Grand for a grand: big cars you can buy for £1000

Many people spend a similar amount as a deposit on a new one. But why tie yourself into a lengthy finance contract when you can drive away in a car for just £1000? Finding a small car for a grand is relatively easy, but things get a little trickier when you start looking at big saloons, estate cars and MPVs.

We’re not going to pretend that buying a barge at this end of the market is any less risky than gambling your life savings on the favourite at Kempton Park, but do a little research and you could drive away in a bargain that will serve you well for years. Crossing your fingers might help, too:

Remember when Renault went crazy around the turn of the millennium? The Vel Satis serves as a very visual reminder of the period – it’s hard to believe that it was a replacement for the equally slow-selling Renault Safrane. In common with the Safrane, the Vel Satis appealed to the French president, but other people found it hard to digest.

This is an awful lot of car for money. Or it's just an awful car, depending on your view of French barges. However, if you’re after a spacious, upmarket and well-equipped family car, with the high driving position of an MPV, the Vel Satis is worth a look. Your heart fancies the 3.5-litre V6 petrol, but your head will be turned by the frugal 2.2-litre diesel.

If Inspector Morse was still solving crimes in 2021, the chances are he’d drive a Jaguar S-Type. A couple of decades on from its launch, the S-Type is looking increasingly appealing, especially when you consider that prices start from less than £1000. Admittedly, you won’t have your pick of the S-Type crop at this end of the market, but not all of the examples will resemble an Oxfordshire crime scene.

Stop dreaming about the S-Type R, because the most potent version requires deeper pockets. Even the standard V8 is off limits, unless you fancy something that’s more ‘spares’ than ‘repair’.  The entry-level 2.5-litre V6 is the safest bet, but approach a budget S-Type with caution. Get it wrong and you’ll discover why the previous owner was so keen to move it on.

Our former news editor spent £750 on a “clapped-out Omega” before embarking on a 6000-mile tour of Europe. His verdict: “Little else for the money could’ve eaten the hundreds of daily miles we’d done with such consummate ease.” If you fancy replicating Lawrence 'Palin' Allan’s epic adventure, you could do a lot worse than plump for an old Vauxhall Omega.

What’s not to like? The rear-wheel drive Omega is comfortable and surprisingly upmarket, even if its reliability record doesn’t quite live up to the ‘made in Germany’  tag. There are many engines to choose from, including a 3.0-litre V6 petrol and a BMW-sourced 2.5-litre diesel. A classic car in waiting? Get one while they’re still cheap and reasonably available.

The Vauxhall’s BMW’s 2.5-litre turbo diesel engine is also available in the Range Rover P38. Anecdotal evidence – essentially chat on social media – suggests that the second-generation Range Rover is growing in popularity. Hardly surprising, when Range Rover Classic prices appear to be heading north.

Used car buying guides tend to be headlined by warnings about the air suspension and electrics, so you have to approach a P38 with your eyes open. However, nothing comes close to the P38 in terms of luxury and off-road ability on a budget. On a good day, you’ll wonder why you didn’t take the plunge earlier. On a bad day, you’ll wish you’d bought a new Hyundai.

The original Skoda Superb was based on the platform of a stretched VW Passat, so it offered almost unrivalled rear leg room. Many were snapped up by enterprising cabbies, who appreciated the Superb for its comfort and space. Low running costs were guaranteed in cars powered by the 1.9-litre and 2.0-litre engines.

All versions came with a generous level of standard equipment, although the mid-range Comfort offered the best balance of price and specification. Elegance and Laurin & Klement versions felt positively lavish. It’s not exciting, but the Superb is as comfortable as a contemporary Mercedes-Benz, but for a much smaller price.

The Toyota Camry is one of the most popular cars in the world, especially in the US, where it retained its crown as the best-selling passenger car in 2020. Things are very different in the UK. Although the Camry has returned to these shores, its long period in exile highlights this country’s attitude to Toyota’s four-door saloon.

This is good news if you’re buying on a budget. The fourth- and fifth-generation models represent tremendous value for money, with even high-spec 3.0-litre V6 models available for less than £1000. Fuel economy isn’t a strong point, but these things are capable of achieving 500,000 miles with ease, so you’ll be paying less on maintenance.

The sad demise of Saab in 2011 had a disastrous impact on the values of its used cars, as mainstream buyers kept away amid concerns over parts availability and specialist support. Although parts are expensive, a network of Saab specialists and excellent online forums are on hand to keep your 9-5 on the road.

Launched in 1998, production of the Saab 9-5 continued until 2009, so there are plenty to choose from. Available as a spacious saloon or practical estate, the 9-5 is roomy, safe, comfortable and suitably different to its German rivals. Even late versions, with the ‘Dame Edna’ headlights, have crept below the £1000 mark.

