Motorists with under £1,000 to spend on a used car should choose the Toyota Aygo, according to an expert, with reliability the key reason.
There are many models available for under £1k, including the Ford Fiesta and Honda Jazz. But for a tight budget, the first-generation Toyota Aygo stands out because of its durability.
Reliability and warranty
Spending so little on a secondhand car comes with risks, so drivers want some protection. The Aygo frequently scores near the very top of major reliability studies, with models described as practically bulletproof.
The Aygo is fitted with a steel timing chain designed to last the life of the engine, a boost over rubber timing belts fitted to competitors. An Aygo under 10 years old or with less than 100,000 miles on the clock is likely to still be under warranty.
Toyota's engine routinely crosses 150,000 miles without issue, and replacement parts are among the cheapest on the market.
Running costs and practicality
For under £1,000, motorists are likely to secure an older first-generation (Mk1) Aygo, built between 2005 and around 2012. The Aygo usually sits in Insurance Group 1 or 2, and early pre-2014 models are generally low-emission and can be taxed for as little as £20.
The early models have a fuel efficiency of 60 miles per gallon, boosted to 65 miles per gallon for post-2014 cars. The car's small size helps in cities, with the Aygo able to squeeze into tight spaces, though it may not be the best car for families.
Older Aygos have a boot space of just 139 litres, with newer models slightly bigger at 168 litres. The model is unlikely to win over petrolheads, hitting 0-62mph in 14.2 seconds with a top speed of 99mph.
At this price point, the car does everything it needs to, making it a perfect first car and ideal for a city runaround.
