motors

SUN MOTORS’ bank of trusted used car reviews can help you bag a used car bargain.

Even better, its advanced functionality, like AI search and easy finance options, can make purchasing your new car as simple as possible.

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Sun Motors Reviews

Whether you’re shopping for a low-cost family car or a new convertible, buying a new motor involves a lot of decisions.

What make, model, size, and specification is best for you? 

To help narrow down the options and bring clarity to chaos, Sun Motors contains real-world reviews of thousands of vehicles.

You’ll learn everything about the make and model with insights from top automotive experts at AutoCar, Parkers & WhatCar.

Armed with these reviews, you can make the best buying decision.

Here’s why you should ditch other websites, magazines, and social media and check out Sun Motors reviews.

Which car should I buy? Sun Motors Vehicle Reviews

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We know you’re probably sick of searching for a new car, which is why Sun Motors’ reviews are essential.

The whole system has been designed to be as simple as possible to find the reviews you need, so what are you waiting for? 

Start by selecting the make, model, and series of your car. You’ll narrow down your search to the car you want to learn about in a few seconds. You can also search by rating, review age, and other filters.

Every used car review includes in-depth information on:

• Pros: A realistic review of the good points of this used car.
• Cons: An honest appraisal of any bad points you need to know about.
• Driving experience: Learn what the car is like on the road from someone who has driven it, including handling, performance, and fuel economy.
• Safety: The safety features of the used car will be listed with details on what’s included and what’s not – and why that matters.
• Specifications: Learn about the specs, covering everything from engine size to in-car entertainment.
• Alternatives: See a handpicked selection of other used vehicles you should consider that are a similar size, specification, and cost.
• Pricing: And, finally, you’ll get industry insider advice on the all-important price range for the car according to our experts.

Find Your Next Car by What You Can Actually Afford

Sun Motors has created the UK’s First Finance-First Marketplace

*Finance Powered by DSG Finance who are a Credit Broker Not A Lender. Representative 21.6%. Your rate may differ depending on individual circumstances

You can check in less than 60 seconds if you are eligible for financing, and then search for your dream used car within your monthly budget.

Here’s how…

• Soft credit check, with no impact on your score
• 60-second decision, get a real finance decision in less than a minute
• Instant match, only see cars that fit your real budget
• AI-powered help, get tailored advice, suggestions, and instant answers from an AI advisor called Theo

Find out what you can afford in just 60 seconds here.

Once you’ve picked … shop by what you can afford 

In the used car world, it’s all about the money.

Sun Motors makes it simple to see financing options available, enabling you to compare monthly payments, overall costs, and affordability. 

When you’re serious about securing your new car, you can use the fast and straightforward finance search option to see how much you can borrow, your monthly repayments, and any final lump sum you may need to make at the end of the term.

It makes it easy to:

• Check your budget first: Add some personal details and you’ll get a personalised finance quote in less than a minute.
• Get your approval upfront: Securing a finance approval in principle means you can relax and browse with the knowledge you’re in the driving seat.
• Browse cars in your budget: You can use Sun Motors’ intelligent search only to display cars you can afford, reducing temptation.
• Drive away happy: Secure your new car, sort out finance, and drive away happy!

Access to information on budget and repayments gives you the power to shop for a new car with total confidence you can afford it.

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Five used-car favourites selected by a Sun Motors expert

Low-cost family favourite: KIA Venga 1.4 

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This 5-door family-friendly KIA Venga 1.4 is for sale at a few quid under £2500. OK, so it’s a diesel and it’s nearly 10 years old, but if you’re looking for a reliable runaround, this compact MPV is a great choice. 

For the budget-busting price, you’ll get a no-frills motor that’s spacious, safe, and (hopefully) reliable enough for thousands more miles.

Smooth operator – BMW 2 SERIES 220D XDRIVE

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A bit of a step up from the KIA is the BMW 2 SERIES 220D XDRIVE. It’s a confident, capable, spacious, and safe grand tourer. OK, so this low-mileage model is diesel, but it’s Euro-6, so it’s not going to cost you a fortune in a congestion zone.

The elevated driving position is comfortable, and BMW’s reputation for reliability makes this a great family car that’s also a little fun once you’ve dropped the monsters off somewhere.

Approved & Awesome: Volkswagen Golf 1.5 TSI EVO Match Edition

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The Volkswagen Golf 1.5 TSI EVO Match Edition is a bit of a beast. The TSI engine is smooth and super-reliable. Inside the car, the Match Trim feels like a real step-up from the standard spec.

The Volkswagen Golf 1.5 TSI EVO Match Edition is a super-hot-hatch that comes used-approved. That means it’s been checked by the experts at VW to ensure it’s ready for the road. 

