USED CAR STARS

Delays for new cars mean used demand is up. Here are our top picks in eight brackets

THE used car isn't the bargain it once was. With long waiting times for a lot of new cars, many buyers are turning to second-hand motors, and that increased demand has had an inflationary effect on prices.

However, things are definitely starting to ease, and there are still great deals worth seeking out. We've rounded up 92 used cars that are worth spending your hard-earned cash on, from sub-£1,000 bargains to nearly new and in some cases pretty plush options nudging £30,000. There's a focus on practicality here, but we've allowed ourselves to indulge in the occasional bit of spice.

Keep an eye out for the buying advice we've interspersed throughout these pages, so if you do spot something you like, you're well prepared to look for the right things, and you can ask the right questions.

We've also taken a look at finance options, so if you can't quite stretch to the full price or would just rather spread the cost, you'll know the next steps to take.

Happy hunting!

Advice from our panel of experts

MATT ROBINSON 

Deputy executive editor

Used prices are rising, but new ones are going up faster still, so buying second-hand will see someone else taking the depreciation hit.

JOHN MCILROY 

Deputy editor

On some cars, certain engines and trims are sought after, so if you're willing to compromise, you can pick up big savings.

STEVE FOWLER 

Editor-in-chief

Any new or used car purchase should be a fun process, from doing your research, to test driving it and sealing the deal, so enjoy it!

SEAN CARSON

Associate editor

Everything is online these days, but when buying used, I print off the ads for each car I'm considering for a direct comparison in front of me.