Top dependable bangers for under £1500

When you buy any new car it'll cost you thousands of pounds in lost value in the first couple of years.

Buy a newish used car and even that will shed value, but there is a way to cut your motoring costs to the bone – and that's to buy a car that's already just about worthless.

Of course it's easy to get your fingers burned by purchasing badly, but do your homework and you can bag just about any type of car for less than £1500 (or even £1000), whether it's an SUV, family estate, convertible, or small hatch. To prove it we scoured the classifieds and here's what we found…

Vauxhall Corsa

We found: 2002 Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 SXi, £560, 68,000 miles

As one of the UK's best-selling cars there's no shortage of Corsa to choose between. Forever in the shadow of the Fiesta, the Corsa is nonetheless a great small car for new and old drivers alike, and its ubiquity means cheap motoring is guaranteed thanks to low purchase and parts costs.

We've picked a second-generation car here for its simplicity; an older, low-mileage car is likely to be cheaper to run than a high-mileage third-generation car (from 2006 on). Check for tired rear wheelbearings and the electro-hydraulic steering can be weak, plus we'd avoid the 1.0-litre engine as it's hideously underpowered.

Daihatsu Sirion

We found: 1999 Daihatsu Sirion 1.0 +, £595, 68,000 miles

Daihatsu might be a defunct brand in the UK, but that doesn't stop tiddlers like the Sirion from being a brilliant budget buy. Bought by old people who service them to within an inch of their lives, Daihatsus are reliable and fun, if hardly cutting edge. Your best bet is to buy a three-cylinder 1.0-litre car as the thrum it produces is great fun – just watch out for tired interiors and rotten exhausts along with snapped front suspension springs.

MG TF

We found: 2003 MG TF 1.8, £650, 75,000 miles

Forget the MG's reputation for fragility; properly looked after, these cars will sail past the 100,000-mile mark with ease. The key of course is to ensure the cooling system isn't compromised, and that's easier than you might think. The Hydragas suspension on the F is another potential weakness which is why we've opted for the later TF instead, with its steel suspension.

However, don't dismiss an F if you can find one at the right price; either of these smart-looking MGs will provide fun aplenty, and with values rising for good examples, you'll find ownership can be especially cheap.

Saab 9-3

We found: 2004 Saab 9-3 2.0T Vector convertible, £690, 125,000 miles

Our plan was to track down a tidy 9-3 hatch, but when we saw a very presentable convertible for under 700 quid our heads were turned. After all, what's not to like? You get a smart-looking drop-top with comfy seats, excellent safety credentials even now, a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine that develops a healthy 150bhp, but it's unstressed so it should last for years as long as the engine oil is changed regularly.

The Saab isn't the sharpest handler as it's a bit wobbly, but there should be plenty of life left in this one.

Hyundai Accent

We found: 2003 Hyundai Accent 1.6 CDX, £695, 72,500 miles

No, we haven't taken leave of our senses. One of the golden rules of bangernomics is to give underdogs like the Hyundai Accent a chance. We're not suggesting this will ever set your pulse racing, but the Accent's simplicity means there's not much to go wrong. Its image means low asking prices and its five-door hatchback configuration ensures practicality galore.

Still not sold on the idea? OK, but if you want to make an anti-fashion statement, few things do the job as well as a Hyundai Accent.

Ford StreetKa

We found: 2004 Ford StreetKa 1.6 Luxury, £749, 68,000 miles

The 1.6-litre Ford SportKa was great fun to drive and while its sibling the StreetKa doesn't have quite the same poise or sharp looks, if you want a cheap two-seater convertible for the summer this unusual Ford might be just the job. The image of the StreetKa isn't for everyone, but they're dependable enough and cheap to run in a way that only a Ford can be.

Honda Prelude

We found: 1993 Honda Prelude 2.0, £795, 120,000 miles

We're into modern classic territory here, but that's no bad thing as classic car insurance tends to be cheap. This fourth-generation Prelude still cuts a dash and looks far more appealing than the model that succeeded it in 1997 (we also found one of those for sale for £600). The Prelude's interior is immaculate while the rear wheelarches are crusty, but you could run this for a couple of years then sell it for £300-£400 and you'll still be quids in.

