However, because fewer new cars are sold as automatics compared to manuals, the used car demand can often outweigh the supply. Fear not, these hot vehicles don’t have to break the bank and a bargain can still be had. If you’re looking for the top automatic vehicles for sale under £3,000, read on.

Affordable Automatic Cars

1. Toyota Yaris

Despite its age (2007), the Toyota Yaris still looks relatively sleek and fresh. Inside, there’s a decent dashboard with a central display and all the features you need for comfortable driving – stereo, air-con and heating. The smaller vehicle is a fun drive with sharp handling and responsive touch. A 1.3-litre version often enough ‘go’ for most people. The automatic gearbox in these models offers a smoother ride than the jerky 1.0-litre manual version.

If you don’t opt for the Sport models, you can find a 2007, 1.3-litre, second-hand Toyota Yaris with an automatic gearbox for under £2,000.

2. Skoda Superb

For a high-quality family car, the Skoda Superb is, well, a superb choice. It features comfortable interiors, a quiet engine and the model is ideal for hauling children to school or going on long road trips. There’s plenty of room to make family life easier and work commutes extra snug.

Although you won’t be able to enjoy the new models within the £3,000 budget, you will be able to find a 2002 model with a sizeable engine for under £2,000.

3. Hyundai i10

When you want to list vehicles that suit every journey, you have to include the classic small city car, the Hyundai i10. The interior is boxy but comfortable and limited in extras but it is incredibly affordable.

Its size makes it perfect for cutting through the hustle and bustle of the city, so it makes sense to get it with an automatic gearbox to give your clutch foot a rest in stop-start traffic. The automatic gearbox reduces fuel economy by 10mpg compared with the manual car, but the vehicle performs extremely well in other aspects. It has nippy acceleration and surprisingly smooth handling for such an affordable vehicle.

There are plenty of 2008 models – and possibly 2010s – that fall within the £3,000 budget.

4. Mazda 3

Sleek and stunning by design, this all-angles Mazda 3 is another top choice for a second-hand automatic car. Although the automatic gearbox uses a traditional design, the advanced technology allows the driver to enjoy smooth gear changes, and with only a small dip in fuel economy.

The Japanese company has a great track history of producing reliable cars, which is a huge priority for commuters and busy families. If you choose an older Mazda 3 as your next car, you’ll be investing in peace of mind as well as clever design.

We’ve spotted 2005 and 2008 1.6-litre engines going for under £3,000.

5. Volkswagen Polo

You don’t have to know a lot about cars to know that the VW Polo is an excellent vehicle, not to mention well-loved across the nation. Drivers over the years have valued the Polo’s reasonable running costs, excellent handling and that solid German build quality. If you’re looking for a mid-priced automatic vehicle, then you can’t go wrong with the Polo. You get to enjoy smooth driving, reliability and a spacious interior.

Look for 2005 and 2006 models that you can score for under £3,000.

6. Ford Focus

For an automatic car for under £3,000, an older Ford Focus is going to be one of your top choices. They are popular for a reason – the model is economical, fuss-free and ideal for those who want a car they can depend on without breaking the bank. The ride can be a bit firm and the interior can feel cheap in places, but the Focus doesn’t tend to be expensive to run, insure, tax or maintain. Older models still hold up well, too.

For an older 2006 model, you can expect to pay under £3,000, possibly under £2,000, depending on the mileage and condition.

7. Ford Fiesta

Logic dictates that if you’re going to list the Volkswagen Polo and Ford Focus, then it must also have the Fiesta – also known as Britain’s best-selling vehicle. For good reason, too. It’s economical (even with an automatic transmission), has affordable running costs and is a comfortable interior for long journeys.

While you won’t get behind the wheel of a sixth-generation Fiesta ST for £3,000, if you don’t mind a slightly higher-mileage car, then you can get yourself a 2006 1.6-litre Fiesta for that budget.

8. Renault Clio

As one of the best-selling French cars of all time, the Clio is a stylish and affordable supermini for first-time and established drivers. It’s small enough for city driving but picks up speed quickly when you put your foot down on the motorway. With more powerful engine sizes to choose from in the Clio, you can make more of your journeys.

Keep an eye out for models from 2005 to 2012 with 1.6 or 2.0-litre engines that typically range from £1,500 to just over £3,000. If you have a tight £3,000 budget, consider your car finance eligibility to ensure you secure the right set of wheels.

Drive away with one of the top used automatic cars

With plenty of affordable and reliable options, it’s never been easier to find automatic cars for sale under £3,000. At My Car Credit, we make things even more cost-effective with accessible car finance for a range of budgets and credit ratings.

Our team can draw upon a vast network of lenders to find the right deal for you, helping you get your perfect automatic vehicle without any hassle or delays. Give us a call on 01246 458 810 or email enquiries@mycarcredit.co.uk to find out more.