We labelled the W124-series Mercedes-Benz E-Class the best used car on the planet, but to paraphrase Chris Tarrant, we’re not going to give you that. Instead, it’s time to consider its replacement, introduced in 1996. We won’t pretend that the W210-series offers the build quality and prestige of the W124 and W123, but it’s your best bet if you’re searching for an E-Class on a budget.

New enough for daily use, but simple enough to maintain on your driveway, this E-Class will still feel a class above its contemporary rivals. The six-cylinder petrol engines are smooth and refined, while the diesels are punchy and economical, making them ideal if you’re buying an estate. There is one big thing to look out for: RUST. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Bangernomics overlord James Ruppert isn’t sure if the Rover 75 is a banger or a classic? We’ll save that debate for another day, because Rover’s last luxury car sits at the bottom of the deprecation curve – prices can’t get much lower. A budget of £1000 is enough to secure an early 2.5-litre V6 Connoisseur or even a post-facelift 75.

Mentioning the head gasket in the context of the Rover 75 is as predictable as naming Princess Anne when discussing the Reliant Scimitar, but you’ll be left with a royally big bill if things go wrong. Opting for the BMW-sourced 2.0-litre diesel would be a safer option. Whatever, we think the Rover 75 is more classic than banger now.

The carpets. That’s what we remember most about the Volvo S80. The deep-pile carpets, while not quite in the same league as the rugs found in a Rolls-Royce, are so luxurious, you’ll be tempted to whip off your shoes to give your feet a treat. Not while driving, because that would be daft.

Epic depreciation. That’s the other thing we remember about the S80. Not that this matters one jot in 2021, because the S80 has plunged to the bottom of the market. There’s never been a better time to buy, etc. You won’t find a 4.4-litre V8 for this budget, but the 2.4-litre diesel delivers low running costs. Better still, find a later 2.0-litre D4, as lower CO2 emissions mean cheaper annual road tax.

We’re not going to pretend that this Hyundai MPV is in any way exciting. To some people, it’s more Tragic than Trajet. The thing is, you’re hardly spoilt for choice when it comes to finding a seven-seat MPV for £1000. Be prepared for interiors that are messier than a teenager’s bedroom, with an overall look that’s more ‘shabby’ than ‘chic’.

The Hyundai Trajet is far from perfect. The ride quality is too firm, the driving position is poor and it doesn’t have the quality of later Hyundai models. However, if you’re after seven-seat practicality and space, the Trajet should be more dependable than a leggy Vauxhall Zafira or an ex-taxi Ford Galaxy.

The Chrysler Grand Voyager always felt like a cut above its European rivals. Maybe it was the badge or the fact that it put us in mind of a family fly-drive holiday in the sun. Whatever, the Grand Voyager has now completed its voyage to the bottom of the depreciation curve, so you could actually sail away in two for our £1000 budget. That’s 14 seats of American goodness.

All versions can carry seven people and their luggage – not a given in a seven-seat MPV – but make sure you find a Grand Voyager with the ‘Stow ‘n’ Go’ seating system. Introduced at the end of 2004, it enabled the rear passenger seats to be folded into the floor when not in use.

Epica by name, epica by nature? Not quite, but the Chevrolet Epica represents epic value for money. At the time of its launch in 2008, the Epica was the UK’s cheapest six-cylinder saloon. This is something you might want to remember when you’re preparing questions for the motoring round at the next pub quiz.

The Epica, a rebadged Daewoo Tosca, is a smart if modestly styled saloon that’s surprisingly well-built and loaded with standard equipment. The six-cylinder petrol engine isn’t as exciting as it sounds, so the smart money goes on the frugal 2.0-litre diesel it shares with the Chevrolet Captiva 4x4.

Remember when everybody’s dad drove a Ford Mondeo? Today, ‘Mondeo Man’ has much less resonance, so the faithful Ford has fallen out of favour faster than a falling flagstone. Try saying that after a couple of pints of Old Speckled Hen.

A budget of £1000 is enough to secure a tidy second-generation Mondeo or even a third-generation example. It’s too early to label the Mk3 Mondeo a classic, although the earliest examples are now more than 20 years old. The ‘New Edge’ styling has aged well, it’s brilliant to drive and parts are cheap. Still want that Nissan Qashqai?

We couldn’t list the Ford Mondeo without mentioning its arch-nemesis. Launched in 2002, the second-generation Vauxhall Vectra always felt a step behind the Mondeo, with humdrum styling, a drab interior and stodgy dynamics. On the plus side, the Vectra was a brilliant motorway cruiser, where its soft suspension and fuel-sipping diesels rose to the fore.

Many cars will be ex-fleet workhorses, so you can expect some wear and tear. The 3.0 and 3.2-litre V6 petrol versions look good on paper, but you’ll pay for them at the pump and when the taxman comes calling. The 2.0-litre turbo is a better engine, but you’re unlikely to find one within budget.

