By Matthew Tumbridge and James Ruppert
Whenever I sit down to write this column, I rack my brain, trying to think of three interesting and worthy used cars. Cars that are over-looked and under-priced. Bargains just waiting to be picked up by you, the shrewd reader.
But looking at Used Car Expert’s most popular car reports this week, it is absolutely clear that you, the shrewd reader, simply want to buy the most popular family hatchbacks. So here are the key things you need to know about the three small cars that you are most likely to buy:
Vauxhall Corsa (2003 - Present)
There is no shortage of Corsas to choose from. A no-brainer buy because running costs are so low. It has average specifications but is quite roomy for a super mini.
Most economical: 1.3CDTi 62.8mpg
Best used buy:1.2.
Buy from: Auction, car supermarket, independent car dealers and private owners with full history.
UsedCarExpert.com checks to make: 14
Price: A 1.3 CDTi from 2004 should be around £3,995 - £4,700 with about 43,000 miles.
Renault Clio (1998 - Present)
Spacious, economical and good value. More stylish than the Corsa, but not quite as cheap to repair. The Clio was uprated in 2001, making it much better. Lots to choose from so don’t buy a scruffy one.
Most economical: 1.5dCi 80 67.3 mpg
Best used buy: 1.4 Alize
Buy from: Car Supermarkets, independent dealers, private sellers with history.
UsedCarExpert.com checks to make: 21
Price: A 1.5 dCi from 2004 should be around £3,988 – £5,318 with about 44,000 miles.
Mini One (2001 - Present)
Fashionable, funky and pricey. Maxi-zed on the road, but Mini inside, but the performance and character is what attracts buyers and keeps prices very high.
Most economical: One D 58.9 mpg
Best used buy: Cooper with Chili Pack.
Buy from: MINI dealers, private/business sellers with full history.
UsedCarExpert.com checks to make: 11
Price: A One D from 2004 should be around £6053 - £7006 with about 52,000 miles.
Price source: Used Car Expert magazine