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We all know prices are on the up all-round.
But we still need to get around - and an inexpensive yet dependable car is key to that. Here's our round-up of some the best:
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Ford Focus
More of the same Focus excellence but in a less-striking body, which probably doesn’t matter. Arguably one of the very best used cars available today in terms of ability and value, and £1590 will get you into a decent enough 2007 2.0-litre petrol. You might want to save up for a revamped model from 2008, when Ford went down the ultra-green 70mpg-plus Econetic route.
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Ford Focus
However, the truth is that a simple unstressed petrol engine is the best way forward when it comes to keeping maintenance costs containable. These cars are roomy inside rather than having anything really clever seats-wise, but we also buy them because they’re fun to drive. Mostly, though, the Focus remains straightforward to fix and easy to live with.
There are no really serious issues, just wear and tear to suspension and brakes. Many get scrapped because of a dead ECU. Even so, our advice is to buy one.
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Fiat Multipla
An MPV apparently designed by a committee but which is massively underrated. Three-abreast front and rear seating is clever and completely family-friendly. Indeed, that stumpy supermini footprint is useful when it comes to parking, even if it is wider than a 747. Actually, that means the boot is wide rather than deep but still offers up to 430 litres, or fold the rear seats and you get a Doblo van-like 1900 litres.
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Fiat Multipla
Making it look more dull in 2004 was a mistake and killed some of the weirdo appeal, but the budget buys an original ugly-brute 1.9 JTD ELX from 2003, which should deliver more than 40mpg.
Spec is decent, too. The 1.6 is okay but can get overworked and blow head gaskets. Downsides are possible a rotten exhaust, corroding bodywork and failing electrics, such as the windows and remote locking.
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Mazda 6
A handsome motorway milemuncher with built-in reliability. TS2 spec delivers essential comfort features. Get a 2009 2.0 petrol or diesel; watch for leaky air-con.
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Nissan Sunny
Surprising number of survivors around, and a 1989 1.3LS is £2425. An ironic classic that is catching on as a cheap way into something basic and interesting but reliable.
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Kia Ceed
A lot come from caring private owners, and the standard spec is good. You will get a 2010 1.4 with 140k-plus miles. Check power steering pumps and low-level rust.
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Mini Cooper S
Lots around, but you do need to be careful. A properly specced early example with at least a Chili Pack is only going to make money. You’ll still get a 2002 for £2495.
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Renault Clio
These are solid little things and well appointed inside, and a 2007 1.2 Campus will be economical and reliable. Electrical issues might include windows and locks.
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Alfa Romeo Mito
Prestige badges on small affordable cars help to keep values solid. A tidy 2009 1.6 with a low-six-figure mileage is below £2400. It has charm and has proven to be reliable.
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Audi A4 cabriolet
Previous Princess Diana 80-based cabrio was seemingly around forever, but this brand-new four-seater from 2001 was properly modern, and it’s still comfortable and relevant today.
Finding a quality multi-seater open-top has never been more challenging, which is why these hold their money. You can buy a 2004 with the decent entry-level 1.8T engine at around £1000. Other engine options include petrol V6 and a 38mpg 2.5 TDI.
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Audi A4 cabriolet
Quattro all-wheel drive system could be optioned too. On top is a high-quality three-layer roof with a glass rear window, and it all packs away out of sight. Opens in 24 seconds at the press of a button. There was an optional hard-top too. Look out for failing ignition coils and water pumps; the auto ’box can be unreliable.
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Volvo V50
An adorable brick. Has a 1300-litre boot with the seats folded. Simpler petrol 1.8 SE does a job, and you’ll get a 2005 at this price point. Automatic gearboxes can play up.
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Citroen Xsara Picasso
Egg-shaped big hatch comes with proper seats for five and space for their luggage. Buy a 2006 1.6 Exclusive but watch for rust, oil leaks and general tattiness.
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Hyundai Coupe
Forgotten Far East coupé still looks good, and you’ll get a mini XK-shaped one from 2009 with a 2.0 engine. Rust, worn brakes and suspension damage are downsides.
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Jaguar X-Type estate
The acceptable X model is now very affordable as a 2008 2.2D facelift that delivers 49mpg. Rear seats don’t fold flat, though, and automatic gearboxes can fail.
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Toyota RAV4
Here is the original one, built between 1994 and 2000. This funky threedoor was in effect a fun alternative to the uninsurable hot hatch of the day but in a perky, compact SUV package. Could have been badged Toyota Bitza, being Corolla-based with Carina/Camry driveline parts and Celica GT-Four running gear. Perfect on road, so not a hardcore off-roader (get a Land Cruiser for that).
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Toyota RAV4
This was the SUV future for a while. The RAV4 grew up a bit with the arrival of the five-door GX in 1995, there was a passenger airbag from 1996 and the quite well-equipped VX with air-conditioning in 1997.
All that and a mild facelift for 1998. It’s possible to pick up fairly tidy examples of the early three-door, which are comfortably below £2000 for a 1997 GX. Few issues with the excellent 2.0-litre engine other than cumulative multi-owner servicing neglect.
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Volkswagen Eos
Essentially a Golf with a weird name, but right now they are great value. Even has a sliding glass roof. Get a 2007 2.0 TDI; lots of ECUs to go on the blink.
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Vauxhall Vectra
Seemingly around forever, it’s the last revamped model that can be bought at this level – and it could even be a 2003 2.2 SRi with fewer than 100k miles, if you’re lucky. At least an SRi would be fun. Compared with the previous model, the later Vectras are certainly better to drive and the interior is better resolved, so there’s a bit more room.
Most buyers would go for the pretty frugal diesels, but there was also a supersporty V6 and even factory LPG-fuelled examples, if you can find them.
