How much to spend £2000-£5999

A mix of very worn-out early models and Cat D cars, often modified or crashed or both and best avoided. Some genuinely good buys, though, well kept and with full service histories but large mileages.

£6000-£9999

Sweeter cars with more modest mileages, although still likely to be in excess of 100,000 miles. Make sure it has a full or nearly full service history and has been properly refurbished and unmodded, if possible.

£10,000-£12,995

Mint, low-mile (for the year) cars, heavily refurbed and original spec.