British drivers love buying used cars: last year, more than 7.8 million of them changed hands, an increase of 2.2% on the previous 12 months.  

Used cars tick a number of boxes for the vast majority of buyers, and key to their appeal is their genuine value for money. Whittling down your shortlist isn’t the easiest task, however, because of the vast array of cars available. 

Do you buy a long-range electric car over a plug-in hybrid? Would an estate make for a better family car than an SUV? Is it better to get your thrills from a sports car or can a hot hatch bring enough drama for less cash? Finding a car that meets your lifestyle is crucial. 

The Volkswagen Golf Mk7 is a great all-rounder and likely to meet the daily needs of many, hence it sits atop our list. Its practical, refined and its broad engine line-up means it can be either a frugal commuter or fun hot hatch. 

But which other used cars are worthy of investment? We’ve put together a list of the best, from 4x4s to convertibles.