What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks
What's the best car for £5,000 - £7,000?
Can you recommend a comfortable, reliable and economical car for £5,000 - £7,000?
The vehicle must handle long journeys of 600 miles on a regular basis. However, for the majority of the time I'll be doing short journeys and my partner (who recently passed the test) will also be driving the car (so it must be easy to drive and park). The road quality in my area is relatively poor so need something that can handle a few bumps.
I've been browsing for a long time but struggling to find something that will fit the bill. I have considered mid-sized hatchbacks such as the Fiat Bravo, Renault Megane or Alfa Romeo Guilietta (although admittedly the latter mainly due to style over practicality). Can you recommend any other suitable vehicles?
The vehicle must handle long journeys of 600 miles on a regular basis. However, for the majority of the time I'll be doing short journeys and my partner (who recently passed the test) will also be driving the car (so it must be easy to drive and park). The road quality in my area is relatively poor so need something that can handle a few bumps.
I've been browsing for a long time but struggling to find something that will fit the bill. I have considered mid-sized hatchbacks such as the Fiat Bravo, Renault Megane or Alfa Romeo Guilietta (although admittedly the latter mainly due to style over practicality). Can you recommend any other suitable vehicles?
Asked on 17 January 2023 by Adam Richardson
Answered by
Dan Powell
Avoid the Fiat Bravo and older versions of the Renault Megane and Alfa Romeo Guilietta - these cars are costly to fix and have a mixed reputation for reliability. I would also avoid diesel - older diesel cars are much more expensive to maintain than petrol (with DPF and EGR problems costing thousands to put right).
If you want a compact and reliable hatch, the Toyota Yaris 1.3 petrol, Fiesta 1.25 petrol or Suzuki Switch 1.2 petrol would be my recommendations. If you need something larger, Honda Jazz or Honda Civic.
If you want a compact and reliable hatch, the Toyota Yaris 1.3 petrol, Fiesta 1.25 petrol or Suzuki Switch 1.2 petrol would be my recommendations. If you need something larger, Honda Jazz or Honda Civic.
Similar questions
I need a used car for £2,000 or less. Can you please tell me which petrol and diesel models have the best reliability within this type of budget?
I'm in the market for a used car and have a budget of around £5000. Ideally, I'd like a petrol as I don't do many long journeys. I've had my eye on a Citroen DS3 1.6 VTI (2010-2015) but can't seem to find...
I am on a tight budget and am looking for a diesel car which is reliable and economical for under £5,000. My yearly average mileage is around 28,000. What would you recommend?
Related models
More likely to turn heads than a Vauxhall Astra. Eager petrol and diesel engines.
.jpg?width=115&height=75&rmode=crop)
Roomy cabin and big boot. Five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating. Excellent 1.4 T-Jet petrol. Strong MultiJet diesels.
.jpg?width=115&height=75&rmode=crop)
Soft riding, yet fine handling hatchback with superb steering. Improved for 2012 with new 1.2 TCe 115 petrol engine.
.jpg)