Nissan Primera

We found: 2003 Nissan Primera 2.2 dCi SE, £795, 97,000 miles

We rated the Primera when it was current, as it was comfy, well equipped, good to drive and roomy. But its awkward styling and bland reputation guaranteed soft residuals. There were hatchback or estate body styles to choose from and while the naturally aspirated petrol engines were underwhelming, the 2.2-litre turbodiesel provides a more spirited drive.

However, the turbochargers can fail and you could fall foul of clean air zone regulations being introduced if you take the diesel route, in which case you might be better off with petrol.

Nissan Almera

We found: 2005 Nissan Almera 1.5 SE, £800, 71,500 miles

You may think that the Almera is synonymous with being boring, but it’s actually not a bad car to drive, even if it is uninspiring to look at. However, the dull image makes the car a great used buy because depreciation has always been savage yet the cars are inherently reliable. They also appeal to owners who mollycoddle them, so there are plenty of cracking low-mileage used examples out there to choose from.

The most likely problems are failed camshaft or crankshaft sensors leading to the car refusing to start. Easily fixed, buy a car with one of these and you could land a real bargain.

Lexus IS200

We found: 2001 Lexus IS200 SE, £895, 96,000 miles

Lexus's BMW 3 Series clone still looks sharp and it's still good to drive with its 2.0-litre straight-six that sends its 153bhp to the rear wheels. This one has an automatic gearbox which dulls the thrills a bit, but the car should still have plenty of life left to give as the odometer has yet to hit six figures.

While repair bills shouldn't be too big, the fuel bills will be if you do a lot of miles, and with CO2 emissions of 232g/km you can expect some hefty road tax costs too.

Skoda Octavia

We found: 2003 Skoda Octavia 1.9 TDi PD Elegance estate, £970, 118,000 miles

The default choice of taxi drivers everywhere, the Skoda Octavia is the go-to car for those who want cheap motoring. Cars with the 1.8-litre petrol engine are best avoided as this powerplant can suffer from various problems. The 1.9 TDi is much stronger and lasts forever if the oil is changed regularly. 'Our' car features this diesel engine and because it's an estate it's a superb family-friendly cruiser that'll carry pretty much anything.

The build quality isn't bullet-proof though; rear door windows can fail, the instruments can stop working and so can the rear wiper when water gets into the mechanism – all easily fixed on a DIY basis.

Honda Civic

We found: 1996 Honda Civic 1.4, £975, 44,000 miles

Another staple of the retired masses, ordinarily we'd be picking a seventh-generation Civic as there are so many to choose from, but this Mk6 popped up and it was too good to overlook. With just 44,000 miles on the clock and one owner, these 1990s Civics are more fun to drive than their successors and this one has got years of life left in it yet.

But even if it rusts away within the next five years, the occasional bit of routine servicing will see it rack up the miles happily, then you can just throw it away and buy something else.

Mazda MX-5

We found: 2002 Mazda MX-5 1.8 Sport. £989, 67,000 miles

The MX-5 needs no introduction because for 30 years we've been banging on about what a great driver's car it is. Cheap when new, MX-5s are consequently extremely affordable on the used market but you have to be incredibly careful when buying something really cheap as you'll probably be taking on a Mk2, as we've done here. Values of good Mk1s are climbing while decent Mk3s start at £2500-£3000.

In the middle is the Mk2 which is the most rust-prone of the lot. While the mechanicals last well you have to check the sills, wheelarches and nose for corrosion, especially the crash structure in the case of the latter.

Ford Fiesta

We found: 1999 Ford Fiesta 1.25 Zetec, £995, 41,000 miles

The Ford Fiesta has been the UK's biggest-selling car - or very nearly the best-seller - pretty much continuously since it arrived in 1976, so to not include it here would be bonkers. For years the Fester has led the pack when it comes to driving pleasure, there are vast numbers to choose from and practicality is excellent while running costs are low.

