Introduction
A £20 annual road tax bill is genuinely one of the cheapest ongoing costs you'll find on any used car, applying only to a specific type of car though, not just any efficient model you might be considering. Here's exactly which cars qualify, why the registration date matters more than almost anything else, and real examples worth looking for.
Summary:
- £20 ongoing road tax is only possible on cars registered before 1 April 2017. Every car registered from that date onward pays a flat £200 standard rate from year two, regardless of efficiency.
- The car needs to fall into Band A or Band B, meaning CO2 emissions of 110g/km or below.
- Real examples include the VW Polo BlueMotion, Skoda Fabia Greenline and older Toyota Prius, among many others covered below, including a genuinely surprising SUV pick.
- Always confirm the exact CO2 figure on a specific car's V5C, since trim and engine variants within the same model range can sit in different bands.
- For the full breakdown of how the UK's three tax systems work, see our guide on car tax explained.
Why Does This Only Apply to Older Used Cars?
This is the single most important thing to understand before browsing listings. Cars registered from 1 April 2017 onward follow a completely different system, where only the first year's tax varies by emissions.
From the second year onward, every car pays the same flat £200 rate regardless of how efficient it is, meaning a brand new hybrid and an old petrol SUV registered after that date pay identical ongoing tax.
£20 ongoing tax specifically comes from the older system, covering cars registered between March 2001 and April 2017, where the annual rate stays tied to CO2 emissions for the car's entire life. Band A covers 0 to 100g/km, Band B covers 101 to 110g/km, and both currently sit at £20 a year.
Every genuine £20 tax car on this list was therefore first registered within that specific window, not simply an efficient car of any age.
Used Cars With £20 Road Tax at a Glance
| Car | Typical CO2 | Band | Years to look for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Yaris Hybrid | 75-92g/km | A | 2012-2017 |
| BMW i3 | 0g/km | A | Before April 2017 |
| Fiat 500 TwinAir | 92-95g/km | A | 2011-2017 |
| MINI Hatchback Cooper D | 89-105g/km | A/B | 2010-2017 |
| Nissan Note (dCi diesel) | 89-99g/km | A | 2013-2017 |
| Toyota Aygo | 95-99g/km | A | 2012-2017 |
| Vauxhall Viva | 94-97g/km | A | 2015-2017 |
| Kia Picanto | 95-99g/km | A | 2011-2017 |
| Volkswagen Up | 96-105g/km | A/B | 2012-2017 |
| Peugeot 208 (BlueHDi diesel) | 87-98g/km | A | 2012-2017 |
| Citroen C1 | 99-106g/km | A/B | 2014-2017 |
| Renault Captur (dCi diesel) | 90-99g/km | A | 2013-2017 |
| Renault Kadjar (1.5 dCi) | 99-105g/km | A/B | 2015-2017 |
| Nissan Qashqai (1.5 dCi) | 99-103g/km | A/B | 2014-2017 |
| Suzuki Celerio | 84-99g/km | A | 2014-2017 |
| Mazda 3 (diesel) | 95-107g/km | A/B | 2013-2017 |
| BMW 2 Series (218d) | 99-109g/km | A/B | 2014-2017 |
| Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion | 87g/km | A | 2010-2014 |
| Skoda Fabia Greenline II | 89g/km | A | 2010-2014 |
| Ford Fiesta ECOnetic | Under 100g/km | A | 2010-2015 |
| Original Toyota Prius | 104g/km | B | 2003-2009 |
| Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion | Close to 100g/km | A/B | 2009-2015 |
| SEAT Ibiza Ecomotive | Under 100g/km | A | 2010-2015 |
Figures above are typical ranges rather than guarantees since the exact CO2 output on any individual car depends on the specific engine, trim and wheel size fitted at registration. Always confirm the precise figure on the car you're actually looking at rather than relying on the model name alone.
Used Toyota Yaris Hybrid
Qualifying variant: 1.5 Hybrid only, not the standard petrol Yaris.
Toyota's hybrid system pairs a small petrol engine with an electric motor, letting the car run on electric power alone at low speeds, genuinely cutting CO2 output well below what an equivalent petrol-only supermini can achieve and comfortably landing the Yaris Hybrid within Band A.
