Not a bloated “top 50,” just the cars we’d point a friend to today—because they age well, cost sensibly to run, and won’t make you curse at MOT/NCT time.
A good buy doesn’t shout. It settles in, starts every morning, and leaves you with enough cash for tyres that aren’t made of chalk. We pick on three things: where the depreciation curve has already bent, how often they break, and how much the “unseen costs” bite—insurance groups, tyre sizes, quirky service intervals.
Start small. As a city car or first car, the Toyota Yaris Hybrid (2017–2020) is the definition of light-footed. You don’t race a Yaris; you float past fuel stations and wonder why everyone else is stopping. Interiors wear like granite, and resale is suspiciously strong. It’s the car you recommend to people you love who ignore servicing until the light starts blinking.
For a family hatch that still feels adult, the Honda Civic (2017–2021) is a quiet triumph: generous boot, seats that don’t ruin spines, engines that refuse drama. The 1.5 petrol is the sweet spot. It’s not “flash,” which is exactly the point—less theatre, more miles.
Need an SUV without diesel drama? The Mazda CX-5 (2017–2021) on petrol power is calmer than the class average and ages better than most. The ride has that Mazda tautness without punishment. Pick history over mileage; this is a theme.
If you want leather and silence without remortgaging your soul, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W213, 2017–2020) is now firmly in sane-money territory. Aim for the four-cylinders with documented gearbox fluid changes; you’re buying a rolling lounge, not a Nürburgring lap time.
Electric? The Kia e-Niro / Niro EV (64 kWh) delivers range that behaves in winter and hardware that doesn’t squeak itself to death. Not the sexiest badge, but the ownership math is solid.
And if you want a grin with your groceries, the BMW M140i / 340i (B58) is adult fun: stout engine, easy power, no histrionics. Buy condition, not stories.
How to use this list: don’t chase options; chase history. Two keys, a thick folder, and tyres from brands you’ve actually heard of beat panoramic roofs every day of the week.