The Safrane was Renault’s large executive car of the 1990s, designed to do battle with the Germans on the motorways of Europe. It arrived in 1992, replacing the Renault 25, but it always felt like it was stuck between a rock and a hard place. Not French enough to please fans of French cars, but not German enough to win sales from BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Numbers are dwindling fast enough to make the Safrane an endangered species, so you’ll need to be quick. The 2.0 and 2.2-litre versions offer lowish running costs, but the 2.5-litre five-cylinder and 3.0-litre V6 are the most desirable. Electric issues are common, as are problems with the automatic transmission. Post-facelift cars are powered by engines sourced from Volvo.

If only everything in life was as reliable as a…. Honda Accord. The seventh-generation Accord arrived in 2002 and was good enough to win the Japan Car of the Year Award for 2002-2003. It felt more upmarket than previous models, with Honda introducing a number of high-tech features.

The styling has aged extremely well, and while you’ll pay a little extra for the Tourer, you’ll benefit from a large load area and greater practicality. Reliability is a strong point, especially if you find an example with full Honda service history.

Like its predecessor, the second-generation Seat Alhambra shared much in common with the VW Sharan and Ford Galaxy. Although the difference could be just a couple of hundred quid, the Alhambra is slightly cheaper than the Sharan and, subjectively, more appealing than the Galaxy.

Unlike some rival MPVs, the Seat Alhambra is a genuine seven-seater, with five individual passenger seats providing plenty of practicality. Removing the rear seats turns the Alhambra creates a load area large enough to rival a van.

Amazingly, a budget of £1000 is enough to secure an E60-generation BMW 5 Series. It’s arguably the best four-door saloon of the noughties, with the 5 Series offering superb build quality, brilliant engines, an excellent blend of ride and handling, and a rare example of a cutting edge design that has actually aged nicely. There are many engines to choose from, but the entry-level 520d should be fine for most people.

Alternatively, consider the predecessor E39-generation 5 Series. Launched in 1996, the fourth-generation 5 Series is fast approaching classic status, yet it still offers the potential to be used as a daily driver. Smart styling, an upmarket interior and unrivalled dynamics are the highlights of this used car gem.

Is the C5 Audi A6 Avant the best looking estate car of the era? We’ll save that discussion for another day, because the A6 Avant offers a suitably different take on the German estate car recipe. It’s not as nice to drive as an E39 5 Series, but the smart styling and upmarket interior are more than a match for Bavaria’s finest.

Many of the examples at this end of the market will be diesels with high miles, but the 1.8-litre turbo is a great choice if you can find one. As for the diesels, the 1.9-litre TDI is frugal and punchy enough, but the 2.5-litre TDI is a better bit if you intend to fill the large boot.

Before the nation fell for the charms of the SUV, cars like the Renault Grand Scenic transported our children to the beach, school, trampoline park and grandparents. Thanks to the addition of a couple of extra seats in the back, the Grand Scenic gets the nod over the regular Scenic.

Once you’ve lived with an MPV, you’ll find it hard to return to an SUV. The Grand Scenic benefits from a long list of family-friendly features and storage areas, plus a large boot when the seats in the third row aren’t in use. Quality wasn’t a strong point, so you’ll have to put up with a few bits of wear and tear, along with the odd unidentifiable stain on the upholstery.

Sliding doors. No, not a reference to the 1998 film starring Gwyneth Paltrow, but one of the main reasons to buy a Peugeot 807. Available on selected models, the electric sliding doors can be opened via a button on the key fob, making this an easy people-carrier to live with in car parks and the like.

The wide opening makes it easier to get in and out, while loading a child into a car seat is a doddle. Many examples will have led a hard life – skipped services aren’t uncommon – so approach with caution. See also: the near-identical Citroen C8 and Fiat Ulysse.

Introduced in 2002, the Mazda 6 was good enough to secure second place in the 2003 European Car of the Year awards. It also helped to transform the image of Mazda, thanks to the 6’s smart styling and excellent handling.

Hatchback and estate versions feature a clever ‘Karakuri’ rear-seat system. A lever inside the boot folds the rear seats without the need to remove the headrests. Rust is a big issue, especially on the rear arches.

Without wishing to go all ‘Clint Eastwood’, do you feel lucky? If you do, you could try your luck at the BMW 7 Series roulette. Or, to put it another way, do you want to live out your James Bond fantasies in an E38-generation BMW 7 Series?

This is an achingly stylish car, offering a fantastic blend of ride, handling and equipment. Unfortunately, this is a complex car and many problems will be expensive to fix. Tomorrow never dies, but your E38 might.

It’s still possible to buy a Mercedes-Benz S-Class for £1000. Indeed, you could buy an S-Class and have enough change for the train journey home. This might come in handy…

But let’s be positive. The S-Class was the best car in the world, so you’ll be able to experience what it was like to drive a car at the bleeding edge of motoring. You could also find that your wallet is bleeding money. Good luck.