Seven cheap cars up to 5,000 euros
The average used car price in Germany was more than 25,000 euros at the beginning of 2024. To get from A to B, however, no one has to spend five-digit sums. There are a variety of used cars that are suitable as everyday companions for little money thanks to low prices. Whether it's a small car, station wagon or inexpensive family car: there is a good one for every need for less than 5,000 euros.
Mazda2 (Type DE, 2007–2015)
The Mazda2 has (almost) everything a sporty small car needs: chassis, manual transmission and steering behavior awaken go-kart feelings and invite you to corner.
The three-door model, which will be available from 2008, will be sold under the name "Mazda2 Sport". The only drawback: None of the petrol and diesel engines are particularly sporty. But the little Japanese shows itself to be a model boy in the TÃœV. There is little to complain about even with older used cars, it is considered an insider tip in the used small car sector.
The engine range is kept small: There is a choice of two petrol engines with 75 hp (55 kW) to 103 hp (76 kW) as well as diesel engines with 68 hp (50 kW) and 90 hp (66 kW). No known cost-intensive defects in the engines make the Mazda2 a cheap car to maintain. Known weak points are rapidly wearing wheel bearings and the steering joints on the front axle. Wheel bearings report a humming background noise when cornering when they need to be replaced.
Our recommendation: 1.5-liter gasoline engine with manual transmission to combine the maximum go-kart feeling with a low consumption of 5.7 liters per 100 kilometers.
Advantages
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Performs very well as a used car at the technical inspection
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All engines without cost-intensive defects
Disadvantages
- Individual recalls (ask at the time of purchase whether they have been noticed)
- Limited luggage compartment volume compared to its spacious predecessor (Type DE: 250 litres / 787 litres folded down)
Honda Jazz (GE, 2008–2015) (H2)
The Honda Jazz is like origami paper: you can fold more out of it than you think. Because the tank is located under the front seats instead of under the rear seats, the rear bench can be folded up, which increases the passenger area for loading. Yes, you read that right, where passengers usually sit, you can also transport a chest of drawers in the Honda Jazz. Another plus: The front seats are installed higher because of the tank, which allows for a more comfortable entry. With a boot capacity of 883 litres (1,341 litres folded down), the compact car is in the same class as small station wagons (for example the VW Golf Variant) in terms of space.
The affordable car keeps the choice of engine simple: Until the 2011 facelift, there were only two petrol engines, the 1.2-litre with 90 hp (66 kW) and the 1.4-litre with 100 hp (73 kW). From the facelift, a hybrid engine with 98 hp (72 kW) is also available. In terms of transmission, a manual transmission, an automated manual transmission ("i-Shift") and, from 2011, a CVT transmission are available. The clear favorite here is the manual transmission due to higher reliability and lower maintenance costs.
Our recommendation: a 1.4-liter gasoline engine with manual transmission and the equipment of your choice and availability on the used market. Despite 100 hp, this combination is cheap to maintain and a good used car for less than 5,000 euros.
Advantages
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Durable motors
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Plenty of space and practical seating system
Disadvantages
- Undersized starter battery
- Brake system conspicuous at TÃœV
VW Polo (6R/6C, 2009–2017)
A small "Swiss Army knife" from Wolfsburg: You can find the VW Polo as a three-door or five-door model, as a diesel or gasoline engine, with automatic or manual transmission and as a "CrossPolo" with more ground clearance and roof rails. The "BlueMotion" variants are Volkswagen's economical models and are no exception for the Polo: the smallest diesel consumes only 3.3 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC). With fuel consumption of up to 6 litres per 100 kilometres for models with a displacement of up to 1.4 litres, the Polo is an inexpensive car to maintain, whether petrol or diesel.
In addition, the Polo offers affordable type classes in insurance. However, caution should be exercised when it comes to maintenance costs: small gasoline engines have a timing chain that tends to elongate over time. If it rattles during a cold start during the inspection, you should be careful: A new timing chain could be due, which means a cost-intensive repair. In the equipment section, you should at least look for the "Comfortline", as this line includes air conditioning and a radio.
Our recommendation: 1.0 TSI or 1.2 TSI petrol engines from the facelift in 2014. Here, the vulnerable timing chains were replaced by timing belts. In addition, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have also been available since then, making the Polo a comfortable and good car up to 5,000 euros.
Advantages
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Cheap to maintain
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Economical "BlueMotion" models
Disadvantages
- Timing chain problems in gasoline engines (before 2014)
- Brakes weaken with age (models from 2009 to 2012)
Toyota Prius II (2004–2009)
Even with the revision in 2004, the hybrid pioneer Toyota Prius remains visually unimpressive, but makes up for it with innovative technology: an average consumption of 4.3 liters per 100 kilometers is impressive. Technically, this is a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with electric motor support, which results in a system output of 112 hp (82 kW). When driving particularly slowly, the Japanese hybrid car can also drive purely electrically. During normal driving, recuperation converts deceleration into electricity, which makes the Prius a cheap car to maintain overall.
As a used car, the Prius proves to be more reliable than other vehicles of its age, only the brakes should be looked at more closely. Since they are subjected to less stress due to recuperation, they can rust over time. In addition, the Prius is a popular model for taxi or Uber operations. These models should be avoided due to the high wear and tear when looking for a used car. In general, the same applies here: the less mileage, the better, although models with less than 200,000 kilometers are difficult to find.
