Cheap cars under €4,000

At this price you're mostly looking at cars 10-15+ years old with higher mileage — small hatchbacks and family cars from mainstream brands tend to hold the most value for money. Condition and service history matter far more than badge at this end of the market, so a well-looked-after older car usually beats a neglected newer one.

Check the NCT history for the vehicle: repeated advisories or fails on the same item (brakes, suspension, corrosion) are a signal of costs to come. Ask for service records, and a pre-purchase inspection from an independent garage is worth the money on any car over 8-10 years old.

Motor tax, insurance and a valid NCT are the big three. Motor tax for an older car is usually based on engine size rather than emissions, so it can be higher than you'd expect on a bigger-engined older model — worth checking before you commit.

The same way as any car on Car Spot — free, with no commission. Clear photos and an honest description of condition (including any known issues) get more genuine enquiries from budget buyers than an over-polished listing, since they're specifically looking for a fair, realistic price.