Which car for £2500?

I have a budget of about £2000 to spend on a used car, I possibly stretch to £2500.

This is about the limit when one can easily buy a heap of scrap. If I had over £3000 I could probably get something half decent, but alas just don't have it!

I'm looking for a 1.4 or 1.6 petrol car, don't like the tractor sounds of diesel engines unless some modern ones are OK but I'm not convinced!

I've spent a lot of time on Autotrader and just look at so many Ford Kas, Vauxhall Corsas and Ford Fiestas all of which I HATE!

I can't afford a decent Toyota, or Honda for that money - could possibly get a Nissan Micra but had 2 of them and to be honest they are dull.

I've owned a Renault Megane Coupe and loved it, had it 18 months no problems.

I'm tempted to get another the same but these ars getting a bit old now. Thinking of getting the newer Megane with the funny boot, from 2003 onwards.

Question: Are these a decent car for around £2000, is there anything I should be wary of? Do I need the car to have cam belt changed. Are later models better, so worth paying up to £2500 for?

Are there any other alternatives to Renault Megane I should think of, except Clio of course. Are Clios better than Meganes?

Asked on 9 May 2013 by Messiaen

Answered by Honest John
Toyota Yaris 1.0 or 1.3 are generally the best, most reliable small cars for this sort of money. Don't be foolish and try to stretch to something fancy. That simply increases the odds of getting a clunker.
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