My sister is currently without a car. Her 2003 high mileage BMW 3 series has given her so much grief that she has got rid of it for scrap value, hideous reliability.

She has only got a max of £2k to throw around and wants something that will be reliable and cheap to run and maintain. My thoughts turned to Honda, perhaps a Civic? I believe that the Honda V-tec engine has legendary reliability.

I have done some autotrader searches for cars like the Ford Focus (always plenty about), but what do you guys think would be a good bet for her budget and requirements? LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

Focus's tend to be pretty bulletproof and cheap to run (touching head). We've got a 5 year old one that hasn't had anything significantly wrong with it, does 60mpg (1.6 tdci) ghia spec, so has electric everything, auto lights and wipers, air con etc.

Honda Jazz? Fiesta? or does it want to be something slightly bigger? Diesel golfs will probably last longer than the earth itself. Mine: 2012 Golf GTI Edition 35
Family's: 2009 Freelander 2 HSE TD4 Auto, Stornoway

Yorkshire - God's County

Big Dave wrote:

Focus's tend to be pretty bulletproof and cheap to run (touching head). We've got a 5 year old one that hasn't had anything significantly wrong with it, does 60mpg (1.6 tdci) ghia spec, so has electric everything, auto lights and wipers, air con etc.

Honda Jazz? Fiesta? or does it want to be something slightly bigger? Diesel golfs will probably last longer than the earth itself.

I would sugges that you find a busy stretch of road -not motorway and watch what goes past. You will see scenics, Astra, Focus, Fiesta, meganes, corolla's etc but the important hting to note is the registred years - some cars seem to be more reliable from specific years - watch out for 'S' reg Astras for example - you will see what I mean. For £2k the selection is a little limited but shop around and you should get a decent run around.

I know the above might seema little strange but give it try.

The honda is dull as ditch water - but will probably go on for ever within the blue rinse brigade... There's always a way forward!

2008 Freelander Td4 GS - Stornoway Grey - Now Gone - Sob
2011 Freelander Td4 GS 150 - Rimini Red - in its place - Better x far x 4!!

Does it have to be a hatchback? The wife of a colleague wanted a Golf a couple of years back, but all the good ones were really pricey, so she got a Bora (ie a Golf with a boot). Saved over £1000 for the same year and hasn't had any regrets at all.

John L wrote:

Does it have to be a hatchback? The wife of a colleague wanted a Golf a couple of years back, but all the good ones were really pricey, so she got a Bora (ie a Golf with a boot). Saved over £1000 for the same year and hasn't had any regrets at all.

Isn't the default answer to these kinds of questions MX5?

Seriously good fun for 2k and mine have both been very reliable, even when somebody accidentally supercharged the last one.

My son's Mk 1 Focus has been incredibly reliable too, 2001 car, sailed through all 3 of its MOTs since we've had it, only cost was for a new alternator two years ago.

I just bought a 1.4 tdci fiesta. £30 a year to tax, and 70 mpg.
It's a good little car.  Don't put petrol in a diesel. They don't run well.

Interesting thread for me.
I'm possibly going to spend 3 months in the UK and I am thinking of buying a car for 2k instead of hiring one.
So I'm interested to see peoples recommendations also.

Foci, focus's, focus are pretty good cars - generally bullet proof fairly engaging to drive and does what you need it too and louds around. I sold my wifes 51 reg mk1 with low miles last year for £2.5k. In the 4 yrs we had it it never missed a beat and only cost me an MOT ans petrol. Watch out though as there are some tatty cars and a lot of high milers. The 1.6 was ok if a little gutless 1.8 better but thirsty and the diesel possibly out of price range. The mk4 golf's are IMO one of the best golfs made and. If you can find one in good nick for the money - knock yourself out! Bora based on mk4 is same car so could be a good buy. Most were rep mobiles as well so you may pick up a well maintained high miler. Look at civics and corollas for cast iron reliability but they are woefully dull! Avoid any breed of mg/rover there just not worth it - and avoid anything french unless your sis likes paying out for repairs!!!

Just my 10pence worth! Freelander 2 TD4 Auto, SE, Narvik Black, Alpaca full leather, Rear Headrest Entertainment System, 6 CD, 18 HSE Wheels, Privicy tints

Perhaps she will consider a Yugo 45  LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

mate of mine had a yugo - got written off because of a broken light and a dodgy lower ball joint - could not get parts for love not money hence the insurers wernt even going to attempt to get it fixed!!! Freelander 2 TD4 Auto, SE, Narvik Black, Alpaca full leather, Rear Headrest Entertainment System, 6 CD, 18 HSE Wheels, Privicy tints

The Doctor wrote:

Perhaps she will consider a Yugo 45 :rolllaugh:

Cant go wrong with a Tata Nano - thats cheap enough  2007 Freelander 2 HSE TD4 Manual with Premium Pack & Moonroof.
Stornoway Grey with Ebony Black Pleather, Clear Indicators, Body Side Mouldings etc.