Top 10: Best Used German Cars to Buy in 2025

When it comes to cars, the Germans know how to make some of the very best. Porsche, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Volkswagen have been producing sought-after models for generations, with everything from humble hatchbacks to iconic sports and performance cars that tick all the relevant boxes.

It comes as no surprise, then, that German cars are some of the most sought-after vehicles on the road, thanks to their fine build quality, iconic heritage, sharp style, state-of-the-art technology, and class-leading driving dynamics.

Below, we have compiled a list of 10 of the best-used German cars.

• BMW 3 Series
• Volkswagen Golf
• Mercedes-Benz C-Class
• Porsche 911
• Audi TT
• BMW 1 Series
• Audi A3
• Porsche Macan
• Mercedes-Benz A-Class
• BMW iX1

BMW 3 Series

Setting the standard since 1975, the BMW 3 Series is the textbook answer for the perfect executive saloon car. Naturally, you can also find it with other body styles, such as a Touring (Estate) and Convertible. There is also a legendary high-performance, range-topping M car, in the form of the M3, further enhancing the 3 Series' legendary heritage.

Naturally, the trait of any 3 Series is how good it drives, which is complemented by its sophisticated looks, refined build quality, fine material choice, and impressive performance.

A used BMW 3 Series will never disappoint, with even high-mileage cars still offering the refinement and quality that has seen the 3 Series continue its legacy generation after generation.

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Volkswagen Golf

Another icon of the '70s, the Volkswagen Golf set its foundation in 1974 and has continued its legacy ever since. Just like the aforementioned BMW 3 Series, the Golf has multiple body styles available, but like the 3 Series, it has one sole body style that it is known for the most, which in the Golf's case is the hatchback.

Solid build quality is the Golf's main trait, which, when complemented with 3 and 5-door options, superb kit levels, and a fine driving experience, has ensured the Golf has been loved generation after generation.

There are hot versions of it too, like the iconic GTI, famous for not looking out of place in a supermarket car park, or outside a five-star hotel. Then there is the all-wheel drive Golf R (pictured above), which takes high performance to even greater levels, and being a Golf, both still offer incredible practicality, comfort, and economy.

You simply cannot go wrong with a used VW Golf.

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Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Launched in 1982, the Mercedes-Benz 190 was the predecessor to the now legendary Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which officially came along in 1992. That said, ever since, the C-Class has been setting the foundation for a legend.

Like its main competitor, the aforementioned BMW 3 Series, the C-Class offers multiple body styles too, so you will find used examples in coupés, cabriolets, and estate form. Again, having similarities with those previously mentioned, performance versions such as the AMG models are ultra-impressive, and the pick of the bunch for those who want a fine all-rounder, which is also hugely fast and capable.

Older, higher-mileage versions follow suit and make an attractive used buy. We would always recommend cars with good service history, as luxury cars like this can require substantial repairs if left neglected.

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Porsche 911

Continuing the legendary theme, we cannot compile a list of the best used German cars without mentioning the best sports car of all time - the Porsche 911. Unveiled in 1963, each new generation has pushed the sports car envelope further, whilst still keeping the iconic 911 silhouette of the '60s original.

The beauty of the 911 is that although it may be a thoroughbred sports car, or even a supercar in most of the range-topping examples (911 Turbo S, 911 GT3 RS), many models can be used day in, day out, without problem.

Some hail a used 911 as the everyday supercar, due to the comfort levels, specification levels, performance, and a reasonable amount of practicality. Make no mistake, the 911 will make you feel special with every drive.

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Audi TT

The first car in our list that is no longer made. The Audi TT was a design icon from its introduction in 1998, and enjoyed three stylish generations until Audidiscontinued the sharp coupé in 2023.

Head-turning looks were complemented by a trailblazing interior, ensuring the TT was an instant hit. Add in superb build quality, plenty of engine choice and models, again offering incredible performance, ensured the TT appealed to a wide range of buyers, increasing the car's popularity.

The Mk2 and Mk3 followed on from the instantly iconic Mk1, keeping the sharp silhouette but enhancing the sophistication.

