Car Choice: Cheap to Run, Cheap to Buy - Honda or Seat?

Stephen King (not that Stephen King) needs a runabout and has £1,000 to spend on a car for shopping which is cheap to look after

A car for the head

Stephen told me that the car is unlikely to do more than 1,000 miles a year, as would be just used locally. So I think the cheapest sort of car to run is one that refuses to break down. For that reason I would look at Hondas which have a well deserved reputation for being mechanically very tough indeed.

A 2001 Honda Civic 1.6i V-TEC SE for £890 was a three door example with 125,000 miles, but a complete service history and a 12 month MOT. It has air conditioning and, if that stopped working, an electric sunroof.


 The 2005 Seat Ibiza 1.4 Sport is a fun hatchback that boasts personality and reliability
 (Seat)

A car for the heart

Some might think that the Honda is a little bit dull. Even a Volkswagen Polo isn’t the most exciting prospect. Instead, how about another car made by Volkswagen Group which has more of a personality. The Seat Ibiza is a fun little hatchback which is good to drive and can look quite funky: Plus the Volkswagen mechanicals means that the reliability is generally excellent.

A 2005 yellow Ibiza 1.4 Sport with 114,000 miles and a full service history plus a years MOT for £880 would be perfect for Stephen. Specification includes air conditioning and electric windows.

If you would like James Ruppert to help with your car choice, email james@freecarmag.com. For more motoring views visit freecarmag.com