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
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
Mazda CX-5
You might’ve considered the usual midsize SUV suspects, but go a bit left-field and there are still some gems to be found. The Mazda CX-5 should be on your list if you don’t quite fancy a Tiguan or Tucson, with its athletic styling, family-friendly practicality and an interior that boasts the same sort of quality you get in an Audi or BMW.
The CX-5 offers pretty decent value for money as well – you’ll get more equipment in a Mazda than in many rivals. And everything’s wrapped up in an interior that’s a delight to use and easy to get on with.
Shop used Mazda CX-5 cars for sale or read our Mazda CX-5 review
Volkswagen Tiguan
The Volkswagen Tiguan is the absolute do-it-all family SUV. It’s not the cheapest, but it feels like good value and you’re definitely getting what you pay for – namely premium materials that are screwed well together, a huge amount of space and economical engines. The Tiguan also exudes confidence from behind the wheel, whether you’re flying down the motorway or treading carefully through unsighted country lanes.
If you end up with a Tiguan in Life trim, you’ll get a hotlist of equipment including LED headlights, parking sensors at each end and adaptive cruise control. Either of the 150hp engines – diesel or petrol – are strong choices for powering the Tiguan.
Shop used Volkswagen Tiguan cars for sale or read our used Volkswagen Tiguan review
Peugeot 3008
Perhaps the Peugeot 3008 is the reason why so many SUVs have standout styling. It still looks modern, seven years after it first hit UK roads, and top-spec GT-Line and GT-Line Premium trims add bi-colour alloy wheels, tinted windows and lashes of chrome-effect trim. Alongside the usual petrol and diesel engines is a 300hp plug-in hybrid with four-wheel drive and the ability to show a hot hatch a clean pair of heels – and even this range-topping engine is available under £300 per month. Throw in plenty of practicality and an interesting interior, and the 3008 has a lot to offer.
Shop used Peugeot 3008 cars for sale or read our Peugeot 3008 review
Vauxhall Grandland
The Vauxhall Grandland is a cheaper alternative to something like a Tiguan or Tucson, so your £300 per month goes further – specifically, a 2024 car with fewer than 10,000 miles on the clock in top-spec Ultimate trim. Which includes luxuries like an electric bootlid, wireless phone charging and even a heated steering wheel, so you never need to endure the effects of a cold winter morning again.
The Grandland is a comfortable, practical SUV that’ll make family life easy. And you’ll enjoy the peace of mind of lots of remaining warranty cover.
Shop used Vauxhall Grandland cars for sale or read our used Vauxhall Grandland 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
- 10 of the best cars for under £400 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.