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Vauxhall Vectra
These are good old-fashioned family transport that make so much sense as a well-equipped mile muncher. Ex-company cars can be worn out with noisy, oily engines and shot suspension; diesels inevitably have blocked EGR valves, fuel injector failure and, worst of all, snapped timing chains. Best not to get a worn out one, then.
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Peugeot 107
An ideal small car that is decent to drive and surprisingly spacious. A 1.0 engine has 60mpg-plus economy. Get a 2006 Urban; dodgy water pumps and leaks into the cabin.
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Mazda MX-5
An obvious enough choice, but incredibly there are still Mk1, 1.6-litre, early- to mid-’90s pop-upheadlight examples that haven’t yet rusted to bits. It’s an icon.
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Nissan Qashqai
SUV-like family hatch and rather excellent. Get an early ’08 2.0 petrol. Lots to choose from, but beware blocked DPFs on diesels, worn clutches and water leaks inside.
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Saab 9-3 Sportwagon
Looks super-cool but not exactly super-spacious, yet this compact estate still has a useful 419-litre boot, rising to 1273 litres with the rear seats folded. They don’t lie completely flat but do split and fold, plus there’s a ski hatch, underfloor storage and 12V power outlets.
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Saab 9-3 Sportwagon
Practical enough for most families. Lots of engines to choose from and considerable spec combinations. Go for a simple 2.0 petrol or more frugal, high-40s 2.2 diesel from 2006 at this money.
Spares can still be found, so a safe buy. Not big numbers to pick from, but be fussy. Electrics are a weak spot, especially windows, remote locking and air-con. Failed engine ECU causes rough running. Certainly worth buying.
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Skoda Roomster
An alternative reality compact van. The sliding and reclining rear seats are removable, too. Smallest 1.2 petrol will do in a 2008. Sunroofs and power steering can leak.
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Peugeot 206 SW
A pint-sized estate that takes more shopping than the hatch. A 2006 1.4 Verve with reasonable miles is perfect, but worn ball joints and engine mounts can cause issues.
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Renault Mégane CC
Safe and tuned for comfort, these are distinctive and easy to look after, plus you can get a 2009 2.0 petrol. Coil packs and flywheel sensors might stop it working.
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MG ZT
The funky version of the Rover 75 has added plastic and initially a 2.5 litre V6 with either 160bhp or 180bhp. BMW 2.0 diesel version was pretty good and can be teased up to 48mpg. Plus there was a handful of V8s (a Ford Mustang engine), but that is outside our bargain remit. A £2500 example would be a 2001 2.5 160 with at least 120k miles.
Future classic buyers are after something practical, distinctive, affordable and historically significant. Bingo. Check for rust on the sills, wheel arches and underneath the suspension. Failed head gaskets and diesel pumps cause grief.
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Volkswagen Beetle
At the bottom of their value curve, so you can pick up a 2001 2.0 with a six-figure mileage. A less practical Golf, but charming. Some have rust and minor electrical issues.
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Honda CR-V
Its image softened over the years, but the budget here means you’ll get a 2004 model, which still had the spare wheel on the tailgate like a ‘proper’ 4x4 should. This is the British-built one, so it’s well screwed together, which is great long-term news. These are also bought by middle-class people obsessed with service intervals, so it is vital to find a looked-after example.
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Honda CR-V
No problems, just wear and tear. Continually upgraded with a significant facelift in 2003, adding suspension tweaks making it even better on the road. Cause for celebration for some was the arrival of a diesel, which is good, but the 2.0-litre VTEC petrol is an exceptional engine and, combined with Executive specification, is all us soft-roaders need.
Split rear seats fold and tumble, and if you’re really lucky you’ll find one with the factory-option boot-mounted shower attachment.
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Lexus GS300
Luxury cars can cause trouble, but this is a Lexus. Get a decent 1998 with low six-figure miles and the 3.0 engine, but when parts are needed they’re going to be pricey
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Ford KA
Hurry while stocks last. There are still a surprisingly large number of survivors at the entry level of Bangerdom, and the budget will get you into a 2003 with just over 80k miles. Certainly the Ka remains a legendary little thing that drives like a demon but isn’t fast enough to be truly dangerous, thanks to its ancient iron engine.
The 1.3 delivers over 40mpg, and being so old, it can be relied on to be reliable. A comfy enough four-seater, but fold the rear seats and there’s an astounding 724 litres back there.
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Ford KA
All Kas are easy to live with and cheap to fix if a bit tight under the bonnet. Rust remains a killer; over-work and under-servicing means worn-out consumables. Plastic bumpers fade to grey, making it more lovable.
The 1.3 delivers over 40mpg, and being so old, it can be relied on to be reliable. A comfy enough four-seater, but fold the rear seats and there’s an astounding 724 litres back there.
All Kas are easy to live with and cheap to fix if a bit tight under the bonnet. Rust remains a killer; over-work and under-servicing means worn-out consumables. Plastic bumpers fade to grey, making it more lovable.
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Fiat Panda 4x4
An example of what Fiat did best – small, light cars – but here with a four-wheel-drive twist. A 2005 4x4 is £2000 and represents all the SUV most of us will ever need.
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Citroen C5
Late ones are in budget, so buy a 2009 1.6 HDi with some confidence. It’s certainly worth taking a chance on. Hugely comfy ride, most things as standard, great diesels.
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Rover 25
Quite old now but still rather charming. Efficient, too, if you buy a 2004 1.4 SEi from an OAP. The biggest issue is blown head gaskets. Otherwise, it is just wear and tear.
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Toyota Corolla
Satisfied owners don’t give these up easily. Legendary ability to last, but you can get a very tidy 1998 1.3 three-door that will see you through many more Christmases to come.