Best used automatic small cars for less than £10,000

It may have been replaced by the newer 2021-onwards Skoda Fabia, but don't let that put you off: this previous-gen model is fantastic. It's mechanically based on the VW Polo and we don't believe it's just as good, we think higher of it – the Fabia being cheaper to buy is but one reason. It was our Car of the Year in 2015 and Used Small Car of the Year in our 2020 and 2021 awards. It's well equipped, has lots of interior space and a comfortable ride. The automatic gearbox completes what is already a very cool, calm and collected machine.

We found: 2018 Skoda Fabia 1.0 TSI DSG SE, 28,655 miles, £9960

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The Fiesta was a bestseller for good reason, with this previous-gen model arguably marking the height of its career. It's excellent to drive – the best in its class – with an expert ride and handling balance, even if it isn't quite as cushy as the Fabia. Examples featuring the Powershift automatic gearbox aren't as common as manual models, but there's still plenty to choose from. 

We found: 2017 Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium Powershift 5dr, 45,558 miles, £9200

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You might be surprised you can even get the Picanto with an automatic gearbox, because it's an inexpensive city car and one typically seen sporting a gear lever and clutch pedal.

That isn't the only pleasant surprise the Picanto has to offer, mind you. Despite its compactness and urban focus, it offers lots of big car features and some sprightly engines. In other words, it's versatile and well rounded.

We found 2019 Kia Picanto 1.25 2 auto, 70,499 miles, £8695

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This i10 shares much of its parts (and greatness) with the Kia Picanto, although it's a slightly older model. The 2020-present Hyundai i10 has since taken its place and, if you happen to have a little more than £10,000 to spend, we'd suggest taking a good look at that car. However, if you'd prefer to stay firmly within our budget, there's no harm in going for the spacious, reliable, good-to-drive runaround pictured above. 

We found 2018 Hyundai i10 1.2 SE Auto, 41,277 miles, £9400

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You'll have to go a little older (than most cars on this list) if you want an Audi A1 within budget, but that's the price you pay for luxury. Both in regards to interior quality and driving refinement, the A1 is, well, A1. It's about as plush as small cars get and that's a key reason why it was our overall What Car? Car of the Year in 2011. 

We found: 2015 Audi A1 1.0 TFSI Sport S tronic, 47,741 miles, £9999

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The original Mini is an icon and its charm lives on in this, the Mini Hatch. Its style doesn't rule over substance, though, because the Hatch has all the amenities and features you'd want from a modern small car. It's also rather posh, with a high level of interior quality. The only thing it isn't rolling in is space and practicality. 

We found: 2016 Mini Hatch 1.2 One auto, 60,000 miles, £9990

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The Volkswagen Polo costs more to buy than many of its direct rivals, hence it doesn't finish higher – you'll just about get a 2016 version of the older 2008-2017 Polo for our money. It has a supple ride and a well-finished interior that mimics the larger Volkswagen Golf. The small, turbocharged petrol engines are the best picks as they tend to be smoother and quieter than the diesels.

We found: 2016 Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI BlueMotion Tech Match DSG, 59,259 miles, £9995

Read our full used Volkswagen Polo review

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Interior space and practicality are two Honda Jazz fortes, because it feels MPV-like inside and has rear seats that can fold completely flat, plus the base of its rear bench can also fold up against the seatback to allow tall or wide items to be loaded widthways. The model is also towards of the tree when it comes to reliability. The Jazz would have finished higher in this list if it hadn't been for its CVT gearbox sometimes being a little unrefined under acceleration. Being able to buy newer models within our budget would help, too.  

We found: 2017 Honda Jazz 1.3 S CVT, 56,132 miles, £9800

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The previous-generation Renault Clio has always been a popular choice for those seeking a stylish small car. It's well equipped, too, especially in Dynamique Nav trim. The 1.5 dCi 90 offers great fuel economy, even with the EDC automatic gearbox, but, unless you’re planning to do lots of motorway miles, you’ll be better off with the lively 0.9 TCE petrol.

We found: 2017 Renault Clio 1.5 dCi Dynamique S Nav EDC, 57,000 miles, £9895

Read our full used Renault Clio review

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The latest version of the popular Seat Ibiza is just outside our price budget (if you're after an automatic version), but the previous generation car still has plenty to offer and for not too much money. The driving experience isn't quite Fiesta good, but it gets closer to that level than a lot of small cars do. It's more practical than a Fiesta, mind you. Our favourite 1.2-litre automatic version in well-equipped SE trim is a good bet, but so is the 1.0-litre unit in FR guise. 

We found: 2017 Seat Ibiza 1.0 TSI FR DSG, 47,340 miles, £8430

Read our full used Seat Ibiza review

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