Pros
- Among the lowest CO2 figures of any car on this list
- Toyota's strong reliability reputation carried through to a used hybrid
- Genuinely low fuel costs alongside the low tax band
Cons
- Hybrid models typically cost more to buy used than an equivalent petrol Yaris
- Battery health is worth checking on higher-mileage examples
- Less engaging to drive than some supermini rivals
Used BMW i3
Qualifying variant: the pure electric i3, not the i3 REx range extender, which carries a small petrol generator and a different emissions profile.
As a fully electric car, the i3 produces zero tailpipe emissions, automatically placing it in Band A regardless of driving style or condition. Examples registered before April 2017 fall under the older system that assigned this rate to zero-emission cars specifically.
Pros
- Zero emissions means the lowest possible tax outcome
- Distinctive design and a genuinely premium-feeling interior
- Low running costs beyond tax too, given minimal servicing needs
Cons
- Real-world range on early examples is limited by today's standards
- Rear-hinged doors can feel awkward for rear passengers
- Battery health and degradation need checking carefully on any used example
Used Fiat 500 TwinAir
Qualifying variant: the 0.9 TwinAir two-cylinder engine specifically, not the standard 1.2 or 1.4 petrol units.
The characterful two-cylinder TwinAir engine is smaller and lighter than a conventional four-cylinder unit, genuinely reducing both fuel consumption and CO2 output as a direct result of its size and design.
Pros
- Genuinely distinctive engine note and character
- Compact size makes town driving and parking easy
- Comfortably within Band A on the right specification
Cons
- The two-cylinder engine feels less refined than a conventional unit
- Rear seat space is tight even by city car standards
- Boot space is limited for anything beyond light everyday use
Used MINI Hatchback Cooper D
Qualifying variant: Cooper D diesel, not the petrol Cooper or performance-focused Cooper S.
The Cooper D's diesel engine was specifically tuned for efficiency over outright performance, keeping CO2 output low enough to land within Band A or B depending on the exact model year and trim.
Pros
- MINI's go-kart handling reputation still applies to the diesel variant
- Strong used-car reliability record when properly maintained
- A genuinely stylish alternative to more conventional low-tax hatchbacks
Cons
- Firm ride quality on certain wheel and suspension combinations
- Rear seats are tight for taller adult passengers
- Used prices remain higher than several rivals on this list
Used Nissan Note
Qualifying variant: 1.5 dCi diesel, not the 1.2 or 1.6 petrol engines.
The dCi diesel engine's small displacement and efficient design keep emissions genuinely low, while the Note's tall, boxy body shape doesn't work against this the way a wider, lower car sometimes does.
Pros
- Genuinely spacious interior packaging for a supermini-sized car
- Low tax band alongside strong diesel fuel economy
- Practical boot space relative to the car's compact footprint
Cons
- Less well known than direct rivals, meaning a smaller used stock to choose from
- Diesel particulate filter issues are worth checking on high-mileage, mostly-urban examples
- Interior quality trails some rivals from this era
Used Toyota Aygo
Qualifying variant: the standard 1.0 petrol VVT-i engine, the only engine offered across most of the range.
A genuinely lightweight, simple city car built with minimal weight and a small engine specifically to keep both running costs and emissions low, making Band A a natural result of its basic engineering approach.
Pros
- Toyota reliability at a genuinely accessible used price point
- Simple mechanicals mean generally low repair costs
- Easy to drive and park in tight city environments
Cons
- Limited motorway refinement compared to larger cars
- Basic equipment levels on entry trims
- Boot space is genuinely tight for anything beyond a weekly shop
Used Vauxhall Viva
Qualifying variant: the standard 1.0 petrol engine across most trims, though it's worth confirming the exact figure on higher-specification models with larger wheels.
A more recently launched city car than several rivals here, the Viva's straightforward petrol engine and modest weight keep emissions comfortably within Band A without needing hybrid or diesel technology.
Pros
- Younger average age than several rivals on this list
- Straightforward petrol ownership without diesel-specific maintenance concerns
- Competitive used pricing relative to its age and equipment
Cons
- Production ended relatively early, limiting long-term parts availability compared to longer-running rivals
- Less brand cachet than some direct competitors
- Performance is modest, in keeping with its city car focus
Used Kia Picanto
Qualifying variant: 1.0 petrol specifically, not the larger 1.25 engine offered on some trims.
A small, efficient petrol engine and genuinely low kerb weight combine to keep the Picanto's emissions low, with later model years specifically engineered to land within Band A.
