If you have a cheap reliable car what is it?

[LoveKingGary]

We are in need of a second car and looking for a fairly cheap runaround. We do have 3 children so it can't be miniscule but our main car is quite big so happy for a much smaller one.

Looking for something economical to run. What do you drive and is it economical?

I'd been thinking something about 2017 or newer but don't have a fixed idea. Budget around £10k? Not sure. Less if possible..!

Dacia Sandero. Basically a Renault, but much cheaper. Bought mine brand new, and took out an extended warranty - still cheaper than a 2nd hand car.

Toyota

I have a Skoda Citigo for my sons to drive, and I use it occasionally too. It was cheap, is reliable and drives really well. The mechanic who services it is so impressed, that he's getting one as his second car, too.

Skoda Fabia

Thanks, I'll take a look.

I've seen a few of those Dacias in the wild but don't know anyone with one to get a report from.

I'm kind of torn between buying a cheap brand and hoping for the best and buying a more solid brand like VW but it will be much older/more miles for the same money.

Haves had two Mazda 3s in the last 15 years. Solid, dependable, nothing gone wrong. Did school run for years and 2-300 mile motorway trips zooming along, all good.

Kia Rio

Hyundi i20..great car

I drive a Nissan Note. Bought new in 2015, it doesn't have a lot of power, but it's no trouble and cheap to run. Comfortable and plenty of boot space too. Got it from Orange Wheels for 9k all in.

Hyundai i0. Would seat 4 and v economical

Dacia Duster - a great car and very reliable. Had ours eight years now from new.

Hyundai i30. Love it

Peugeot 3008...
not big for an estate but it was like a tardis and amazing reliable... could get kids, camping gear, dog. We've had 'better' cars but for fuel economy and daily use our diesel pug was fantastic!

Or much smaller but absolutely fab... I am running a Fiat Panda 4x4 (so small but mighty) and I will use it until it actually falls apart. fine for you plus kids!

Ford fiesta

I swear by Ford Fiestas but possibly too small for you? But I’ve had 3 and they’ve always been affordable to run, go for miles and miles and don’t really conk. Any bits that do go wrong are cheap to fix.

X post @Needadviceagain !

These are all great ideas, thanks!

I might try to venture to a forecourt and have a wee look at some cars in the flesh. Just need to brave the salespeople... 😄

My very first car was a Ford Fiesta 20 years ago! I loved it SO much.

Not me but my mum's fiat Punto is a great car.

Ford Fiesta. Cheap to repair and because there are a lot around, reasonably cheap to buy. I've just checked and my current one 2015, and I paid £7,000 for it 2nd hand 2 1/2 years ago, so a newer model should easily fit within your budget.

Had a dacia logan ( sandero estate) 8 years since new. Skoda fabia now 17 years old since new.

Vauxhall Corsa. Mine is 14 years old, runs really well, and rarely needs any work doing on it. Very economical too

I am on my 2nd Dacia Sandero I have been really happy with them. Just got my 2nd brand new and it has just enough gadgets.
I commute a 50 mile round trip every day and cannot believe how economical it is.

I have a Dacia Sandero Stepway. It's our only car and we have 3 kids. We don't need to use a car much as we live in a big city but we've been on holiday twice this summer and because it's got roof rails we've been able to use a roofbox. I love it. Bought it almost brand new 2 years ago. It's got parking sensors and sat nav, cheap to run and never broken down 👍

I have 3 older kids (14,13 and 11) and whilst my fiesta is maybe not the most spacious and relaxing on a long journey having all of them in the back, it's not the worst! If they are car seat age, that may be a problem though. Mine is a 14 plate and has only once needed work done to pass it's mot. Even then, it was some random issue with a light that was cheap to fix. As @shadowpuppets said, parts like brakes etc are pretty cheap and easy for garages to get hold of. Cheap insurance too. Love my little fiesta.