Europe’s most popular car: 2018 Dacia Sandero 1.0 SCe Laureate

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Would you believe that the basic Dacia Sandero is Europe’s top-selling car? Seems everyone from Scots to Swedes loves a bargain. This 2018 Dacia Sandero 1.0 SCe Laureate has fewer than 50,000 miles on the clock, which is nothing for the low-power, high-reliability powertrain.

Bodywork is up together, and it comes in Dacia’s classic gun-metal-gray. This is no-frills motoring available at £100 per month. We love it.

Superior and sporty: LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT 3.0

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Be honest, the Dacia isn’t going to impress anyone, but the LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT 3.0 will. Buy a used model and you’re getting a high-class motor without taking a massive hit on depreciation. 

OK, so £36,000 isn’t cheap, but class costs and the Range Rover Sport have both in spades. It’s a luxury city car that’ll pull jealous looks at the school gate, but a capable off-roader too. We know you won’t want to get it dirty though.

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.

GM’s profit tumble in second quarter comes a day after Jeep maker Stellantis says it expected a $2.7bn loss in the first six months of the year.

Auto giant General Motors has reported a 35 percent drop in second-quarter profits, including a $1.1bn hit from United States-imposed tariffs but confirmed its full-year forecast.

GM’s results released on Tuesday still topped analyst estimates, but the US carmaker cautioned that profits in the second half of 2025 would be lower than in the first.

The company pointed to sales growth in North America, where new and revamped trucks and sport utility vehicles sold briskly with solid pricing. GM was among the carmakers that benefitted from a surge in demand this spring from consumers who wanted to beat the US tariffs and their higher prices.

Profits overall fell 35.4 percent to $1.9bn year-on-year while revenues dipped 1.8 percent to $47.1bn.

The US imposed 25 percent tariffs on imported finished cars in early April, a move that affected major GM manufacturing operations in Mexico, Canada and South Korea. Car companies have also faced tariffs on imported steel, aluminium and auto parts.

The tariff hit in the second quarter reflected that there were “minimal mitigation offsets”, GM said in a slide presentation.

The Detroit, Michigan-based company’s outlook for a weaker second half of 2025 reflects “seasonally lower” volumes, increased spending on vehicle launches and the presence of two quarters with a tariff hit compared with just one in the first half of the year.

GM expected annual operating income of $10bn to $12.5bn after notching $6.5bn in the first half of the year.

Chief Financial Officer Paul Jacobson described the hit to profitability in the first quarter as “the peak of the tariff impact for us”, telling CNBC in an interview that mitigation efforts should enable a partial recovery in profit margins later in the year.

Shifting manufacturing

GM expected to mitigate “at least” 30 percent of the tariff hit through “manufacturing adjustments, targeted cost initiatives and consistent pricing”, according to a slide.

Jacobson said it would take 18 to 24 months to implement capital projects to adjust GM’s manufacturing footprint.

In June, GM announced spending of $4bn over two years to expand production at plants in Michigan, Kansas and Tennessee, making use of unused capacity in its home market as President Donald Trump’s tariffs penalise imports of finished vehicles.

The June announcement included steps to produce the Chevrolet Equinox and Chevrolet Blazer in the US. The two vehicles are currently assembled in Mexico.

GM has so far not shifted manufacturing from South Korea, home to production for the Chevrolet Trax, a popular compact SUV that is priced affordably.

Jacobson told CNBC the Trax has stayed profitable even with the hit from the tariff on imported autos.

“We haven’t made any long-term decisions about Korea yet, mainly because there is a lot of uncertainty about that,” Jacobson said.

Trump has set an August 1 deadline to reach broad trade deals with numerous countries, including South Korea, which faces a 25 percent tariff if there is no deal.

“We’re optimistic that the US and Korea can find common ground,” Jacobson said. “We know the auto industry is important to both sides in those conversations.”

GM’s stock tumbled on the lacklustre earnings report. It is down 6.6 percent for the day as of 11:30am in New York (15:30 GMT).

GM’s newly reported hit comes a day after carmaker Stellantis announced it expected a $2.7bn loss in the first six months of the year because of Trump’s imposed tariffs. Stellantis, the owner of brands including Fiat and Jeep, will disclose its final results for the first half of the year on July 29.

Stellantis stock is down 0.3 percent since the market opened on Tuesday and had increased more than 2.4 percent over the past five days.

A MAJOR car dealership has suddenly shut down after forty-five years of selling 10,000s of motors.

Customers in Lowestoft, East Suffolk, were shocked by the owner’s statement announcing their closure.

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Stanley Street Motors, run by John Mitchell, has been serving a loyal client base since 1980.

But the boss revealed he will be powering down operations due to health reasons.

In a statement on Facebook, the firm said: “Stanley Street Motors has now ceased trading, due to ill-health and retirement.

