For a tight budget, I’d look less at the badge and more at the individual car’s history. A well-serviced Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai or Kia with higher mileage can be a much better buy than a lower-mileage car that has been neglected.
For long drives, I’d prioritise comfort, fuel economy and cheap maintenance. A Toyota Auris, Honda Jazz/Civic, Nissan Note, Hyundai i30 or Kia Ceed could all be worth considering, depending on insurance and running costs.
Before buying, it’s also worth checking how easy and affordable common replacement parts are for that model: things like mirrors, lights, alternators, suspension parts and interior trim.
Looking up used car parts online beforehand can give you a realistic idea of future maintenance costs and help you understand whether keeping the car on the road will be affordable in the long term. Choosing quality used parts can also be a more sustainable option, as it extends the life of existing components, reduces waste and lowers the demand for manufacturing new parts.
I’d avoid anything with no service history, warning lights, clutch issues or signs of poor maintenance, even if the price looks tempting.