Best Used German Cars
06th Dec 2019
Introduction
German manufacturers such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Audi and Volkswagen have been producing desirable and attractive models for years, with the manufacturers themselves being amidst some of the world's most recognised brands.
It's no wonder then, that German cars are some of the most sought-after cars on UK roads. This is thanks to iconic heritage, excellent build quality, alluring style, cutting-edge technology, and class-leading models.
We've compiled a list of the some of the best used German cars available.
BMW 3 Series
Born in 1975, the BMW 3 Series is the textbook answer for a decent, executive saloon car. Like many popular mainstream cars, further body styles have been added which include a coupe, convertible and estate version.
A fine driving experience has always been a textbook trait of any 3 Series, along with handsome looks, solid build quality, fine material choice and impressive performance.
A variety of engine choices and specifications has ensured the 3 Series has continued to appeal with each new generation, and let's not forget the birth of the most iconic 3 Series out there - the M3.
A used 3 Series will not disappoint and even high mileage cars still ooze quality and desirability.
A fine driving experience has always been a textbook trait of any 3 Series, along with handsome looks, solid build quality, fine material choice and impressive performance.
A variety of engine choices and specifications has ensured the 3 Series has continued to appeal with each new generation, and let's not forget the birth of the most iconic 3 Series out there - the M3.
A used 3 Series will not disappoint and even high mileage cars still ooze quality and desirability.
Volkswagen Golf
The '70s gave birth to another icon - in the form of the legendary Volkswagen Golf. Like the BMW 3 Series, the Golf has welcomed multiple body styles over its many generations which have included an estate and convertible, but the Golf will always be famed for its iconic hatchback shape.
Solid build quality, incredible practicality, 3 and 5-door availability, generous kit levels and an impressive driving experience have ensured the Golf will always be in demand - and is the obvious answer for arguably the perfect hatch.
The GTI version is a great shout for those wanting strong performance, but don't want to sacrifice practicality, comfort or economy. You simply can't go wrong with a Golf.
Solid build quality, incredible practicality, 3 and 5-door availability, generous kit levels and an impressive driving experience have ensured the Golf will always be in demand - and is the obvious answer for arguably the perfect hatch.
The GTI version is a great shout for those wanting strong performance, but don't want to sacrifice practicality, comfort or economy. You simply can't go wrong with a Golf.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Officially launched in the early '90s, the C-Class predecessor was the Mercedes-Benz 190, which came along in the seventies, setting the foundation for supreme quality.
Main C-Class competition has always been the BMW 3 Series, with both cars being the perfect answer for the saloon car conundrum. Mercedes-Benz have always been one for luxury, quality and performance.
Multiple body styles such as a coupe, cabriolet and estate are available, as expected with such a popular platform. Again, having similarities with those previously mentioned, performance versions such as the AMG models are ultra-impressive.
Older, higher-mileage versions follow suit and make an attractive used buy. We would always recommend cars with full history as luxury cars like this do require substantial costs if left neglected.
Main C-Class competition has always been the BMW 3 Series, with both cars being the perfect answer for the saloon car conundrum. Mercedes-Benz have always been one for luxury, quality and performance.
Multiple body styles such as a coupe, cabriolet and estate are available, as expected with such a popular platform. Again, having similarities with those previously mentioned, performance versions such as the AMG models are ultra-impressive.
Older, higher-mileage versions follow suit and make an attractive used buy. We would always recommend cars with full history as luxury cars like this do require substantial costs if left neglected.
Audi TT
In 1998, the Audi TT was born. One of the most significant car designs in recent memory. A gorgeous exterior, complemented by a trailblazing interior ensured the TT was an instant hit.
Superb build quality, incredible performance and a range of specifications ensured the TT appealed to a number of buyers, increasing the car's popularity.
New generations have come along and just like the original, the exterior and interior have been enhanced, cementing the TT as one of the best sports coupes to go for.
If you want a sports car that can be a perfect daily driver (if a tad short on practicality) but also put a smile on your face at the weekend, you can't go far wrong with a TT.
Superb build quality, incredible performance and a range of specifications ensured the TT appealed to a number of buyers, increasing the car's popularity.
New generations have come along and just like the original, the exterior and interior have been enhanced, cementing the TT as one of the best sports coupes to go for.
If you want a sports car that can be a perfect daily driver (if a tad short on practicality) but also put a smile on your face at the weekend, you can't go far wrong with a TT.
Porsche 911
We can't compile a list of the best used German cars, without mentioning the best sports car of all time - the Porsche 911.
Born in the '60s, each new generation has become even more desirable, whilst still keeping the iconic 911 silhouette of the original. The beauty of the 911 is that although it may be a thoroughbred sports car, or even supercar in most of the range-topping examples (Turbo S, RS, R), many models can be used day in, day out, without problem. Some hail the 911 as the everyday supercar, due to the comfort levels, specification levels, performance and a reasonable amount of practicality.
Make no mistake, this car will make you feel special with every drive.
