It's a long shot, but would you be interested in a Kei car like a Daihatsu Cuore? Pros: Fun Unique Cheap (well within your budget) Economical Small and easy to park Cheap to insure Cons: Generally quite old Not unreliable but not exactly pristine due to above point Can be hard to find people to work on them Rare Not a lot of boot space Basically, if you're not afraid of getting your hands a bit dirty with repairs then they can be excellent cars. Otherwise, the Toyota yaris is a pretty damn good little car.
Oo I forgot about the Yaris. We had a couple of the older shape SR models and they were awesome. 1.3 engine, LOADS of space inside and very good equipment levels. Get one with the TTE kit on it and they are very nice.
Mini Clubman! (and if a large person in a mini hatch is comfortable, I must be massive, cause I hate sitting in the back of mine!)
I drive a mini, not sure if you could get one second hand in that price range? But they are great cars. I've also driven a 500, nice car!
+1 for the Clio! Ours is nearly 12 years old and still going strong - even after a trip up to the Scottish Highlands and back from Southern England ...on a more modern note I've heard great things about the new fiestas
I repeat, I'm not interested in getting a Clio. Turns out the Fiesta I was looking at was a bit dodgy. I think Mini's are not going to have enough boot space for me (my neighbour has one). Someone has recommended a Honda Jazz. Anyone own / drive one?
Really? The last post was only a few days ago. My mum has a Jazz. It's roomy inside, reliable and she likes it but she is a pensioner and that is who it's aimed at.
It had suspension? Boot held on with gaffer tape and a "seat belts" for decorative purposes only. No thanks!
Yes, they hit the market in 2001, no? yes, good residuals but I'm sure they started going at auction for < £3500 a couple of years ago. Clubman residuals not that great compared to hatch due to the marmite factor, but they are decent vehicles & a lot more practical than the hatch if you have more than one friend. Re Jazz, they feel like they are made of tin & float about a lot. If you like driving, you'll hate the Jazz. M-I-L had one. Very practical on space, but quite a few electrical issues that stopped the vehicle altogether. Residuals are awful though, so should at least be a cheap used car buy, just expect it to have been owned & driven by a pensioner - very much an old person's car. While I remember - VW Golf Plus again you need to not like driving, and like the Jazz they depreciate v quickly compared to their new price, but a 5 year old one can be had for between 4-5k and unlike the Jazz they are a very solid build (they just don't seem to like corners, you need to put a bit of effort into turning the wheel). Also very economical.
Audi A2? Suprisingly big inside for such a small car, very economical (diesels will give you 65mpg+ on average, also only £30 a year VED) totally rust proof (all alu construction) and very well built! There is also a very active community with loads of helpful members: http://www.a2oc.net/forum/forum.php
Thanks for all the suggestions. Fiesta is still top of the list. Will check out A2s, also considering a 1 series. Also again I'm not interested in getting a Mini.
Ooops just seen this. I (finally) bought a 2010 Ford Fiesta 1.4 Diesel. Not the coolest car but it's cheap to run (£20 road tax) and good mpg so far (averaging 57ish for short trips).
