Latest news with #FordKA
Scottish Sun
30-07-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
I'm a motors expert - here are the best used cars you can get under £2,000 which WON'T guzzle your fuel
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MOTORS expert has revealed a list of the best cars you can buy for under £2,000 that won't guzzle all your fuel. JB, from CarswithJB on YouTube, posted a video running down a range of cheap and cheerful rides that you can enjoy on a budget. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 11 A YouTuber ran down a top ten list of cheap and cheerful cars As the cost of living crisis bites and petrol prices soar with inflation, JB's advice couldn't come at a better time. Renault Clio 11 The Renault Clio will do 0=60 in 10.6 seconds Credit: Getty First up, he recommended the much-loved family classic Renault Clio. The 1.2-litre inline-four is not as thirsty as many other hatchbacks, while it can still get you where you need to go with a 0-60 time of 10.6 seconds. JB said: "It's the joint-quickest car on the list but, despite that, it will still manage 51 miles per gallon (mpg) and costs £135 per year in road tax. "This is the perfect first car, but it can substitute as a family hatch instead, given it's not too small in size." Within the budget, drivers should target the third-generation models, starting at around £1,800 online. Skoda Citigo 11 JB said the Skoda is best used as a city car A slightly smaller engine powers the Citigo, with a titchy 1-litre inline-three putting out a 0-60 time of 13.9 seconds. It's more expensive on the tax side, too, with an annual bill of £165, but is more economical than the previous options, at 55mpg. JB said: "It's not my cup of tea due to how small it is, and I'd maybe only recommend it as a city car that's focussed on short journeys. "But I do like how basic it is, with all the amenities you need as a driver, nothing more, nothing less." It is also more expensive at purchase, with basic models sneaking in just under the £2,000 cap online. Ford KA 11 The Ford has been known to suffer from some engine issues Credit: Handout Back to the inline-fours, the Ford is still a touch sluggish, reaching 60mph in 13 seconds. However, in terms of running costs, it's a steal, with a tax bill of just £30 and a 57 mpg economy rate. JB said that the model's shared development with the Fiat 500 led to common issues, including engine problems and corrosion. Meanwhile, initial purchase costs are high, with a starting price right on the £2,000 line. Kia Picanto 11 The Picanto is the slowest car on the list Credit: supplied The slowest car on the list, with a 0-60 of just 14.6 seconds. However, again it is just £30 for the tax and its economy is a generous 58mpg. It was initially marketed by rallying legend Marcus Granholm but JB said it drives more like a city car. Basic models are available for around £1,000, with plenty of options under £2,000. Suzuki Alto 11 It was pipped to the top spot by its sister car, the Alto Credit: Autotrader A sister car of the Pixo, sharing the same frame and drivetrain, the Suzuki just edges it out as it's 0.5 of a second quicker, with the same excellent economy. JB revealed that it was originally designed for the Indian market but came over to Europe shortly after. It was even built in response to rising prices after the 2008 financial crisis, making it ideal for today's tough times. The Alto is available online for around £1,900 but is a bargain considering its affordability in terms of running costs. Sun Motors: Buy your next vehicle today If you're part of the 3.3 million Brits looking to buy a used vehicle this year, Sun Motors is an ideal place to start *If you click on a link in this boxout we will earn affiliate revenue Sun Motors is a seamless, straightforward, transparent platform that ranks by customer searches, not payments. It offers innovative financing and concierge services, ensuring a simple, fair car-buying experience. Enjoy: A choice of fuel type whether it's petrol, diesel, electric or hybrid A range of models from convertible, estate, saloon and many more A range of top brands such as Ford, Volkswagen, Toyota and BMW Financing options Trusted dealers Get started finding your next used vehicle here. Fiat Grande Punto 11 The Punto has struggled with its safety rating over the years Credit: Handout With a similar engine to the Renault, the Fiat is a few seconds off the pace, but slightly more economical at 52 mpg. It is also identical in its road tax expense so is still good value all round. JB added: "One strange fact about these is that, on release, they had the highest level of safety when they were retested in 2012, they go zero stars." He suggested this was likely due to a lack of updates on the safety features between the car's 2005 debut and its retest seven years on. The Grande Punto is available for around £1,500, while high-mileage but more recent examples clock in at £2,000. However, JB warned that issues with "build quality" could lead to some dangerous flaws, including steering failure. Mini