Need a cheap first car with low running costs

I am a first time driver looking to buy a used small car for my commute of about 20 miles. I have £3000 to spend and need a car with low maintenance costs. What should I buy?

Can you recommend a reliable first car?

We need to buy our daughter's first car. Can you recommend something that's compact, but well screwed together?

Uni student in need of a cheap car – what do you recommend?

I am a university student looking to buy my first car. I have a maximum budget of £2000 and need something small and cheap to run and insure. What do you recommend?

Ford Fiesta (2008 - 2013)

Well built with an upmarket interior. Enjoyable and involving to drive. Cheap to run 1.6TDCI ECOnetic. Exceptional reliability record. Very few problems reported despite more than 500,000 sold.

Toyota Yaris (2006 - 2011)

More room and better handling than the previous version. Excellent crash test rating. 1.4 D-4D does 50mpg +.

Vauxhall Corsa (2006 - 2014)

Solid and decently equipped. Reasonable handling and some frugal engines.