How much?

IF you can find a 1 Series Mk2 for less than £7,500, it’s either a category D write-off or has 100,000 miles-plus. Most cars start from £8,000, but you can get a 13-plate 116d or a 62-reg 114i Sport with less than 60,000 miles for £8,750. An M135i will cost you at least £16,000.

More than three-quarters of the used models available have five doors; three-door models start at £8,000 for a 2012 118d Sport with 90,000 miles. One in four has an automatic gearbox; these also cost from £8,000 for a 61-plate 116d SE that’s covered 100,000 miles.