Hi Guys,

Just a quick question..

My cousin is looking to buy a car with only 600 POUNDS max. He is looking at Honda accords/civics, Audi A4's and Ford Mondeo Mk3. It needs to be a 4 door mid/family size car - solid, reliable and economical car. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks.

It's a minefield at £600! You've really got to look at the condition of these cars and ideally have some with you who knows the models and what to look for. The Audi & Honda would probably be more expensive on parts than the Ford. Also think about running costs: tax, insurance, MPG etc.

Audi 80's go for about that, Audi 100 maybe even the A6 (pre98)

solid cars too

Like with any car check it out properly first

Mondeos would be a good bet too.

If it doesn't need to be a 4 door saloon why not look at Skoda Felicias? You can get the estate model and get a cheap reliable car in the bargain

Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Buy something boring. Avoid lifestyle or sports models. Avoid obscure makes, stick with Ford, Vauxhall, VW etc.

Get newer high mileage in preference to older low mileage.

tedious toyota

Whats an obscure make?

Whats an obscure make?

OK, maybe not the best word. A maker that does not sell many vehicles. Non-mainstream.

I meant go for Toyota rather than Proton or Ford rather than Kia. Mainly because you're more likely to get a good choice.

At that sort of price, buy on condition rather than getting hung up on "I want a whatever". Also note that an unfashionable make (think Proton, Kia, Rover and the like) is likely to get a better condition car for less money than something fashionable like a Vauxhall Corsa, Ford Ka, Audi, BMW.

If you can draft in a mechanic mate to look at the car with you.

thanks guys - anything you can recommend as ultra-reliable (of course with the correct servicing) would be appreciated.

Honda, Toyota, Nissan (since it's pre-Renault), Proton, Kia... - you get the idea?

Any car thats been well looked after no matter the milage will likely to be reliable.

You already have a budget, make a hitlist and get looking but TBH you may need a slightly bigger budget than £600 for some of the cars you're considering!

couldnt agree more on the 'unfasionable' cars, the less desirable the car the cheaper youll get it