Born in the '60s, each new generation has become even more desirable, whilst still keeping the iconic 911 silhouette of the original. The beauty of the 911 is that although it may be a thoroughbred sports car, or even supercar in most of the range-topping examples (Turbo S, RS, R), many models can be used day in, day out, without problem. Some hail the 911 as the everyday supercar, due to the comfort levels, specification levels, performance and a reasonable amount of practicality.
Make no mistake, this car will make you feel special with every drive.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Mercedes-Benz are pioneers in automotive technology, and it is usually the S-Class that showcases the company's incredible technology first. Radar guided cruise control - that was first seen on a Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
And if you want a car that is the epitome of comfort and luxury, the S-Class is the answer. Being a Mercedes-Benz of course means you also get executive style, incredible levels of refinement and technology, along with excellent performance.
Brand-new, the S-Class is of course not cheap, but used examples can become supremely tempting if you want to live the luxury lifestyle, with a substantial saving. You'll also be getting an outstanding car.
And if you want a car that is the epitome of comfort and luxury, the S-Class is the answer. Being a Mercedes-Benz of course means you also get executive style, incredible levels of refinement and technology, along with excellent performance.
Brand-new, the S-Class is of course not cheap, but used examples can become supremely tempting if you want to live the luxury lifestyle, with a substantial saving. You'll also be getting an outstanding car.
Audi Q5
The SUV continues with its popularity and German manufacturers make some fine examples, with the Audi Q5 being a great option.
Big, spacious, comfortable, good-looking and well-made, the Audi Q5 is properly attractive for those wanting all the practicalities of an SUV. Being an Audi, there is also the sense of premium and status too, which is always going to tempt buyers over another manufacturer.
Despite the size, the Q5 is economical in most guises, whilst the SQ5 offers incredible performance, that can match many sports cars, in a straight line of course.
If you are after a smart, practical, well-built SUV with the all-important German/Audi image, the Q5 is a more than a safe bet.
Big, spacious, comfortable, good-looking and well-made, the Audi Q5 is properly attractive for those wanting all the practicalities of an SUV. Being an Audi, there is also the sense of premium and status too, which is always going to tempt buyers over another manufacturer.
Despite the size, the Q5 is economical in most guises, whilst the SQ5 offers incredible performance, that can match many sports cars, in a straight line of course.
If you are after a smart, practical, well-built SUV with the all-important German/Audi image, the Q5 is a more than a safe bet.
BMW 1 Series
With BMW being well-known the world over for offering 'The Ultimate Driving Machine', and their cars expressing an executive and successful image, it's no wonder that the entry-level BMW 1 Series was always going to be a hit.
It is fair to state that the 1 Series has become more handsome over time, and offers 3 and 5 door hatchback body styles to suit different tastes. A cabriolet and coupe body style are available in early models, but later models are purely hatchback, due to the birth of the 2 Series.
A range of different versions and specifications are available, including some rather impressive M135i and M140i performance models.
It is fair to state that the 1 Series has become more handsome over time, and offers 3 and 5 door hatchback body styles to suit different tastes. A cabriolet and coupe body style are available in early models, but later models are purely hatchback, due to the birth of the 2 Series.
A range of different versions and specifications are available, including some rather impressive M135i and M140i performance models.
Audi A3
Born in 1996, the Audi A3 has been an important model for the Audi brand, and still sells incredibly well today.
Starting off as a hatchback, once upon a time it was the entry-level step into Audi ownership (whereas this is now the role of the A1). With new generations, the A3 has also been offered as a saloon and convertible body style too.
Handsome looks, incredible usability, 3 and 5-door practicality, a fine driving experience and excellent build quality are just some of the usual A3 characteristics. The performance versions such as the S3 and RS3 are incredibly fast, and make for excellent winter daily drivers, thanks to their Quattro four-wheel-drive systems.
Starting off as a hatchback, once upon a time it was the entry-level step into Audi ownership (whereas this is now the role of the A1). With new generations, the A3 has also been offered as a saloon and convertible body style too.
Handsome looks, incredible usability, 3 and 5-door practicality, a fine driving experience and excellent build quality are just some of the usual A3 characteristics. The performance versions such as the S3 and RS3 are incredibly fast, and make for excellent winter daily drivers, thanks to their Quattro four-wheel-drive systems.
BMW X3
The BMW X5 kicked off the SUV trend for BMW, but the slightly smaller X3 is more affordable and possibly a little more handsome than it's larger sibling.
And what does a good SUV offer other than practicality, comfort and that all-important SUV image? Handling. If an SUV doesn't flop about in the corners and handles like a car, it is always a welcome characteristic and means that those making the step up into their first SUV will obviously look for, or those who like driving at least.
Well, the X3 delivers with a typically well executed BMW driving experience. They don't call them 'The Ultimate Driving Machine' for nothing.
And what does a good SUV offer other than practicality, comfort and that all-important SUV image? Handling. If an SUV doesn't flop about in the corners and handles like a car, it is always a welcome characteristic and means that those making the step up into their first SUV will obviously look for, or those who like driving at least.
Well, the X3 delivers with a typically well executed BMW driving experience. They don't call them 'The Ultimate Driving Machine' for nothing.
So, there you have it. The best used German cars that are sure to make you happy, each time you get behind the wheel.
