A MOTORS expert has lifted the lid on the best three classic motors you can nab for under £5,000.
The whizz at Top Gear revealed their picks for the top bargain rides in Britain today.
3
3
3
Not only are they affordable to buy, but they’re also reliable, cheap to insure and require relatively little maintenance.
Plus all the options are ULEZ or Clean Air Zone compliant meaning that Brits living in and around cities won’t have to shell out on environmental charges.
Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang boasts a spacious interior, supportive seats, aggressive styling and decent performance at an affordable price.
It has long been Ford’s recipe for success to provide cars that appeal to a wide range of people, and anyone looking for a fast, fun daily driver should take a look at the Mustang.
Ford Fiesta
The Fiesta was, for good reason, Britain’s favourite car for much of the 21st Century.
Ford sold 4.8 million units in a nearly 50-year production run, which saw the model claim the title of the most popular in the UK for 12 consecutive years between 2009 and 2020.
Carwow’s John Rawlings described it as a “great car to drive” and it fits well within the £5,000 budget.
It also offers a more spacious layout than many of its rivals on the list, making it an ideal family car.
Get your hands on one while you can as Ford discontinued the Fiesta in 2023, confirming that there were no plans to create an electric version ahead of the 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel sales.
Ford Escort
The cult classic, which rolled of the assembly line in 1988, is famed for its 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine.
By 1995, following its second facelift, the Escort had evolved with an improved chassis, different steering and suspension set-ups and a curvier front end which gave a neater appearance.
Today, the late-model Escort is a fine choice if you want inexpensive family transport.
It can be yours to own for under £3,500 – an absolute steal.
MORE BARGAIN BUYS
It comes after one car expert revealed the best motors for long commutes – including a very comfortable Mercedes.
Matas Buzelis, a motoring guru who works for carVertical, has picked out a handful of cars – with four priced at under £12,000 – that he thinks are perfect for drivers that regularly use the motorway.
Motorway driving takes up the bulk of road trips, so choosing something great for main roads is what many motorists are looking for.
For this, Matas picks the Mercedes-Benz E Class, BMW 5 Series and the Audi A6.
He explains: “These are the best vehicles for longer trips on motorways or B-roads as they often have perfect sound insulation, very refined suspension and lots of power in cases of overtaking.
“They are also very comfortable to drive; their ability to glide effortlessly down the motorway means they require less energy from the driver, making longer trips less tiring.”
The E Class is the one that might particularly stand out here, as Matas says a used model that’s around five years old can start from as little as £10,000, with a median price of £24,400.
However, there are many other affordable alternatives, including the Ford Mondeo and Skoda Superb – with used, five-year-old models available from £7,500 and £9,500 respectively.
Car Auctions: How To Nab A Bargain
Car auctions are a way to sell vehicles based on a bidding system with the highest offer securing the deal.
Auctions aren’t restricted to the rich and famous as thousands of cars are sold at motor auctions in the UK each week.
Here’s what you need to know before attending an auction:
- Be prepared: Do your research on the car you would like to purchase beforehand.
- Check the car: Cars will usually be lined up before the start, so make sure to arrive early to inspect the desired car thoroughly.
- Have a back-up: Be ready for disappointment as your desired motor may be sold to someone else and select a few back-ups.
- Be realistic: Realise that there won’t be a “perfect” car at an auction and adjust expectations accordingly.
- Set a budget: It is easy to overspend in the heat of the moment during bidding. Ensure you have set a budget and do not go over it.
Key phrases to look out for:
- ‘No major mechanical faults’ – suggests that there shouldn’t be any issues with the car’s drivetrain, gearbox, suspension, or engine.
- ‘Specified faults’ – the auctioneer will read out specific faults.
- ‘Sold as seen’ – the vehicle is sold with any problems it may have. The auction company will rarely entertain complaints regarding the mechanical or cosmetic condition of these vehicles after sale.
- ‘Sold with a warranted mileage’ – The car is being offered based on the report, which confirms the mileage through an independent check.
