The most popular used car reviews of 2022

The BMW X1 is the smallest of the firm's SUV offerings, occupying the family SUV class. This 2009-2015 generation borrowed a lot from the contemporary 2005-2012 BMW 3 Series Touring, but it's shorter, narrower and much taller than that car. Its elevated driving position, prestigious badge and bargain used prices continues to win it many admirers.

Though it lacks the X1's premium badge, even more family SUV fans seem to be interested in a used Hyundai Tucson. The generation featured here is newer than the X1, mind you, and prices are still intriguingly affordable. It comes with a five-year, transferrable warranty and lots of equipment, too.  

The XF is suave, exciting to drive and, as a used buy, good value as well. Luxury cars like this have to be smooth and relaxing to drive and, on this count, the XF certainly scores well. And the good news is this comfort doesn’t come at the expense of handling. For such a large car, the way the XF can move through corners is close to astonishing. 

Premium badges and executive saloons have always been an alluring combo, particularly if you throw affordable buying and running costs in the mix as well. The previous-generation Mercedes C-Class is a great case study in this. It has grown its following by exuding class inside and out, yet also being widely available on the used market and in a variety of engine and trim combinations. 

The previous-generation BMW 3 Series is still a great buy; stick with a post-facelift version from 2015 onwards for the revised 320d diesel engine to avoid costly timing chain issues, and you won't go far wrong. It's worth looking for a car with the Professional Media pack for the upgraded infotainment system, too. 

The previous-generation Volkswagen Polo may cost more to buy used than many of its rivals, but you are getting a very refined small car for your cash. It's comfortable, has a supple ride and a nicely finished interior that mimics the larger contemporary Golf. The small, turbocharged petrol engines are the best picks as they tend to be smoother and quieter than the diesels.

When the first-generation Juke was launched in 2010, it in effect created the segment for small SUVs, in much the same way the Nissan Qashqai did for family SUVs. Its unconventional styling and raised driving position won it many admirers, while its keen pricing and competitive finance deals won it many sales, and the popularity of our used review shows that it remains sought after.

This year's most popular car, according to the traffic to our used reviews, is one of the least reliable family SUVs you can buy, according to our latest What Car? Reliability survey. However, it seems readers can't get enough of the Range Rover Evoque. To be fair, it looks great, you get a lot of standard equipment and the interior is pretty plush for what is supposed to be the 'baby' Range Rover, so it's understandable why it's so in demand. Just make sure you take out an extended warranty if you plan on buying one.

Not only is the current Nissan Qashqai a best selling new car, but its predecessors also get lots of attention as used buys. We rate this second-gen model highly as well, as evident when we crowned it our What Car? Car of the Year in 2014. Back then, our judges were impressed by its "low costs and first-class levels of comfort, refinement, space and safety". The good news is that this still holds true as a used buy.

That's right, the BMW 1 Series takes the top spot; our used for the previous-generation model has has been viewed more times this year than any other. This isn't too much of a surprise either, because it's a car that appeals to both your sensible and silly sides. With regards to the former, its family car body style and cheap costs has that sorted. And in terms of the latter, the fact that it's rear-wheel drive and was offered with a couple of monstrous six-cylinder engines made it great fun to drive. As with the 3 Series featured on this list, look out for examples with a Professional Media pack for an upgraded infotainment and sat-nav system.