Top five £2,000 commuter cars

What is it?   

Often overshadowed by the more recognised competition like the Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series, the S40 is comfortable, refined and very safe. As a used buy it’s a classier alternative to the Vauxhall Vectra or Renault Laguna. Later diesel models are the better choices, with earlier versions feeling rather agricultural, but they should still provide decent economy. We found a 2003 1.9D S model for £1,985. For your cash you get air con, leather, alloy wheels and a CD player.

Vital statistics

Rating: Three stars

Price (used): £1,995

Power: 115bhp

0-60mph: 10.2s

Fuel economy: 52mpg

Road tax cost: £130

What is it?   

The C5 was never a good choice as a new buy, as it lost too much of its value too quickly. It’s a different matter as a used choice, however. We spotted a 2004 2.0-litre HDi LX, with 76,000 miles on the clock, for sale at a dealer for £1,999. For that you get a car with masses of space and a high standard of comfort. It’s hardly the most exciting or engaging car to drive, but for relaxed long distance journeys you’ll struggle to better it for the money.

Vital statistics

Rating: Three stars

Price (used): £1,995

Power: 110bhp

0-60mph: 10.9s

Fuel economy: 50mpg

Road tax cost: £130

What is it?   

The Octavia is the model that set Skoda on its way to becoming the more respected carmaker it is today. There’s a good amount of space on offer and it’s well equipped. Thanks to VW input, it’s a reliable workhorse that should keep going for years on end. We found a 2002, 1.9-litre TDi Elegance, model with 175,000 miles on the clock, for £1,995. You'll ideally want to haggle the price down a little, or find a lower-mileage example, but it should have some good life left in it yet. The diesel may be a little noisy, but it's the best for high mileage drivers.

Vital statistics

Rating: Three and a half stars

Price (used): £1,879

Power: 110bhp

0-60mph: 10.8s

Fuel economy: 53mpg

Road tax cost: £130

What is it?   

The second generation of Ford’s family hatchback quickly became a class-leader. Not only is it comfortable and spacious, but it's also an engaging car to drive. This 2.0-litre diesel engine is very good, and a major improvement over the old 1.8-litre version. For less than £2,000 we found a 2.0-litre TDCi Zetec model, on a 54-plate. Thanks to heavy depreciation, there are plenty of these models available at an affordable price.

Vital statistics

Rating: Four stars

Price (used): £1,995

Power: 113bhp

0-60mph: 10.5s

Fuel economy: 50mpg

Road tax cost: £130

What is it?   

It’s hardly the most exciting car around. What it lacks in fun and engagement, however, the Corolla makes up for by being dependable and reliable. You can get a 2003 2.0-lite D-4D T Spirit model, with 100,000 miles on the clock, for £1,999. It will cruise along quite happily on the motorway and should make your journey fairly relaxed, although the 2.0-litre diesel engine is louder than some of its rivals of the same age. You should also be able to get around 49mpg on your longer trips.

Vital statistics

Rating: Four stars

Price (used): £1,999

Power: 114bhp

0-60mph: 10.3s

Fuel economy: 49mpg

Road tax cost: £165