Bargain Hunter

Property of the week

The garage is so small you could barely squeeze in a Mini, and the house needs an extension, a new kitchen, a new bathroom and probably new windows. Primrose Cottage, in Pilley, near Lymington in Hampshire, hasn't been touched for years, but it has a pretty garden and faces open farmland. For anyone ready for a renovation job, it would be an ideal first-time buy. The cottage, in Church Lane, is up for auction on 6 May at the Fleur de Lys pub in the village, with a guide price of pounds 105,000 - unless anyone gets in first. Details from Paul Jackson (01590 674411).

Rosalind Russell

Car of the week

Coupes must look the part, and being fast, sexy and fun is all part of the usually expensive package. However, the Korean maker Hyundai has achieved this on a budget. Its coupe certainly looks right, despite prices starting at just over pounds 14,000 for the 1.6. But UK Carland Limited is upsetting Hyundai dealers everywhere by supplying a 1.8-litre version, not usually available in the UK, for pounds 10,995. There is no sunroof or airbag, and the warranty is for one, rather than three, years. But the cars (from a cancelled Cypriot order) are right-hand drive. They had 150, and just seven are left. A batch of automatics have also just arrived - usually a pounds 800 option, here they're no extra cost. Proof that a sports coupe can be also be cheap. Call 01995 641111.

James Ruppert

Deal of the week

The permanent quest for the lowest-charging credit card will occasionally throw up a gem. One such is Capital One's new Visa card, charging 11.9 per cent APR with no annual fee. This new flat rate is the lowest offered in the UK to date. Unlike other low-rate credit cards, it has a 54-day interest-free period on purchases.

Capital One offers an automatic balance transfer option, plus a 24-hour customer service line. Unlike some other card-issuers, which demand a minimum 5 per cent outstanding balance repayment, this Visa card requires just 3 per cent or pounds 5, whichever is lower. Free additional cards for partners are also available. New card-holders will be allowed to access Capital One Connections, a scheme that provides additional discounts on a range of goods and services offered by a number of providers, including RAC, Interflora, Thorntons and Going Places, the holiday company. Call 0800 8525252 for details.

Nic Cicutti