Gas vs. Electric - What Can You Afford Today for £ 20,000?

In times of rising prices and decreasing incentives, many people ask: What will I actually get for my money in 2025?

We have done the math and show you which models are really available for under 20,000 £ – with gasoline or diesel engines and in electric cars. And: What compromises you will have to make in each case.

Engines under 20,000 £

still quite a few options Examples: - Dacia Sandero: e.g. Dacia Sandero Essential, 67 HP, gasoline, manual transmission - Hyundai i20 - Toyota Aygo Equipment is usually solid, often even including air conditioning & assistance systems Cheaper to purchase, but higher running costs (fuel, maintenance)

Electric Cars Under 20,000 £ – A Tough Market

Currently, there are hardly any serious new models available at this price (except with subsidies/used), except for the Dacia Spring.

Used electric cars like the Renault Zoe and Fiat 500e are only available at reduced prices.

Compromises: Less range, features, often older battery technology.

While you still have options with combustion engines for £ 20,000, the selection of electric cars is slim. Entering the world of electric mobility is expensive without subsidies – unless you look at the used car market.

Used Market: Combustion Engines Dominate

A glance at mobile.de or autoscout24.de shows: For £ 20,000, you can get a 2-3 year-old Golf, Octavia, or Corolla with around 30,000 km – well-maintained, reliable, with good features.

In contrast, the selection of used electric cars is limited: many have high mileage, outdated technology, or poor remaining range – and yet they often still cost over £ 20,000.

There are also uncertainties like battery condition, residual value, and charging infrastructure. To be on the safe side, people currently prefer to go for a traditional engine within their budget – at least for now.

Want to know which car fits your budget exactly?

Then use the Driveduel Configurator now and compare new models directly – by price, consumption, features, and more!