Money saving

BUYING a used car involves lots of decisions. What size and style do you want? Are you petrol, diesel, hybrid or EV? Should you buy as cheaply as possible or invest as much as you can?

We can’t answer any of these questions, but we can tell you what the UK’s most popular car for sale on Sun Motors is.

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It is, of course, the ever-reliable Nissan Qashqai.

When it was launched, this compact crossover SUV pretty much defined the category. It’s nearly 20 years old but remains as popular as ever. 

I’ve driven the Nissan Qashqai and I’ll give you my honest opinion of its good points, bad points and anything else I can remember that’s relevant.

What are the most popular used cars?

Sun Motors is a nationwide marketplace that connects thousands of buyers and dealers. We keep track of every purchase and can reveal our list of the 10 most popular used cars in the UK.

You already know that at the top of the charts is the Nissan Qashqai. Here’s a list of the rest…

1. Nissan Qashqai
2. VW Golf
3. Mercedes A-Class
4. Mini (all models)
5. Kia Sportage
6. BMW 1 Series
7. Ford Kuga
8. BMW 3 Series
9. Audi A3
10. Hyundai Tucson

Buying a used car? Find cars for under £200 on Sun Motors here.

Nissan Qashqai used car review​

The Nissan Qashqai may have a name that you’ll struggle to spell, but its appeal isn’t hard to spot.

It’s a crossover SUV, which means it looks like a car that’s capable of running off-road and has an elevated driving position, but in reality, it’s a pretty refined and reliable city car.

We’re going to talk about the second-generation (and subsequent) models that launched in 2013.

With this version, Nissan ironed out all the faults and created the UK’s favourite (sort of) SUVs.

It’s now beloved by middle managers, school-run mums and dads and anyone for whom a MINI was just a little bit too small.

Modern versions are even more aggressive-looking but, for our money, don’t look as good.

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The high-up driving position offers great visibility, and the responsive handling makes the car manoeuvrable enough to slide into that supermarket parking spot.

OK, so it’s not going to knock your socks off or make you smile too much, but it’s a family car, so we never expected it would.

Sun Motors: Buy your next vehicle today

If you’re part of the 3.3 million Brits looking to buy a used vehicle this year, Sun Motors is an ideal place to start

*If you click on a link in this boxout we will earn affiliate revenue

Sun Motors is a seamless, straightforward, transparent platform that ranks by customer searches, not payments. It offers innovative financing and concierge services, ensuring a simple, fair car-buying experience.

Enjoy:

• A choice of fuel type whether it’s petrol, diesel, electric or hybrid
• A range of models from convertible, estate, saloon and many more
• A range of top brands such as Ford, Volkswagen, Toyota and BMW
• Financing options
• Trusted dealers

Get started finding your next used vehicle here.

There have been far too many engine variations (including petrol, diesel, hybrid and the latest e-POWER powertrain) for us to run through them all.

Reviewers seem to favour the 1.3-litre DIG-T 140 mild-hybrid petrol engine, and we won’t argue.

Bad points are, as you’d expect, few and far between. The Qashqai is quite expensive as a used car, with other makes and models perhaps a little cheaper to buy, run and insure.

The Qashqai is, like lots of crossovers, a bit of a fake too. It’s not really an off-roader like the Range Rover, but not many people need that sort of performance (or can afford the price).

Are Nissan Qashqais reliable​?

The Nissan Qashqai isn’t quite as reliable as the bullet-proof Nissan cars of old, with the 2014-21 diesel models in particular suffering from engine and exhaust problems.

Overall though, it’s a sturdy family motor that shouldn’t leave you stranded by the roadside. 

Try to buy one with a full service history, ensure all recalls are done and check receipts for any work.

How much is a Nissan Qashqai?​ 

Nissan Qashqais start from £5,000 for a 10-year old (2015) model with over 100,000 miles on the clock. Nearly new models, including the e-POWER version, can cost over £35,000.

As a ballpark, expect to pay around £15-17,000 for a 2020 Qashqai.

It’s not the cheapest car on the market, with some used models that are as expensive as a new Dacia Duster, for example, but it’ll hold its value.

Is Nissan Qashqai a 4×4?

The Nissan Qashqai isn’t a true 4×4 like a Land Rover, Range Rover, etc, but you can find both front-wheel drive (FWD) and four-wheel drive (AWD) models on the market. 

In off-road mode the 4×4 Qashqai will tackle difficult terrain like mud and gravel, more much more confidently than the 2WD version. 

Most drivers who really need 4WD performance should look elsewhere. In the end, they probably already were.

Used Nissan Qashqai​s for sale

We’ve scoured Sun Motors to find three top used cars for sale. You’ll need to get in quick to secure these…

Bargain basement: 2020 Nissan Qashqai Acenta Premium

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This isn’t the cheapest Qashqai on the market, but it’s arguably one of the best-value used motors we’ve seen.

Don’t let the 60,000+ miles on the clock put you off. This Acenta Premium model comes with 17” alloys, a good touchscreen and parking sensors.