Hatch 11 The Mini Hatch brings its unique British heritage to the table Credit: Getty The Mini Hatch ties the Clio for pace and comes with its unique British heritage. Earlier models can be found online for as little as £1,000, though these are likely to be high-mileage. JB explained: "It's quoted as doing 53 mpg...I can attest to them being very solid little cars. "The only negative is them being four-seaters, rather than five, so slightly less practical. "But, I would consider it to be amongst the nicest of the cars on the list and if you find a first example it's even more economical." Peugeot 107 11 The 107 uses a Toyota engine despite its Peugeot badge Credit: Handout JB perhaps summed this model up best when he said: "I had to bring back the Peugeot 107 into this vide, given how incredible the running costs really are." And incredible they are, costing only £20 in tax and doing a whopping 61mpg. He added that the Toyota engine under the Peugeot shell is "renowned for its reliability", but did cite issues around boot space and water leakage. Still for just £1,000 at the bottom end, many will consider this a great deal. Hyundai I10 11 The Hyundai costs just £20 in road tax Back on the quicker side, with a 0-60 of 11.8 seconds, the Hyundai, like the Peugeot, is £20 for the year's worth of tax and manages 61 mpg. JB said: "This is the sister car to the Kia Picanto we mentioned before. "Though they are very cheap feeling, they are the definition of cheap and cheerful." Although, they do start at the limit of £2,000 so are on the more expensive end of the list. Nissan Pixo 11 The Pixo famously appeared on Top Gear Credit: Nick's Picks Hatchbacks The Pixo is another slower option, but manages a list-topping 65mpg and still only costs £20 in road tax. JB said: "What made the Pixo famous for me was its appearance on Top Gear." They clock in at a minimum of £1,500, with 2010 models at £2,000.
Scottish Sun
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Top 5 Best used cars for new drivers from a used motors expert
FIRST WHEELS Top 5 Best used cars for new drivers from a used motors expert JUST passed your driving test? It's time to get a car. We all know buying your first used car can be nerve-wracking, especially if you're doing it on your own. Advertisement 6 Don't worry! At Sun Motors, we're going to take you through our selection of some of the best-used cars for first-time drivers. When comparing the best used first cars, we've weighed up a range of factors, including safety and security, insurance, running costs and repairs. The models here are tried and trusted and should perform well as safe, secure and reliable runarounds. You want to hit the road, so let's start with finding five fantastic car deals for new drivers. Advertisement Top 5 best used cars for new drivers Here are 5 tried and tested cars that are ideal for first-time buyers. We've selected small cars with solid engines and engineering. They may not be the fastest or most attractive motors, but they're a great place to start on your car owning career. Cheapest to insure: Ford KA 6 MODEL: Ford KA Advertisement Insurance for new drivers is, quite frankly, bonkers – but not if you buy a Ford Ka. This popular city car is in the lowest insurance group (group 1-10, says Parkers), which means it's the lowest risk. Low risk = low premium. It's cheap to insure, but is it any good? Absolutely! The reliable, affordable and quirky Ford Ka is a great first car. It's economical to run, and the no-frills exterior and interior are perfect as you're highly likely to add a few dents, scratches and damage yourself. You can pick up a good quality 10-year-old Ford Ka for around £5k. Advertisement Dull but functional: Skoda Fabia 6 The Skoda brand name has been revitalised since its VW ownership, with the brand now known for dull but functional cars that last. The Skoda Fabia is a basic motor that's also in a low insurance group, meaning it's cheap to insure. Driving is more fun than you'd imagine, with a strong and solid engine and a leisurely ride. Advertisement We recommend new drivers go for third-generation models (2014-2021) with the 1.0 litre engine if possible. Prices for a bog-standard, 10-year old Skoda Fabia are around £3.5k and rising to £23,000 for a nearly new model. German precision: VW Polo 6 OK, so the older (2014-21) VW Polos and the Skoda Fabias share a common platform (PQ26) which makes them similar, but they're not identical twins. Advertisement The Polo is a bit more refined, with better handling and a finer finish. The driving experience is similar to a Fabia, with reviewers loving the 2009-17 version, praising its comfortable ride and classy looks. You might expect to pay a premium, but you can pick up a 2015 VW Polo for £3,500. Tiny tearaway: Fiat 500 6 Advertisement When it was launched, the Fiat 500 blew us all away. The micro-car is a 60s-inspired piece of design that's as evocative as the Italian job. Slide inside (if you can fit) and it's a surprisingly good drive. The short wheelbase and small overall size make it feel fast on the