With the rising cost of motoring being a bugbear for many road users, more drivers could benefit from owning a reliable used car than ever before.

Hyundai i20:

According to the motoring advice website and valuation service Parkers, one of the most reliable superminis is the second-generation Hyundai i20, built between 2014 and 2020.

Whilst there may be more stylish superminis available for a similar budget, the i20 is still an attractive model and offers plenty of interior space.

With a £10,000 budget, motorists can choose from a range of 2019 and 2020 examples, with many featuring a low mileage and standard features such as a seven-inch touchscreen with smartphone mirroring, autonomous emergency braking and parking sensors.

Toyota Auris:

Drivers looking for a used car that is a little larger yet just as reliable should also consider the Toyota Auris, with a £10,000 budget being more than enough for a tidy second-generation example.

Produced in the UK from 2012 to 2018, the Auris may not be the most exciting car to drive, however it is practically a byword for reliability, with many taxi drivers covering 250,000 miles in them.

Another advantage of a used Toyota Auris is the wide range of engines offered, with the 1.8 VVT-h hybrid powertrain easily getting more than 70mpg if it is driven carefully.

Lexus RX:

Another model with connections to Toyota, motorists who are happy to prioritise practicality over owning the latest model should consider a Lexus RX made from 2009 to 2016.

Despite never being a particularly popular model, a study conducted by the motoring publication WhatCar? found that only five percent of owners had any issues with their example.

The majority of Lexus RXs for sale feature large hybrid powertrains, typically featuring a 3.5-litre V6, meaning the luxury SUV is not the most economical car. However, they are incredibly refined and pleasant to drive.

Suzuki Vitara:

Alternatively, motorists who feel the need to own something a little more contemporary should think about a used Suzuki Vitara, a model that has been in production since 2015.

Compared to previous models, this SUV quickly gained a good reputation for being pleasant to drive both on and off the road and featuring plenty of space for passengers and luggage alike.

Whilst the most powerful 1.6 petrol engine can be thirsty, used car buyers with a £10,000 budget can get behind the wheel of a well-equipped example with a 1.4 petrol or diesel engine.

Porsche Boxster 987:

Finally, motorists should not think that reliable used cars for a £10,000 budget have to be boring. Those in the market for a fun summer car can buy a Porsche Boxster 987.

Built between 2004 and 2012, this era of Boxster may not be the most modern sportscar in the world but suffers far less from rust and mechanical issues than rivals at a similar price point.

A £10,000 budget can get drivers a clean 2005 or 2006 example, most of which feature a 2.7-litre engine that can accelerate from 0-60mph in 6.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 160mph.