For under a grand you can pick from generations four (1995-1999), five (2000-2002) or six (2002-2008). Any of these make a great buy but we'd opt for low miles over high spec which is why we're going with a one-owner 1999 Fiesta that looks like new.

Ford Focus

We found: 1999 Ford Focus 2.0 Ghia, £995, 60,000 miles

Everything that we've said about the Fiesta applies to the Focus. It's a best-seller, there are loads to choose from, you can run one for buttons and there's an unfeasible amount of fun to be had from driving one.

Take your pick from petrol or diesel, hatch, saloon or estate; our pick is a 2.0-litre petrol-powered hatch so there's plenty of go, and our chosen car comes in luxurious Ghia trim so you've got plenty of buttons to press.

BMW 5 Series (E34)

We found: 1991 BMW 520i auto saloon, £995, 104,000 miles

The BMW E34 5 Series is on the cusp of being a classic and it's got everything that it takes to be a bona fide bangernomics candidate. Values are at the bottom of the price curve, it's relatively simple and it's got superb build quality as BMW engineered the E34 to take on the contemporary Mercedes W124 E-Class.

The result is a family saloon or estate that's utterly usable and you can buy a V8 petrol powerplant or alternatively there are petrol or diesel six-cylinder units. There was a four-pot petrol engine too, but why bother when the alternatives are so glorious?

Chevrolet Tacuma

We found: 2007 Chevrolet Tacuma 1.6 SX, £995, 41,000 miles

We would never have recommended this car when new, but when you can pick up a one-owner car with just 41,000 miles on the clock, and all for under a grand, it has to be worth a look. Relative simplicity means decent reliability and with GM parts throughout, the running gear is easily maintained.

Even if you get just two or three years' use out of it who cares that this isn't the most inspiring drive out there?

Honda Jazz

We found: 2002 Honda Jazz 1.4 SE Sport, £995, 96,000 miles

The Jazz may have an OAP image but it's the ideal car for anyone who wants something utterly dependable that's impossibly practical for something so small. These first-generation Jazzes are holding up really well; later cars add tech but they also add depreciation and a higher asking price. Our car has the ideal spec; a manual gearbox and the 1.4-litre engine; a 1.2 was also offered and the bigger engine also came with a CVT which can be unreliable and isn't very good to drive.

Otherwise, check for leaky door seals and failed air-con. Incidentally, the Jazz has a twin-spark engine so there are eight plugs to replace rather than just four.

Audi A2

We found: 2004 Audi A2 1.6 FSi, £999, 97,500 miles

If Audi launched the A2 now, it would still look fresh and modern, even though it was actually launched in 2000. The A2 was meant to revolutionise the city car segment, with its weight-saving aluminium construction. But high prices, indifferent reviews and the fear of costly crash repairs all conspired to steer potential buyers in alternative directions.

Now the A2 is a new-age classic and if you can find one that's been cherished, like the car we picked from the classifieds, you should be laughing. With just two owners, fresh suspension and a new cam belt, a tidy A2 for a grand is a bargain.

Hyundai Terracan

We found: 2004 Hyundai Terracan 2.9 CRTD auto, £1300, 120,000 miles

When it was new the Terracan was outclassed by more costly SUVs that were more refined, less ugly and featured more cutting-edge kit. But some of those alternatives weren't as reliable as the Hyundai and all these years on they're likely to need lots of expensive TLC.

As it is, the Terracan that we plucked from the classifieds has had just two owners and comes with a full service history, so if you're looking for a cheap tow car to pull that horse box or caravan, this Terracan should be just the job.

Kia Cerato

We found: 2006 Kia Cerato 1.6 GS, £995, 85,000 miles

Few cars are as uninspiring as a Kia Cerato, but this is a car launched by a company that was already on the up when it made its debut in 2004. It's not up to the standard of the original Ceed of course, but the Cerato is still as dependable as you'd expect a Kia to be, and there's ample practicality with its five-door hatchback configuration.

The key weak spot can be part-time electrics, so make sure everything works – then prepare yourself for years of hassle-free (and utterly unexciting) motoring.

