The Best Cheap Automatic Cars For Sale

Best Cheap Automatic Cars (Quick List)

City Cars & Small Hatchbacks

• VW Up!
• Toyota Aygo / Aygo X
• Hyundai i10
• Kia Picanto
• Honda Jazz
• Skoda Fabia

Larger Hatchbacks & Superminis

• Ford Focus
• Peugeot 208
• Kia Ceed
• Audi A3
• Toyota Yaris

Electric Option

• Renault Zoe

VW Up!

Summary: A compact, low-cost city car with cheap running costs and widely available automatic versions.

• Used price range: ~£6,000+
• Automatic type: ASG automated manual
• Strengths: great for city driving, economical, easy to park
• Interior: simple but practical
• Why it’s a good, cheap automatic: plentiful used stock, low insurance, strong value
• Safety: 3-star Euro NCAP

Audi A3

Summary: A premium hatchback with strong engines, high-quality interiors and smooth automatic options.

• Used prices: £6,000–£9,000 for older autos
• Automatic type: S Tronic dual-clutch
• Strengths: refined cabin, premium feel, great performance
• Why it’s a good cheap automatic: “affordable luxury” when bought used

Toyota Aygo

Summary: A small, reliable city car with a smooth CVT automatic option and excellent fuel economy.

• Used Aygo prices: £5,000–£17,000
• Automatic type: CVT
• Strengths: very cheap to run, compact, reliable
• Aygo X: chunkier SUV-inspired styling and better equipment
• Why it’s a good cheap automatic: reliable powertrain and ultra-low running costs

Ford Focus

Summary: A larger hatchback with excellent handling and plenty of automatic options.

• Used prices: £5,000–£27,000
• Automatic type: torque converter (reliable), Powershift DCT (older models; check history)
• Strengths: practical, refined, great to drive
• Why it’s a good cheap automatic: widely available, flexible trim choices

Toyota Yaris

Summary: A reliable, efficient hatchback with hybrid and non-hybrid CVT automatic versions.

• Used prices: £6,000–£33,000
• Automatic type: e-CVT (hybrid) / CVT
• Strengths: excellent reliability, low running costs
• Why it’s a good cheap automatic: one of the most economical autos to own

Peugeot 208

Summary: A stylish hatchback with efficient engines, EV options and comfortable driving.

• Used prices: £4,000–£27,000
• Automatic type: EAT6 torque converter
• Strengths: modern interior, low emissions, good ride quality
• Notes: some older models have recalls — check history
• Why it’s a good cheap automatic: high spec levels at lower prices

Skoda Fabia

Summary: A spacious, practical hatchback with good tech and durable automatic versions.

• Used prices: £6,000–£24,000
• Automatic type: DSG dual-clutch on many trims
• Strengths: roomy interior, solid build quality
• Why it’s a good cheap automatic: strong balance of space, equipment and price

Hyundai i10

Summary: One of the best small cars for ease of driving, interior quality and overall value.

• Used prices: £5,000–£15,000
• Automatic type: AMT on older models, torque converter on newer
• Strengths: stable on motorways, quiet, “big-car” feel
• Why it’s a good cheap automatic: strong reliability and cheap maintenance

Honda Jazz

Summary: Ultra-reliable small hatchback with a smooth, efficient CVT and exceptional interior space.

• Used prices: £6,000–£18,000
• Automatic type: CVT
• Strengths: “Magic Seats”, huge interior flexibility, excellent reliability
• Why it’s a good cheap automatic: one of the most dependable autos available

Kia Ceed

Summary: A practical, well-built hatchback offering a smooth DCT automatic on many versions.

• Used prices: £5,500–£17,000
• Automatic type: DCT dual-clutch
• Strengths: huge reliability record, lots of equipment
• Why it’s a good cheap automatic: great long-term ownership value

Renault Zoe (Electric)

Summary: A cheap-to-run electric car that’s always automatic and ideal for short-range driving.

• Used prices: £5,000–£14,000
• Automatic type: single-speed EV
• Strengths: low running costs, quiet drive, no gearbox servicing
• Why it’s a good cheap automatic: the best value electric automatic for budget buyers

What To Look For In A Cheap Automatic Car

• Full service history
• Automatic gearbox type (CVT, torque converter, DCT, AMT)
• MOT history and recurring advisories
• Running costs & fuel economy
• Common faults or recalls
• Insurance group & tax band
• Interior space and practicality

Where To Find Cheap Automatic Cars

• Autotrader – biggest choice with filters for gearbox type
• Cazoo / Cinch – fixed prices and inspected cars
• Cargurus / MOTORS – price comparison and dealer listings
• Local dealerships – part-exchange bargains
• Approved used schemes – higher cost but better warranty

Conclusion

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