A MOTORS expert has revealed a list of the best cars you can buy for under £2,000 that won’t guzzle all your fuel.
JB, from CarswithJB on YouTube, posted a video running down a range of cheap and cheerful rides that you can enjoy on a budget.
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As the cost of living crisis bites and petrol prices soar with inflation, JB’s advice couldn’t come at a better time.
Renault Clio
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First up, he recommended the much-loved family classic Renault Clio.
The 1.2-litre inline-four is not as thirsty as many other hatchbacks, while it can still get you where you need to go with a 0-60 time of 10.6 seconds.
JB said: “It’s the joint-quickest car on the list but, despite that, it will still manage 51 miles per gallon (mpg) and costs £135 per year in road tax.
“This is the perfect first car, but it can substitute as a family hatch instead, given it’s not too small in size.”
Within the budget, drivers should target the third-generation models, starting at around £1,800 online.
Skoda Citigo
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A slightly smaller engine powers the Citigo, with a titchy 1-litre inline-three putting out a 0-60 time of 13.9 seconds.
It’s more expensive on the tax side, too, with an annual bill of £165, but is more economical than the previous options, at 55mpg.
JB said: “It’s not my cup of tea due to how small it is, and I’d maybe only recommend it as a city car that’s focussed on short journeys.
“But I do like how basic it is, with all the amenities you need as a driver, nothing more, nothing less.”
It is also more expensive at purchase, with basic models sneaking in just under the £2,000 cap online.
Ford KA
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Back to the inline-fours, the Ford is still a touch sluggish, reaching 60mph in 13 seconds.
However, in terms of running costs, it’s a steal, with a tax bill of just £30 and a 57 mpg economy rate.
JB said that the model’s shared development with the Fiat 500 led to common issues, including engine problems and corrosion.
Meanwhile, initial purchase costs are high, with a starting price right on the £2,000 line.
Kia Picanto
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The slowest car on the list, with a 0-60 of just 14.6 seconds.
However, again it is just £30 for the tax and its economy is a generous 58mpg.
It was initially marketed by rallying legend Marcus Granholm but JB said it drives more like a city car.
Basic models are available for around £1,000, with plenty of options under £2,000.
Suzuki Alto
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A sister car of the Pixo, sharing the same frame and drivetrain, the Suzuki just edges it out as it’s 0.5 of a second quicker, with the same excellent economy.
JB revealed that it was originally designed for the Indian market but came over to Europe shortly after.
It was even built in response to rising prices after the 2008 financial crisis, making it ideal for today’s tough times.
The Alto is available online for around £1,900 but is a bargain considering its affordability in terms of running costs.
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Fiat Grande Punto
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With a similar engine to the Renault, the Fiat is a few seconds off the pace, but slightly more economical at 52 mpg.
It is also identical in its road tax expense so is still good value all round.
JB added: “One strange fact about these is that, on release, they had the highest level of safety standards…but when they were retested in 2012, they go zero stars.”
He suggested this was likely due to a lack of updates on the safety features between the car’s 2005 debut and its retest seven years on.
The Grande Punto is available for around £1,500, while high-mileage but more recent examples clock in at £2,000.
However, JB warned that issues with “build quality” could lead to some dangerous flaws, including steering failure.
Mini Hatch
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The Mini Hatch ties the Clio for pace and comes with its unique British heritage.
Earlier models can be found online for as little as £1,000, though these are likely to be high-mileage.
JB explained: “It’s quoted as doing 53 mpg…I can attest to them being very solid little cars.
“The only negative is them being four-seaters, rather than five, so slightly less practical.
“But, I would consider it to be amongst the nicest of the cars on the list and if you find a first example it’s even more economical.”
Peugeot 107
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JB perhaps summed this model up best when he said: “I had to bring back the Peugeot 107 into this vide, given how incredible the running costs really are.”
And incredible they are, costing only £20 in tax and doing a whopping 61mpg.
He added that the Toyota engine under the Peugeot shell is “renowned for its reliability”, but did cite issues around boot space and water leakage.
Still for just £1,000 at the bottom end, many will consider this a great deal.
Hyundai I10
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Back on the quicker side, with a 0-60 of 11.8 seconds, the Hyundai, like the Peugeot, is £20 for the year’s worth of tax and manages 61 mpg.
JB said: “This is the sister car to the Kia Picanto we mentioned before.
“Though they are very cheap feeling, they are the definition of cheap and cheerful.”
Although, they do start at the limit of £2,000 so are on the more expensive end of the list.
Nissan Pixo
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The Pixo is another slower option, but manages a list-topping 65mpg and still only costs £20 in road tax.
JB said: “What made the Pixo famous for me was its appearance on Top Gear.”
They clock in at a minimum of £1,500, with 2010 models at £2,000.
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