Kia Sedona

We found: 2005 Kia Sedona 2.9 CRDi SE, £999, 66,000 miles

The original Kia Sedona was an unsophisticated machine, but quite endearing in that it offered a ridiculous amount of car for your cash. That's certainly the case with the car we homed in on; it's claimed to have done just 66,000 miles yet it's up for sale for a quid shy of a grand. With leather trim, air-con, alloy wheels, electric windows and more it's terrific value, although you can expect some stiff fuel and road tax costs.

But it's still something of a bargain when you think that it's easy to spend two or three times as much on one of these, especially if you opt for the second-generation Sedona that was launched in 2006.

Toyota Yaris

We found: 2005 Toyota Yaris 1.3 T Spirit, £999, 80,000 miles

Most Yarises that you can buy for a grand have the 1.0-litre engine, but this one comes with the bigger 1.3-litre unit so there's a bit more go. A top-spec car being sold privately, the car looks seriously tidy with its as-new spoked alloys, new alternator and it comes with both air-con and a sun roof, plus five doors rather than just three. It won't set your trousers on fire, but if cheap motoring is what you want, the Yaris is just the car to provide it.

Mazda 3

We found: 2005 Mazda 3 1.6 TS2, £1000, 62,000 miles

The Mazda 3 has always been rather under-rated, and while the styling of this original incarnation hasn't aged all that well, this is still a car that's great fun to drive and offers ample practicality as it's a five-door hatch. The 1.6-litre engine doesn't feel all that thrusting, but in typical Mazda fashion the gearchange is slick, the steering is decent and the ride is good too.

Creaky front suspension suggests new bushes are needed while frilly wheelarches aren't unusual – so check the fronts and rears for signs of bubbling paint and filler.

Mitsubishi FTO

We found: 1994 Mitsubishi FTO 2.0 V6 GPX, £1000, 103,500 miles

Although the Mitsubishi was introduced in Japan in 1994, it took another six years for official UK imports to begin – just as production was coming to an end. It was never meant to come here at all, but so many cars were being grey imported that Mitsubishi finally realised that it was missing an opportunity. Rare, stylish and reliable, the entry-level car featured a 125bhp 1.8 engine while range toppers got a 200bhp 2.0 V6 unit with variable valve timing.

That's what we've got here, and all for 1000 notes. It's claimed to be rust-free with no issues and with a full service history; look after it and it should go up in value rather than down.

Nissan Note

We found: 2007 Nissan Note 1.6 SE, £1000, 96,000 miles

Combining a cleverly designed interior with discreet good looks, the Nissan Note is inconspicuous but talented, compact yet spacious. The Note is also good to drive and surprisingly versatile, plus it looks smart. Now the earliest cars are getting old, reliability is proving to be a strong point, and with plenty of cherished low-mileage cars available, this ultra-practical Nissan is as appealing as ever. Just check for leaky air-con, tired steering racks and squeaky anti-roll bar bushes.

Suzuki Grand Vitara

We found: 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.0TD, £999, 86,000 miles

Vitara owners tend to be a happy bunch. Those who own Suzukis of this vintage tend not to travel very far and they're rarely in a hurry so you need to be in this mindset before buying one of these semi-classic 4x4s. Vitara owners also don't seem to be too fastidious with their steeds; many are bashed about if not neglected as such.

The car we homed in on had a bashed rear bumper corner but other than that it looked pretty tidy. The diesel engine will be agricultural, but as long as it's been serviced properly it'll be barely run in, so you should be set for years to come as long as you keep any rust at bay.

Toyota Avensis

We found: 2002 Toyota Avensis 1.6 Vermont saloon, £990, 64,000 miles

Taxi drivers love the Avensis because it's one of those cars that's as close to bullet-proof as you can get. Not in an armoured S-Class kinda way of course, but in a way that means as long as you change the oil and filter every so often and maybe slot in the odd consumable here and there periodically, the Toyota will just keep working.

Your friends will rib you mercilessly and fellow drivers may pity you, but you'll have the last laugh because your Avensis will cost you pennies to buy and run and you'll never be a target for thieves, vandals, boy racers or the police.

