bit trickier in the years to come.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Nissan Leaf is a very worthy option in the electric family hatchback class, thanks to its great interior space and decent standard equipment levels. It's a very safe option, and there tend to be far more competitive purchase offers than on longer-range rivals." - Vicky Parrott, contributing editor
Read our full Nissan Leaf review
CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: Insufficient user ratings
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 35.8%
Overall CarGurus rating: 3.8 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Classy and unusual looks |
Fairly short range |
| Handles well and rides comfortably |
Awkward rear-hinged back doors |
| Low running costs |
Smaller-than-average rear seats |
The Mazda MX-30 has always been a bit of an outlier, but that's exactly what makes it such a compelling used buy. Its quirky styling, complete with those unusual rear-hinged back doors, and a beautifully crafted interior featuring sustainable materials like cork, give it a premium feel that belies its second-hand price tag. New, it struggled to justify its cost, but heavy depreciation means you can now pick one up for a fraction of its original price. This makes it a stylish and distinctive choice in a sea of more conventional electric crossovers. You can have it as a pure electric car, or as the clever R-EV model, which uses a tiny rotary engine as a generator to banish range anxiety.
The pure electric model's official 124-mile range will be a deal-breaker for some, especially for those who regularly tackle long motorway journeys. However, for city dwellers or as a second car, it's more than adequate, and its comfortable ride makes it a relaxing urban runabout. The 366-litre boot is decent for a car of this size, and all models come loaded with kit, including a head-up display and adaptive cruise control. If the range is a worry, the R-EV version offers the best of both worlds: around 50 miles of pure electric driving for daily trips, with the petrol range-extender providing a safety net for longer jaunts.
The CarGurus Verdict: "For those worried about the somewhat limited range of the fully electric MX-30, the R-EV range-extender model is worth considering. In either case, buying a lightly used model will save you thousands of pounds versus a brand new example." - Chris Knapman, editorial director
Read our full Mazda MX-30 review
FAQ
What is the cheapest used electric car to buy in the UK?
The MG5 and Nissan Leaf are among the most affordable used electric cars you can buy in the UK right now. Both have depreciated significantly from their new prices, and the MG5 in particular offers exceptional value thanks to its generous standard equipment and transferable seven-year warranty. The BMW i3 is also worth considering, as early examples have dropped considerably in price since production ended in 2022.
How much does it cost to charge a used electric car at home?
Charging a used electric car at home is significantly cheaper than filling up with petrol or diesel. On a typical home electricity tariff, a full charge for a car like the Nissan Leaf (40kWh battery) costs roughly £10-£12, giving you around 140 miles of real-world range. If you switch to an EV-specific energy tariff with cheaper overnight rates, that cost can drop even further, making daily commuting remarkably inexpensive.
Are used electric car batteries reliable?
Electric car batteries are generally very durable, and most manufacturers offer lengthy warranties that transfer to second-hand owners. For example, the MG5 comes with a seven-year/80,000-mile warranty, while Hyundai covers the Ioniq's battery for eight years or 125,000 miles. Battery degradation does occur over time, but modern EVs typically retain 80-90% of their original capacity even after several years of use. It's always worth checking the battery health reading when buying a used EV.
What range should I expect from a cheap used electric car?
Range varies considerably depending on the model and battery size. At the lower end, an early BMW i3 or MINI Electric will manage around 80-140 miles on a full charge, which is fine for city driving and short commutes. Mid-range options like the Volkswagen ID.3 (58kWh battery) and the Vauxhall Corsa Electric offer 200-250 miles officially, while the largest-battery ID.3 claims up to 347 miles. Keep in mind that real-world range is typically 15-20% less than official figures, especially in cold weather.
Can I rapid charge any used electric car?
Most used electric cars support rapid charging, but the speed and connector type vary. The Nissan Leaf uses the older CHAdeMO standard, which is becoming less common at public charging stations across the UK, so it's worth checking charger availability on your regular routes. Cars like the Volkswagen ID.3, Fiat 500e, and Vauxhall Corsa Electric use the more widely supported CCS connector, which offers faster charging speeds and greater compatibility with the UK's growing rapid charging network.
Is it worth buying a used electric car with a small battery?
A used electric car with a smaller battery can be an excellent buy if it suits your driving habits. Models like the MINI Electric (142 miles official range) and the Fiat 500e with the 23.8kWh battery (115 miles) are significantly cheaper to purchase and work brilliantly as city cars or second vehicles. If you can charge at home overnight and your daily mileage is under 50-60 miles, a smaller battery makes perfect financial sense – you'll pay less upfront and still enjoy all the benefits of electric motoring.
What Makes CarGurus Best Cars Guides Different?
Most car buying websites publish lists of the best cars across a variety of categories, with recommendations generally driven by editorial expertise. Here's what makes our best cars guides different: we combine the insights and verdicts of our team of car-testing experts with other factors that we know matter to buyers - real owner experiences and current market value.
To that end, our expert reviewers come from some of the UK's most trusted automotive publications including What Car?, The Telegraph, Auto Trader, Electrifying.com, and Carbuyer. They put each car through real-world testing, and create detailed reviews noting performance in a range of categories, from practicality and driving manners, to running costs and reliability.
But we don't stop there when it comes to creating our best cars guides; we also analyse hundreds of thousands of used car listings on CarGurus UK to track which models consistently offer the highest percentage of best deals relative to how many are listed for sale. Then we factor in user reviews and ratings gathered on CarGurus to get feedback from people who actually live with these cars every day. Our best cars algorithm then creates a final Overall CarGurus rating that combines expert ratings, user reviews, and the percentage of listings on CarGurus UK rated as good or great deals. This three-way approach reveals not just which cars excel on paper, but which ones deliver satisfaction and value when you're ready to buy.
The CarGurus UK market data in this guide was last updated in March 2026. Values were accurate at time of publication and should be used as a guide only.
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