Best Used Cars in Class

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For those who can't afford a new car, or just don't want to throw away out cash to the depreciation demons, buying second-hand is the answer. We run down the top three buys in each category, and throw a cut-rate alternative into the bargain.

City Cars

CITY CARS

Easy-driving and penny-pinching are their raisons d'etre. The best of the bunch are also space-savers.

SUPERMINIS

'Minis major on fun in and around town, but can venture onto motorways. The best give space for shopping and are very cheap to run.

SMALL FAMILY

Top dogs in this important sector are rewarding to drive, offer high levels of kit, crisp design and a wide choice of engines.

LARGE FAMILY

These mile-munchers clearly need to display durability, refinement and a comfy cabin. Winners here trump the rest as driver's cars, too.

COMPACT MPV

Ingenious use of space is key. Made for growing families, these mules need to take a hammering and serve up utter reliability.

LARGE MPV

Hauling lots of people and their kit is paramount. The best make the experience pleasant and don't ignore the driver.

COMPACT EXECUTIVE

A little image goes a long way here, but the winners also pamper the driver with lots of equipment and are dynamically solid.

EXECUTIVE

A combination of refinement, comfort, handling and performance makes the perfect executive.

LARGE EXECUTIVE

Opulence and desirability in equal measure. The best satisfy eager drivers, whilst keeping noise and distractions out of the cabin.

SMALL 4X4S

Successful contenders in this category balance great manners on the road and some ability off it. Space and looks figure, too.

SPORTING 4X4S

The best of this breed offer sophisticated, car-like chassis, power to dazzle and the dynamic handling.

LARGE 4X4S

The harder you work them, the more you appreciate these drays. Cream of the crop won't ever let you down, and give acres of cargo capacity.

PICK-UPS

The best pick-ups must be able to contend with a load bay full of rubble during the week whilst also being a family car at the weekend.

ROADSTERS

Roadsters deliver performance and sharp handling for those special weekend blasts. This class's elite don't disappoint any of the senses.

CONVERTIBLES

Posing power is high on buyers' tick-lists in this group. Leaders have the finesse to delight on the road, too.

AFFORDABLE SPORTS

Muscles, but brains on the side. Intelligent engineering must complement performance in this class - and the best don't break down every few miles.

HOT HATCHBACKS

The fun factor can't be emphasised enough, with racy looks, keen handling and a punchy engine giving streetfighter credibility.

EXOTIC SPORTS

Taking the laurels among this rarified lot requires iconic looks, superb performance and that x-factor other cars just don't offer.