What car should I buy for a £9,000 budget?

I have up to £9,000 to spend on a car. I do around 5,000 to 6,000 miles per annum, mostly local but with the occasional long distance journey. I'd like a petrol engine (I don't think I'll get a hybrid for that price?), five doors, manual gearbox, less than 25,000 miles on the clock. I want a car that comfortably fits four adults.

I had a Ford Fiesta Zetec EcoBoost for many years but was recently 'stung' by a broken cam belt after a new engine replacement so feel slightly cautious of Fiestas now (perhaps unfairly). The car needs to be suitable for 19-year-old and 23-year-old new/learner drivers.

Asked on 4 August 2022 by Sarah George

Answered by Andrew Brady

You might find a Toyota Yaris Hybrid within budget it probably wouldn't be the best example (and it won't be below your 25k mile limit, either). A petrol Honda Jazz could be a good option. It'll be cheap to run, reliable and spacious enough for four adults. It might be worth looking at higher-mileage examples – the engines can cope with the miles provided they've been serviced correctly. Also consider a Hyundai i20.

Tags: buying a used car first cars

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Toyota Yaris (2020 on)

Looks great on the outside and isn't too shabby on the inside either. Hybrid engine is cheap to run and relaxing. Autonomous aids make long drives painless.