A CAR expert has revealed four of the most cost-effective motors your can buy, including an EV that can do 150 miles for just £10.
Mat Watson, chief content officer for Carwow, urged Brits to get their hands on the cheap and cheerful rides – all of which can be picked up for under £16,000.
These are some of the cheapest cars to run available right now
Dacia Sandero
NewspressDacia Sandero[/caption]
Top Gear fans will likely already be familiar with the Sandero as one of James May’s most beloved cars.
However many might not realise it’s good for much more than being the butt of Clarkson’s jokes.
Available for around £8,000 on average, with even some 2016 models dropping as low as £5,000, the purchase price is very reasonable.
It’s also fabulous for insurance, with Sandero models sitting between groups 2 and 12 (that’s out of 50), making them some of the cheapest cars out there to cover.
And once you get it on the road, it’s “scarily efficient”, with a rating in excess of 50mpg for petrol versions.
Mat said: “Suggesting that you reduce your motoring costs by buying one of the cheapest cars on sale in the UK might seem like low-hanging fruit.
“But the key is not just looking at the purchase price – plenty of models are cheap to buy but expensive to keep going.
“Luckily the Dacia Sandero isn’t one of those.”
Toyota Yaris Hybrid
GettyToyota Yaris Hybrid[/caption]
Described by Mat as “unimpeachably reliable”, there’s a reason Toyota’s hybrid models have found favour with professional high-milers like Uber drivers.
Practical, economical and easy to drive, the Yaris is also greener than a pure petrol motor.
They’re on the lower end of the insurance spectrum, sitting in groups 13 or 14, and can do up to 70mpg with the help of the regneratively-charged power unit.
However, they can range quite significantly in price – a 2012 model might only cost £5,000 but more recent models will set you back closer to £15,000.
Hyundai Ioniq EV
GettyHyundai Ioniq EV[/caption]
Some might be surprised that the Ioniq is the only EV on the list, but the higher purchase prices in the all-electric market can be prohibitive for those seeking a bargain.
That being said, the Ioniq is certainly among the cheaper models out there, with second-hand examples available for around £11,000.
Mat said: “Electric cars can be seriously cheap to run, with zero road tax, minimal maintenance, and super-cheap charging if you plug in at home.
“The Hyundai Ioniq Electric is a great example of an electric car that’s practical enough for a small family, good to drive, and with enough usable battery capacity for most everyday needs.
“Even by the standards of electric cars, the Ioniq is very efficient with its battery pack – you can go for around 150 miles on around £10 worth of electricity, or closer to £4 if you’re topping up using cheap night electricity rates.”
Sadly, that road tax exemption is coming to an end in 2025, and public charging can still be pricey, but for anyone who can manage a home charger, it’s still a top deal.
Eight tips to save hundreds on car insurance
According to SheTalksCars
Buy in advance – 23 to 26 days before you need cover is the sweet spot
Add a named driver – even a learner can knock money off
Try different parking places – a garage isn’t always cheaper
Choose the right job title – make sure they are always accurate
Shop around – comparison websites are your friend
Pick a multi-car policy – share it with others in your household
Add your licence number
Pay annually rather than monthly – save yourself interest payments
Skoda Octavia
SkodaSkoda Octavia[/caption]
The Skoda is actually the most expensive model on the list, clocking in dead-on budget at £16,000.
Despite the higher price range, Mat said: “Skoda has long been a go-to brand for a savvy type of consumer.
“The secret is that, under the skin, Skodas share almost all their mechanicals with more expensive Volkswagens.”
This, he added, means you can effectively pick yourself up a Golf with a little extra legroom for a fraction of the price.
It even has an ice scraper hidden in the fuel filler cap and an umbrella hidden in the front door to help you deal with the joys of British winter
All the engine options are well-liked for their reliability, simplicity and fuel economy.
In terms of insurance, the Octavia ranges from groups 12 to 29, placing it firmly on the cheaper end of the spectrum, if not the most affordable.