The longer days mean plenty of time after work for taking your prospective new car out for a spin, or is there the possibility of a longer test drive – maybe over the weekend so you can really get to know the car? If the kids are on their school holidays, why not take them along with you? After all, if you’re searching for a new family car then it might help to get the wee ones to ‘try before you buy’.
Of course, during summer your time is valuable, and you don’t want to waste those precious sunny days searching through the dealerships. To help you find your perfect car and enjoy your hard-earned summer holiday, we’ve handpicked our top cars for summer – all available at Exchange and Mart/s1cars right now.
Mini Cooper
An icon of British motoring, the Mini Cooper has been one of the best small cars for years and is synonymous with being fun, quirky and pretty nippy!
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Great for: someone looking to own a British classic and a reliable small car, but with enough space for all your mates to hit the festivals.
Cost
If you’re looking for a used model, early 2000s, you can get a great deal for less than £1,000! For a 2019 model, depending on the spec, you’d be looking to pay up to £20,000. So, plenty of choices to suit your budget!
SEAT Ibiza
Named after one of the world’s top holiday destinations, known for being the party island, the name just screams summer. The SEAT Ibiza has seen many facelifts over the years from its original manufacture back in the 80s. More recently recognised for its sporty feel and bright colours, the SEAT Ibiza is still an extremely popular and affordable car.
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Great for: a younger driver looking to stand out from the crowd. Choose a neon green or yellow paint job to really get noticed this summer.
Cost
For a 2019 model you would look to pay between £12,000 and £15,000 but you can bag yourself a bargain by picking an older model – which still looks the part!
Mazda MX-5
The original roadster, the Mazda MX-5 is a classic convertible and collector’s item. A classic version, kept in good condition, can set you back a couple of thousand pounds but would be well worth the investment. The styling has got better every year and it’s one of the nicest looking convertibles around, while still holding onto its original design.
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Great for: getting the top down on a glorious sunny day and taking it for a spin through the beautiful countryside or a day trip to the beach.
Cost
Newer models are available in soft top and hard top and a 2019 model will cost upwards of £20,000.
Range Rover
The perfect car for summer isn’t all about convertibles, it’s about having enough space for the whole family, dogs and luggage! Known for being a luxury purchase, the Range Rover is also a very practical car if you’re looking for something in the 4×4 range.
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Great for: someone looking for a good amount of space for passengers and storage, but also not compromising on style.
Cost
You don’t need to splash the cash for a Range Rover, there are some real bargains to be found when it comes to used models. For example, a model from early 2000s can start from as low as £3,000. Of course, if you’re looking for a more recent model and high spec, you’ll be looking at a 6-figure price tag!
Audi TT
Highly sought-after in the early 2000s, the Audi TT is one of the most stylish convertibles around. Audi have improved the body over the years, smoothing out the lines and coming away from the ‘bubble’ look for a sleeker, sportier, almost futurist vibe.
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Another example of a great car that can be picked up without breaking the bank – if you’re looking for a used model.
Great for: someone that is happy with a 2-seater. Space is tight but it’s incredibly fun to drive and looks great.
Cost
A model from the early 2000s can cost between £1,000 and £2,000, so a total bargain but do your homework and search around for a great deal. Keep an eye on mileage as these were very popular cars back then. For a 2019 model you can spend up to £60,000 or more for a high spec version.
Fiat 500
It wouldn’t be a top list without our favourite small car, the Fiat 500. It exudes fun, character and is a pretty decent car overall. Perfect for first time buyers as they are cheap, keep their value well and are really reliable. Available in a range of bright, summery colours, this car is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
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Great for: someone looking for a fun, small car without spending too much cash. The prices are cheap, as are running costs, with low road tax and insurance.
Cost
Good condition, classic versions from the 1970s can cost more than some of the newer versions, up to and over £12,000. But you can get a great deal on a model from around 2008/2009 for less than £2,000!
Even if none of these cars take your fancy, with over 200,000 used cars to search from, you’ll find the perfect car for you at Exchange and Mart/s1cars.
