Top 10: Best Used City Cars to Buy in 2025
13th Feb 2025
By Nathan Dale
City driving comes with its own set of challenges, from tight spaces and unpredictable road conditions to constant stop-and-go traffic.
As the name suggests, city cars are built to handle exactly these conditions, offering the agility and fuel economy needed to navigate the city with ease.
Choosing a used model also means benefiting from affordable prices, slower depreciation, and better overall value, making it a smart and practical option for those seeking both convenience and cost savings.
We'll walk you through the best options that suit your city lifestyle and budget.
Contents
- Kia Picanto
- Hyundai i10
- Abarth 595
- Volkswagen up!
- Vauxhall ADAM
- SEAT Mii
- Toyota Aygo
- Fiat 500e
- Nissan Micra
- Peugeot 108
Kia Picanto
- Transferable 7-year warranty
- Well-equipped
- Fuel efficient
Kia, the South-Korean brand that is best-known for offering an unbeatable 7-year warranty with all of their cars (which can be passed onto the next owner) also happens to make a brilliant city car in the form of the Picanto.
Now in its third generation, the Picanto has become a very desirable city car because of its mature driving manners and excellent efficiency.
No matter which specification you opt for, the Picanto has everything you need. The base spec has front electric windows, aux and usb port, Hill-start Assist Control, and plenty of safety equipment.
The higher spec 'GT-Line' boasts a purposeful body kit, 16-inch alloy wheels, LED lights and a 7-inch touchscreen display that has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Search Used Kia PicantoHyundai i10
- Excellent fuel efficiency
- Low running costs
- Plenty of standard technology
Hyundai has firmly established itself over the past decade as a car manufacturer that builds quality vehicles representing exceptional value for money. The i10 city car is no exception, offering maximum efficiency in a compact package that is a genuine joy to drive around town.
Opt for the 1.0-litre petrol engine in the i10, and you’ll only have to pay £20 annual road tax, which rises to around £30 if you choose the more powerful 1.2-litre engine.
With a combined fuel economy of up to 65.7mpg for the 1.0-litre engine, the i10 remains one of the most affordable cars to run on a monthly basis. The 1.2-litre engine achieves around 54.3mpg, offering a slightly higher performance at the cost of some fuel efficiency.
The spec is impressive as well—choosing the mid-range 'SE' trim gives you air conditioning, cruise control, and electric windows all around. In conclusion, the i10 is an excellent performer and offers fantastic value on the used car market, making it a smart choice for city drivers looking for practicality and affordability.
Search Used Hyundai i10Abarth 595
- Exciting driving experience
- Compact and nimble for city driving
- Sporty design
A city car doesn't have to be completely sensible, which is why we're placing the Abarth 595 on this list.
Known for its characterful design and fun drive, the Fiat 500 on which the Abarth is based on is already a popular city car. So, add bolder exterior features, and a potent engine that has a raucous exhaust note, and you find yourself with a vehicle that is incredibly good fun.
Under the bonnet is a turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engine that helps shift the 595 from still to 62mph in under 8.0 seconds (under 7.0 seconds if you go for the more powerful variant). Despite the punchy engine, the 595 can return up to 43mpg on a combined cycle.
The compact nature of the Abarth pairs nicely with the engine, meaning gaps in traffic can be exploited with ease.
Search Used Abarth 595Volkswagen up!
- Excellent reputation for reliability
- High quality interior
- Impressive fuel economy
The Volkswagen up! is a standout option for anyone after a small but mighty city car. With its modern design and efficient performance, it’s built to tackle the challenges of city life with ease.
One of the up!’s biggest advantages is its impressive fuel efficiency. The 1.0-litre petrol engine offers up to 60mpg on a combined cycle, making it a cost-effective choice for daily commutes and short trips around town.
Inside, the up! is simple yet functional, with a focus on ease of use. Standard features include a user-friendly infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and air conditioning, ensuring a comfortable ride every time you get behind the wheel. For those looking for a bit more, higher trims offer upgraded features such as alloy wheels, a more advanced sound system, and additional tech options.
Search Used Volkswagen up!Vauxhall ADAM
- Unique and stylish design
- Engaging to drive
- Lots of clever technology
City cars tend to have bags of character, what with their wide range of colour choices and unique visual features. However, Vauxhall decided to go all-in when they released the fashionable ADAM back in 2013, because they offered customers many possibilities when specifying their particular car.
