I'd go a bit bigger and look for a Mk1 Skoda Octavia 1.4 petrol in "Classic" trim.
A bit bigger, but cheaper to buy as a result (lots of first-time drivers out there looking for Polo sized cars). Classic spec is basic so not many bits to go wrong, at 1.4 litres and 75bhp the insurance group or tax shouldn't be too high and quite economical - reported mid 40s around town (they're popular as taxis here in Ireland for this reason).
There are some issues in the CBCB with timing belt pulleys on the VAG 1.4 litre, but these would apply equally to any VAG group car mentioned in the thread with this engine.
Or, if the Octavia is too large for you, how about a 1.4 Focus or Astra hatch in basic spec. Same logic: most buyers want larger engines for more power, so the entry-level ones are less popular, but do you need this in a runabout?
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I would certainly recommend the Daihatsu Charade as it is certainly reliable, doesnt seem to go rusty, it has the £35 a year road tax, averages 58 mpg in normal driving and despite that it has a 4 star crash test rating, so its not a tin can like a 106 is.
2003 cars are dipping below £2k now and some 2004 models aswell. Mines done now 44000 miles and today just sailed through its MOT without so much as an advisory.
It is certainly a great second car and has done me proud as my only car.
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Cheap, reliable small car = Hyundai Getz.
Almost all will have been cared for due to the warranty, they're as well-built as any Japanese car and they depreciate faster than a Citroen.
Forget all this stuff about rust and galvanised chassis. The only way you can guarantee a good number of years out of a car's bodywork is to buy a car that isn't very old -- you see plenty of rusty Polos, there are no guarantees.
2005 cars are selling for around the £2300 mark. You should be able to get one for 2 grand quite easily. Such a car still has around 1 year of manufacturer's warranty left and you're almost guaranteed another 6 or 7 years out of the car.
Try saying the same of a 10 year old Polo, because that's what you're looking at.
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There's some interesting recomendations - I quite like the seat ibiza, I did have an x reg polo I din't like as much as the MK1, can't see 03 corsa's under 2k anywhere, or a Getz anywhere for 2k :(
I'm in the sticks, maybe prices are a bit higher round here....
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can't see 03 corsa's under 2k anywhere
tinyurl.com/corsasupt7years2000orless
That should take you to the mid point in the search range. There are even a few Y2004s.
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Hmm, further to the suggestion for an Octavia, i woudl wade into the discussion with the suggestion of a Leon 1.4 16V. I had one until 12ok and it never missed a beat....same interior as an A3 too.
If not somehting Korean must be the best value for money, Hyundai, Kia etc? or a Mazda 121 (based on Fiesta?)..?
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I think the V50 is one of the few modern cars where light bulbs are easily changed. The whole headlight assembly slides out on release of a clip to allow ease of bulb change.
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More like the headlight is jammed in with no room to maneuver behind and does not slide out easily, on mine anyway :(
Edited by einoxon on 20/08/2009 at 17:43
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I think the V50 is one of the few modern cars where light bulbs are easily changed.
Not very small though, and unlikely to be under £2k.
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Ooh thanks
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Nissan Micra.
Those can be picked up for peanuts these days and they seem to carry on forever.
I don't know if Japanese cars are over engineered but Mazda's, Nissan's seem to be solid cars for the second hand market.
EDIT. Opps, just re-red the OP and he's not after a Micra.
Edited by diddy1234 on 20/08/2009 at 18:00
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I'm a she, and actually no micras is a bit harsh - my parents had a base model which was fine, and a recent top of the range with a stupid, awful keyfob keyless remote with nowhere to rest it other than the front seat and which was required to be in closer proximiy than the footwell, which is where it slid to everytime it braked. And it had a knob like a toaster to start it. Hideous. Hence my relunctance.
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It's a while since we had a small car (not withstanding our newish i10), but I did have a V reg Mitsubishi Colt from new for a few years. It was lovely to drive, totally reliable, but only 2 door and small in the back, which might be no good if you need it for school runs and sports gear etc. I don't think you'd get a new Colt cheap enough but Mitsubishis are pretty good if dull cars.
I would also agree with Grommit, it's actually cheaper to buy the next size up as so many people want a Corsa, Fiesta as a first car. I also had an X reg Mitsubishi Carisma for nearly 7 years which was very reliable and did 40 mpg all the time, even around town. These are real bargains as they are considered boring, though imo no worse than most cars around the same era. Definitely worth looking at.
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a hummer would be ideal for the school run and would fit in and good for the occasional motorway run
not sure if it comes in under budget though
maybe have a look on autotrader
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a hummer?! 'murican rubbish.
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51 reg Fiesta 1.3 5 door in blue. Just 23,000 miles, pampered and garaged. Currently for sale for your budget. It's my mum's.
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mm death blue
luvly---;-)
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I assume thats the last of the MK5s. I wanted one of these but found they all seem to be rotting round the brake pipes and wheel arches at this age.
However if that 23k is genuine it might not be as much as an issue if its been garaged.
If its a good one then this sort of car can last for ever as the machanicals of the old Endura engine are so simple. The electronics on Fords seem to be reliable too. Touch would on my dads Fiesta in the 20k we have had it the only electrical fault has been the battery (died at 11 years old) and a brake light which blew. Its now on 82k.
The main problems to watch out for on that Fiesta seems to be with the front suspension, my dads is always going wrong.
Edited by Rattle on 22/08/2009 at 20:55
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My dad being a now retired instructor means he doesn't skimp on car safety. Mileage is genuine, mum has owned it from almost new.
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Its a damn pitty you were not selling it when I was looking for a car. It would have been perfect although I have bought a bit too many Fiestas in the last three years (three to be exact).
Stick it on ebay and you will get a lot for it, don't be surprised if it goes for about £1800.
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Ah well, the guy with the pug came down a fair bit, and it turned out it had a full main dealer SH with the last service being last month. One genuine lady owner from new, 29k on the clock. Its erm - pristine is the only word, and its now sat outside :). Thanks everyone for your input. xx
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