Which used SUV for up to €40,000, maybe PHEV?
Hi there,
I have a budget of up to €40,000 to invest in a mid-size used SUV. I live in rural Mayo and drive easily 200-300km per week. My kids are nearly 6 and 4 and I'm entering the era of ferrying kids to activities all the time and looking for something that will get me through the next 8 to 10 years.
I'd prefer something that is reliable, has good storage and will comfortably get us around. I've been going back and forth on whether to get a five- or seven-seat vehicle (we frequently host visitors, so it would be nice to have the option to have a child sit in a third row - but I also don't want to drive a bus).
I would like to have something that's at least hybrid as we can have a home charging point installed easily, I'm mindful of running costs and the environment.
I like the looks of Volvos, Kias, Audis, Hyundais and Range Rovers; not so much Skodas.
Thank you so much for your advice!
Julia (Ballina, Co Mayo) (On A Farm 10 Minutes From Ballin)Mar 2026 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Julia,
We wish everyone gave us as much detail in their questions as you have done! You have loads of choice, so we'll pick out a few options that we'd recommend.
1 – You could actually afford a brand-new Hyundai Kona in electric or hybrid guises, and though it's bigger than the previous model, it might be smaller than you're looking for. Worth considering nonetheless as it's a very good car.
2 – The Hyundai Tucson is significantly larger and probably better suited to your needs. For just under €40k you'd get into a very new plug-in-hybrid version or have your choice of plenty of non-plug-in-hybrid variants. It's a solid option.
3 – Same story for the Kia Sportage. It's based on the same underpinnings as the Tucson so really, it's a case of which of them you prefer the look of, or which you can find the best deal on. Loads of them on the market either way.
4 – Now, if you do decide that you want a seven-seater, most of them are larger vehicles, but there are options within budget. The newest and best that come to mind are the Kia Sorento (available with seven seats as a plug-in hybrid) and the Hyundai Santa Fe. Again, they're effectively the same underneath and both are excellent.
5 – There are fewer Volvos about within budget. The newer options are plug-in-hybrid versions of the XC40 or XC60, both decent enough cars, the latter the bigger. To get a seven-seat XC90 you'd have to go back to a 2019 model to stay in budget and we'd suggest that would likely come with big repair bills in the near future so not really what you're looking for.
6 – We're not convinced that available Audis will suit you. You might find a few examples of the Q4 e-tron, which is all electric, though most within budget that are plug-in hybrids are either the Q3 or the Q5. These are fine for your own family size, but limited otherwise, and you'd have to compromise on newness to get into the larger Q5.
7 – Finally, one for the heart rather than the head perhaps, you could afford either a Range Rover Evoque or Land Rover Discovery Sport with plug-in-hybrid power from a few years back. Both of those have five seats, not seven.
Having done all that research for you, we'd suggest that the best options come from either Hyundai or Kia, whether you're going to go for a seven-seater or not. But of course, we'd understand if you're swayed by other factors.
Don't hesitate to come back to us if you want further help narrowing things down.
Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Advisor