“This facebook page is in the process of being closed down, and the automatic updates will shortly cease. Our website will have further details in due course.

“We at Stanley Street Motors want to thank you, our customers and friends, and all our suppliers, contractors and supporters, everyone who bought our cars, liked our posts and recommended us to others.

“For over 40 years we have bought and sold cars from Stanley Street. Over the years we have had tens of thousands of lovely customers, many of whom became, not just repeat customers, but friends.

“We will miss you all. Thank you and goodbye.”

The site will now be up for grabs at auction through Auction House East Anglia, as reported by the Eastern Daily Press.

Bidders will have the opportunity to bag the property on June 18.

A guide price has been listed for anywhere between £200,000 and £300,000.

A spokesperson from the auctioneers said: “Former car sales showroom and forecourt with development potential.

“This showroom with offices and workshop is to be sold vacant and ready for a new operator, or there is potential to change the current use subject to planning.

“The premises has been used successfully for used cars sales and repairs by the current owners for over 40 years but is now being sold due to retirement.

“The premises comprise of a generous showroom, workshop, two offices, presentation suite, kitchen and cloakroom.

“There is a large forecourt for upwards of 30 cars and the premises has three phase electricity and security alarm system.”

This comes as motor dealerships across the UK have been waving goodbye amid a string of devastating closures.

Last month a highly recommended company with excellent reviews shut down suddenly.

The Evans Halshaw location ceased trading quietly with no warning given.

Elsewhere, a pioneering car dealership with over 91,000 vehicles is currently on sale – putting over 100 jobs at risk.

The German online used car marketplace has made heavy losses since opening in the UK in 2019 when it looked to rival Auto Trader and Motors.

Heycar’s majority shareholder, Volkswagen Financial Services (VWFS), have pulled the plug leaving more than 126 employees across the UK, Germany, and France at risk of losing their jobs.

Meanwhile a fellow dealership pulled the shutters down as part of a “brand shift” with staff being moved over to another company.

The Sytner Group sold its former Manchester Carshop site to a used car company.

Shaun Lane, the CEO of Motor Range, announced the move on LinkedIn.

According to Business Rescue Expert there are multiple reasons why car dealerships are folding across the UK.

The first major factor is rising online car sales which are beating in-person sales at dealerships.

With an extensive range of comparison and second-hand sites to chose from, may car buyers don’t even step foot into a dealership anymore.

Secondly, the actual cost to physically run the sites has soared.

Rent, wages and energy bills have all been increasing for roughly the past five years, putting many out of pocket.

Car manufacturing across the globe was also hit by a semiconductor chip shortage in 2022 which made it difficult to produce new motors.

The high demand with limited supply created a backlog, which although has eased, is still having an impact on the industry.

A third reason for recent closures is the shift to electric cars.

They are becoming more popular, given the Government initiative to be Net Zero in 2050.

The industry is also affected when companies merge or are bought by rivals.

This may lead to some independent names falling victim to the ongoing spate of closures.

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JUST passed your driving test? It’s time to get a car.

We all know buying your first used car can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’re doing it on your own. 

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Don’t worry! At Sun Motors, we’re going to take you through our selection of some of the best-used cars for first-time drivers​. 

When comparing the best used first cars, we’ve weighed up a range of factors, including safety and security, insurance, running costs and repairs. 

The models here are tried and trusted and should perform well as safe, secure and reliable runarounds.

You want to hit the road, so let’s start with finding five fantastic car deals for new drivers.

Top 5 best used cars for new drivers 

Here are 5 tried and tested cars that are ideal for first-time buyers. We’ve selected small cars with solid engines and engineering.

They may not be the fastest or most attractive motors, but they’re a great place to start on your car owning career.

1. Ford Ka
2. Skoda Fabia
3. VW Polo
4. Fiat 500
5. Mini

Cheapest to insure: Ford KA 



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MODEL: Ford KA

Insurance for new drivers is, quite frankly, bonkers – but not if you buy a Ford Ka. This popular city car is in the lowest insurance group (group 1-10, says Parkers), which means it’s the lowest risk. Low risk = low premium.

It’s cheap to insure, but is it any good? 

Absolutely! The reliable, affordable and quirky Ford Ka is a great first car. It’s economical to run, and the no-frills exterior and interior are perfect as you’re highly likely to add a few dents, scratches and damage yourself. 

You can pick up a good quality 10-year-old Ford Ka for around £5k.

Dull but functional: Skoda Fabia

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The Skoda brand name has been revitalised since its VW ownership, with the brand now known for dull but functional cars that last.

The Skoda Fabia is a basic motor that’s also in a low insurance group, meaning it’s cheap to insure.