It’ll do 55mpg all day long, too. That’s why this is our bargain buy.

Awesome auto: Nissan Qashqai​s SUV 1.3 DIG-T Tekna

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Reviewers love the 1.3 litre DIG-T petrol engine for its power, control and reliability.

This automatic Qashqai is in Tekna trim, featuring cool 18-inch alloy wheels, a Bose sound system, and a head-up display. Nice.

High-class hybrid: Nissan Qashqai 1.5 E-Power Acenta Premium 5dr Auto

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The 2024 Qashqai is a thoroughly modern car. Its petrol/electric hybrid motor produces an impressive 188bhp.

It’s quiet, quick and has the mean look of the new Qashqai.

This particular car has fewer than 5,000 miles on the clock, so it’s as nearly new as it gets.

Buying a used car? Check out Sun Motors and find your next vehicle today. Whether you’re looking for automatic, manual or electric, use Sun Motors to decide on your next model.

ALDI IS launching a new range of cake pops costing just 50p each, undercutting Starbucks by more than £2.80 per item.

The budget supermarket will be selling its Village Bakery Cake Pops in a pack of four for £1.99, starting Sunday, 12th May.

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The sweet treats come in two flavours, Birthday Cake and Cookies & Cream.

Starbucks currently sells similar items at £3.35 each, meaning Aldi’s version comes in at around 85 per cent cheaper.

The Birthday Cake flavour features a strawberry and vanilla mix, while the Cookies & Cream option includes cookie crumbs and vanilla flavouring.

Both are designed as bite-sized snacks aimed at those after an affordable sweet treat.

Aldi said the items will be available in all UK stores while stocks last.

Separately, Aldi is selling a Pistachio Spread as part of its Specially Selected range for £1.79, which is significantly cheaper than M&S’s Pistachio Crème, priced at £4.75 for 220g.

Aldi’s version works out at 89p per 100g, while M&S charges £2.16 per 100g. The retailer recommends using the spread on toast, pastries or desserts.

The item has gained attention online after being posted on Facebook.

One user wrote: “This would be so delicious on pancakes or waffles in the morning.”

Another added: “Can’t wait to try this! It looks so yummy!”

This follows several other comparisons where Aldi has undercut major brands.

Earlier this year, Aldi released a £4.99 dupe of the popular Stanley Cup flask, which typically sells for £44.99.

During Easter, it offered a £3 chocolate bunny that shoppers compared to Lindt’s £6.99 version.

In household products, Aldi’s own-brand laundry powder priced at £1.99 has been praised by customers online, with some saying it outperforms well-known brands like Bold.

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TRYING to get onto the housing ladder is no mean feat, and many people have to make some sacrifices when it comes to it. 

From tightening up the budget, and reducing the spending on some of life’s luxuries, managing to find the money can take quite some time. 

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But one woman managed to bag her dream home by making some sacrifices. 

Leonie, who is known as ‘building_ribbons’ on TikTok, shared a video on her social media account explaining how she lived in a caravan for eight years to be able to afford her dream home. 

She went on to explain that people now assume that she is rich because of it, but instead she just managed to save thousands on rent. 

Speaking to her 122.7k TikTok followers, Leonie did a tour of her home which was in the countryside. 

The kitchen was large and open plan with an island in the middle, and wooden beams in the ceiling giving a luxurious touch to it. 

She also had large glass doors which looked out onto her garden, and allowed for plenty of sunlight to shine through.

Her video also showed her bathroom, which had a standalone large bath in it as well as her living space which had a fireplace lit to give a warm cosy touch to it. 

Having so much garden space also allows her to keep animals on it including a goat, and two dogs which her son plays with. 

Leonie explained that it was self-built in the English countryside and she was able to style it whilst also doing some bargain hunting. 

Speaking to her followers, she adds that “you guys probably think I’m rich but in reality we spent eight years living in a caravan to achieve the dream of building our own home and it was so worth it.” 

Revealing that she is a “country girl at heart,” Leonie loves that she can spend time with her family, horses, animals, and “gorgeous son”.

Her video, which was shared in October, has gained 105.6k views and gained 67 comments. 

One person who was in a similar situation, wrote: “I spent 10 years in our Mobil while we built our home. It was worth it, no mortgage.” 

Whilst a second complimented her “beautiful home” saying that her situation was “a dream.” 

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A third asked: “Your home is beautiful, can you please talk us through how you found the land and the process of building?

“Also, did you live in the caravan on the land?” 

Leonie replied: “We already owned the land….. planning took us nearly 10 years…the build took around 18 months. Yea we lived on site.”

How much does it cost to live in a caravan?

