In a second-hand market three and a half times larger than the new market, which models to choose according to your budget for a car that lasts. The AutoScout24 specialist answered our questions.
More than five million used cars changed hands last year in France. If the market has been less dynamic, after a record year 2021, it remains three and a half times larger than that of new buildings. So many opportunities when looking for a vehicle available immediately. But it is also difficult to sort through such a catalogue. Which models to choose for an investment that lasts and without unpleasant surprises?
• A used car for less than 5000 euros
In this price category, the cars on offer are of a certain age: more than 10 years for 95% of them and even more than 15 years for 70%, details the used car specialist AutoScout24. These vehicles are mostly sold by individuals, with high mileage: half exceed 200,000 kilometers on the clock. Most of the park consists of small models of French brands.
At this price level, “the master purchase in this category is the Dacia Sandero (or the Logan) in diesel version”, advises Vincent Hancart, general manager of AutoScout24.
Another interesting model: “the Renault Clio with between 100,000 and 150,000 kilometers around 10-12 years of maximum age, and Diesel if you are a big wheeler, continues Vincent Hancart. The maintenance history is to be checked for s ensure that the vehicle has been well maintained”.
Apart from the French brands, the Opel Corsa can be an option, because it is less known, therefore with a more accessible price. “A Volkswagen Polo for this budget will be more difficult to find, warns Vincent Hancart. Otherwise, a Seat Ibiza or a Skoda Fabia with VW technology may also represent a good opportunity”.
• A used car for less than 10,000 euros
If you have a little more budget, the offer widens. AutoScout24 always recommends small models (Citroën C3, Dacia Sandero, Nissan Micra, Peugeot 207 or 208, Renault Clio, Volkswagen Polo). Choose it instead with less than 100,000 kilometers, not exceeding 8 years.
If you are looking for a larger vehicle, whether compact like the Citroën C4, the Peugeot 307 or 308, the Renault Mégane, or small SUVs (Dacia Duster, Renault Captur or Scénic), choose vehicles that display around 100,000 kilometers on the odometer and do not exceed 10 years.
• A used car for less than 15,000 euros
In this price category, the Fiat 500 can be a good option. Choose the small city car from Fiat with a mileage around 50,000 kilometers, and especially in a fairly recent version (5 years).
Another recent car accessible with a budget of 15,000 euros: a Peugeot 2008 or a Renault Kadjar. To be chosen with a mileage between 60 and 80,000 kilometers. A DS3, an Opel Astra or a Citroën C4 Cactus also represent a long-term investment.
Note that if you want to fall for a German model, count more on a budget of 20,000 euros. Then favor the BMW Series 1 or Series 2, Audi A3 or Mercedes Class A up to 5 years old, with a mileage between 60 and 80,000 kilometers.
In this category, with the same characteristics, a Nissan Qashqai, a Kia Sportage, Ford Kuga or a Citroën C5 Aircross are also good options, for a larger model.
