ON A BUDGET OF £2,000...
VAUXHALL CORSA Vital statistics
Model: 2007 Corsa 1.2 SXI Co2/annual road tax: 139g/km/£130 Official fuel economy: 46mpg Insurance group: 6
NOT many cars can compete with the Corsa on value, as it’s very easy to drive, there are plenty to choose from and running costs tend to be relatively low.
However, its popularity with crash-prone young drivers means insurance can be more costly than you might expect. Your £2,000 buys a 2007 Corsa 1.2 SXI with 70,000 miles on the clock. At this money, there are more examples of the previous model, the Corsa C, but the later car is more spacious and better to drive. Abused examples are common, though, with clutches, radiators, wheelbearings and steering racks all prone to failure.
SMART FORFOUR Vital statistics
Model: 2006 Forfour 1.1 Passion Co2/annual road tax: 135g/km/£130 Official fuel economy: 51mpg Insurance group: 8
FEW people remember this slow-selling five-door hatch, based on the contemporary Mitsubishi Colt. Those underpinnings mean you get Japanese reliability, but in a much more distinctive package. High prices when new reduced the Smart’s desirability, but now you can buy a 70,000-mile 2006 Forfour 1.1 Passion for just £2,000.
This higher-spec model is well equipped, but if the insurance costs aren’t too high, the 1.5 diesel is the one to go for. Running costs tend to be low, but wheelbearings and front anti-roll bar drop links don’t tend to last, while excessive wind noise suggests poorly aligned front doors.
SEAT IBIZA Vital statistics
Model: 2006 Ibiza 1.2 Reference Co2/annual road tax: 140g/km/£130 Official fuel economy: 47mpg Insurance group: 6
SEAT has long aimed its cars at younger buyers, which is why the Ibiza is so popular with students. As good to drive as it is to look at, the supermini offers strong value with decent carrying capacity and a good level of kit.
For £2,000, you can get a 60,000-mile 2006 Mk4 Ibiza 1.2 Reference. Spend an extra £500 and the next generation, launched in 2008, can be yours. But check the history before you buy, as the Ibiza is popular with young drivers who often scrape and neglect their cars. Also make sure the cambelt has been replaced on schedule and that the electrics work, as they can be temperamental.