Looking for your first car? Chances are your budget isn't very large. That's why we went in search of affordable and fuel-efficient used cars for you. We came up with the following seven.
Suzuki Swift 1.0 Eco
In 2002, this version of the Suzuki Swift cost just under €8,000. Today you can buy a second-hand example for an average of €1,750. That gets you a relatively old car, but with a fuel economy of 1:18, it is a very economical one. Just don't expect too much in terms of performance.
Suzuki Alto 1.1 GL
For the same money, you can also get a Suzuki Alto (2002-2004). This car is slightly less fuel-efficient, but thanks to its greater power and lower weight, it performs better than the Swift. Tip: try to get hold of the newest example you can find.
Volkswagen Lupo 1.4 FSI
A good deal more spirited than the Suzukis, but no less fuel-efficient thanks to its technology, is the Volkswagen Lupo 1.4 FSI. You will pay a bit more for this reliable German from 2003, namely around €2,750. An ideal little car for someone looking for a fuel-efficient vehicle that still performs well.
Toyota Yaris 1.0 VVTi
For around €3,000 you can get a Toyota Yaris 1.0 VVTi from 2002 or 2003. This Yaris is not as spirited as the Lupo, but has enough horsepower to hold its own comfortably in modern traffic.
Peugeot 107 XS 1.0
This lively Peugeot 107 (2005-2008) received a facelift in 2008 and 2012, but you can barely tell this first generation apart from the later ones. For €2,750 you can already own a second-hand example of this nippy three-cylinder, which has a fuel economy of just over 1:18.
As it happens, we currently have a beautiful example beautiful example from 2006 in our used car stock. This car guarantees at least another 40,000 km of worry-free driving!
Opel Astra 1.2 Eco
Are the models above a bit too small for you? For around €1,750 you can already get more car. Namely the Opel Astra 1.2 Eco (2001-2002). An affordable and fuel-efficient family car with a fuel economy of just over 1 in 15.
Volkswagen Golf 1.4
Have a little more to spend? This fourth-generation Golf was produced between 1997 and 2003. For around €2,500 to €3,000 you can pick up a relatively recent example. Fuel consumption? Around 1 in 14. Not hugely economical compared to modern family cars, but bear in mind that this is a car that was produced before the turn of the millennium.
NB We looked exclusively at petrol cars with an average price of under €3,000.
