Reliable first car advice (24YO) - £1000 - £2000 budget

[mcneil1445]

Hi guys,

I'm looking to get my first car this year but my knowledge of cars is dreadful. I'm not looking for anything brand new or high spec, just a casual runner but ideally I'd like some pointers for models that meet the following:

- Good fuel economy
- Reliable
- Within the £1k - £2k range
- Low insurance and tax would be a plus

Any other things I should be aware of or be looking for?

I hope I'm not expecting too much but if anyone has any good suggestions I'd be happy to hear them!


Cheers!

[designforlife]

Early 2000s Toyota Yaris

[Shaqq]

Another one for the Yaris, just look out for rust and if there is water in the spare wheel well.

[Tyre Smoke]

Vauxhall Corsa 1.3 CDTI

£30 tax, 50mpg, cheap to insure. They're everywhere so easy to get parts/maintain.

Should be able to get a decent one for between £1+2k

[CarlosSainz100]

I'd say a Honda Jazz except all the ones I looked at in your price range when I was looking for my gf had a gearbox whine.... but if you can find one without the whine they're pretty reliable....

Ford Fiesta cheap, loads around
Suzuki Swift - i think they're quite cool
Fiat Panda...

[mrunderhill]

I would suggest initially using the filters on Autotrader
Distance
Max Price
Annual tax Up to £30
Insurance Group Up to 10
For lower maintenance cost Petrol and Manual would arguably be better.

At that price how well are car has been looked after would have more baring on the reliability than the brand would. So check service history

Then get some actual quotes on car insurance, sometimes you could save £200 per year by paying £500 more for a car.

But I would recommend finding a good garage for service and repairs. Ones that specialise in a certain Manufacturer but are independent, perhaps search "independent specialist" in google maps. Or ask around.

A well looked after Renault Clio could be cheap motoring.

[ZX10R NIN]

Twingo GT

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

1.2T Clio Dynamique

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

1.2 N/A Dynamique

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Mazda2 Sport diesel/petrol

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

[VR99]

MK1 ford focus...just be wary that rust might be an issue now given their age.
I bought mine as a stop gap with the plan to get something 'nicer' when finances improved yet 10 years later still going strong. It's 16 yrs old, biggest issue was when the alt died..got that sorted for £70 at my cheap indie mechanic.
Not a single issue otherwise, everything just works...in fact it surprised me just how reliable this model was (petrol, can't spk for diesel).
Handling is also very good as many other focus owners can attest too.
Though with your budget the MK2 shape should also be considered though I've never driven one personally.

Edited by VR99 on Tuesday 28th January 22:27

[thel33ter]

VR99 said:

MK1 ford focus...just be wary that rust might be an issue now given their age.
I bought mine as a stop gap with the plan to get something 'nicer' when finances improved yet 10 years later still going strong. It's 16 yrs old, biggest issue was when the alt died..got that sorted for £70 at my cheap indie mechanic.
Not a single issue otherwise, everything just works...in fact it surprised me just how reliable this model was (petrol, can't spk for diesel).
Handling is also very good as many other focus owners can attest too.
Though with your budget the MK2 shape should also be considered though I've never driven one personally.

Edited by VR99 on Tuesday 28th January 22:27

+1 for that. Mine was less than £900 to insure first year as well. Had a few minor issues (power steering pressure sensor leak and clutch master cylinder leak) but nothing is expensive on them.