A CAR buying expert has urged drivers to pick up a handful of motors that are “fun to drive” and priced at just £3,000 or less.
Matthew Goodwin from High Peak Autos has chosen a number of vehicles he recommends that aren’t just “boring or sensible” and won’t break the bank.
Matthew Goodwin of High Peak Autos is a car-buying guru
In a video posted to his YouTube channel, the car salesman – who offers advice to potential buyers – picks out motors he thinks are “cool or interesting” that will also provide plenty of joy.
Mini Cooper
GettyThe original BMW-made Mini is a cheap, super fun micro-sized motor[/caption]
The new generation BMW-made Mini, that first rolled off production lines in 2001, is the ultimate fun-sized motor that can be bought for a very reasonable price.
The car expert’s recommended model is the 1.6 Cooper, as he says a decent Cooper S is unlikely to be up for sale for £3,000 or less.
However, the 1.6 still looks cool and comes with a plethora of added extras – including leather interior and air conditioning.
Matthew does say that potential buyers should make sure their second-hand Mini’s gearbox “doesn’t whine when it’s in gear or crunch when you’re changing gears”, and to look out for any of the usual warning lights on the dashboard.
He does also say they can be “quite heavy” – although that’s something of a “selling point because they’re really good fun to drive.”
He added: “They’re easy to park and they handle really well.”
Jaguar S-Type
The S-Type is a super luxurious motor to buy for a reasonable price
For buyers looking for something a little more luxurious, few can turn their noses up at the lovely Jaguar S-Type – specifically the diesel model.
Matthew said: “I’m trying to be sensible, so the 2.7 L turbo diesel V6 is quite a good engine in the S-Type – especially if you do plenty of motorway miles.”
“I think they’re an elegant looking car.”
He also hints at the motor boasting good fuel economy, with the S-Type diesel typically averaging around 28 miles-per-gallon around town and “42 or 44 on a motorway run.”
When it comes to looks, the expert said: “I know styling is subjective and not everyone likes that front grill, but I really like it.
“I think they’re an elegant looking car.
“The inside of the S-Type is just a really nice place to be, the seats are really comfortable and you get loads of optional extras.”
Alfa Romeo GT
The ever-stylish Alfa Romeo GT is as fun as it is good looking
The stunning Alfa Romeo GT is a great second-hand motor to pick up that can usually be found in very good condition.
As Matthew said: “They tend to have been owned by enthusiasts who’ve looked after them properly.”
Although rarely seen on UK roads, the sporty coupe was built between 2003 and 2010 and came with air conditioning, side mirror defrosters and cruise control as standard.
Mazda 3
The Mazda 3 is a simply a really good all-rounderHandout
The Mazda 3 is described as a “really good all-rounder, good to drive and looks the part” while also being practical and “quite sensible to run.”
Available in a hatchback or as a saloon, Matthew says that “both look quite cool.”
They also come with loads of optional extras, including Bose Audio and xenon headlights.
In fact, the car expert’s only gripe is that they only come with a five-speed manual and could’ve really done with a sixth gear.
On the maintenace side, Matthew points out that they come with a “chain driven engine” – meaning there’s no belts to replace.
Most expensive second hand cars in 2023
1. Vauxhall Corsa (£1,136 to £2,197, up 93%)
2. Vauxhall Astra (£1,069 to £1,998, up 87%)
3. Renault Megane (£1,043 to £1,882, up 80%)
4. Ford Focus (£1,066 to £1,863, up 75%)
5. Peugeot 307 (£979 to £1,678, up 71%)
6. Ford Mondeo (£1,544 to £2,298, up 49%)
7. Ford Fiesta (£1,171 to £1,707, up 46%)
8. VW Golf (£1,766 to £2,434, up 38%)
Subaru Legacy
The Legacy is seldom seen on the road but it’s a great motor to pick for your garageHandout
The Subaru Legacy is seldom seen on UK roads but is a great all-rounder and, much like the Alfa Romeo GT, tends to have been owned by the same owner “for about 15 years.”
Matthew added: “Once somebody buys a car like this they’ve got no reason to ever get rid of it.”
The Legacy boasts a strong petrol engine and a quality gearbox that, once again, makes it “good fun to drive” and “really interesting”, with a 2007 or 2008 model with under 100,000 miles on the clock usually available for around £3,000.
Matthew claims the petrol iterations are “pretty bulletproof”, with the estate version the most practical to buy.