One For The Road: A first car with room for two bikes inside

Economical: The Daewoo Matiz is perfect for short journeys

Toby Smith is 35 and a keen cyclist, but now needs a driving licence and car for his new job. He has up to £1,500 available for an economical first car.

A Car for the Head

Toby added that he would like to get two bikes inside and also wants advice on how not to get ripped off by car salesman. Well, there isn't enough space to answer that last one, except making sure he has all the facts, prices and specifications to hand before he goes near a showroom. Bikes are very difficult to get inside most cars, which explains why bike racks are so popular. Just at the moment, though, Toby has to concentrate on finding a car that is cheap to own and insure. What he needs is an old-model Skoda Fabia in Classic specification. A 2001 example is only £800 and he needs to find a private seller who has run it for several years and looked after it. It is spacious and actually stands a chance of getting two bikes on board.

A Car for the Heart

One of Toby's stipulations, apart from finding a car that is light and easy to drive, is one that isn't too ugly. As far as he is concerned, the old Ford Ka is pretty hideous. I know Toby has been learning to drive in a Fiat Panda and likes that he can see out clearly and that the controls are light, but he will struggle to find one within his budget that isn't a bit scruffy. I always liked the cartoonish styling of the Daewoo Matiz; like the Panda, it has four doors and a raised seating position. The engine is economical and fine for the local journeys Toby will be making. Just £795 will find him a 2002 example, perfect for short journeys.

Looking to buy?

Email James Ruppert at onefortheroad@independent.co.uk, giving your age, address and phone number, details of the type of vehicle in which you are interested, and your budget.