Compact crossovers continue to push small cars out of the European market. The British publication WhatCar has determined the ranking of the top 10 best SUVs costing less than 10 pounds (or 000 euros).
Thanks to booming sales in recent years, there's plenty to choose from on the used SUV market. Buyers continue to choose compact crossovers instead of the previously familiar hatchbacks and sedans.
So, the top 10 best used crossovers for 12000 euros look like this.
10: Hyundai Kona
When it comes to equipment levels and engine performance, the Hyundai Kona is quite generous and represents good value. There's even a ridiculously fast version of the Hyundai Kona N, but it's priced out of this budget.
However, like the Stonic, the Kona's ride isn't overly smooth, and the model lacks a little space. Although Hyundai's warranty is longer than most, it is five years less than Kia's. So, the Kona ranks slightly below the Stonic competitor.
Benefits | Disadvantages |
Decent performance
A generous set Good media |
A bumpy ride on 18-inch wheels
Not very practical Automatic braking is not standard |
9: Kia Stonic
One of the downsides of going used rather than new is that you often end up with little or no manufacturer's warranty. But the Kia Stonic offers a seven-year warranty and many examples within the budget of 12 euros are still under warranty.
It's also good to ride, even if the ride is firmer. Another reason it doesn't rank higher is that the Stonic isn't particularly roomy by compact crossover standards. Headroom is good, but legroom is limited compared to the Seat Arona and the larger Skoda Kamiq, especially if someone tall is sitting in front.
Benefits | Disadvantages |
Powerful 1,0 liter engine
A large number of standard equipment Flexible management |
A solid ride
Lack of adjustable lumbar support Opponents are more practical |
8: Suzuki Ignis
The compact Suzuki Ignis is so compact that it resembles a city car. However, it offers certain advantages. The Ignis is easy to maneuver around town, gets excellent fuel economy and even quite fresh examples are available for very reasonable money – it's certainly more affordable to buy (and use) than many of the competition. It's also quite practical for such a small car, thanks in part to the sliding and folding rear seats.
Benefits | Disadvantages |
Spacious for a city car
Most models are well equipped Maneuverability in turns Highest reliability |
A solid ride
Blurry steering Outstanding sensor system |
7: Mazda CX-3
The Mazda CX-3 offers an old-school driving experience, with the steering quite slow and the engines needing fairly high revs to really get going. It's a neat car, but it's pretty light by compact crossover standards. Technically, the CX-3 is closely related to the Mazda 2 compact car, and that's a good thing too, so driving the CX-3 is pretty easy.
Benefits | Disadvantages |
Classy interior
Powerful gasoline engines Low used prices |
A solid ride
Limited space in the back seat Some recalls |
6: Skoda Yeti
The Skoda Yeti may be the oldest car in this ranking, but it continues to impress even some 15 years after it was first released. It's an incredibly spacious and practical interior and an extremely comfortable car, making it a great choice for families.
And naturally, the benefit of being a bit older than our other recommendations is that the Yeti tends to be cheaper. The first copies will cost only about 6000 euros for a respectable copy. The newest ones will still be priced under €12.
Benefits | Disadvantages |
Fun to drive
Spacious salon Some effective versions |
Poor noise insulation
Surfaces shake on bad roads Removable rear seats are inconvenient |
5: Suzuki Vitara
With its squared-off corners, raised ride height and four-wheel drive option, the Suzuki Vitara has some of the off-road prowess that people associate with large SUVs. On the road, the balance between ride and handling is also well judged, plus it's even fun to drive. The interior is admittedly one of the cheapest in this ranking, but at least it looks well put together.
Benefits | Disadvantages |
Good driving manners
Spacious and practical salon Well equipped Reliability |
High emissions on some gasoline models
Diesel engines can be noisy Some versions seem flimsy |
4: Renault Captur
The Renault Captur is an all-round good package and reasonably priced. It also delivers on what many buyers want in a compact crossover. The location is noticeably higher than, for example, in a regular hatchback. There is also a comfortable, sliding rear seat and a large trunk.
However, several competitors have more powerful and diverse engines - so this option did not rise higher in this ranking.
Benefits | Disadvantages |
Well equipped
Available to use Sliding rear seats |
Engines are relatively weak
There is little space in the back seats The E-Tech PHEV's handling is disappointing |
3: Mini Countryman
Few compact crossovers embrace retro styling, but the Mini Countryman is one of them. This model also manages due to its appearance, which is combined with a luxurious interior and good characteristics.
There is a variety of engines to choose from, including a plug-in hybrid version, although this will require a couple of thousand to increase the budget. However, the 1,5-litre petrol and 2,0-litre diesel units are powerful units and are available within €12.
Benefits | Disadvantages |
Careful handling
Powerful engines Luxurious interior and large trunk Reliability |
A solid ride
Average rear space There are larger crossovers for similar money |
2: Skoda Kamiq
For a crossover, the Skoda Kamiq sits pretty low to the ground; in fact, its driving position is slightly higher than that of the Skoda Scala hatchback. In every other way, though, it's a great little crossover, with a supple, well-handled ride and a remarkably spacious interior. The interior looks more stylish than the competitor VW T-Cross.
If you mainly drive around the city, then the entry-level 1,0-liter gasoline engine with a capacity of 94 hp. will be cheerful enough and the cheapest in the rating of used cars. However, you may have to haggle a bit to fit into the specified budget.
Benefits | Disadvantages |
Extremely spacious salon
Nice finish Comfortable ride |
No sliding rear seats
Small clearance Variable reliability |
1: Seat Arona
At €12, the Seat Arona is the best compact crossover you can buy used. It has a spacious interior, a comfortable ride and a lively range of engines. What's more, thanks in large part to its affinity with the Seat Ibiza, the crossover tackles winding roads with fantastic poise and composure.
The value proposition here is unmatched, but it's not just the purchase price that's impressively reasonable. For example, if you choose a 1,0-liter gasoline engine, drive smoothly, then the fuel consumption will be impressive.
Benefits | Disadvantages |
Good ride comfort
A large salon for the class Excellent gasoline 1,0 engine |
Average interior quality
Reliability could be better Poor noise insulation |