Audi, Tesla, Mazda: best used cars 2022

If you're in the market for a second-hand car, these have been ranked the best around.

It’s been a hot couple of years for the used car market.

The pandemic is continuing to impact the production of new cars, with manufacturers struggling to deal with the shortage of semiconductors which are ever present in new motors.

That’s driving up demand, and indeed the price, of quality used cars. After all, if you can’t get your hands on a brand-new car, then a used car will have to suffice.

But what are the best used cars around, the ones that you can rely on to deliver value for money and won’t mean you spend every other weekend at the mechanic?

WhatCar? has just announced the winners of its used car awards for 2022, so let’s take a look at the standout performers, and what they are likely to cost if you want to pick one up second-hand.

Used hatchback of the year

The winner of the hatchback category was the Audi A3 Sportback.

The reviewers at WhatCar call it an “aspirational premium family car”, praising it for both its economical engine and the “fine job” that it does over long journeys when it comes to driver comfort.

It was also noted that the A3 boasts perfectly weighted steering, with “exceptional” body control.

According to WhatCar?, a used model is likely to set you back upwards of £6,500. For tighter budgets, the experts pointed to the Suzuki Celerio as a good alternative, with prices likely to start at £4,000.

Used executive car of the year

It’s another win for Audi, this time with the A4 taking top spot.

It’s not a particularly cheap option, with cars starting at £12,000, though WhatCar? pointed out that, as an Audi, it’s pretty good at retaining its value.

That’s not the only selling point, of course.

You’re surrounded by “top class” materials inside the car, including technology like the parking sensors, cruise control and climate control, while the engine is smooth and economical.

One potential downside is that there’s not a lot of room in the back, however.

If the A4 is beyond your budget, then WhatCar? picked out the Skoda Superb, which will tend to cost from £6,500.

Used SUV of the year

If you’re in the market for a used SUV, then you won’t do much better than the Mazda CX-5.

According to WhatCar? it stands “head and shoulders” above its rivals, having built up a reputation as being one of the better cars to drive among SUVs.

It’s also more economical than some of its main rivals, meaning your money goes further every time you fill up.

The reviewers point to its excellent reliability record, as well as the fact that few can match it when it comes to value.

For example, you can nab one used for as little as £15,000, less than half the price of a new one. That’s far cheaper than its typical rivals.

If that’s still a little steep, then you might prefer the Seat Arona, which will start at £10,000.

In fact, WhatCar? points out that when it comes to a competitive car at a tight budget, it always makes sense to start with a Seat.

Used estate car of the year

The Volkswagen Passat won the used estate car category, and with high praise too. WhatCar? suggested that it is the “ideal car for almost any occasion”.

It boasts plenty of space, including in the boot, with a lavish interior too. The Passat was a sales success, which means there are now plenty of used motors available, hence its reasonable price tag ‒ prices start at £10,000.

For smaller budgets, then another option is Skoda Octavia Estate, since you can nab one for as little as £5,000.

Used electric car of the year

If you want the top used electric car, then you'll need to dig deep.

The winning car is the Tesla Model 3, and a second-hand version will still set you back from £37,000.

That’s not much less than you will pay for a new one, thought WhatCar? argues that it may prove a wise investment if you keep it for a long time and can charge it at home.

The car has a tremendous record when it comes to reliability, has a whopping range, and delivers a “punchy” performance.

You can still get a cracking electric car if you’re on a smaller budget though, with the team naming the Renault Zoe as the top budget option. Prices start from £8,000.

Used hybrid of the year

The BMW 530e got the win in this category, attracting praise for both its quality interior, competitive range and how fun it is to drive.

It’s a seriously costly motor to buy new, at around £50,000, but you can pick up a used model for less than half that. According to WhatCar?, you could even nab one for just £17,000, which is a remarkable saving.

When it comes to practicality, the reviewers also picked out the Volkswagen Passat GTE estate, which it said works out as a “conspicuous bargain”, with prices again starting from £17,000.

Used seven-seater of the year

The winner here is the Peugeot 5008, specifically the second-generation version which was launched in 2017.

It is a stylish and practical motor according to the team, with plenty of room for the passengers compared to rivals in the sector, while it also delivers a “surefooted” drive.

Not only is it decent value, with models starting at £18,000, it also performs excellently when it comes to reliability.

A lower price option, if you can live without the SUV styling, comes from Citroen with its Grand C4 SpaceTourer. It offers good storage and visibility, and prices start from £13,000.

Used sports car of the year

Finally, we have the used sports car of the year category, which was claimed by the Audi TT.

Yes, a third win for Audi, which the reviewers reckon is sure to put a smile on your face. It won praise for having a great range of engines and a quality interior, while also being more practical than rival sports cars. 

Price was the clincher too, since you can get a used model from £10,000, making it more affordable than its main rivals. 

For smaller budgets, WhatCar? picked out the Ford Fiesta ST as having hit the “hot hatch bullseye”, with prices starting at £7,000.