Pros
- Kia's strong warranty reputation, even on older used examples
- Genuinely low running costs across fuel, tax and insurance together
- Surprisingly practical interior for the car's compact exterior size
Cons
- Motorway refinement trails larger, more expensive rivals
- Entry-level trims can feel basic on equipment
- Resale values are modest, though this also keeps buying prices low
Used Volkswagen Up
Qualifying variant: the naturally aspirated 1.0 MPI engine, not the turbocharged 1.0 TSI performance versions.
Sharing its platform and small, efficient petrol engines with the SEAT Mii and Skoda Citigo, the Up's lightweight design keeps CO2 output low enough to comfortably reach Band A or B across most of its range.
Pros
- Genuine Volkswagen Group build quality at a city car price
- Efficient engines keep both tax and fuel costs low
- A more premium-feeling interior than some rivals in this class
Cons
- Rear seat space is tight for adult passengers on longer journeys
- Boot space is modest even by city car standards
- Higher-spec trims push the price closer to larger, more practical cars
Used Peugeot 208
Qualifying variant: BlueHDi diesel specifically, not the petrol PureTech or VTi engines.
The BlueHDi diesel engine was specifically engineered for genuinely low emissions, using efficient combustion technology to keep CO2 output within Band A across much of the diesel range.
Pros
- Distinctive styling that stands apart from more conservative rivals
- Genuinely strong diesel efficiency for longer journeys
- A driver-focused interior layout unlike most competitors
Cons
- The small steering wheel and raised dial layout takes some drivers longer to adjust to
- Diesel-specific maintenance needs are worth understanding before buying
- Petrol variants from this era generally sit in higher tax bands
Used Citroen C1
Qualifying variant: the standard 1.0 VTi petrol engine, the only engine offered across most of the range.
Sharing its platform with the Toyota Aygo and older Peugeot 108, the C1's simple, small-displacement petrol engine keeps weight and emissions low across most of its trim range.
Pros
- Genuinely affordable to buy, run and insure
- Simple mechanicals mean straightforward, inexpensive maintenance
- Compact size makes it easy to live with in a city
Cons
- Limited rear space and boot capacity
- Motorway performance and refinement are modest
- Basic equipment on lower trims compared to some rivals
Used Renault Captur
Qualifying variant: dCi diesel engines, not the petrol TCe range.
The dCi diesel engine keeps emissions genuinely low despite the Captur's raised crossover body, proving that a taller ride height doesn't automatically push a car into a higher tax band.
Pros
- Crossover practicality and driving position at supermini-level running costs
- Distinctive styling with genuinely wide customisation options from new
- A hybrid version exists too for buyers wanting to compare running costs
Cons
- Interior quality trails some rivals in outright perceived quality
- Handling feels more relaxed than genuinely engaging
- Diesel models specifically need checking for particulate filter health
Used Renault Kadjar
Qualifying variant: the 1.5 dCi 110 diesel specifically, not the larger 1.6 dCi or petrol TCe engines.
The 1.5 dCi diesel engine was specifically chosen and tuned to keep emissions low despite the Kadjar's genuinely larger, more family-focused proportions than the Captur.
Pros
- Genuinely spacious interior for family use
- Comfortable, relaxed motorway driving character
- Low tax band despite the car's larger overall size
Cons
- Less engaging to drive than some rivals in the same class
- Diesel particulate filter health is worth checking on the 1.5 dCi specifically
- Resale values are modest compared to some premium-badged rivals
Used Nissan Qashqai
Qualifying variant: 1.5 dCi diesel on 16 to 18 inch wheels specifically, not the 1.6 dCi, any petrol engine, or 19 inch wheel specification.
Most buyers wouldn't expect a compact SUV to qualify for the cheapest tax band at all, which is exactly what makes the Qashqai worth calling out specifically. The 2014-2017 generation's 1.5 dCi diesel genuinely achieves 99g/km on 16 to 18 inch alloy wheels, comfortably inside Band A.
The same car fitted with larger 19 inch wheels from new instead sits at 103g/km, still inside Band B and still only £20, a real illustration of how much a single specification detail can matter. Crucially, the band is fixed by the car's original registration specification, not whichever wheels happen to be fitted when you view it. A private seller who's since swapped wheels for cosmetic reasons doesn't change what the DVLA has on record.
Pros
- A genuine SUV in the same tax band as the smallest city cars
- Strong practicality with a genuinely usable boot and interior
- Widely available on the used market given its popularity when new
Cons
- Reliability trails several key rivals according to owner surveys
- The exact wheel size fitted at registration genuinely affects which band applies
- Diesel particulate filter health matters more on an SUV mostly used for short trips
Used Suzuki Celerio
Qualifying variant: the efficiency-focused Dualjet engine for the lowest figures, though the standard 1.0 petrol also qualifies for Band A.
