Cheap and cheerful

Name Anita Ganguly
Age 23
Drives Nothing, yet
Budget 7000
Wants 'Something small that's cheap! It's my first car, so a low insurance group is obviously the priority, but fuel economy is also important.

My dad will want to use it, too.'

What Car? recommends
If, like Anita, you want our help to find your ideal car, just e-mail recommends@whatcar.com with:
• A photo of yourself
• Your budget
• Your current car
• Your age
• Your annual mileage
• Other useful info

Toyota Aygo 1.0 VVT-i 3dr
Price 7484
Target Price 7049

If Anita haggles hard, she should be able to pick up this entry-level Aygo for 7000. It doesn't come with much in the way of equipment, but is cheap to insure and should return a whopping 62mpg. 

Volkswagen Fox 1.2 Urban, '09/09
Price 6600

The VW badge means the Fox will hang on to its value well. It's also good to drive, but the 1.2-litre petrol engine is noisy and you don't get much equipment as standard. 

Fiat 500 1.2 Pop, '08/57
Price 7000

Underneath it's much the same as a Fiat Panda but, let's face it, the 500 looks a lot sexier. Early 500s are creeping below the 7k mark, and this entry-level version sits in insurance group two.