Cheap cars under $5,500

At this price you're mostly looking at older cars 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.

Ask for the service history and any inspection records, and look for repeated notes on the same item (brakes, suspension, corrosion) — that's a signal of costs to come. A pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic is worth the money on any older car.

Insurance, registration/road tax, and a maintenance buffer are the big ones alongside the purchase price. An older, higher-mileage car may also need tyres, brakes, or a service sooner than a newer one — factor that in 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.