Top 10 used SUVs for less than £2000 (and the ones to avoid)

Want an SUV but think you can’t afford one? Good news – as we’re about to prove, even buyers on a super-tight budget can afford a solid example from a manufacturer with a good reputation.

What’s more, even at prices as low as these, there’s still plenty of choice. Whether you’re after a big, spacious seven-seater, a sturdy 4x4 to tow a caravan, or simply something high-riding but compact and easy to drive, there’ll be something in this list that fits the bill.

And as if that wasn’t enough, we’ve even got two SUVs you should steer clear of altogether. So read on for our guide to the best and worst SUVs you can buy for £2000.

Best used SUVs for less than £2000

10. Mercedes M-Class

A spacious interior with the option of seven seats and a classy badge are what the Mercedes M-Class has to offer, and it's enough to make it extremely popular with buyers at this price. What’s more, with its old-fashioned, heavy-duty separate chassis and a range of dependable diesel engines, it makes for a great tow car. That older construction makes it feel cumbersome, though, and build quality is well below that which you might expect from a Mercedes.

We found: 2002 ML 270 CDI, 120,000 miles, service history, £1894

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9. Kia Sorento

The Kia Sorento also has a separate chassis, which lends it a fidgety ride and rather ponderous handling, but if you can live with those flaws, it’s a solid tow car with a decent reputation for reliability. It’s only available as a five-seater, but the flipside is an enormous boot and plenty of space in every seat, and what’s more, the big Kia is a competent and quiet cruiser, and it's well-equipped.

We found: 2.5 CRDi XS, 119,000 miles, service history, £1995

Read the used Kia Sorento review

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8. Hyundai Santa Fe

The first-generation Hyundai Santa Fe’s styling was somewhat divisive, but it still won fans for its space, comfort and value. Today, those good points still ring true, with the Santa Fe offering lots of kit for the cash, a smooth ride and plenty of room. There are always downsides, of course, and with the Hyundai they extend to a cheap-feeling interior and sloppy handling. But if you’re after a well-equipped and comfortable SUV, it’s worth a look.

We found: 2005 2.0 CRTD CDX, 90,000 miles, £1995

Read the used Hyundai Santa Fe review

Find a used Hyundai Santa Fe in the What Car? Classifieds