Driving is more fun than you’d imagine, with a strong and solid engine and a leisurely ride.

We recommend new drivers go for third-generation models (2014-2021) with the 1.0 litre engine if possible.

Prices for a bog-standard, 10-year old Skoda Fabia are around £3.5k and rising to £23,000 for a nearly new model.

German precision: VW Polo

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OK, so the older (2014-21) VW Polos and the Skoda Fabias share a common platform (PQ26) which makes them similar, but they’re not identical twins.

The Polo is a bit more refined, with better handling and a finer finish.

The driving experience is similar to a Fabia, with reviewers loving the 2009-17 version, praising its comfortable ride and classy looks.

You might expect to pay a premium, but you can pick up a 2015 VW Polo for £3,500.

Tiny tearaway: Fiat 500

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When it was launched, the Fiat 500 blew us all away. The micro-car is a 60s-inspired piece of design that’s as evocative as the Italian job. Slide inside (if you can fit) and it’s a surprisingly good drive. 

The short wheelbase and small overall size make it feel fast on the road.

There’s not much luggage space and carrying passengers will be a problem, but it’s an ideal first car for urban motorists on a budget.

Its popularity keeps prices down. Basic models of the Fiat 500 can be picked up for a little over £3,000. Small price and perfect for small driers.

Money-no-object: Mini

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Who doesn’t want a Mini? The BMW reboot of the Mini has created a brand new icon, and we love it. 

The ‘modern’ MINI is every bit as popular as the previous version, with almost 3000 for sale today on Sun Motors.

When the car looks this good, who cares what it drives like? (Take our word for it, it’s a fantastic car to drive and own.)

There are so many models to choose from, you could get lost for a long time. We recommend first-time drivers go for an older model, like this 2015 MINI Hatch 1.5 Cooper for a few litres of fuel under £5,000.

MINIs will wrack up a lot of miles, so don’t be put off by a model that’s done over 100k.

Instead, check the MOT history and service history, that’s a better indication of how a car has been cared for and will perform.

What is the best car for a new driver?

Personally, I’d go for a Dacia Sandero – because that’s what I drive. But I’m old. 

If I were a first time car buyer, I’d try and find the perfect middle ground. That’s going to be a great looking car that’s fun to drive but cheap to insure and fill up. 

My personal choice for the best used car for a first time buyer would be the Skoda Fabia.

If you can, take one out for a drive. It’s surprisingly spacious, stylish to look at and well built. Go for one with low-mileage and a full service history.

Why Sun Motors makes first-time buying easy

Sun Motors makes buying a new car easy. The AI feature and sophisticated search function enable anyone to find the right car for them at the right price.

When buying from Sun Motors, you’re dealing with dealers you can trust. All cars for sale have been checked over, with any faults or problems fixed.

Dealers will also offer a warranty, giving you peace of mind for thousands of miles.

Why would you buy from anywhere else?

New driver car buying FAQs

Car finance for new drivers​: Can I get a used car on finance if I’m a first-time driver?

Of course first time drivers can access finance – but only if you’re over 18.

If you are, the amount you can borrow and the terms (including interest rate) will depend on your individual circumstances, including income, outgoings and credit history.

Sun Motors makes it simple to check eligibility and affordability of finance.

Our advice is to always read the small print and make sure you can manage all motoring costs, including car repayments, insurance, tax and (of course) fuel!

How much is insurance for a new driver?

New drivers can expect to pay £1500 or more for insurance, say finance experts Moneyshake.

The exact cost of car insurance depends on a huge range of factors, including your age and location, driving history, car make, model, age and value. 

Before buying a car, you can use comparison sites to compare insurance prices. Don’t ever buy a car without knowing how much it’ll cost to insure, or you could face a nasty surprise.

What size engine can a new driver drive uk​?

If you’ve passed your test, you can drive anything you want – as long as you can afford to insure it. 

Our advice is to start with a small and safe car, then work your way up. Stats about new driver accidents are scary, so be safe and get a smaller car.

What to look for when buying a used car for the first time

Check out our guide on what to look out for when buying a used car here.

• Safety – Always buy a car from a trusted dealer. Check out old MOTs and ask the seller if the car has been written off and returned to the road. Walk away if a dealer won’t share this information.
• Reliability – Being stranded by the roadside is no fun, so ensure the car has a full service history and all essential work has been done.
• Economy – Smaller cars use less fuel, so start small.
• Size – Don’t get a big car. New drivers are much more likely to get into accidents.
• Cost of ownership – Consider the purchase price of the car and all running costs. Make a budget before buying a car.

Are used cars as safe as new cars? 

Yes, used cars are as safe as new cars. Always check the MOT record and service history and, if possible, buy from a dealer. This will ensure your new used car is in the best condition it can be.

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.

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.