One for the Road: An uncomplicated mini

The Nissan Micra is easy to drive and live with

Lance Peters is fed up paying fortunes to fix his complicated car and wants something simple and reliable for £2,000.

A car for the head

Lance is correct: modern cars might be safer and more environmentally friendly but that comes at a price – the more technology you have in a car, the more costly it is to repair.

The ideal is finding a car that is not only simple but reliable, too. I think that a basic Nissan Micra would suit. It is certainly easy to drive and live with. Insurance is low and economy good with the 1.0-litre engine. A 2004 example with service history and 30,000 miles in basic E specification is bang on budget.

A car for the heart

I don't think that Lance wants a car to fall in love with. However, when choosing a car that is cheap to buy and fix, sometimes it is best to look at the most popular and numerous models. For that reason, I would go for the Ford Fiesta.

Every garage knows how to service one and getting parts is never a problem. All that needs replacing is the wear-and-tear items. So the secret is buying the best that Lance can afford: a 2003 1.25 Finesse with 90,000 miles and full service history.

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