The efficiency-focused Dualjet variant specifically pushed CO2 output lower than the standard engine through more precise fuel injection, helping the Celerio undercut several rivals on emissions alone.
Pros
- Genuinely low purchase prices even for a nearly-new example
- Efficient engine keeps fuel and tax costs both low
- Straightforward, uncomplicated ownership with few extras to go wrong
Cons
- Basic equipment levels compared to pricier rivals
- Limited badge recognition compared to more established city car names
- Smaller dealer network for servicing than mainstream brands
Used Mazda 3
Qualifying variant: 1.5 or 2.2 diesel with manual transmission specifically, not automatic gearbox versions or petrol engines.
Mazda's diesel engines from this era were engineered for genuine efficiency without sacrificing the brand's characteristic driving feel, keeping CO2 output within reach of Band A or B on manual transmission specifically.
Pros
- Genuinely engaging handling for a car in this tax bracket
- Well built interior with quality materials throughout
- Efficient enough for lower running costs without feeling like a compromise
Cons
- Automatic transmission versions typically sit in a higher tax band
- Diesel models dislike frequent short journeys
- Less common on the used market than some direct rivals
Used BMW 2 Series
Qualifying variant: 218d specifically for the £20 rate, with the 220d typically landing one band higher.
The 218d specifically was engineered with efficiency as a genuine priority, proving a premium badge and rear-wheel-drive character don't automatically rule out the cheapest tax band.
Pros
- A premium badge and driving experience at a genuinely low tax cost
- Strong performance from the 220d variant alongside similarly low tax
- Distinctive coupe styling that still looks current today
Cons
- Standard equipment can feel sparse compared to rivals at a similar price
- Optional extras can add up quickly on a used example
- Diesel refinement trails some rivals, particularly at idle
Used Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion
Qualifying variant: the specific BlueMotion trim with its 1.4 TDI engine, not a standard Polo diesel or any petrol version.
Volkswagen's BlueMotion engineering programme specifically targeted lower rolling resistance, aerodynamic tweaks and efficient diesel tuning together, genuinely pushing the Polo BlueMotion's emissions below the Band A threshold.
Pros
- One of the most consistently recommended low-tax picks in this class
- Genuinely strong fuel economy alongside the low tax band
- Solid Volkswagen build quality throughout
Cons
- BlueMotion-specific parts can cost more than standard Polo equivalents
- Diesel particulate filter health matters on mostly-urban examples
- Less powerful than standard Polo diesel variants
Used Skoda Fabia Greenline II
Qualifying variant: the Greenline II trim with its 1.2 TDI engine specifically, not a standard Fabia diesel.
Sharing much of its efficiency-focused engineering with the Polo BlueMotion, the Fabia Greenline II adds a genuinely practical hatchback boot into the same low-emissions package.
Pros
- Genuinely practical boot space for the car's compact size
- Shares proven Volkswagen Group diesel efficiency technology
- Strong reliability reputation when properly maintained
Cons
- Less common on the used market than the mainstream Fabia range
- Diesel-specific maintenance needs apply here too
- Interior design feels dated by current standards
Used Ford Fiesta ECOnetic
Qualifying variant: the ECOnetic trim with its 1.6 TDCi engine specifically, not a standard Fiesta diesel or petrol.
Ford's ECOnetic badge specifically denoted a dedicated efficiency package, combining aerodynamic tweaks and tuned diesel engines to genuinely minimise CO2 output within Britain's best-selling supermini range.
Pros
- Britain's most popular supermini, meaning genuinely wide used availability
- ECOnetic-specific tuning keeps both fuel and tax costs low
- Easy to find parts and servicing given how common the Fiesta is
Cons
- ECOnetic examples are less common than standard Fiesta trims
- Wet-belt engines on later examples need careful checking
- Rear seat space trails some rivals in this class
Used Original Toyota Prius
Qualifying variant: the NHW20 generation's standard hybrid powertrain, the only engine offered on this generation.
Toyota's original hybrid system, one of the first mass-produced examples of the technology, achieved genuinely low emissions for its era by combining a small petrol engine with electric assistance.
