![[ Auto Express ]](/front_website/images/ae_website_logo.gif){kind=logo}
Auto Express Car Reviews
Honda HR-V v Skoda Fabia v Porsche 944 v Fiat Multipla v Toyota MR2
Buying On A £6,000 Budget
What's available for £6,000? We explore some of the options
December 2002
Blending the rugged high-riding looks of an off-roader with the on-road manners of a family hatch, Honda's HR-V is a unique proposition and a decent buy for £6,000. It's available in either two or four-wheel drive, but remember that front-drive models are cheaper and also more economical. The HR-V is no mud-plugger, so avoid any that have tackled more than a rough track, although the mechanicals are reliable. If you need added versatility, there is a five-door, but you'll need more cash to get a good one.
Model: 3-door 2wd Year: 1999 T Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl Value: £6,000
Skodia Fabia
Based on Volkswagen's latest Polo, the Fabia enjoys great build quality and a tidy design. Spend £6,000 and the 1.9-litre TDi version is within budget - if you can find a high-mileage model. Expect a 0-60mph time of 11.5 seconds and a 115mph top speed. Fuel economy is excellent, with 57mpg possible for everyday driving. If you don't mind less performance, check out the non-turbocharged SDi diesel, which is cheaper to buy but will be more difficult to resell.
Model: Comfort 5-door Year: 2000 W Engine: 1.9-litre 4cyl TDi Value: £6,000
Porsche 944
While people coo over 911s, owners of the front-engined 944 are smug in the knowledge that their insurance and running costs are lower. There's 220bhp going to the rear wheels, giving enough performance to show a clean pair of heels to many newer sports cars. Central locking was standard from 1987, so make sure it and the alarm and immobiliser work properly, and watch for leaks from the sunroof and tailgate. Ignore examples without power-steering.
Model: S Turbo Year: 1989 G Engine: 2.5-litre 4cyl turbo Value: £6,000
Fiat Multipla
The odd styling puts enough people off to keep prices down, so if you can live with the Fiat's looks it's a bargain. The Multipla features two rows of three seats giving lots of space. While the chairs don't fold flat like those of Vauxhall's Zafira, they can be removed to leave a van-like load capacity. There are two engines - a 1.6-litre petrol and a 1.9 JTD diesel. The oil-burner is a better option, but won't fit into this price range unless the mileage is well above average.
Model: 100 SX Year: 1999 V Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl Value: £6,000
Toyota MR2
This mid-engined head-turner still has a lot going for it. The car holds its value well, but you can buy a 1996 model privately which is within our budget. The MR2 was revised in 1994, with new rear lights and an increase in the GT's power output that saw it rise to a useful 175bhp. The Toyota's weak point is the radiator, which is virtually unprotected from stones. So make sure there is no obvious damage, and check that the car has a full Toyota service history.
Model: GT Year: 1996 N Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl Value: £6,100
Model: 3-door 2wd Year: 1999 T Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl Value: £6,000
Skodia Fabia
Based on Volkswagen's latest Polo, the Fabia enjoys great build quality and a tidy design. Spend £6,000 and the 1.9-litre TDi version is within budget - if you can find a high-mileage model. Expect a 0-60mph time of 11.5 seconds and a 115mph top speed. Fuel economy is excellent, with 57mpg possible for everyday driving. If you don't mind less performance, check out the non-turbocharged SDi diesel, which is cheaper to buy but will be more difficult to resell.
Model: Comfort 5-door Year: 2000 W Engine: 1.9-litre 4cyl TDi Value: £6,000
Porsche 944
While people coo over 911s, owners of the front-engined 944 are smug in the knowledge that their insurance and running costs are lower. There's 220bhp going to the rear wheels, giving enough performance to show a clean pair of heels to many newer sports cars. Central locking was standard from 1987, so make sure it and the alarm and immobiliser work properly, and watch for leaks from the sunroof and tailgate. Ignore examples without power-steering.
Model: S Turbo Year: 1989 G Engine: 2.5-litre 4cyl turbo Value: £6,000
Fiat Multipla
The odd styling puts enough people off to keep prices down, so if you can live with the Fiat's looks it's a bargain. The Multipla features two rows of three seats giving lots of space. While the chairs don't fold flat like those of Vauxhall's Zafira, they can be removed to leave a van-like load capacity. There are two engines - a 1.6-litre petrol and a 1.9 JTD diesel. The oil-burner is a better option, but won't fit into this price range unless the mileage is well above average.
Model: 100 SX Year: 1999 V Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl Value: £6,000
Toyota MR2
This mid-engined head-turner still has a lot going for it. The car holds its value well, but you can buy a 1996 model privately which is within our budget. The MR2 was revised in 1994, with new rear lights and an increase in the GT's power output that saw it rise to a useful 175bhp. The Toyota's weak point is the radiator, which is virtually unprotected from stones. So make sure there is no obvious damage, and check that the car has a full Toyota service history.
Model: GT Year: 1996 N Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl Value: £6,100
Pictures
- Advertisement -
OTHER EXPENSES
Depreciation:0
Compare Market
How much will this Honda HR-V v Skoda Fabia v Porsche 944 v Fiat Multipla v Toyota MR2 cost you to insure?
powered by
Social Bookmarks