Used Cars for Sale in Bristol

Buying a used car in Bristol doesn't have to be stressful. Mobeo connects you with verified sellers across the South West, showing real prices, full vehicle histories, and honest feedback from previous buyers. Whether you're looking for a city runabout or a family estate, you'll find thousands of vehicles checked and ready to view.

The Bristol used car market moves fast. Average prices in 2024-2025 range from £3,995 for basic hatchbacks to £18,500 for newer family cars with low mileage. Knowing what to check, what to pay, and what it'll cost to run makes the difference between a bargain and a mistake.

Used Car Prices in Bristol Right Now

Bristol buyers typically search for vehicles between £5,000 and £15,000. Here's what that budget gets you in early 2025:

• Ford Fiesta (2019-2021, 30,000-50,000 miles): £6,500-£8,200
• Volkswagen Golf (2018-2020, 40,000-60,000 miles): £9,000-£11,500
• Toyota Corolla (2017-2019, 50,000-70,000 miles): £8,500-£10,800
• Honda CR-V (2016-2018, 60,000-80,000 miles): £11,200-£14,000
• Vauxhall Astra (2018-2020, 35,000-55,000 miles): £7,500-£9,500
• Mazda 3 (2017-2019, 45,000-65,000 miles): £7,800-£9,900
• BMW 3 Series (2014-2016, 80,000-100,000 miles): £8,000-£10,500
• Hyundai i20 (2018-2020, 40,000-60,000 miles): £5,500-£7,200

Prices shift week to week. Mobeo updates listings daily, so you see what Bristol sellers are actually asking, not inflated guides or dealer markup prices. Many private sellers price competitively to shift stock quickly—refreshing Mobeo's Bristol feed twice a week can reveal deals before they're gone.

What to Check When Buying a Used Car

Before you hand over cash, you need proof the car is roadworthy and legally owned. Here's what every buyer should verify:

• MOT history and current pass: Check the gov.uk MOT checker by registration. A car with failed MOTs in its past or recent advisories (particularly emissions or brakes) signals neglect or upcoming repair costs.
• Service history: Spend time reviewing receipts or dealership stamps. Skipped services at critical intervals (every 6,000-10,000 miles) mean the engine, gearbox, and emissions system may not have been maintained properly.
• HPI or Experian check: Costs £20-£30 and reveals if the car is stolen, written off, or has outstanding finance. Never skip this step.
• Mileage verification: Cross-reference the odometer against MOT records and service history. A sudden drop in recorded miles suggests tampering.
• Bodywork and rust: Run your hand over panels and underneath the car. Rust spreads quickly in the UK climate and costs £500-£2,000+ to repair properly.
• Tyre tread and condition: Legal minimum is 1.6mm but 2mm is safer. Budget £400-£800 for a full set of quality replacements.
• Electrics and warning lights: Start the engine cold, check all lights work, test the air con, infotainment, and power windows. Intermittent faults often cost £200-£600 to diagnose.

Mobeo sellers are rated by previous buyers. Look at recent feedback—genuine comments about condition, reliability, and communication help you avoid time-wasters or poorly maintained vehicles.

Best Value Trim Levels and Popular Models

Not all trim levels are worth the extra money. In the Bristol market right now, these combinations offer genuine value:

• Ford Fiesta Zetec: Mid-range trim with air con, cruise control, and touchscreen. Costs £1,000-£1,500 less than Titanium but drives the same. Insure from £450/year. Fuel economy 48-52 mpg.
• Volkswagen Golf Match: Decent spec without leather or premium audio. £2,000 cheaper than higher trims. Insurance from £550/year. 45-50 mpg depending on engine.
• Toyota Corolla Design: Toyota's mid-trim is loaded with safety kit and feels premium. Only £800-£1,200 less than top specs. Insurance from £480/year. Reliability is excellent—very few major issues after 80,000 miles.
• Honda CR-V EX or SE: Both offer similar comfort and kit. Skip the top tier (minimal real-world difference). Insurance from £600/year. Spacious, durable, 38-42 mpg.
• Mazda 3 Sport SE-L: Attractive, economical, well-built. Costs £1,500 less than premium trims. Insurance from £500/year. Mazda reliability is solid—engines rarely blow up.

