I AM always being asked variations of the question: “What family car can I buy for about £2,000?”
But when I answer: ‘A Rover 25, a Ford Focus, some Nissans and any number of Korean and Asian models,’ people think I am being flippant.
Within 30 miles of me though there are just nine Audis for sale at less than £2,000, whereas there are 33 Hyundais, 40 Daewoos, and more than 100 Rovers.
But, please, don’t buy any of these. Seek out the quality. For example, here are three I recommend.
Saab 9-5
A timeless design – arguably never in or out of fashion. Handy hatchbacks and practical estates are in plentiful supply on the used market – with saloons a little harder to find. Incredibly comfortable and very reasonable both in reliability and running costs. Look for 2.0 petrols with under 75,000 miles on the clock.
UsedCarExpert.co.uk common fault checks: 13
Volkswagen Golf
Even if you know nothing about cars, you know that the Golf is always ‘in vogue’ and brilliantly reliable. That’s partly true- it’s always in vogue and it’s pretty reliable. So be careful that you don’t overpay for a rogue one. Only buy the immaculate, loved examples, with service history to prove it. The 1.6 petrol is the engine to go for, if you want to stay under 75,000 miles. Cars from 2001 can be found in this ball park.
UsedCarExpert.co.uk common fault checks:26
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
A solid, practical small saloon with gravitas. You will need to seek these out and be flexible about the engine size and trim. In my area, for example, there are three Golfs on the market for every C-Class. But if you can live with that kind of compromise, then there are some one owner cars with full service histories that look they have been washed and waxed every week of their life.
UsedCarExpert.co.uk common fault checks:17