Want a decent commuter car on a bus pass budget? You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a reliable, fuel efficient car for your daily drive. In fact, we’ve found plenty of commuter cars under £5000 that still deliver great fuel economy and style.
Here’s our round-up of the best cars from the Arnold Clark Value Range to enlist for your commute.
Hatchback hero: Vauxhall Astra
If you’re looking for a serious all-rounder, consider the Astra. Lauded by critics for its superior driving experience, it’s also fantastically frugal. Equipped with the 1.6-litre CDTi ecoFlex engine, expect economy of 85.6 mpg and CO2 levels of 82g/km. Then settle in for a comfortable drive.
As used Astras are often ex-fleet cars, mileage may be motorway miles, meaning that even cars with higher mileages will still have lots of life in them. You can pick one up for under the £5000 mark.
We found: Vauxhall Astra 2011 1.4 Exclusiv 5 dr
Sensible supermini: Ford Fiesta
Looking for a smart-looking supermini? Look no further than everyone’s favourite, the Ford Fiesta, which is as reliable as is it well-reviewed.
This 2013 model will cost just £30 road tax per year due to its 120g/km CO2 emission rating, and delivers a respectable 54.3 mpg. Plus, you get a comfortable ride with some respectable specs, including daytime running lights, manual air conditioning and a leather-trimmed steering wheel for some executive style.
We found: Ford Fiesta 2013 1.25 S82 Zetec 3dr
Have more fun: The Volkswagen up!
If you’re feeling like life is all work and no play, up your commuting game with Volkswagen’s fun baby hatchback. Capable of 62mpg and delivering just 105g/km of C02, you get the great design and efficiency that Volkswagen is known for, without the big price tag.
With a 5-star Euro NCAP rating, DAB radio and air con you’ll feel safe, comfortable and entertained in your commuter cocoon - and your monthly payments won’t put a fork in the road, either.
We found: Volkswagen up! 2014 1.0 Move Up 3dr
City slicker: ŠKODA Citigo
If you’re commuting through city traffic, then you need to get your hands on a Citigo, which is skilled at zipping in and out of traffic without giving you a bumpy ride. There won’t be any surprises for your wallet, either, thanks to its nimble 1.0-litre engine capable of 62mpg.
While 5-door versions tend to go for over £5k, you can pick up a lovely shiny 3-door number for just under that.
We found: ŠKODA Citigo 2015 1.0 MPI SE 3dr
Sport appeal: Mazda 2
If you need a car that’ll get you to work reliably without being dull to drive, then the Mazda 2 is a champ. Automatic climate control and smooth gears make it a comfortable all-rounder, and although it’s relatively small, it can fit three passengers happily in the back if you have to do the school drop-off before work.
Overall, it’s well-built, capable of around 55 mpg and offers a well-balanced drive. In the Value Range, you can find some models with great sporty specs like this one, including sat nav, sports seats and rear spoiler.
We found: Mazda 2012 1.3 Venture Edition 5dr