Vauxhall Omega

We found: 2002 Vauxhall Omega 2.2 GLS estate, £695, 77,000 miles

If scalpel-sharp handling is less of a priority for you than luxurious cruising capabilities, we've got just the car for you. Even better, the Vauxhall Omega that we've found is the ultra-practical estate and while it's got petrol power (the six-cylinder BMW diesel engine that was offered was a peach), the 2.2-litre unit should give a reasonable balance of performance and economy.

The Omega is great value but not quite bullet-proof, so check for worn suspension bushes and temperamental electrics. But nothing should be costly to fix – and if it is you can just throw the car away and move on.

Rover 75

We found: 2004 Rover 75 2.0 CDTi Connoisseur SE estate, £1200, 98,000 miles

There are some who reckon the Rover 75 is the best car ever made by BMC/BL/Austin Rover/MG-Rover. It may have looked retro but the 75 (and its MG ZT cousin) was modern to drive and came with some decent engines. The 2.5 KV6 unit is too thirsty and the 1.8 K-Series engine can be fragile which leaves the 2.0-litre diesel as the pick of the bunch.

We found one of the last 75 estates built, in top-spec Connoisseur SE form, but 75s are available for much less – although if you buy too cheap you're in danger of getting your fingers very badly burned.

Subaru Legacy

We found: 2008 Subaru Legacy 2.0D Sports Tourer, £1200, 115,000 miles

Often the problem with the Subaru Legacy is that the fuel bills and road tax costs will bankrupt you, as most of these cars are powered by thirsty petrol engines. The secret is to buy one powered by Subaru's boxer diesel engine, but they don't hang around for long. Of the 10 Legacys that we found for sale priced under £1500, just one had a diesel powerplant. Priced at £1200, 'our' car's MoT history suggests it's been well looked after so it should last for a few years yet.

Chevrolet Lacetti

We found: 2006 Chevrolet Lacetti 1.6 SX, £1250, 56,000 miles

As Kia and Hyundai moved upmarket it was left to GM offshoot Chevrolet to take up the slack at the bottom end of the market. Cars like the Lacetti – which started out as a Daewoo, or GM Daewoo – were never aspirational but don't hold that against them. The Lacetti estate that we found has had just one previous owner; these cars were popular with private buyers rather than fleet, so they tend to be looked after and come with reasonable kit levels.

Toyota MR2

We found: 2002 Toyota MR2 1.8, £1250, 107,000 miles

Toyota worked its way through three generations of MR2 before giving up on the cheap mid-engined sports car formula. That's a shame because all MR2s offered immense fun for very little investment. MR2 values are at rock bottom right now and while reliability can be very good, if you buy at the bottom of the market you could get your fingers burned so beware.

Until late 2002 the pre-cat in the exhaust manifold could break up and wreck the engine; you can guard against this cheaply but 'our' car is just about late enough to not suffer from this. Watch out for corrosion in the rear subframe too, but if this is okay get buying, get out there and have some fun.

Suzuki Swift

We found: 2008 Suzuki Swift 1.5 GLX, £1250, 69,000 miles

The Suzuki Swift is such a talented supermini and it's so in demand, that you'll be doing well to buy one for under a grand unless it's been to the moon and back. That's why we've stretched our budget a bit; even at this level most of the Swifts for sale have done over 120,000 miles.

While the 1.3-litre engine is a bit breathless, the 1.5-litre unit is usefully more muscular and this car has a full complement of five doors for added practicality. Weak dampers are the key thing to watch for, along with a noisy gearbox suggesting that the bearings are on their way out.

Cadillac BLS

We found: 2009 Cadillac BLS 1.9D Elegance estate, £1499, 129,000 miles

OK, so this one's a bit of a curve ball but it's still worth a punt. Maybe. If you're looking for a family-friendly load lugger and you want to drive something different, this ultra-rare right-hand drive Cadillac used plenty from the GM parts bin so maintenance isn't an issue, and while the 150bhp 1.9-litre diesel engine isn't terribly refined it is dependable. The key thing to check for is faulty EGR valves, but these aren't costly to sort out.