road. There's not much luggage space and carrying passengers will be a problem, but it's an ideal first car for urban motorists on a budget. Its popularity keeps prices down. Basic models of the Fiat 500 can be picked up for a little over £3,000. Small price and perfect for small driers. Advertisement Money-no-object: Mini 6 Who doesn't want a Mini? The BMW reboot of the Mini has created a brand new icon, and we love it. The 'modern' MINI is every bit as popular as the previous version, with almost 3000 for sale today on Sun Motors. When the car looks this good, who cares what it drives like? (Take our word for it, it's a fantastic car to drive and own.) Advertisement There are so many models to choose from, you could get lost for a long time. We recommend first-time drivers go for an older model, like this 2015 MINI Hatch 1.5 Cooper for a few litres of fuel under £5,000. MINIs will wrack up a lot of miles, so don't be put off by a model that's done over 100k. Instead, check the MOT history and service history, that's a better indication of how a car has been cared for and will perform. What is the best car for a new driver? Personally, I'd go for a Dacia Sandero - because that's what I drive. But I'm old. Advertisement If I were a first time car buyer, I'd try and find the perfect middle ground. That's going to be a great looking car that's fun to drive but cheap to insure and fill up. My personal choice for the best used car for a first time buyer would be the Skoda Fabia. If you can, take one out for a drive. It's surprisingly spacious, stylish to look at and well built. Go for one with low-mileage and a full service history. Why Sun Motors makes first-time buying easy Sun Motors makes buying a new car easy. The AI feature and sophisticated search function enable anyone to find the right car for them at the right price. Advertisement When buying from Sun Motors, you're dealing with dealers you can trust. All cars for sale have been checked over, with any faults or problems fixed. Dealers will also offer a warranty, giving you peace of mind for thousands of miles. Why would you buy from anywhere else? New driver car buying FAQs Car finance for new drivers: Can I get a used car on finance if I'm a first-time driver? Of course first time drivers can access finance – but only if you're over 18. Advertisement If you are, the amount you can borrow and the terms (including interest rate) will depend on your individual circumstances, including income, outgoings and credit history. Sun Motors makes it simple to check eligibility and affordability of finance. Our advice is to always read the small print and make sure you can manage all motoring costs, including car repayments, insurance, tax and (of course) fuel! How much is insurance for a new driver? New drivers can expect to pay £1500 or more for insurance, say finance experts Moneyshake. Advertisement The exact cost of car insurance depends on a huge range of factors, including your age and location, driving history, car make, model, age and value. Before buying a car, you can use comparison sites to compare insurance prices. Don't ever buy a car without knowing how much it'll cost to insure, or you could face a nasty surprise. What size engine can a new driver drive uk? If you've passed your test, you can drive anything you want – as long as you can afford to insure it. Our advice is to start with a small and safe car, then work your way up. Stats about new driver accidents are scary, so be safe and get a smaller car. Advertisement What to look for when buying a used car for the first time Check out our guide on what to look out for when buying a used car here. Safety – Always buy a car from a trusted dealer. Check out old MOTs and ask the seller if the car has been written off and returned to the road. Walk away if a dealer won't share this information. – Always buy a car from a trusted dealer. Check out old MOTs and ask the seller if the car has been written off and returned to the road. Walk away if a dealer won't share this information. Reliability – Being stranded by the roadside is no fun, so ensure the car has a full service history and all essential work has been done. – Being stranded by the roadside is no fun, so ensure the car has a full service history and all essential work has been done. Economy – Smaller cars use less fuel, so start small. – Smaller cars use less fuel, so start small. Size – Don't get a big car. New drivers are much more likely to get into accidents. – Don't get a big car. New drivers are much more likely to get into accidents. Cost of ownership – Consider the purchase price of the car and all running costs. Make a budget before buying a car. Are used cars as safe as new cars? Yes, used cars are as safe as new cars. Always check the MOT record and service history and, if possible, buy from a dealer. This will ensure your new used car is in the best condition it can be. Buying a used car? Check out Sun Motors and find your next vehicle today. Whether you're looking for automatic, manual or electric, use Sun Motors to decide on your next model.
