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The most popular used car reviews of 2022

More than a million readers per month look at our used reviews for guidance on their next purchase, but which is the most popular? We’re counting down our top 10.....

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by
Oliver Young
Updated28 December 2022

Most popular used car reviews 2022

Last year was an awkward one for used cars. Due to supply constraints affecting new cars, a surge in demand for used ones soon resulted in high prices. It seems we're past the peak, though – you may rejoice. In 2022, there are lots of great deals to be had, even if prices haven't quite returned to normal as of yet. 

Our used car reviews are always here to help, too. We've got everything from driving impressions to reliability information, so you can make the right decision on your next car. What's more, we've been keeping an eye on your favourites. 

Here's a list of the most popular used reviews on What Car?. It presents an interesting mix of traditional used best sellers, premium SUVs and even one or two examples of models that have long since disappeared from their respective manufacturers’ price lists.     

Below, you can find out which have been the most popular used reviews on What Car? this year – and remember to check out the used pages to see all our new and updated used reviews

Strengths

  • Quiet at motorway speeds
  • Feels very composed in corners
  • Impressive fuel economy

Weaknesses

  • Unsettled ride
  • Not as practical as some SUVs
  • Interior plastics feel cheap in places

The BMW X1 is the smallest of the firm's SUV offerings, occupying the family SUV class. This 2009-2015 generation borrowed a lot from the contemporary 2005-2012 BMW 3 Series Touring, but it's shorter, narrower and much taller than that car. Its elevated driving position, prestigious badge and bargain used prices continues to win it many admirers.

Our pick: 1.6 TGDi Hybrid 230 SE Connect 5dr 2WD Auto

0-62mph: 8 sec
MPG/range: 50.4mpg
CO2 emissions: 127g/km
Seats: 5
Boot: 616 litres
Insurance group: 18E

Strengths

  • Plenty of space
  • Lots of equipment
  • Relatively cheap to buy used

Weaknesses

  • Plasticky interior
  • Firm ride
  • Some thirsty engines

Though it lacks the X1's premium badge, even more family SUV fans seem to be interested in a used Hyundai Tucson. The generation featured here is newer than the X1, mind you, and prices are still intriguingly affordable. It comes with a five-year, transferrable warranty and lots of equipment, too.  

Strengths

  • Fabulous handling
  • Well equipped
  • Smooth ride

Weaknesses

  • High running costs
  • Subpar reliability
  • So-so build quality

The XF is suave, exciting to drive and, as a used buy, good value as well. Luxury cars like this have to be smooth and relaxing to drive and, on this count, the XF certainly scores well. And the good news is this comfort doesn’t come at the expense of handling. For such a large car, the way the XF can move through corners is close to astonishing. 

Strengths

  • High-quality interior
  • Efficient engines
  • Plenty of kit

Weaknesses

  • Engines are unrefined
  • Ride can be fidgety
  • Relatively expensive to buy
  • Lots of recalls to be aware of

Premium badges and executive saloons have always been an alluring combo, particularly if you throw affordable buying and running costs in the mix as well. The previous-generation Mercedes C-Class is a great case study in this. It has grown its following by exuding class inside and out, yet also being widely available on the used market and in a variety of engine and trim combinations. 

Our pick: 330e 22.3 kWh M Sport 4dr Step Auto

0-62mph: 5.9 sec
MPG/range: 353.1mpg
CO2 emissions: 19g/km
Seats: 5
Boot: 375 litres
Insurance group: 34E

Strengths

  • Great to drive
  • Classy interior
  • Well equipped

Weaknesses

  • Hard ride on M Sport suspension
  • Offset pedals in manual version
  • 2015 onwards have an improved diesel engine

The previous-generation BMW 3 Series is still a great buy; stick with a post-facelift version from 2015 onwards for the revised 320d diesel engine to avoid costly timing chain issues, and you won't go far wrong. It's worth looking for a car with the Professional Media pack for the upgraded infotainment system, too. 

Our pick: 1.0 TSI Life 5dr

0-62mph: 10.8 sec
MPG/range: 54.3mpg
CO2 emissions: 118g/km
Seats: 5
Boot: 351 litres
Insurance group: 9E

Strengths

  • Classy image
  • Comfortable ride
  • Economical engines

Weaknesses

  • Comparatively expensive
  • Not as fun to drive as rivals
  • Underpowered entry-level engine

The previous-generation Volkswagen Polo may cost more to buy used than many of its rivals, but you are getting a very refined small car for your cash. It's comfortable, has a supple ride and a nicely finished interior that mimics the larger contemporary Golf. The small, turbocharged petrol engines are the best picks as they tend to be smoother and quieter than the diesels.

Our pick: 1.0 DiG-T N-Connecta 5dr

0-62mph: 10.7 sec
MPG/range: 47.9mpg
CO2 emissions: 133g/km
Seats: 5
Boot: 422 litres
Insurance group: 13E

Strengths

  • Funky styling
  • Easy to drive
  • Decently equipped

Weaknesses

  • Not very roomy
  • CVT gearbox unreliable
  • Thirsty petrol engines

When the first-generation Juke was launched in 2010, it in effect created the segment for small SUVs, in much the same way the Nissan Qashqai did for family SUVs. Its unconventional styling and raised driving position won it many admirers, while its keen pricing and competitive finance deals won it many sales, and the popularity of our used review shows that it remains sought after.

Strengths

  • Stylish inside and out
  • Slow depreciation
  • Good off-road

Weaknesses

  • Expensive
  • Choppy town ride
  • Poor reliability

This year's most popular car, according to the traffic to our used reviews, is one of the least reliable family SUVs you can buy, according to our latest What Car? Reliability survey. However, it seems readers can't get enough of the Range Rover Evoque. To be fair, it looks great, you get a lot of standard equipment and the interior is pretty plush for what is supposed to be the 'baby' Range Rover, so it's understandable why it's so in demand. Just make sure you take out an extended warranty if you plan on buying one.

Our pick: 1.3 DiG-T MH N-Connecta 5dr

0-62mph: 10.2 sec
MPG/range: 44.1mpg
CO2 emissions: 144g/km
Seats: 5
Boot: 479 litres
Insurance group: 12E

Strengths

  • Quiet and comfortable
  • Sips fuel
  • Lots of equipment

Weaknesses

  • Poor reliability
  • Ride suffers on 19in wheels
  • Limited rear visibility

Not only is the current Nissan Qashqai a best selling new car, but its predecessors also get lots of attention as used buys. We rate this second-gen model highly as well, as evident when we crowned it our What Car? Car of the Year in 2014. Back then, our judges were impressed by its "low costs and first-class levels of comfort, refinement, space and safety". The good news is that this still holds true as a used buy.

Our pick: 120 M Sport 5dr Step Auto

0-62mph: 7.8 sec
MPG/range: 53mpg
CO2 emissions: 122g/km
Seats: 5
Boot: 300 litres
Insurance group: 21E

Strengths

  • Strong performance
  • Economy in diesel versions
  • Class-leading infotainment system
  • Terrific reliability

Weaknesses

  • Rear room a little tight
  • Not as well equipped as some
  • Relatively high prices

That's right, the BMW 1 Series takes the top spot; our used for the previous-generation model has has been viewed more times this year than any other. This isn't too much of a surprise either, because it's a car that appeals to both your sensible and silly sides. With regards to the former, its family car body style and cheap costs has that sorted. And in terms of the latter, the fact that it's rear-wheel drive and was offered with a couple of monstrous six-cylinder engines made it great fun to drive. As with the 3 Series featured on this list, look out for examples with a Professional Media pack for an upgraded infotainment and sat-nav system.