Economical cars for less than £3k

What is it?   

The Fiat Panda is one of the firm favourites for anyone on the lookout for a small and low-cost car. Not only is this model capable of achieving 65mpg, according to the Italian maker, but insurance costs and tax prices are also very low. It’s great fun to drive around town, but can also hold its own on motorways.

Vital statistics

Rating: Four stars

Price (used): £2,950

Fuel economy: 65mpg

Road tax cost: £30

What is it?   

This Skoda Fabia was the beginning of the Czech company cementing its reputation as a solid and reliable car maker. It’s well-equipped and is roomier than the equivalent Volkswagen Polo, and likely to be cheaper too. The 1.4-litre diesel engine is slow and can feel a little agricultural, but what you lose in performance you make up in low running costs.

Vital statistics

Rating: Three and a half stars

Price (used): £2,995

Fuel economy: 61mpg

Road tax cost: £95

What is it?  

At almost ten years old, this version of the Citroen C3 is starting to show its age a little. The French maker’s alternative to the likes of the Peugeot 207 and Vauxhall Corsa is let down by the poor quality interior and cheap looking plastics. However, it makes a lot of sense as a used buy because of its low purchase price and excellent economy.

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Rating: Three and a half stars

Price (used): £2,941

Fuel economy: 61mpg

Road tax cost: £20

What is it?  

Fun to drive with low running costs, the Renault Clio is the ideal first car. The diesel engines are surprisingly good and economical. Pre-2001 models did feel a little poor quality, particularly the interior, but a facelift after this year improved things. Like the C3, the Clio lost its value quickly, making it a cheap used buy.

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Rating: Three stars

Price (used): £2,491

Fuel economy: 65mpg

Road tax cost: £30

What is it?  

The Vauxhall Corsa is the perfect car for anyone after a low-cost and easy-to-drive car. It also comes well equipped for little money. Due to the popularity there are also plenty of different engine choices and trims available. It does lose out to many of its rival for things like space and handling, though.

Vital statistics

Rating: Three stars

Price (used): £2,595

Fuel economy: 64mpg

Road tax cost: £95

What is it?  

When it was launched back in 2003, this version of the Nissan Micra set the bar high for other small cars. The looks might not be everyone's cup of tea but it is well equipped – some models even come with keyless entry - and cheap to run. The light steering makes inner-city driving and parking incredibly easy while its reliability record is enviable.

Vital statistics

Rating: Four stars

Price (used): £2,695

Fuel economy: 61mpg

Road tax cost: £95

What is it?  

This is a bit of a rarer find than the rest of the cars in the list, mainly because the Yaris holds on to its value so well. It’s well built and robust, while the low running costs couple with its excellent reliability make it a great used buy. You may struggle to find the exact car you’re after, but it’s worth waiting around for a diesel model.

Vital statistics

Rating: Four stars

Price (used): £2,695

Fuel economy: 64mpg

Road tax cost: £30