If you want a reliable, refined, and slick sports car that can be a perfect daily driver (if a tad short on practicality), the TT is a solid used car choice. (Pictured above: Mk1 TT - Silver, Mk3 TT S - Red, Mk3 TT RS - Grey).

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BMW 1 Series

'The Ultimate Driving Machine' is the famous tag-line of BMW, so when the Munich made the 1 Series the entry-level BMW in 2004, it became an instant hit.

Offering 3-door variants in earlier generations, along with 5 doors too, which is how the 1 Series now comes as standard, the 1 Series offers fine practicality for an entry-level BMW. A coupé and a cabriolet body style are available in early models, but later models are purely hatchback, due to the birth of the BMW 2 Series.

With plenty of model choice, and of course high-performance M135i models (pictured), and M140i versions in older models, the 1 Series is a fine entry-level BMW. The 1M, which is the only ever full BMW 1 Series M car, is now a cult icon, too.

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Audi A3

Born in 1996, the Audi A3 has been an important model for the brand, and it still sells incredibly well today. Naturally, BMW and Mercedes-Benz followed suit with their 'entry-level' hatches mentioned above. Of course, now it is the Audi A1 that is the entry point for Audi.

Back to the A3, and it was popular from the get-go due to handsome looks, 3 and 5-door practicality, great driving characteristics, and excellent build quality; typical A3 traits.

Naturally, as with most compact cars, enhanced performance widens the appeal, and so the hot versions, such as the S3 and R S3 are incredibly fast, and make for excellent winter daily drivers, thanks to their Quattro four-wheel-drive systems.

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Porsche Macan

Porsche is renowned for its iconic sports cars, but like many manufacturers, Porsche has dabbled in the SUV game and has had huge success with it, too. The entry-level point into Porsche SUV ownership is the Macan, and with the various models, engines, and trims, the Macan has been a hugely popular model for Porsche.

And if it means they can still produce cars like the GT3 RS, a Porsche SUV is only a good thing. And, when the Macan offers enhanced practicality, with petrol, diesel, and electric powertrains, it comes as no surprise to see just why the Macan is popular.

The typical Porsche driving experience is there to enjoy too, and with versions like the Turbo, pace and performance are beyond impressive.

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Naturally, wherever there is a BMW, there is a Mercedes-Benz alternative. The A-Class started its life before the BMW 1 Series in 1997, and was a sort of MPV/hatchback, which then changed with the third generation to a hatchback, which came along in 2012, and made itself a direct competitor of the 1 Series - Mercedes-Benz thought BMW had it too easy.

With the fourth generation, which came along in 2018, Mercedes-Benz showcased their new digital interior set-up, which was properly state-of-the-art at the time, and was an interesting move, as manufacturers usually showcase new technology on range-topping models, and yet the A-Class is the entry-point into Mercedes-Benz ownership.

Just like its competition, the more compact feel of the A-Class attracted all types of buyers, and of course, the AMG versions appeal to those who want the added performance.

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BMW iX1

Another BMW, but like Porsche, BMW knows how to make a fantastic driving car, no matter the powertrain. The Macan SUV mentioned previously can be had in electric, and the iX1 is essentially the electric version of the X1 - BMW's entry-level SUV.

Step inside the iX1, and it is just like its internal combustion-engined sibling. The exterior is rather similar to the X1, too, which has been a successful move for BMW, making its electric versions similar to their internal combustion engine alternatives.

The instant acceleration of the iX1 can pin you back in your seat, and make it uncanny in pulling away from a standstill. It also feels like a BMW should, with decent feel and handling, and complemented by a sharp digital dashboard, full of all the connectivity and customisation you could want. Who said an electric SUV had to be boring?

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Find your perfect used German car

No matter what German car takes your fancy, there are plenty more to choose from in our comprehensive portfolio of quality used car offers. Alternatively, we also have plenty of attractive German new car offers, too.

Also, if you enjoyed reading this article, why not check out more like it in our dedicated blog section.