Best used car of the year named and it's not a Mercedes, MINI, or Ford
As Britain's motor industry faces ongoing challenges and the cost of living crisis persists, more people are turning to the second-hand car market when purchasing their next vehicle.
With this shift, prices for certain used cars have climbed. Nevertheless, bargains can still be found amongst the extensive range of options available.
With this in mind, a panel of motoring experts assembled to identify the finest used cars currently on sale across the UK. The panel hails from the respected motoring publication Auto Express.
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Together, they've reached a verdict on which used car represents the best buy in Britain today.
Their assessment considered multiple factors, including how the vehicles performed when brand new and owners' real-world experiences behind the wheel, reports the Express.
The overall winner of best used car of the year was the BMW 3 Series, a decision reached unanimously. Explaining the choice, writer Alex Ingram noted it wasn't simply about driving dynamics, but rather the remarkable variety of body styles and specification levels available to purchasers.
He explained: "Whether you're in the market for a fuel-sipping diesel or a fire-breathing M3 - or anything in between - the 3 Series line-up has you covered.
"Plug-in hybrids allow for electric-only driving on local trips, and six-cylinder petrols are both smooth and powerful. Then there are the various bodystyles, too.
"But whichever derivative you go for, the rest of the package leaves you feeling like there's no compromise at all. Ride and handling are as good as it gets, making even the most affordable models a joy to drive."
Whilst the BMW was selected as the top used car in the UK, it narrowly beat Jaguar's I-Pace. The electric Jaguar finished second overall behind the BMW, whilst also claiming awards for best used electric car and best used executive car.
Speaking about the used car market earlier this year, Mike Hawes, CEO of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), said: "Growth in the used car market is good news given it is where most drivers buy their next vehicle - but their choice ultimately depends on thriving new car demand.
"Ongoing recovery in the new car market means almost 100,000 second-hand buyers have been able to snap up cars less than a year old this year.
"These nearly-new purchases help drive business activity and economic growth while ensuring consumer access to more affordable, increasingly zero emission used cars across the country."
This follows another car outlet - Carwow - announcing their new Car of the Year. They crowned the Chinese-made Chery Tiggo 8 as the winner - a full £50,000 less expensive than its similar-looking BMW competitor.