Best used small car.

[MickeyTheBrick]

I want to buy a used car for about £1,000. I want it to be about 1400cc. What are the best buys? Also, any tips etc would be appreciated.

[whiskeryron]

I have a 6 year old Skoda Fabia Ambient & I've got to be honest with you it's the best car I've ever had.Ron.

[MickeyTheBrick]

Is that available within my budget, Ron?

[DTCwordfan]

My mother has a A3 and that has been an excellent buy - they are fine over 100k miles as well given German durability - just check the cambelt has been replaced at around 70k miles (and that is a general tip), also worth seeing if the cam chain is ok too if you can inspect it.....

[DTCwordfan]

as to budget, you would be looking at a 2000 model and before.

[muchlovex]

Peugeot 206's are cheap to run/MOT and reliable cars.

[MickeyTheBrick]

??

[Barmaid]

I've got a 2001 Peugeot 306 which is worth less than a grand but is cheap to run and very reliable.

[MickeyTheBrick]

Thanks, Barmaid. By the way, do you fill your car up in gallons or just pour pints in?

[boxtops]

I've got a Daithatsu Sirion - 1300cc - I'm very pleased with it.

[cazzz1975]

have you looked at what is available on the autotrader site?

[Graham-W]

You should be able to get a 2000-2001 Skoda Fabia with sensible mileage for that sort of money. 1400cc petrol is ok but the 1.9 diesel gives 50+ mpg with no bother at all. As has been said, check the cambelt has been changed at 70k.

[MickeyTheBrick]

I want a smaller engine because of the cheaper tax and insurance that is available. The cam belt tip is great, thanks. Yes, Cazzz, I've looked all over but there's nowt better than getting folk's opinions.

[chas2008]

1.4 diesel 206. 60+ mpg & £35 or £30 a year road tax...

[chas2008]

smaller engine doesnt always mean cheaper road tax, its based on emisions not engine size

http://www.smmtco2.co.uk/co2search2.asp

[MickeyTheBrick]

Yeah, Chaz, but that's only for cars registered after March 2001. Still handy to know, though. Thanks.

[milly143]

A VW Polo.

[MickeyTheBrick]

Volkswagen Polo? Hasn't got a hole in it, has it?
Seriously, thanks, Milly. You're not the first to suggest that, so it's very encouraging. Cheers!

[milly143]

Mine did have a hole in it actually. lol. Still drove like a dream though.

I had a polo as my first car and loved it so much that I have stuck with VW's ever since.

[MickeyTheBrick]

That is very cruel Helen. After being a reliable car for so long, you flogged it! Again, though, thanks for your reply. It's much appreciated x