CITY CARS
Smart For Two / City Coupe
Co2: 88-124
Clever, economical and cool. But on the used market they are becoming cheap. Uprated in 2001, 2002, and 2007. While you pay more for the cabrio, there is a Smart car for every budget.
Best used eco buy: 0.7 Passion
Prices: The cheapest Fortwo is a 2005 car with 25,000 miles, and it will be around £6,000. However the slightly older model was called the ‘City Coupe’ and has the same engine. There are some on the market, with 50-80,000 miles for less than £2,500.
UsedCarExpert.com fault checks: 12
The key check to make is that all the plastic body panels are free from any cracks or webbing. Because the plastic panels reform after accidents, minor cracks can mean a big accident. If the car has had an impact, the components behind a panel may be damaged.
Citroen C1
Co2 : 106-145.
Tiny tot of a city car that looks funky both inside and out. Cheap to buy and run, it's the perfect car for our frugal times but don't get tricked into paying for a diesel when the petrol is just as good.
Best used eco buy: 1. Litre petrol
Prices: They are all 1.0 litre engines, so the only differences between specs are the number of gadgets. The cheapest C1 is a 2005 Airplay, for around £5,000 with mileage of 28,000. But the better equipped Rhythm and Vibes can be had for just a couple of hundred more.
UsedCarExpert.com fault checks: 2
The key check to make is that the C1 has had its two official recalls and any unofficial service updates. Call the local main dealer and quote the registration to check that recalls relating to the fuel tank and wheel studs have been completed if required on that model.
