Top 7: Reliable used cars up to 20,000 euros

If you look around for a used car on the usual sales platforms, you will be amazed: Where before Corona and the semiconductor shortage, dealers were still undercutting each other, moon prices are now prevailing almost everywhere. In order not to have to look around for a new used car again in the coming years of uncertainty, the next purchase must be reliable and economical. In the following ranking, we present seven popular used cars up to 20,000 euros that meet exactly these requirements.

Mercedes C-Class W205

Image: © M 93 / Wikimedia Commons

The Mercedes C-Class of the 205 series will soon be ten years old, but its age hardly shows. Compared to its predecessor, the bestseller from Stuttgart not only convinces with typically good driving characteristics and decent workmanship, but also with durable technology. Whether engine, chassis or electronics, everything works like clockwork.

In terms of price, the 205 has now moved into a range that no longer puts the buyer in need of explanation. For example, the small gasoline and diesel engines cost between 16,000 and 19,000 euros with about 100,000 kilometers on the clock. If you get involved with a manual transmission, you can get the C-Class much cheaper. Compromises have to be made in terms of equipment if older models or higher mileage are out of the question.

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Petrol engine	Diesel
Price	from 16,000 euros	from 16,000 euros
Mileage	up to 110,000	up to 110,000
Variant	C 180, C 200	C 180 d, C 200 d, C 220 d
Power (hp)	156, 184	116, 136, 170

Mazda 6 III

Image: © M 93 / Wikimedia Commons

The third generation of the Mazda6 has been rolling off the production line since 2012 and scores with a great price-performance ratio. Models from the 2017 model year onwards that have been given better noise insulation are particularly recommended. The gasoline engine is as reliable as usual and preferable to the failed diesel. When it comes to the question of whether it should be a switch or automatic, the decision can be made in favor of the precise manual transmission.

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Petrol engine	Diesel
Price	from 17,000 euros	from 14,000 euros
Mileage	up to 100,000	up to 100,000
Variant	G 145, G 165	Skyactiv-D 150
Power (hp)	145, 165	150

Ford Mondeo MK5

Image: © M 93 / Wikimedia Commons

The last generation of the Ford Mondeo for the time being has matured to top form and is a hit with almost every engine-transmission combination. "Almost" because the Powershift automatic transmission is still causing problems. In addition, the spacious sedan is a problem child at the TÜV - a fresh sticker and complete service history are therefore mandatory. Fortunately, there are checkbook-maintained copies on almost every corner, often from commercial use, so you don't have to search for long.

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Petrol engine	Diesel
Price	from 17,000 euros	from 14,000 euros
Mileage	up to 100,000	up to 100,000
Variant	G 145, G 165	Skyactiv-D 150
Power (hp)	145, 165	150

Skoda Octavia III

Image: © M 93 / Wikimedia Commons

The third generation of the Octavia benefits from the new petrol and diesel engines from Volkswagen. Problems with the timing chain are therefore a thing of the past, and the emissions scandal is hardly an issue anymore. Compared to its opponent from Wolfsburg – the VW Golf – the Czech impresses with a more generous amount of space and is also cheaper to buy. Examples with low mileage can be found from as little as 13,000 euros, and for a few thousand euros more there is plenty of equipment on top.

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Petrol engine	Diesel
Price	from 13,000 euros	from 13,000 euros
Mileage	up to 70,000	up to 70,000
Variant	1.2 TSI, 1.0 TSI, 1.4 TSI	1.6 TDI, 2.0 TDI
Power (hp)	105, 115, 150	110, 116, 150

Toyota Avensis III

Image: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Toyota Avensis III is a real endurance runner that you don't have to be afraid of, even with high mileage. This is true at least if a gasoline engine is under the hood, as the diesel is prone to defects depending on the year of manufacture – the older the worse. With a budget of 20,000 euros, the younger facelift models come to the fore, which look more modern thanks to their adapted look and have useful assistants on board.

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Petrol engine	Diesel
Price	from 12,000 euros	from 13,000 euros
Mileage	up to 100,000	up to 100,000
Variant	1.8 Valvematic	1.6 D-4D, 2.0 D-4D
Power (hp)	147	112, 124, 143

VW Golf VII

Image: © M 93 / Wikimedia Commons

Stands at every traffic light: The VW Golf 7 is a recommendation for all those who simply want a solid, practical car. In terms of reliability, the Wolfsburg is on a par with the Skoda Octavia, which is not least due to the fact that both models share the same technology. Although the acquisition costs are comparatively somewhat higher, the model is more stable in value.

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Petrol engine	Diesel
Price	from 11,000 euros	from 13,000 euros
Mileage	up to 70,000	up to 70,000
Variant	1.2 TSI, 1.4 TSI	1.6 TDI, 2.0 TDI
Power (hp)	110, 125, 140	105 -150

BMW 3 Series F30 LCI

Image: EurovisionNim, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

BMW has not covered itself in glory in terms of durability. The 3 Series F30 is also affected by classics such as elongated timing chains and defective turbochargers. With the 2015 facelift, improvements were finally made: New petrol and diesel engines provided the necessary image polishing, and a shovel was also taken up in terms of workmanship and noise insulation.

However, the LCI models are not cheap. Those interested in a low-mileage F30 are better prepared to take full advantage of their budget. A "full house" is hardly feasible with the given budget. However, well-maintained examples with standard equipment are hardly worse and are priced at 16,000 to 20,000 euros. In addition, there is often a Premium Selection Guarantee in the branches.

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Petrol engine	Diesel
Price	from 17,000 euros	from 16,000 euros
Mileage	up to 100,000	up to 120,000
Variant	318i, 320i	318d, 320d
Power (hp)	136, 184	150, 190

Last updated on 2024-11-14 at 17:44 / Affiliate Links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Check the compatibility of the parts with your model and if in doubt, ask the manufacturer directly / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying sales.