Most Popular Used Cars in Birmingham

What are the most popular choices for Birmingham drivers? Based on our data, we found the most popular cars bought using Carmoola car finance in Birmingham.

Believe it or not, there’s only one SUV on the list. Seven are hatchbacks, and four are premium-brand models. According to our data, these are the most popular used cars in Birmingham:

• Ford Focus
• Mercedes-Benz A-Class
• Audi A3
• Ford Fiesta
• BMW 1 Series
• Nissan Qashqai
• BMW 3 Series
• Volkswagen Golf
• Vauxhall Corsa

Ford Focus

The Ford Focus is a familiar sight because it’s been one of the best-selling cars in the UK since the first version was launched more than 25 years ago. 

What makes this mid-size hatchback (and estate) model so popular in Birmingham and beyond? Well, it’s great value and has a user-friendly interior, but what really sets the Focus apart is how much fun it is to drive. Whether you’re visiting the Bullring for some retail therapy or enjoying a weekend blast to the Malvern Hills, the Focus is sure to put a smile on your face.  In fact, its sharp handling and responsive steering make this humble family car as rewarding behind the wheel as some cars that cost twice as much. 

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

With that famous three-pointed star on the grille, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class looks right at home on the leafy streets of Edgbaston, but its premium look and feel comes with a surprisingly affordable price tag. Find the right PCP car finance deal and your monthly payments could be a lot lower than you might think. 

The A-Class really shines inside, with an interior that has huge digital display screens and lighting that gives the clubs on Broad Street a run for their money. A top choice in Manchester, too, the A-Class is a great fit for Birmingham’s urban, upbeat vibe. 

Audi A3

It’s no wonder that the Audi A3 is such a popular choice for Carmoola customers in Birmingham, since it packs the top-notch quality and advanced features you expect of an Audi into a package that’s ‘right-sized’ for crowded urban streets. 

You get a real sense of wellbeing inside the A3, with plush materials and up-to-the-minute tech that make even a stop-start trek across town enjoyable. Every version of the latest A3 is exempt from the Birmingham Clean Air Zone charge, too.

And if you really want to do your bit for the city’s air quality there’s a plug-in hybrid version that has an electric-only range of up to 88 miles.

Ford Fiesta

For many years the Ford Fiesta was the UK’s best-selling new car, which goes some way to explaining why you’ll see so many at Birmingham dealerships. Although Ford stopped making the Fiesta in 2023 it remains one of the most appealing small cars thanks to its fun drive and low ownership costs. 

The Fiesta also offers a model range that mirrors the diversity of Birmingham drivers. There are three-door and five-door models, budget-friendly options and high-spec trims with features such as a heated steering wheel and leather trim. And for those that want to get out of the city and enjoy their favourite country road there’s the Fiesta ST, which is one of the best hot hatches around. 

BMW 1 Series 

The BMW 1 Series is a mid-size hatchback that’s desirable yet surprisingly cost-effective. With its sharp looks and distinctive ‘twin-kidney’ grille the 1 Series looks sharp and it has the drive to match, with a smooth yet sporty feel on the road. 

Although it’s not as practical as some hatchbacks, the 1 Series has a comfy interior with the kind of sleek design and high-end features you’ll find in BMW’s larger models. With so much packed into a comparatively compact car, it’s no surprise that the 1 Series is also a firm favourite with Carmoola customers in Leeds and Liverpool. 

Nissan Qashqai

Think of a family SUV and the Nissan Qashqai is probably the car that springs to mind. The streets of cities across the UK are full of them and Birmingham, of course, is no exception. 

As well as being practical, the Qashqai is excellent value and has lots of handy gadgets. Most versions have a reversing camera, while the latest models have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Opt for the e-Power model and the Qashqai allows you to drive using electric power alone for short distances. You don’t have to plug it in to recharge it, so it’s a great fit for Birmingham drivers that want to make zero-emissions journeys yet aren't able to have a home charger. 

BMW 3 Series

Birmingham is home to lots of large companies so it’s fitting that the BMW 3 Series, the definitive company car, is a big seller here. 

There’s a lot more to the 3 Series than the fact that it looks great in the company car park, though. A perfect driving position, great handling and high-quality interior mean it’s always a pleasure to get behind the wheel. You can choose between a saloon or estate model, as well a wide choice of engines that includes both fuel-efficient and powerful options and a plug-in hybrid model with an electric-only range of up to 63 miles. Pay for it through an HP car finance agreement, and you could be looking at very reasonable monthly repayments.

Volkswagen Golf

The Volkswagen Golf is one of those cars that appeals to a wide range of buyers, hence its popularity not only in Birmingham but also in Bristol and Nottingham. Looking for a solid, practical family car? That’ll be the Golf. Something classy yet not too showy? The Golf fits the bill. Something rewarding to drive yet comfortable? Yep, the Golf again. We could go on, but let’s just say it’s a car that’s good at just about everything.

You do pay a bit more for the Golf than for some rival cars, but Birmingham buyers clearly feel it’s worth paying a premium and finding the right car finance or car refinance can help spread the cost. 

Vauxhall Corsa

With low prices and smart looks, the appeal of the Vauxhall Corsa is obvious. Birmingham car buyers clearly know a bargain when they see one. 

If you want maximum cost-effectiveness from your Corsa, choose a used model. That’s because, according to the Carmoola Depreciation Index, it loses its value quicker than many similar cars. 

That’s good news if you want to save thousands on the list price. Petrol or electric versions are available for about the same cost, and if you decide to go electric, you could make use of one of hundreds of new public chargers being installed across the city. 

Find your next car in Birmingham with Carmoola

Birmingham drivers don’t mess about, they want cars that look good, feel good and don’t cost the earth. Whether you’re weaving through Small Heath or cruising out past Sutton Park, the cars on this list prove you don’t need an SUV to drive something proper smart.

Ready to upgrade? Learn more about car refinance with Carmoola.