Best Road Trip Cars (Used Edition)

You’re sat in traffic on the M60, windows down, the radio blasting some 90s classic, and for a second, you start thinking—“I could just keep driving. Head out past the Peaks, maybe even down to Cornwall.” That little itch to take a road trip? Yeah, it hits hard. Especially when the weather’s good and you’re itching to get out of Stockport or Manchester for a bit.

But here’s the catch—your car’s not exactly ready for the long haul. Maybe it’s guzzling more petrol than a plane, or the seats make your back feel like it’s been twisted up like a pretzel. Whatever it is, you’re thinking about something better. Something used, reliable, and ready to make every trip feel like an adventure—even if it’s just a run up to the Lakes for the weekend.

At Dace Motor Company, we’ve been selling used cars in Greater Manchester for over 25 years. We’ve seen what works, what doesn’t, and what makes people actually enjoy being behind the wheel for hours. So if you’re after the best used cars for road trips—cars that won’t break the bank and won’t break down halfway to Blackpool—we’ve got some solid recommendations.

Let’s start with the comfy cruisers

If you're going on a long trip—like, say, Manchester to Devon or somewhere way off—it’s comfort first. Trust us. You don’t want to be wrestling with road noise or dealing with seats that feel like concrete slabs by hour two.

The Volvo XC60 is one of our favourites for this. It’s like driving your living room. Big seats, quiet cabin, loads of space for snacks, and a boot big enough to throw in half your house. It’s the kind of car that makes motorway miles just melt away.

Then there’s the BMW 5 Series. It’s classy without trying too hard and has that silky ride that just feels right. You’ll look at the sat-nav and go, “Wait, we’ve done 200 miles already?” It’s proper grown-up comfort without being boring.

Need something for the whole family?

We get it—taking kids on a road trip is like trying to herd cats. They’re either asking, “Are we there yet?” every ten minutes or spilling juice all over the back seat. You want something that can keep them entertained and keep you sane.

That’s where the Ford S-MAX comes in. Seven seats, loads of cubby holes, sliding doors (easy for getting in and out at motorway services), and space for bikes, bags, buggies—you name it. Plus, it's easy to drive even when it's full of half the neighbourhood.

The Skoda Kodiaq is another winner. Big, comfy, and surprisingly nice to drive. It’s got the practical stuff nailed, but it also feels a bit special. You don’t need to fork out for a brand-new people mover when you’ve got options like this on the used market.

Going solo or couple-style?

Sometimes it’s just you. Or you and your other half. No kids. No drama. Just the open road, a flask of coffee, and some playlists queued up. For trips like that, you don’t need a tank—you need something fun, zippy, and just the right size.

The MINI Cooper is an absolute classic for this. Fun to drive, great on petrol, and it fits into the tiniest parking spots at service stations or beach towns. It’s got character. You’ll actually look forward to driving it—even in traffic.

If you’re more into comfort and a bit of a smoother ride, check out the Mazda MX-5. Two seats, roof down, and that feeling of being part of the road. It’s not just a car—it’s part of the trip.

For the adventurous types

You know the kind—maps on the dashboard, flasks of tea, hiking boots in the back. Maybe a dog taking up half the boot space. You’re headed for the hills, or maybe wild camping near Keswick. You need a car that can take a bit of a beating and still get you home in one piece.

The Land Rover Discovery Sport fits that bill. It’s not just rugged—it’s comfortable too. Perfect mix of outdoor toughness and indoor comfort. Plus, it can handle mud, rain, sheep in the road, and whatever else the North throws at you.

The Subaru Forester is another one we like. It’s not flashy, but it’ll go pretty much anywhere. You can chuck everything in the back and not worry about it. It’s the kind of car that doesn’t complain. Ever.

Thinking about fuel costs?

Yeah, petrol prices aren’t exactly low. Especially if you’re doing big miles. That’s why cars with decent MPG still matter. No point blowing all your weekend cash on fuel.

The Honda Civic is one of those cars that just makes sense. It’s efficient, reliable, and still comfy enough for long drives. Plus, they’re everywhere—which is a good sign. People buy them because they work.

Also, the Hyundai Ioniq is worth a look if you’re curious about hybrids but don’t want to go full electric just yet. It sips fuel and still gives you the peace of mind of a regular engine when you’re miles from a charger.

Some cars are just fun

We’ve got to say it—sometimes a car doesn’t have to be the most practical. Sometimes you just want to enjoy the drive. That’s where cars like the Audi TT come in. It’s got style, it’s quick, and it turns even a run to Buxton into something exciting.

And let’s not forget the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. It’s one of those cars that people either love or don’t get—but if you’re in the “love it” camp, you know what we’re talking about. Sharp looks, tight handling, and just different enough to feel special.

What we offer at Dace Motor Company

Here’s the good bit. We’ve got over 600 used cars across our four sites in Stockport and Manchester. Whether you’re after a big SUV for family holidays, something sporty for weekend getaways, or a cheap runaround for everyday trips, we’ve probably got it.

And if we don’t, we can usually help source something. We’re open every day, and we make the whole process as smooth as possible—from test drives to finance to getting the car out the door. You don’t even have to worry about your credit score—we do a soft search first so there’s zero impact.

Every car’s HPI checked, price checked, and covered by our in-house warranty (yeah, we don’t pass you off to some call centre). You’ll even get a 3-month warranty for free—and you can extend it if you want more peace of mind.

Plus, we’re local. Born in Stockport in 1993, and still here—just bigger now. We've grown with our customers, and we're proud to be a name people trust in Greater Manchester.

If you’re dreaming of a road trip, don’t let a dodgy car hold you back. Whether it’s a weekend away in the Dales, a long haul down to Cornwall, or just a spontaneous escape to the coast, the right car makes all the difference. And it doesn’t have to be brand new to be perfect for the job. Pop into one of our Dace Motor Company showrooms—Greg Street in Reddish, Buxton Road, Manchester Road, or our Eccles branch. Have a wander, chat with our team, sit in a few cars, and just see what feels right. We’re here every day. No pressure. No drama. Just a bunch of car people who actually enjoy helping people find the car that fits them best. Because road trips should be fun. And so should buying the car that takes you on one.