Cars with cheap road tax – our top picks!

All cars driven on UK roads need to be taxed. Road tax, or Vehicle Exercise Duty, is a necessary payment for all drivers. Some cars can come with £0 road tax to pay but they still need to be officially taxed. Road tax rates can vary by model so it can be worth finding cars with cheap road tax if you’re on a budget. We’ve put together a list of our best cars with cheap road tax for you to enjoy!

1. Skoda Fabia. 

The Skoda Fabia is one of those cars which gives you a lot for your money. It’s not the most exciting car around, but it’s cheap to run, practical and comes with cheap road tax! Newer models after 2021 will cost you £190 per year, but choosing an older model before 2017 can cost you just £20! The Skoda Fabia fits in the small car category, but we’re sure you won’t be disappointed with its reasonable interior space and decent boot size. Thanks to its easily adjustable seating and steering wheel options, the Skoda Fabia also makes a great car for short people!

2. Hyundai i10. 

Like the Skoda Fabia, the Hyundai i10 will cost you around £190 a year for a 2017 onwards model but models before this year can cost you as little as £20! Buying a used Hyundai i10 won’t usually break the bank and comes well-equipped. The Hyundai i10 merges city car with supermini and whilst it’s small it’s also pretty punchy. It’s not the best choice for a family car but thanks to its cheap running costs and low road tax bracket, it could be a great car for beginner drivers. 

3. BMW 2 Series. 

Buying a car with a low road tax doesn’t mean you have to get a small car like the two above. The BMW 2 Series comes with £190 road tax on models after 2021 and it’s a larger, more luxurious car to buy. We’re really big fans of the BMW 2 series and have named it one of our best cars for commuting and one of the best automatic cars! It is a model which is great to drive, looks good on the roads and comes in a wide range of engines. 

4. Mercedes GLA. 

Looking for an SUV with low road tax? Say hello to the Mercedes GLA. Not only is it an SUV but it’s a luxury SUV too! A 2020 onward Mercedes GLA will cost you around £190 per year. The Mercedes GLA would make a great family car if you’re looking for something which will not only look amazing but has plenty of space for everyone on board. As you’d expect, it comes with the high-quality build and interior that Mercedes is known for. 

5. MINI Hatch. 

The MINI Hatch is undeniably one of the most recognised cars in the UK. One of the best cars with cheap road tax is the MINI hatch and it will cost you around £190 per year. Older models can also be as little as £20 a year! The MINI hatch is fun to drive, cheap to buy and delivers great performance on the road. There are plenty of MINI models on the used car market and newer models also bring a fun and eco-friendly all-electric model which is also worth considering. 

6. Renault Kadjar. 

A car with cheap road tax? Check. Enough room for the family? Check. Affordable to run? Check. Say hello to the Renault Kadjar! Renault Kadjar models before 2017 will see you only pay £20 a month in road tax! Its got similar underpinnings to the well-loved Nissan Qashqai and comes with lots of interior space throughout. The boot space is more than generous and it won’t struggle to handle family life or weekends making memories on the road. 

7. Volkswagen UP! 

The Volkswagen UP! is one of the best cars with low road tax! It is small but mighty and road tax rates can be around £190 for the year and FREE in the first year of ownership. It’s a popular car for people trying to save money on their car purchase, thanks to its low tax, low running costs and low purchase price. There are 3 and 5-door options to choose from and an extremely efficient 1.0-litre petrol engine. If you’re after something that packs a punch, check out the sporty Up GTI.

8. Renault Zoe.

A list of the best cars with cheap road tax wouldn’t be complete without an EV! Why? Because there’s no road tax to pay! Well, for now. The Renault Zoe is currently exempt from road tax because of its emission-free engine. The Renault Zoe is the poster child for electric cars and is one of the best low-emission vehicles you can buy. The Renault Zoe can offer you around 195 miles of all-electric driving on a single charge!