If you're on your way to university this year and need a cheap, reliable car the chances are you will be browsing the used car classified adverts for a bargain.
From small hatchbacks to sportier coupes, there are a host of brilliant used cars that you can buy for between £1,000 and £10,000. We've rounded up five of the best used cars for students that will not break the bank.
Suzuki Swift 1.5 (2004-2010)
The Swift Sport is a modern warm hatchback that we’re big fans of, but, while that may be too expensive for a cash-strapped student, the 1.5-litre Swift GLX is within reach. The 1.5 has the same wide stance and involving steering as the Sport, so it’s great fun to drive, particularly on back roads. The engine pumps out 101bhp so you can do the 0-62mph dash in 10sec and top speed can reach 115mph. With that comes fuel consumption that can average a frugal 44mpg. If you had £5000 then you could have a 2009 model with just 13,000 on the clock.
Peugeot 106 Quiksilver (1998-2003)
Peugeot were aiming at a slot in the market with this car that was below that of its terrific GTi model. The 106 Quiksilver had a 1.4-litre engine with eight valves instead of the GTi’s 1.6-litre 16-valve motor. The result feels surprisingly quick, more so that the official figures of 11.2sec for the 0-62mph time. The 75bhp Quiksilver did have some problems with driveshafts and rear axles so do inspect properly before purchase, but a good 2002 example with 78,000 miles could be yours for £1500.
Mini Cooper (2001-2007)
Depreciation has brought this first-generation Mini hatchback into the reach of student drivers. When BMW launched this car back in 2001 it was a premium product that was seen as highly desirable. The roadholding was simply amazing, and you also had a 0-62mph time of 9.1sec and a top speed of 124mph. The 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine putting out 115bhp and that terrific roadholding can now be had for about £4k for a 2007 Cooper with 69,000 miles and FSH. Insurance is a fairly reasonable group 21.
Volkswagen Up (2012-present)
The car with the lowest running costs and cheapest to insure among this group also has a desirable badge and a good-quality cabin. Add in the 1.0-litre three-pot engine with 74bhp and you have an agile city car with a lovely engine note that makes it worth chasing the 6200rpm redline. Steering and handling are also agile and steady, ideal for less experienced drivers. It’s generously equipped, and can easily carry three passengers in five-door shape. The high-spec High Up with five doors, 15,000 miles on the clock and just two years old is £8500.
Ford Puma 1.7 (1997-2002)
The Ford has a good chassis and a 125bhp 1.7-litre engine that Ford developed with Yamaha. Top speed is 121mph and 0-60mph takes just 9.2sec. All that, and it’s a reasonable group 23 insurance. It may not look too beefy, but you get good performance and handling, and there are plenty to choose from in the classified columns for less than £1000. A clean 2001 Puma 1.7 with 74,000 miles was for sale for £900.
