Used cars: a 5,000 euro budget no longer cuts it

Second-hand cars: 5,000 euros no longer buys anything decent

Buying a second-hand car with 5,000 euros is now an almost impossible mission. The market has gone crazy: cars with 15 years and 200,000 kilometres are selling for a fortune, and before 2020 those same vehicles sold for 1,000 euros. But all is not lost if you know what to look for and accept that looks come last.

The used car market has become a minefield

The shortage of supply is the underlying problem. There used to be a middle class that changed cars every few years on a whim, and that fed a used market with decent units. Now most people don't give up their car until it breaks down completely, so what reaches the market are clunkers patched up to last until the warranty runs out. The result: for 3,000-5,000 euros you only find cars over 20 years old with 350,000 kilometres, or units that are a lottery.

What car to buy with 5,000 euros: the real options

Despite the picture, there is consensus that some options exist if you prioritise reliability and use. For 95% motorway driving, a high-end diesel saloon is recommended, as it depreciates more and is more comfortable. Models like the Toyota Avensis, the Volvo S80 or the Peugeot 508 with the 1.6 HDI engine come up as references. The Mazda 6, Ford Mondeo or Citroën C5 are also mentioned. But all with at least a B environmental sticker, because without one you can't drive in Spain's major cities.

Reliability as the criterion: Japanese vs German

The debate over which engine to choose is intense. Some defend the old VAG group diesels, like the 1.9 TDI, which after 25 years and 250,000 kilometres still runs like day one. Others bet on naturally aspirated Japanese petrol engines, like Toyota or Mazda, which last forever. There's the case of a 26-year-old car with a turbo that has never needed a turbo replacement, which debunks the myth that turbos are fragile.

The body style war: SUVs vs saloons

Body style also sparks controversy. Three-box saloons are frowned upon by younger generations, but they are more aerodynamic, quiet and comfortable, and you can haggle over them because they have a smaller market. SUVs, on the other hand, which are all the rage, weigh more, consume more, have a higher centre of gravity and cause worse injuries to pedestrians. Some choose them only because they find it hard to sit down and get up, but that's not a technical argument.

The market will remain tight as long as supply doesn't recover. Those in a hurry will overpay; those who wait might find a bargain, but it won't be easy. The key is not to be swayed by looks and to have the car mechanically checked before buying.