Grab a car for £2,000 or less

Jan 26 2009 Matt Tumbridge

SO you need a car, but the piggy bank is empty. Or maybe it's full and you want it to stay that way. How cheaply can you get some reliable family transport?

Well, £2,000 buys an awful lot of car these days. Cars that you will think of as being still quite new. Here are three that should all carry you to over 100,000 miles without too many bills.

Honda Accord

Lots of space, very refined petrol engines and excellent value. The Accord always offered Executive car equipment and comfort. Revised model from 1998 even better with higher quality build but the diesel can be a bit raucous.

Most economical: 2.0 Tdi - 54.9mpg

Best used buy: 1.8 VTEC S

UsedCarExpert.com checks: 9

Used Car Expert price: 1.8 VTEC S. Year 2000, 64,696 miles (on average) £1,900 - £2,160 if you haggle.

Vauxhall Vectra

Great for long journeys, tough and economical. For budget buyers the Vectra makes great sense, especially the estate. Lots to choose from so avoid tatty examples. But none are expensive.

Most economical: 2.0 Tdi - 47.1mpg

Best used buy:1.6 i 16v

UsedCarExpert.com checks: 17

Used Car Expert price: 1.6 i 16v LS. Year 2000, 77,588 miles, £1,630 - £1,918

Ford Mondeo

A truly great family car which is around in huge numbers - but not necessarily at the cheapest prices. Spacious comfy interior lots of engine options plus it is nice to drive and so easy to own.

Most economical: 2.0Dci - 48.7mpg

Best used buy: 1.8

UsedCarExpert.com checks: 18

Used Car Expert guide price: A year 2000, 1.8 LX with 79,692 average miles will be around £1,783 - £2,021 if you haggle.