Dependable but cheap (yes it's a what car)

[JakeO123]

I'm looking to get a cheap car as a run around, cheap meaning in this case <2k, < £155 tax a year and preferably over 40mpg.

Obviously the market isn't the best at the moment.

And as per the title, reliable as I don't want to have to put 500 quid to repair a car thats a run around ideally but I know it's second hand and it can depend on history etc etc

Other criteria would be 4/5 doors, golf sized ideally.

Early finds from me were 2.2 civics of the FN era, a3 & mk5 golf 2.0 TDI.

Petrol would probably suit me better as I rarely do motorways but petrols in the criteria are either alot more expensive to run or too small (107, C1 etc.) And it's hard to justify a 1.2 Corsa for the same price as an A3!

[ZX10R NIN]

It's not cheap to tax but they're reliable & meet all of your criteria 1.6T Alfa 147 Collezione:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111169...

[georgeyboy12345]

Petrol

Kia Ceed 1.4 S
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201071...

Hyundai i30 1.4 Style
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203013...

Toyota Auris 1.3 VVT-i
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203073...


Diesel

Honda Civic 2.2 i-CTDI
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202012...

Hyundai i30 1.6 CRDi
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202072...

Skoda Octavia 1.9 TDI
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202172...

[JakeO123]

Thanks for the replies!

I like the look of the Alfa and looks quite premium inside, unfortunately there is none for sale within about 130 miles of me! How economical are those engines?

The Auris looks like a good choice, i like the idea of the Toyota from a reliability perspective, again hard to find it seems! Will keep a look out for these though.

[eleveneleven]

I'd go for a Toyota Auris/ Corolla but an Astra or mk1 or mk2 Ford Focus would also do the trick. whatever you decide buy on condition rather than mileage alone

[georgeyboy12345]

JakeO123 said:

Thanks for the replies!

I like the look of the Alfa and looks quite premium inside, unfortunately there is none for sale within about 130 miles of me! How economical are those engines?

I owned a 147 like that for 5 years, albeit the 1.9 JTD 16V model. They have lovely interiors and are fun to drive with quick steering, more so than an equivalent vw or audi. The front suspension components are basically consumables, I had to replace parts twice over my ownership at £500 a pop, so I’d be wary of that. To answer your question, those 1.6 TS engines are not great on fuel, expect 25 mpg in town, mid 30s on the motorway. They also need the cambelt changing quite frequently. I’m not sure the diesel will suit your usage profile if you are only doing short journeys, you’ll get problems with CEL, EGR, DPF, DMF, etc.

[A500leroy]

kia rio.

[nobrakes]

Don’t put too much faith in achieving book mpg values.

Be prepared to travel - even more than the 130 miles, if it’s the right car.

Whatever you buy you need to fix something straight away.

You’ll get better value for a bog spec basic version.

[eldar]

Old civic. Find a non rusty one, a 1.8 will do 40 or so mpg, reasonably quick and a good drive.