Avoid entry-level trims unless budget is tight. The £500-£1,000 jump to mid-range adds air con, cruise, and touchscreens that make long Bristol commutes far easier. Top trims rarely justify their cost—the difference between SE and top spec is often heated leather and a panoramic roof.

Running Costs: Fuel, Insurance, and Servicing

Purchase price is only part of ownership. These running costs determine whether a car is truly affordable:

Fuel: Petrol cars in the £6,000-£12,000 range typically return 45-52 mpg on mixed driving. At current UK petrol prices (around £1.42 per litre in early 2025), a weekly 200-mile commute costs roughly £55-£65. Diesel returns 48-55 mpg but fuel sits at £1.47 per litre, so savings are marginal unless you cover 15,000+ miles yearly.

Insurance: Bristol Group 1-6 cars (Ford Fiesta, Hyundai i20, Mazda 3) cost £450-£600 per year for a 30-year-old driver with full no claims bonus. Group 7-10 cars (Honda CR-V, BMW 3 Series, VW Golf Diesel) run £550-£750 per year. Older engines and higher theft areas push premiums up. Use Mobeo's seller chat to ask about real insurance quotes before viewing.

Servicing: Budget £150-£300 per service (every 6,000-10,000 miles or 6-12 months). Dealership servicing costs £200-£400 but includes warranty. Independent garages run £120-£250. Over 60,000 miles, expect 6-8 services totalling £1,200-£2,000. Brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid changes sit at £80-£150 each when due (usually every 40,000-80,000 miles depending on model).

Unexpected repairs: Budget £50-£100 monthly for surprises. Worn brake pads (£150-£300), battery replacement (£80-£200), or suspension repairs (£300-£600) are common. A £6,000 car with strong service history is less risky than a cheaper car with patchy records.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a car on Mobeo is actually for sale?

Mobeo verifies seller contact details and removes inactive listings after seven days. Click the seller's name to see their feedback from previous buyers. Ratings show response time and whether the car was as described. Message sellers directly through Mobeo—genuine sellers reply within 24 hours. Avoid anyone who won't video call or let you bring a mechanic for inspection.

What's the difference between private and dealer cars on Mobeo?

Private sellers usually price £500-£1,500 cheaper but offer no comeback if something goes wrong. Dealer cars cost more but may include guarantees (check the listing). Both types are on Mobeo. Always get an HPI check regardless of seller type—it's your legal protection if the car has outstanding finance or is stolen.

Should I buy a petrol or diesel car in 2025?

For typical Bristol drivers (10,000-15,000 miles yearly), petrol makes sense. Diesel is cheaper per mile only if you cover 18,000+ miles annually. Petrol engines are simpler and usually cheaper to repair. Diesel particulate filter (DPF) cleaning costs £400-£800 if you drive mostly short journeys, which clogs the filter. Most used cars under £10,000 are petrol anyway.

What mileage should I avoid?

Cars over 120,000 miles need careful inspection and are harder to insure cheaply. Between 60,000-90,000 miles is sweet spot for reliability and value. Cars hitting 100,000 miles often need new tyres (£400-£800), brake pads (£150-£300), and possibly suspension work (£300-£600), so budget accordingly. Check service history rigorously at higher mileages.

How long does it take to complete a purchase through Mobeo?

Mobeo is a marketplace—it connects you with sellers but doesn't handle the transaction. Once you've agreed a price with the seller, paperwork takes 2-5 days. You'll need proof of identity, vehicle details, and a bank transfer or cash. Seller provides V5C registration document (logbook), which you submit to DVLA to transfer ownership. Allow 7-10 days total from first viewing to owning the car legally.