Pros
- Genuinely well proven hybrid reliability, even on higher-mileage examples
- Accessible used prices given the car's age
- Toyota's strong reputation for long-term dependability
Cons
- Sits in Band B rather than Band A, though still only £20
- Interior technology and comfort feel dated compared to more recent hybrids
- Hybrid battery health is worth checking carefully given the car's age
Used Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion
Qualifying variant: the specific BlueMotion trim with its 1.6 TDI engine, not a standard Golf diesel or any petrol version.
The same BlueMotion efficiency philosophy applied to the Polo extends to the Golf, using aerodynamic refinement and efficient diesel tuning to keep a genuinely larger car close to the lowest tax bands.
Pros
- Genuinely more interior and boot space than smaller BlueMotion models
- Strong Volkswagen build quality and motorway refinement
- Efficient enough to rival smaller cars on tax and fuel costs
Cons
- Higher purchase price than smaller cars in a similar tax band
- Diesel particulate filter health matters on mostly-urban examples
- BlueMotion-specific parts can be pricier than standard equivalents
Used SEAT Ibiza Ecomotive
Qualifying variant: the Ecomotive trim's diesel engine specifically, not a standard Ibiza diesel or petrol.
SEAT's own efficiency-focused Ecomotive badge follows the same formula as its Volkswagen Group siblings, using tuned diesel engines and aerodynamic tweaks to genuinely land within Band A.
Pros
- Shares proven, efficient Volkswagen Group diesel technology
- Distinctive styling compared to more conservative badge-mates
- Genuinely low running costs across fuel and tax together
Cons
- Less brand recognition than Volkswagen or Skoda equivalents
- Diesel-specific maintenance considerations apply here too
- Smaller used stock than more mainstream rivals
What Should You Check Before Assuming a Used Car Qualifies?
Never assume a specific model name automatically guarantees Band A or B status. The same nameplate can span multiple engine and trim combinations across its production run, some qualifying and others sitting just outside either band.
Always confirm the exact CO2 figure shown on the specific car's V5C registration document, or check directly through the official government vehicle information service using the registration number, rather than relying on the model name alone.
It's also worth confirming the registration date sits genuinely before 1 April 2017 since a car registered even a few days after that date follows the newer system entirely, regardless of how low its emissions figure is.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does £20 road tax actually work?
It comes from the CO2-based system covering cars registered between March 2001 and April 2017, where the annual rate stays tied permanently to the car's original emissions figure. A car landing in Band A or Band B under this system currently pays £20 a year for as long as you own it, regardless of the car's age today.
Can a car registered after 2017 ever have £20 road tax?
No. Every car registered from 1 April 2017 onward pays the flat £200 standard rate from year two, regardless of CO2 emissions.
Is £20 tax the cheapest road tax available on a used car?
For a petrol or diesel car, yes. Electric cars registered before April 2017 typically paid £20 too, falling into Band A on the same older system, while EVs registered between April 2017 and March 2025 paid nothing at all under the newer system's exemption. From April 2025, EVs of any age now pay the same rates as any other car.
Do hybrid cars get a discount on top of the £20 rate?
Not anymore. The £10 alternative fuel discount that hybrids and other alternative fuel vehicles used to receive under this older system was removed in April 2025.
Does engine size affect whether a car qualifies for £20 tax?
Not directly. Under this system, CO2 emissions determine the band, not engine size alone, though smaller, more efficient engines typically produce the lower emissions figures needed to qualify.
Will £20 road tax cars keep this rate forever?
The rate itself can rise with inflation over time, the same way every band does. The car will always remain in whichever band its emissions figure places it in though, regardless of age.
Conclusion
Every car on this list proves the same underlying point in a different way, low tax was never really about buying the smallest or cheapest car available, coming down instead to genuine engineering choices, an efficient diesel tune, a lighter body, a hybrid system, or in the Qashqai's case, simply the right wheel size, made at a specific point before April 2017. That window has closed for new registrations, though it hasn't closed for buyers of used cars.
Checking the exact CO2 figure on the specific example in front of you remains the one habit that turns this list from a general guide into money genuinely saved every year you own the car.
A low tax band is only one part of keeping running costs down. Our guide on getting cheap car insurance covers the rest.
If you're buying your first car specifically, our guide on the best cars for first-time buyers is worth reading alongside this one. The AA also maintains its own regularly updated list of cars with low road tax, worth checking for further options beyond this guide.
Every car sold through Car Planet comes with clear documentation of its exact tax band and rate. You know precisely what you'll pay before you buy.
