Buying On A £2,000 Budget

Thanks to massive depreciation, Vauxhall's Omega can be bought relatively cheaply, so our budget gets a well equipped 2.5-litre V6 model. The 168bhp saloon comes with an auto box as standard - manual shift was an option - and while performance and handling are good, the big Vauxhall is most at home on motorways. Town driving will see fuel economy dip to nearly 20mpg. For two grand, what have you got to lose?

BMW 5-Series
The 5-Series has always been a class leader, even as far back as 12 years ago. A tidy 1990 520i still looks the part with handsome styling and classy alloys, and the 150bhp straight-six performs well and delivers a pleasing engine note. The range-topping SE spec ensures air-con, an electric sunroof, anti-lock brakes and a host of extras. Leather-trimmed BMWs are easier to sell, and only buy cars in original condition which haven't been modified in any way.
Model: 520i SE Year: 1990 G/H Engine: 2.0-litre 6-cyl petrol Value: GBP2,000

Nissan Micra
It may appear old in the face of more modern superminis, but the Micra can't be beaten for trouble- free small car motoring. Prices start below this budget, but a little over GBP2,000 should buy a mint-condition N-reg with a 75bhp 1.3-litre engine. You can choose three or five doors, but the added versatility of the extra access will appeal to most buyers. Continuously variable transmission is an option, and be wary of ex-driving school cars, and city scrapes and dents.
Model: Five-door SLX Year: 1995 N Engine: 1.3-litre 4-cyl petrol Value: GBP2,100

Citroen ZX
Less than a decade ago, the French were the kings of diesel power. The ZX Volcane was one of the first cars to mix hot hatch style with an oil-burning engine, and makes a fine budget machine. It's well proportioned, but the interior seems dated now. The 92bhp 1.9-litre turbodiesel engine is not as refined as modern units, yet performance is great as is 50mpg economy. Sharing its platform with Peugeot's 306, the ZX handles well and looks sporty in this trim.
Model: Volcane Year: 1996 N Engine: 1.9-litre 4-cyl turbodiesel Value: GBP2,100

Volkswagen Golf
Few badges have more impact than 'GTI', and sitting on the boot of a VW Golf is where it belongs. Everyone has their favourite version, but the MkII 16v is hard to beat for both style and performance. This incarnation of the 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine produces 139bhp and has more performance than the current model. Go for the 'big bumper' variant - so called because of a beefier body kit - and you'll get a great-looking hot hatch classic for only GBP2,000.
Model: GTI 16v Year: 1991 Engine: 1.8-litre 4-cyl petrol Value: GBP2,000