Our recommendation: a Prius II after 2005. This year, the hard chassis has been revised and is more pleasant to drive.
Advantages
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Very economical
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With appropriate care, it can reliably cover well over 200,000 kilometers
Disadvantages
- Prone to rust on edges
- High-voltage battery (for hybrid operation) is expensive to replace, avoid models with a defective HV battery
Å koda Octavia II (2004–2013)
The Å koda Octavia is the everyday hero of the mid-size class: With a small turning circle, good space and (partly) proven VW technology, it is a car for all occasions. Especially the facelift from 2009 is recommended, here new engines, xenon headlights and a more modern design have been added. In addition, all diesel engines are "scandal-free": Only the diesel engines before 2009 are affected by the VW emissions scandal. If you need a lot of space, you can go for the station wagon. Up to 1,620 litres of luggage compartment volume (with the rear seat folded down) are available here.
The range of drive systems is broad: the Octavia is equipped with diesel or petrol engines together with a standard manual transmission or a dual-clutch transmission. In the case of the latter, you should pay attention to regular gearbox flushing during the inspection. At VW, this only applies to dual-clutch transmissions with six gears. The smaller MPI naturally aspirated gasoline engines are considered reliable, but only move the inexpensive family car sluggishly. The most powerful MPI engine produces 102 hp (75 kW) as a 1.6-liter engine.
Our recommendation: an Octavia Combi II facelift as a 1.6-liter TDI diesel. With a lot of torque, it moves the vehicle in a way that is suitable for everyday use, which can even tow up to 1,400 kilograms (twelve percent braked) with a trailer hitch. An average consumption of 4.2 litres per 100 kilometres also makes the Octavia an inexpensive car to maintain.
Advantages
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Cheap alternative to VW Passat and Audi A4
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Available as station wagon or sedan
Disadvantages
- Timing chain problems with TSI petrol engines
- Older diesel models affected by the emissions scandal (before 2009)
Ford Focus Mk3 (2010–2018)
The third-generation Ford Focus is a versatile vehicle in the compact class. It is available as a hatchback, station wagon or sedan. There is also variety in the drive: gasoline or diesel, automatic or manual – the Focus offers something for every taste. So it's no wonder that it is one of the best-selling models in a class. The overview to the rear is rather poor, depending on the design. It is worth looking for vehicles with parking assistance. In the same equipment package, you also get the Sync 3 infotainment system.
If you are interested in the third edition of the Focus as an inexpensive family car, you should look for the "Family Package" on the used market. It includes child locks and power windows on the rear seats. The EcoBoost engines are a good choice for petrol engines, with the small 1.0-litre EcoBoost being rather sluggish and known for more problems than the turbocharged engines. If you can't find what you're looking for in the third generation, you can also look for the second generation. However, the Focus number three performs better in the TÃœV.
Our recommendation: the Focus Mk3 with 1.5-liter EcoBoost and manual transmission (available from the 2013 facelift). The turbocharged gasoline engine with 150 hp (110 kW) moves the Ford sufficiently fast and remains economical with an average consumption of 5.5 liters per 100 kilometers. The manual transmission is considered more reliable than automatic counterparts.
Advantages
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Available as a station wagon, sedan or hatchback
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Large selection of engines, transmissions and equipment variants
Disadvantages
- Starter and alternator vulnerable in early years
- Doors can squeak, door edge trim vulnerable
Dacia Lodgy (2012–2017)
Big for families: The Dacia Lodgy, as a high-roof station wagon from the low-cost Romanian brand, is a good used car choice as an inexpensive family car. There are five seats as standard, with two additional seats in a third row of seats as an option. Since the lower trim levels are rather spartan, it is advisable to at least look for the "Comfort" equipment. Radio, electric windows (front) and cruise control are already included here. If you want maximum equipment, the "Stepway Plus" line is worth it. A reversing camera and a multimedia system are added here. To match the family car, there are also accessories such as a trailer hitch or a bicycle rack.
In the engine and transmission sector, there is a choice of petrol (also LPG with LPG) or diesel with a five- or six-speed manual transmission. With 83 hp (61 kW) to 131 hp (96 kW), the engine range is designed for comfortable everyday use. In terms of trunk volume, the Lodgy continues to be family-friendly: 475 to 1,636 liters (folded down) fit in. If you remove the third row of seats, the Dacia even holds 2,617 liters - perfect for an Ikea shopping without restraint due to lack of space.
Our recommendation: a Dacia Lodgy TCe 115 in the "Lauréate" trim. The engine from Renault is considered to be largely reliable. Multimedia navigation system and parking aid are included in the "Lauréate" models.
Advantages
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Stands out more positively than other Dacia models at the technical inspection
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Affordable seven-seater
Disadvantages
- Headlights and taillights are often complained about during the general inspection
- No automatic transmission available
What types of cars can you expect for under 5,000 euros?
For less than 5,000 euros, there is something for almost every taste. Compact and small cars are strongly represented in the price range. But you can also find station wagons, SUVs and minivans at mobile.de with a maximum budget of 5,000 euros. In general, you will only find used cars with this budget.
How can you find the best car for under 5,000 euros?
The rule of thumb here is: The best car for you is the car that best meets your needs. In addition, you can consider the following factors in your search:
- As little mileage as possible
- As few owners as possible
- A verifiable maintenance history
- The vehicle has recently passed the HU/AU