For the equivalent of a few monthly payments on a new car rental, you can own a used car. Not all of us can afford brand-new cars on the market today, whether it’s list price or down payment and down payment on a financing arrangement. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the top used car prices available and put together a list of the best cars for under £1,000 – many of which have won awards. Auto Express of the day.
Our curated list includes super products, intersect, home salons and even large, practical MPVs for frugal families. If you’re after something with a dash of sophistication, there’s even a stylish Italian hatchback in the shape of Alfa Romeo 147 or a very Englishman MINI Cooper.
Of course, there are pitfalls at this price point. Rust, mileage, and maintenance are things to watch out for, but with thorough inspection and a little patience, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t come across a genuine, cheap star like yours. keep moving without costing the earth .
Whether you’re after a cheap fun car for driving pleasure or simple practicality at a low cost, this list has it all. And at under £1,000, each is a half-price hero.
Scroll down to read about our buyable cars for under £1,000…
MINI
• Prices from £500
It’s hard to believe in the ‘new’ MINI is 21 years old, because it still looks so fresh. It’s rare to see two the same, and it has a much better build quality – and better transmission – than most other small cars of this era.
Avoid diesel engines at this price point as they have a reputation for being unreliable. Gasoline engines were generally stiffer, although early transmissions were known to be weak; if there’s a squealing sound when you shift gears, a professional should be able to fit a refurbished replacement for around £500. Other problems with these cars are seats stuck in place and The body control module is peeling, which can cause the windows and warning lights to lose life. Repairing it properly can be a £1,500 job, but old parts can be used if you find someone with the right software.
While stains and scratches are common on an explosive, be careful with the MINI bonnet. It’s a large dashboard with integrated headlights, so a loud knock can throw things off and cause a MoT failure.
Check the latest prices for used MINI models on our sister site BuyaCar…
Alfa Romeo 147
Alfa Romeo make stylish cars and you can own one for a small initial outlay with 147. In three-door form, it’s one of the best-looking hatchbacks available today.
The 2.0-liter Twin Spark engine requires belt changes to stay in good working order, but it will give you an interesting exhaust note and responsive throttle response. With proper care, the 147 will be no less reliable than any other car under £1,000, although we stress ‘with proper care’. The 147’s interior could have been made better, and high-mileage cars will feel tiresome, but we can’t fault the cabin’s styling.
Check the latest prices for used the Alfa Romeo model on our sister site BuyaCar…
Ford Ka
The Ford Ka was one of the best small cars to drive when it came out and it’s still fun to this day. The reduced value means you can find one for hundreds, but the SportKa is our top pick.
It has a 95-horsepower 1.6-liter engine, and parts from the Puma coupe have improved it even further. However, it still holds all the best of Ka: it’s small so it’s easy to park, the views are great, and there’s enough room inside. Just a warning that rust is a big problem for all Kas.
Check the latest prices for used Ford Ka models on our sister site MuaaCar…
Volkswagen Touran
If you have a small budget but need a lot of space, Touran could be the answer. This seven-seat MPV offers van-like volume and versatility that large families will appreciate.
The 1.9 TDI diesel is loud but snappy and it’ll hit close to 50mpg if you’re careful. VW .’s Quality means that the Touran is still passable, even though the interior design has lost its age. However, it will be difficult to find one with low mileage.
Check the latest prices for used Volkswagen Touran models on our sister site BuyaCar…
Subaru Forester
The Forester never seemed to be as appealing as its contemporaries. However, when you can buy one for very little money, its advantages start to shine.
For a start, it’s as tough as they come. If you’re looking for a car you can throw everything in and go straight into whatever conditions, the Forester fits the bill. Then there’s the curious element of its boxer engine, plus it’s good to drive and spacious.
Check the latest prices for Used Subaru Forester models on our sister site BuyaCar…
Honda Jazz Mk1
We named the Honda Jazz our favorite car of 2002 because it offered something new and different. Besides good drivability, the supermini also has an innovative interior with ‘magic’ rear seats, which can be flipped in various ways to carry both people and loads.
These qualities persist to this day, and Honda’s legendary reliability is also very welcome in a car. However, there are reasons why they are buying cheap right now. First of all, most compact cars are in demand from young drivers because they are cheap to warrant, but the Jazz is in the group of 14. This may not matter if you are more mature or have good driving record, but that’s enough to scare away many teen drivers.
The second cause is theft of the catalytic converter. Jazz’s exhaust contains precious metals that attract criminals. With a replacement system costing more than £600, it could easily wipe out the car. The final reason is rust: Jazz starts to rot in the back of the door sill and soldering is tricky to get right.
Many Hondas are owned by seasoned drivers, so try to find one that has led to a glamorous life. Do it and it will provide years of cheap and practical operation.
Ford Focus
The Focus has twice won Car of the Year for the first and second generation. Both save money because they drive well and are practical, while spare parts – new and used – are plentiful.
The earliest cars, especially the ST170, are also becoming collectible. These are more complicated, though, so to keep the bills small, aim for a more modest petrol version. The 1.6 petrol engine in the Zetec version is considered a good point.
The first two generations of Focus have rusted. A car may look shiny on top, but underneath there may be horrors awaiting a screwdriver-wielding MoT tester. Some holes can even be hidden underneath plastic panels and decorations.
You will need to check carefully before handing over funds and also look at the MoT history for any mention of corrosion. If you find a good car, spend a few hours coating the bottom with an anti-rust solution to prolong its life. Then just enjoy driving a car that still feels modern and exciting, but only costs a few hundred pounds to buy.
Fiat panda
Running cars are not much cheaper than Fiat panda. The small city car proves that cheap can really be cheered up, because it drives surprisingly well. Part of the fun comes from Panda being so small – it can get through traffic gaps that other larger cars simply cannot. However, despite its size, its upright stance means there’s a fair amount of room inside and having five doors adds practicality.
They’re also cheap to run, with the 1.1 or 1.2 liter petrol engines in this price range simple and reliable. Parts are cheap and there are plenty of dead Pandas willing to donate parts to keep others alive. There is also a diesel engine if you want maximum savings, but it will cost more to maintain in the long run as it is more complicated.
Rust isn’t as much of an issue as you might think on a car built to fit the budget, but don’t expect much luxury on low-end cars – you’ll unlock the doors with key. Power steering is standard, which makes it a perfect car for urban commuting that will cost less than taking a bus.
Ford Mondeo Mk3
Ford’s Mondeo was once one of Britain’s best-selling cars and was the darling of the company’s fleet manager. It’s now extinct, pushed out of the nation’s heart by crossovers and SUVs. But that won’t worry committed motorists, who will love the Mondeo’s good quality, driving dynamics, low running costs and comfort.
Our £1,500 banger budget is slightly over the £1,000 limit but will only get you a third generation version from 2007. Most searched for are the huge estates, which can double. as a van or family wagon. Hatchbacks are almost utilitarian, but the saloon will be the cheapest to buy – if you can find one.
Most examples have diesel engines. They are not the most refined but give a decent economy if maintained. Gasoline engines are of course more thirsty but could be a better bet in the long run. Find yourself a nice-looking top-of-the-line Titanium and treat yourself to a bit of middle-management luxury with a Welfare tax—less than a few months now.
Half-price heroes for every budget:
