Honda Civic (2001 - 2005)
2.0 Type S
A steal at todays prices - overlook at your peril!
It doesn't look anything special, but thats part of the appeal if you want to keep a low profile. 160hp, 40mpg, exremely reliable, nice half leather interior with cruise control, auto aircon, all round electric windows. Had mine since 56k and now at 102k....to be honest it feels no different from when I had it. I've done the basic servicing myself (two synthetic oil changes a year, plus two year changes for plugs and air filter). It just goes to the garage every 12 months for an MOT and every 2 years to have new brake fluid / brake service and new gearbox oil. Engine is chain cam, so no belt to change and it doesn't burn any oil. It's not a hot hatch like the Type R...but warm enough for the majority of users. The engine is very smooth and the sound strangely gives you confidence in the engineering quality of the car. The gearbox is equally slick.
Down sides......suspension unrefined over bad surfaces, but fine on decent roads. Steering lock poor and a bit more road noise than average. But all in all for a couple of grand it feels a lot better quality that the opposition at this age.... you'll struggle to beat it as an all round proposition!