Best Used European Hatchbacks Under $20,000
6 European hatchbacks in our catalog fit. These 3 score highest on documented problems, running costs, crash tests, fuel economy and space, each with the model years to shop and the engine to look for.
Refine with your own answersBest match: Volkswagen Golf/GTI
2019 · Mk7 · $15.5-23.5k
Volkswagen Golf/GTI
2019 · Mk7 · $15.5-23.5k1.4L turbo 4-cylinder · Golf, SportWagen · 147 hp · Hatchback
- An enthusiast benchmark
- Top crash-test results for its era
- Quieter and smoother than most in its class
The Volkswagen Golf/GTI came out ahead. Look for the 1.4L turbo 4-cylinder: 33 mpg combined and about $850 a year in maintenance and typical repairs.
- Typical price
- $15.5-23.5k
- MPG combined
- 33
- Upkeep a year
- $850
- Seats
- 5
Documented problems
3
- major: Plastic water pump and thermostat housing leak coolant2015-2018 · $600-1,000
- major: Dual clutch gearbox control unit fails2015-2021 · $1,500-2,500
- caution: Direct injection builds carbon on the intake valves2015-2021 · $500-800 for a walnut blast
Price by model year
$15,500-23,500
Typical private-party price for 2019, average miles
Only 2019 fits your $20k max. 2020 and newer typically sell for about $22k and up.
Second pick: BMW i3
2019-2021 · I01 · $13.1-21kAbout $2,500 less than the Golf/GTI
BMW i3
2019-2021 · I01 · $13.1-21kAbout $2,500 less than the Golf/GTIElectric · i3, i3s (181 hp) · 170 hp · Hatchback
- More engaging to drive than most
- Good crash-test results for its era
- Cheaper than average to insure
- Typical price
- $13.1-21k
- Range
- 153 mi
- Upkeep a year
- $600
- Seats
- 4
Documented problems
1
- caution: Early cars have 60Ah batteries with about 80 miles of range2014-2016 · $0, check the battery size on the listing
Price by model year
$13,100-21,000
Typical private-party price for 2019-2021, average miles
2019-2021 are the newest years in your budget with no serious known problems. 2014-2018 also fit.
Third pick: Volkswagen Beetle
2014 · A5 · $6.8-11.1kAbout $10,600 less than the Golf/GTI
Volkswagen Beetle
2014 · A5 · $6.8-11.1kAbout $10,600 less than the Golf/GTI2.0L turbo 4-cylinder · Turbo, R-Line, SE, Final Edition · 210 hp · Hatchback
- Good crash-test results for its era
- Cheaper than average to insure
- Typical price
- $6.8-11.1k
- MPG combined
- 27
- Upkeep a year
- $800
- Seats
- 4
Documented problems
3
- critical: Timing chain tensioner fails and the chain jumps2012-2013 · $1,500-2,500
- major: Plastic water pump and thermostat housing leak coolant2015-2019 · $600-1,000
- caution: Parts support is shrinking since the model ended2012-2019 · $0, check trim parts before you buy
Price by model year
$6,800-11,100
Typical private-party price for 2014, average miles
2014 is the newest year in your budget with no serious known problems.
More that fit
- MINI Cooper
2019-2021 · F56 · 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder
$12.2-24k$900 a year upkeep - Volkswagen Golf/GTI
2012-2014 · Mk6 · 2.0L turbo diesel 4-cylinder
$6.1-13.2k$850 a year upkeep - Volkswagen Golf/GTI
2007-2009 · Mk5 · 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder
$3.4-7.7k$850 a year upkeep - Audi A3
2011-2013 · 8P · 2.0L turbo diesel 4-cylinder
$5.1-11.7k$1,100 a year upkeep - Fiat 500
2017-2019 · 312 · Electric motor, 24 kWh battery
$6.5-13.2k$700 a year upkeep - Volkswagen Beetle
2006 · New Beetle · 1.9L turbo diesel 4-cylinder
$2.4-4.6k$800 a year upkeep - MINI Cooper
2011-2013 · R56 · 1.6L 4-cylinder
$4.9-10.6k$950 a year upkeep
Known problems at this budget
- Critical
Volkswagen Golf/GTI
2010-2012 · 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder
Timing chain tensioner fails and the chain jumps
$1,500-2,500
Problems and prices - Major
MINI Cooper
2014-2018
Timing chain and tensioner wear on higher mileage cars
$1,800-2,800
Problems and prices
Picks reflect documented patterns and typical prices for these model years. Not a guarantee for any individual vehicle. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.