A £300 monthly budget for your car is a great starting point, giving you the choice of a good few brand-new cars. But, like any budget, you’ll get much more for your money by buying used.
Sure enough, some of these cars will make your neighbours think you’ve spent a lot more than you actually have. You’ll find high-end petrol, hybrid and electric options, as well as hot hatchbacks and fantastic family SUVs for your budget.
For even more options, browse our wide range of cars under £300 per month.
BMW 1 Series
The 1 Series is the cheapest and smallest BMW, but it’s certainly not a half-hearted effort. You still get all the typical BMW leather slapped across most of the interior, plus a strong mix of user-friendly design and impressive tech. And the newest 1 Series upholds BMW’s appeal for keen drivers – it’s better to drive than both the Audi A3 and Mercedes A-Class. But its economical 118i and 118d engines give it the running costs of a small car, not a big BMW. And, because the 1 Series is so popular, its resale values are strong and PCP prices are attainable as a result. You can even get a 2024-registered car in the sought-after M Sport trim for this money!
Shop used BMW 1 Series cars for sale or read our BMW 1 Series review
Hyundai Tucson
Not content to be an 'also-ran', the Hyundai Tucson has some of the boldest styling in the family SUV class to stand out. It's not just an eye-catching face either, with a super-spacious cabin that has enough room for six-footers to fully stretch out, plus plenty of boot space. There are pin-sharp screens for the centre infotainment system and the driver's dials, and all cars come very well equipped from the factory. All engines have enough grunt to move the Tucson weight around easily, and you'll find fuel-sipping full-hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines further up the range.
Shop used Hyundai Tucson cars for sale or read our Hyundai Tucson review
Audi A4
One of our favourite cars for mile-munching, the Audi A4 is currently being replaced by the new Audi A5 – which makes now the perfect time to enjoy sub-£300-per-month motoring in a nearly new A4. You can choose between smooth petrol or economical diesel engines, and there are a range of specs to choose from. Technik – the entry-level one – boasts all the kit you’d expect from the four rings badge. S Line and Black Edition add cosmetic upgrades. In fact, as we write this, if you’re able to stump up a £4,000 deposit, a Black Edition that’s less than a year old slips inside the budget.
Shop used Audi A4 cars for sale or read our Audi A4 review
Cupra Formentor
With a squat stance and mean looks, the Cupra Formentor is here to put the 'sport' into SUV. It's not just for show, either. The Formentor has the kind of poise and balance you'd expect from a real-deal hot hatch, and a selection of punchy petrol and plug-in hybrid engines to give it the 'go' to match. You also sit nice and low, despite the raised, kerb-friendly ride height, further emphasising the car's sportiness. All this ability demands remarkably few compromises, too, with a full suite of modern on-board tech plus enough passenger and cargo space for a family of four.
Shop used Cupra Formentor cars for sale or read our Cupra Formentor review
Ford Kuga
If you want a practical car that still handles nicely, get yourself a Ford Kuga. It’s probably the best midsize SUV to drive, with direct steering and eager engines – and there’s also a hybrid version that squeezes into this budget at the time of writing. But the Kuga also does the family stuff well, with lots of rear-seat space and a boot that’s usefully larger than the Focus hatchback.
While you can get an entry-level Kuga for closer to £230 a month, spending that little bit extra gets you a huge choice of versions and lower-mileage cars. Titanium has all the kit covered – there’s a reversing camera, a digital dashboard, multi-zone climate control and a fancy B&O sound system.
Shop used Ford Kuga cars for sale or read our Ford Kuga review
Audi A3
Sure, you can get a Volkswagen Golf for under £300 per month, but why not treat yourself to the posher version? The Audi A3 has plusher materials and tech that both looks more impressive and is more usable than the Golf, while practicality and the engine choices are largely the same.
This much money buys you an A3 that’s only a couple of years old and in the popular S Line trim, or the plug-in hybrid A3 with its 40-mile electric range if you’re happy with the Sport trim. Sport doesn’t have the glitz of S Line, but it has all the tech of the higher-spec car.
Shop used Audi A3 cars for sale or read our Audi A3 review
Citroen C5 X
The Citroen C5 X is hard to classify. Even Citroen says it’s a mix of saloon, estate and SUV. Whatever it is, it’s striking and handsome. There’s more joy once you get past the styling, too, as the C5 X offers the soothing comfort that only a big Citroen barge does.
It looks expensive, so it might surprise you that the C5 X is actually one of the best-value cars on this list. Under £300 per month buys you a top-spec car that’s only a year or so old, with Citroen’s punchy 1.2-litre petrol engine and an easy automatic gearbox. Let curiosity get the better of you and book a test drive.
Shop used Citroen C5 X cars for sale or read our Citroen C5 X review
Toyota Yaris Cross
While the standard Yaris has plenty of plus points, practicality isn’t one – it’s a bit tight in the back and the boot could be bigger. Addressing both of those drawbacks is the Toyota Yaris Cross, which also gains a higher ride height and 4x4-inspired styling. That’s every box in small SUV bingo ticked. The Yaris Cross isn’t finished impressing you, though – it’s even possible to see more than 70mpg around town, and rides nicely over typically British roads.
Shop used Toyota Yaris Cross cars for sale or read our Toyota Yaris Cross review
Read our top picks for other monthly budgets
- 10 of the best cars for under £150 per month
- 10 of the best cars for under £200 per month
- 10 of the best cars for under £250 per month
Affordable finance on used cars
Check out Motorpoint's huge selection of nearly new and used cars, all with a range of flexible finance options.
