Used automobile costs proceed to take a seat at unusually excessive ranges, however it’s nonetheless attainable to discover a second-hand discount for underneath £1,000 for those who’re ready to look arduous sufficient. Admittedly, you’ll most likely have to make some concessions on this worth vary, akin to accepting a excessive mileage or presumably some beauty imperfections, however bargain-basement motoring continues to be achievable in 2023.
We’ve rounded up the greatest used automobiles on the market for underneath £1,000. What’s extra, a few of these fashions have been even award winners in our annual New Automotive Awards again after they have been new.
Whether or not you’re after an affordable automobile for operating round city or simply want easy low-cost practicality, the quantity of selection on our listing might shock you.
Finest automobiles for £1,000 or much less
Ford Ka Mk1
- Years produced: 1996-2008
- Engines accessible: 1.3, 1.6 petrol
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The unique Ka was a genius little bit of design. It regarded like no different metropolis automobile, thanks to very large (typically unpainted) bumpers that helped it to face as much as knocks and minimize restore prices. In the meantime, the late Richard Parry-Jones, who performed a pivotal function within the success of so many Fords of the period, ensured the Ka was a cracker to drive.
Small surprise there’s now an endurance racing collection for them, though that received’t be serving to with provides, that are beginning to dwindle attributable to age and rust. A protracted manufacturing lifetime of 12 years means a good quantity round, although, and costs are usually nonetheless good and low.
Honda Civic Mk7
- Years produced: 2000-2005
- Engines accessible: 1.4, 1.6, 2.0 petrol, 1.7 diesel
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For those who want reliable transport for not some huge cash, then a Civic should be in your listing. These automobiles are very nicely constructed and have a superb reliability file, so for a small outlay, you may get your self behind the wheel of one thing which is unlikely to allow you to down.
The Mk7 model doesn’t look terribly thrilling, however its tall physique supplies baggage of inside area. The petrol engines are easy, and bigger items have VTEC variable valve timing. It’s price noting that the funkier-looking Mk8 Civic doesn’t price far more, although.
Mazda 6 Mk1
- Years produced: 2002-2008
- Engines accessible: 1.8, 2.0, 2.3, 2.3 turbo petrol, 2.0 diesel
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Whereas we’ve principally caught to smaller picks for our opening class to maintain operating prices in verify, right here’s a barely bigger curve ball for these wanting extra. It’s the unique Mazda 6, which changed the unforgivably boring 626, bringing with it an interesting drive and good-looking seems to be which have stood the take a look at of time.
The engine line-up is first rate, too, even together with a strong 2.3-litre turbo within the MPS – not that you simply’ll get one for this type of cash. We’d suggest conserving an eye fixed out for rust, which these automobiles can undergo from badly.
Nissan Micra Mk2
- Years produced: 1992-2003
- Engines accessible: 1.0, 1.3, 1.4,1.5 petrol, 1.5 diesel
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Bubble car-like styling makes the K11 Micra some of the recognisable superminis of its period. It marked a radical change from the boxy, boring K10, and consumers took to the automobile in droves, with the second-gen Micra clocking up 1.4 million gross sales. It was additionally the primary Japanese automobile to be topped European Automotive of the Yr.
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Early automobiles are very primary, however many of the survivors are later examples anyway. Whichever you go for, maintain an eye fixed out for rust. It’s additionally attainable to purchase the next-gen K12 for comparable money, however we’d have the extra fun-looking K11.
Skoda Fabia Mk1
- Years produced: 2000-2005
- Engines accessible: 1.4, 1.6, 2.0 petrol, 1.7 diesel
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Though Skoda had executed loads to shake off the model’s poor popularity, the Fabia established the Czech marque as a provider of reliable automobiles at an amazing worth.
Similar to the sooner Octavia, Skoda raided the components bin of the Volkswagen Group to nice impact, and we rated the Fabia’s area, high quality and worth so extremely that it was our 2000 New Automotive of the Yr. At this worth you received’t have plenty of selection, so for those who can push the funds a bit, it’s price it. Pricier diesel vRS apart, not one of the engines are notably highly effective.
Toyota Yaris Mk1
- Years produced: 1999-2006
- Engines accessible: 1.0, 1.3, 1.5, 1.5 turbo petrol, 1.4 diesel
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The idea which previewed this automobile on the 1997 Frankfurt Motor Present was referred to as the ‘Funtime’, which is ironic, as a result of the manufacturing Mk1 Yaris just isn’t terribly thrilling. The cabin is dreary, even for comparable automobiles of the time, which may typically be boring in that regard. However for these after low cost, primary however dependable transport, the Yaris is good. It’s sensible and prices peanuts to run, because of a frugal vary of engines. Plus the automobile has a reasonably easy nature, and it’s dependable.
The bottom 1.0-litre four-cylinder powerplant received the very first Worldwide Engine of the Yr award, though its 68bhp output appears fairly meagre today. Go for the pokier 1.3-litre unit for those who can, and ideally the five-door physique. Simply keep in mind you may not have the ability to be too choosy at this bargain- basement finish of the market.
Vauxhall Corsa C
- Years produced: 2000-2006
- Engines accessible: 1.0, 1.2, 1.6, 1.8 petrol, 1.3, 1.7 diesel
Well-liked with new and outdated drivers alike, the Corsa is for a lot of the go-to possibility for reasonably priced transportation. At this funds, the second-generation Corsa C is the perfect guess – there are few Corsa Bs left, whereas a good Corsa D may be tough to search out for underneath a grand.
The C is spacious, good to drive, and fairly pokey if specced with one of many four-cylinder engines. Its enchantment with youthful drivers means some aren’t so nicely sorted, although, and also you do see some adorned with questionable modifications.