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
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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