Summer is almost over and that means it’s time to go back to shorter days, daily commutes and school runs. Whether you’re a nostalgic summer lover or an autumn enthusiast who can’t wait for the first leaves to fall, you will need to make sure your car is up for the chilly and busy months ahead.

If you’re looking for a new ride, but can’t afford to go over budget, a reliable second-hand car may be exactly what you need.

At Creditplus, we’ve decided to gather everything you need to know to make an informed decision when it’s time to choose your (almost) new set of wheels. Read on to learn about our top 5 second-hand cars for 2018.

Ford Fiesta

It’s no wonder that the Fiesta has been Britain’s favourite car for several decades.

Year after year, this efficient motor continues to prove itself as one of the most affordable and easy to maintain options in the used car market.

With a standard engine of 1.6 litres and a mpg ranging from 31 to 76, the Fiesta offers a smooth, economical drive for city and motorway travelling alike.

Even though its affordability and versatility makes it suitable for most lifestyles, it’s worth noting that the lack of backseat space makes it a less than ideal option for large families.

Find your Ford Fiesta at Creditplus

Nissan Qashqai

The Qashqai has established itself as one of the best options in the small SUV market. Its powerful yet economical engine, its roomy interior and its solid build make it a great option for long commutes and school runs alike.

By offering a comfortable driving experience and low running costs, the Qashqai has gained a solid reputation as an affordable and reliable family car, even though some argue that it falls short in terms of legroom and rear visibility. The optional four-wheel drive makes it a good alternative if you need to drive on countryside roads quite often.

With a combined mpg of 49-74 and a variety of engine sizes ranging from 1.2 to 1.6 litres, the Nissan Qashqai combines the efficiency of a family car with the power of an SUV.

Find your Nissan Qashqai at Creditplus

Volkswagen Golf

The Golf is known for being a comfortable and reliable option that can offer a pleasant driving experience, both for city and countryside driving.

With many models and engines to choose from, the Volkswagen Golf gives you a blend of economy and all-round performance, going from its smaller 1.0 engine to the more powerful 2.0 litre diesel model.

The Golf offers great interior quality, with a user-friendly dashboard and a very reasonable amount of interior space for such a compact and conservatively designed car.

With a combined mpg of 54-59, the Golf is also an impressively economical car to run, making it one of the most affordable and versatile daily-drivers.

Find your Volkswagen Golf at Creditplus

SEAT Leon

If you’re looking for a family hatchback, then the SEAT Leon is definitely an option worth considering. Its stylish design and comfy interior give it an upmarket feel at a very reasonable running cost.

The Leon’s spacious boot and rear seat spacing make it ideal for family trips and its combined mpg of 39-71 make it quite affordable in terms of fuel efficiency for a hatchback. Its several engine options ranging from 1.0 to 2.0 litres can give you a powerful yet silent driving experience.

Although some people argue that the Leon is not as practical and fun to drive as its direct competitor, Ford Focus, the SEAT Leon still gives other family hatchbacks in the second-hand market a run for their money in terms of style and engine power.

Find your SEAT Leon at Creditplus

Vauxhall Astra

Although the Astra hasn’t received much praise over the years, Vauxhall has made a determined effort to place it at the top of the small hatchback class and has turned it into a strong contender in terms of engine power, technology and comfort.

The Vauxhall Astra combines a soft exterior design with a surprising comfortable interior that make it a smooth drive both for city journeys and long road trips. With a combined mpg of 43-69 and engine sizes going from 1.0 to 1.6 litres, the Astra is as one of the most economical hatchback options in the used car market.

Although its three-year warranty and less than ideal residual can’t rival with competitor such as the Golf and the SEAT Leon, the Astra has still managed to establish itself as a great option in the second-hand market thanks to its powerful and efficient engines and its pleasurable driving experience.

Find your Vauxhall Astra at Creditplus

Ready for a first-class second-hand car?

Creditplus is here to help you find the perfect second-hand car and the best finance to go with it.

You can choose from our wide range of car deals today. We’ll even service, MOT and valet your vehicle of choice, and then deliver it straight to your door - Apply online now!