Although production of the ADAM was discontinued in 2019, it remains a wildly popular choice in the used car market, with many still drawn to its standout style and flexibility.
The ADAM even boasts a bespoke interior and a fair wedge of practicality, if the number of possible configurations wasn't enough to whet the appetite. And being a Vauxhall, the ADAM is generously equipped.
For example, the base model 'Jam' comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, Bluetooth, cruise control, and DAB radio as standard. If you want a city car that is absolutely brimming with character and quirky features, you genuinely can't beat the ADAM.
Search Used Vauxhall ADAMSEAT Mii
- Great value for money
- Durable and well-built
- Efficient 1.0-litre engine
SEAT are owned by Volkswagen, and Volkswagen created the very popular up! city car. So, we doubt you'll be surprised when we tell you that the SEAT Mii is the same car underneath. Better yet, the SEAT retailed at a lower price compared to the up! when it was new, which now translates to a bargain on the used car market.
Because the platform for the Mii was borrowed from Volkswagen, you get a durable interior design that wouldn't look out of place on a higher-end vehicle, while the drive itself is very composed and enjoyable.
The 1.0-litre petrol engine is never going to win any drag races, but with low-emissions and over 55mpg achievable on a combined cycle, ask yourself: who is the real winner here?
Search Used Seat MiiToyota Aygo
- Exceptional reliability record
- Lively and efficient
- Well-equipped trims
Introduced alongside the Peugeot 107 and Citroën C1 back in 2005 (because they each co-developed the platform), the Toyota Aygo is among the most popular city cars currently on the market. Reliability, everyday usability, and super-reasonable running costs; it's easy to see why the Aygo has sold so well.
When driving, the Aygo feels refined and very sure-footed, which is greatly appreciated on those occasions when you leave the town and head for the open road. There are plenty of toys to enjoy too; opt for the 'X-Play' and you get DAB radio, Reversing Camera, and Bluetooth connectivity.
The 1.0-litre petrol engine is lively enough, making it easy to take advantage of gaps that appear in the city traffic. Established city cars don't come much better than this, making the Aygo well worth a consideration.
Search Used Toyota AygoFiat 500e
- Stylish retro design
- Convenient charging options
- Cheap to run
If you’re looking to make the switch to electric without sacrificing style or convenience, the Fiat 500e is a smart choice. It takes everything people love about the classic Fiat 500 and adds the benefits of electric driving.
With a range of about 180 miles on a full charge, it’s perfect for daily commutes or trips around town. Plus, charging is simple - you can easily top up the battery at home, and there are fast-charging stations when you're out and about.
The 500e stays true to the 500’s quirky personality, but with modern touches like a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Search Used Fiat 500eNissan Micra
- Spacious interior with five doors
- Affordable to maintain
- Packed with modern technology
Would you believe us if we told you that the Nissan Micra has been around since the early 1980s? Although, it's easy to see why, because the Micra has always represented reliable motoring for a very reasonable outlay. Better yet, they've always driven well and offered plenty of ownership satisfaction.
Those who remember the original Micra will notice that the latest generations are much larger than their predecessors, but that doesn't mean the latest Micra has any issue dealing with the city; in fact, Nissan have only improved on the formula.
With five doors, a spacious interior, a host of driving aids, and a frugal selection of engines, the Micra is one of the best modern city cars you can currently buy.
Search Used Nissan MicraPeugeot 108
- Affordable to buy and run
- Packed with technology
- Compact and easy to maneouvre
The Peugeot 108 is the successor to the popular 107 and adds a more grown-up element for those who want a city car that's just as capable in the depths of traffic as it is in the outer reaches of the suburbs.
The 108 is surprisingly well-equipped too; opt for the 'Allure' trim, and you get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, air conditioning, Bluetooth, and DAB radio.
You can opt between a 1.0-litre or 1.2-litre petrol engine, both of which are peppy enough to make decent progress when required. It's the low fuel consumption and emissions that take centre-stage with the 108 though.
Because the 108 was never a majorly expensive car when it was released, there's a number of very reasonably priced used examples on the market for you to choose from.
Search Used Peugeot 108Find your perfect used city car
Because a large number of manufacturers are creating brilliant city cars, it can make the buying decision fraught with difficulty. However, choose any of the cars on the list above and you can be confident you're investing in one of the best choices currently available on the market.
At Evans Halshaw, we stock all of the above models plus a lot more in our extensive inventory of used cars.
