Our high picks of sub-£5,000 cars with manageable operating prices – from the most gas environment friendly to those who are tax-free
As we attain the finish of the summer season students round the nation are making ready to go off to college.
Whether it’s freshers heading off for their first style of uni life or returning students, with the ability to get there and get round is important – whether or not it’s to attend lectures, received to outlets or go to associates. While many can use public transport, it’s not the perfect resolution for others, who want the flexibility and accessibility of their very own automobile.
Of course, most students are on a good funds so whereas one thing model new and glossy could be the dream, one thing a bit extra inexpensive is the actuality. So we’ve spoken to Nick Zapolski, founder of automobile shopping for service ChooseMyCar.com, to pick used cars that received’t break the financial institution.
The cars had been chosen not for kerb enchantment however as a result of they provide best operating prices in phrases of tax, insurance coverage and gas financial system and may all be purchased for lower than £5,000.
Nick feedback: “This might not be a popular opinion among 17-21 year olds, but the reality is that first cars need to be small and not very powerful. Insurance costs can be prohibitive for young people, and with the price of fuel at all time highs, bigger engines are out of the question.
“Little cars have many advantages, and the lack of power might help some parents sleep easier at night. Our list names five cars that are well worth looking at if you’re thinking of buying a first car, so check them out!”
Citroen C1
This French metropolis automobile could also be small, however it nonetheless packs in lots of enchantment for consumers trying for one thing low-cost to purchase and run. Part of a platform-sharing train with Peugeot and Toyota (see under), its distinctive styling consists of enjoyable, break up stage headlights and a complete vary of color and trim choices. Key to C1’s enchantment to youthful drivers are the truth it sits in insurance coverage group 1 and returns as much as 61 miles to the gallon.
Toyota Aygo
As talked about above, the C1 was one of a trio of badge-engineered metropolis cars launched in 2005. The Aygo was Toyota’s model of that mannequin and, like the Citroen, it’s cute, compact, and straightforward to drive, in addition to low-cost to run. It’s additionally out there in a wide range of hanging color mixtures, giving it some persona. The solely draw back is that it’s in insurance coverage group 3, however it makes up for that with a superb financial system of 61mpg and low-cost tax. Find the proper spec (pre-2017 with lower than 100g/km CO2) and also you received’t pay something.
Hyundai i10
It’s maybe much less fashionable than some of its compact opponents, however the smallest Hyundai continues to be a worthy contender for many of the identical causes. Launched in 2007, the Hyundai is dependable, low-cost to run, and comfy to drive. All variations are comparatively nicely specified and for £5,000 you’ve received a large selection of first and second technology fashions, some of which additionally boast zero highway tax.
Skoda Citigo
Like the Toyota and Citroen, the Citigo was launched in 2011 as half of a shared automobile undertaking between Skoda, VW and Seat. It’s out there as a 3 or five-door hatchback and has the identical sharp seems to be and funky inside as the Seat Mii and VW Up however a typically cheaper price. It falls into insurance coverage group 2, however boasts a whopping 64mpg official financial system – that’s the best of any of the cars on our checklist. Despite its compact footprint, the Citigo is surprisingly roomy inside, with lots of area for two adults in the again. Most pre-2017 Citigos value £20 a yr to tax, though just a few engine/trim mixtures carry that right down to zero.
Kia Picanto
The second technology Picanto has the second best gas financial system in our checklist at 62mpg, and in addition falls into insurance coverage group 2, serving to hold operating prices down at a time when the value of dwelling is rising. It additionally falls into the £0-£20 tax bracket for most pre-2017 fashions and because of Kia’s legendary generosity all variations include nice ranges of tools. Find a later mannequin (2015-onwards) and it’ll nonetheless have some of the producer’s seven-year guarantee cowl as nicely.