I'm moving pretty soon and I need to buy a beater for SWMBO. My budget is 4-5k and i'm looking for something which is reasonably commodious (a 3 door hatch with folding seats would be fine) and returns 50+ MPG. I've been looking at Seat Ibiza diesels. What others should I consider?

 

Any of the small diesels surely - Fiesta, Ibiza, Fabia, Corsa. Some will loose money faster than others, but you'll pay for it in the first place obviously.

3 year old Corsa for instance - 1.3CDTi would be about right, 55-60mpg, folding rear seats, comfy drive etc etc.

 

The Fabia looks quite good but i'm not keen on the Fiesta or Corsa. I have looked at the Hyundai Getz too. It does need to be a reasonable size though to fit all my detailing equipment in, including my Karcher which is a bit of a beast (K5.55M).

 

Get an original Mini Cooper Si, crazy left field idea but what a hoot if you aren't on the motorways!!

I am close to buying one and I can't wait. I borrowed one for 2 weeks from a friend that went away. His is older and without some of the luxuries I couldn't wait to get in and drive it.

They should also hold their value, the running costs very small and extremely nippy. Now I am seeing a lot more on the roads and every driver has a smile on their chops

 

How much stuff have you got?

Most of the little hatches are pretty damn roomy once you dump the rear seats, its only long items you need to worry about.

If the Fabia/Ibiza (same car) are what you're mainly thinking of, best get along and drive one, they're probably your best bet if you don't think much of the others

 

whats the point in buying a beater for 5k just thats economical for it to loose 1k a year in value ?