LIVING in a caravan can be an economical and flexible lifestyle choice in the UK. Here’s a breakdown of potential costs:

Initial Costs

• Caravan Purchase: £8,000 – £40,000 (depending on size, age, and condition)
• Caravan Insurance: £200 – £800 per year

Ongoing Monthly Costs

• Pitch Fees: £150 – £600 (varies by location and facilities)
• Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water): £40 – £120
• Maintenance and Repairs: £20 – £80
• Internet and TV: £20 – £50
• Gas for Heating/Cooking: £15 – £40

Other Potential Costs

• Waste Disposal Fees: £8 – £25
• Transport Costs (if moving locations): Variable, depending on distance
• Optional Add-ons (Awning, Solar Panels, etc.): £400 – £1,600 (one-time)

Sample Monthly Budget

• Pitch Fees: £400
• Utilities: £80
• Maintenance and Repairs: £40
• Internet and TV: £40
• Gas for Heating/Cooking: £25
• Total: £585

Annual Estimated Cost

• Total Monthly Costs: £585 x 12 = £7,020
• Insurance: £500
• Maintenance and Repairs: £480
• Total Annual Cost: £8,000

Tips to Save

• Off-Peak Pitch Fees: Look for lower rates during off-peak seasons.
• DIY Maintenance: Handle minor repairs yourself.
• Energy Efficiency: Invest in solar panels to reduce utility costs.

While initial setup costs can be significant, ongoing expenses for living in a caravan can be relatively low, making it a viable option for those seeking an affordable and mobile lifestyle in the UK.

SHOPPERS are racing to Lidl to grab a garden lighting essential that’s perfect for summer evenings – and it’s up to £8 cheaper than similar buys at other big-name stores.

The Livarno Home LED Parasol String Lights are on shelves for just £7.99 and have got garden lovers buzzing online.

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They feature 72 twinkling mini LEDs, eight vintage-style bulbs, and give off a warm white glow – perfect for adding atmosphere to your patio or balcony.

There’s also a six-hour timer, so you can set them and relax without worrying about turning them off.

They’re designed for outdoor use and stretch 3 metres, so they’re ideal for wrapping around parasols or fencing.

The lights sparked a flurry of excitement on social media after one eagle-eyed shopper posted: “LED Parasol lights spotted at LIDL..!”

The post quickly racked up comments, with one fan writing: “Perfect. Hope they still have them tomorrow.”

Another tagged a mate and said: “I now fully understand why you were so excited… these look awesome!”

A third added: “Ooo these are so cute!!!”

But not everyone was glowing with praise. 

One unhappy customer hit out: “This is the most disappointing product I have EVER bought from Lidl.

“The cabling is short, no means of fixing & if you do waste 2 hours of your life persevering in fixing these lights, they then interfere with the operation of the parasol & the cables are sliced.

“Save your money, don’t bother!!!”

Still, plenty of shoppers reckon they’re a steal – especially compared to similar options:

• Amazon’s Smart Garden Altuna Luces DE Cadena 72 LED – £14.50
• Parasol String Lights 80 Warm White LED Garden Timer Lights – £15.99

That means you could save up to £9 by choosing Lidl’s version.

Remember to compare prices

It is important to remember to always shop around when buying something like this as you might find a cheaper alternative.

Websites like Trolley and Price Spy let you compare thousands of products across different retailers to find the best price.

Price Spy even lets you see how much an item has cost over time, so you can see if the current price is a good deal.

A quick scan on the Google Shopping/Product tab will also bring up how much retailers are selling a certain item for.

Previous garden sales

Last month, Middle of Lidl standout included Vileda Mixer 3 Tower Airer, labelled a “Top Pick” by the retailer and was priced at £29.99.

Elsewhere, Aldi recently launched a gorgeous new garden must-have Decorative Table for just £14.99, perfect for creating your own Mediterranean retreat.

Recent Specialbuys from the discounter has also included the popular solar lights range.

As well as a cheaper alternative to the Karcher pressure washer by some £80.

Elsewhere, B&M released a number of garden furniture, this included a Sienna double egg chair which retails for £250.

It also released the Paris 2-Seater Pod Chair is on sale also priced at £250.

Recently, Argos slashed its prices on a massive range of outdoor and DIY essentials, with discounts of up to £60.

In March, Wilko knocked down prices on patio sets, lounge chairs, and bistro sets.

How can I save money when shopping at Lidl?

Lidl reduces items at the start of the day, and the best deals can be found between 7am and 8am, when most stores open.

Shoppers can often find cooked meats, salmon fillets and breads reduced by 30% or more.

Not only does Lidl have its own range of reasonably priced alcohol, it also has its own knock-offs of branded favourites – so say cheers to its bargain booze.

Everyone knows about the “Middle of Lidl” – it’s here where you’ll find a load of random stuff you didn’t realise you needed, at decent prices.

But if you are hoping to avoid spending more than you planned, you can check what will be in the “Middle of Lidl” on the supermarket’s website in advance.

The Middle of Lidl is refreshed every Thursday and Sunday.

Shoppers can also keep tabs on what’s appearing in the “Pick of the Week” section on the Lidl website.

The discounts happen every Thursday and are usually on fruit, vegetables, and meat.