2002 Volkswagen Polo 1.4 SE 129,000 miles, £595

If you want a cheap runaround, the Polo is a good place to start. Here’s a 1.4-litre petrol being sold privately for £550. There’s a good spec, air-con, electric windows and six months’ MOT on this 130,000-miler. Always read the description, though: the ABS light is on. That’s a negotiation point to take it below £500. Good luck.