The Irish Sun
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Top 5 Best used cars for new drivers from a used motors expert
JUST passed your driving test? It's time to get a car. We all know buying your first used car can be nerve-wracking, especially if you're doing it on your own. Advertisement 6 Don't worry! At When comparing the best used first cars, we've weighed up a range of factors, including safety and security, insurance, running costs and repairs. The models here are tried and trusted and should perform well as safe, secure and reliable runarounds. You want to hit the road, so let's start with finding five fantastic car deals for new drivers. Advertisement READ MORE USED CARS Top 5 best used cars for new drivers Here are 5 tried and tested cars that are ideal for first-time buyers. We've selected small cars with solid engines and engineering. They may not be the fastest or most attractive motors, but they're a great place to start on your car owning career. Cheapest to insure: Ford KA 6 MODEL: Ford KA Advertisement Most read in Buy Insurance for new drivers is, quite frankly, bonkers – but not if you buy a It's cheap to insure, but is it any good? Absolutely! The reliable, affordable and quirky Ford Ka is a great first car. It's economical to run, and the no-frills exterior and interior are perfect as you're highly likely to add a few dents, scratches and damage yourself. You can pick up a good quality 10-year-old Ford Ka for around £5k. Advertisement Dull but functional: Skoda Fabia 6 The The Driving is more fun than you'd imagine, with a strong and solid engine and a leisurely ride. Advertisement We recommend new drivers go for third-generation models (2014-2021) with the 1.0 litre engine if possible. Prices for a bog-standard, 10-year old Skoda Fabia are around £3.5k and rising to £23,000 for a nearly new model. German precision: VW Polo 6 OK, so the older (2014-21) Advertisement The Polo is a bit more refined, with better handling and a finer finish. The driving experience is similar to a Fabia, with You might expect to pay a premium, but you can pick up a 2015 VW Polo for £3,500. Tiny tearaway: Fiat 500 6 Advertisement When it was launched, the The short wheelbase and small overall size make it feel fast on the road. There's not much luggage space and carrying passengers will be a problem, but it's an ideal first car for urban motorists on a budget. Its popularity keeps prices down. Basic models of the Advertisement Money-no-object: Mini 6 Who doesn't want a The 'modern' MINI is every bit as popular as the previous version, with almost 3000 for sale today on When the car looks this good, who cares what it drives like? (Take our word for it, it's a fantastic car to drive and own.) Advertisement There are so many models to choose from, you could get lost for a long time. We recommend first-time drivers go for an older model, like this MINIs will wrack up a lot of miles, so don't be put off by a model that's done over 100k. Instead, check the MOT history and service history, that's a better indication of how a car has been cared for and will perform. What is the best car for a new driver? Personally, I'd go for a Dacia Sandero - because that's what I drive. But I'm old. Advertisement If I were a first time car buyer, I'd try and find the perfect middle ground. That's going to be a great looking car that's fun to drive but cheap to insure and fill up. My personal choice for the best used car for a first time buyer would be the Skoda Fabia. If you can, take one out for a drive. It's surprisingly spacious, stylish to look at and well built. Go for one with low-mileage and a full service history. Why Sun Motors makes first-time buying easy Advertisement When buying from Dealers will also offer a warranty, giving you peace of mind for thousands of miles. Why would you buy from anywhere else? New driver car buying FAQs Car finance for new drivers: Can I get a used car on finance if I'm a first-time driver? Of course first time drivers can access finance – but only if you're over 18. Advertisement If you are, the amount you can borrow and the terms (including interest rate) will depend on your individual circumstances, including income, outgoings and credit history. Our advice is to always read the small print and make sure you can manage all motoring costs, including car repayments, insurance, tax and (of course) fuel! How much is insurance for a new driver? New drivers can expect to pay £1500 or more for insurance, say finance experts Advertisement The exact cost of car insurance depends on a huge range of factors, including your age and location, driving history, car make, model, age and value. Before buying a car, you can use comparison sites to compare insurance prices. Don't ever buy a car without knowing how much it'll cost to insure, or you could face a nasty surprise. What size engine can a new driver drive uk? If you've passed your test, you can drive anything you want – as long as you can afford to insure it. Our advice is to start with a small and safe car, then work your way up. Stats about new driver accidents are scary, so be safe and get a smaller car. Advertisement What to look for when buying a used car for the first time Check out our guide on Safety – Always buy a car from a trusted dealer. Check out old MOTs and ask the seller if the car has been written off and returned to the road. Walk away if a dealer won't share this information. Reliability – Being stranded by the roadside is no fun, so ensure the car has a full service history and all essential work has been done. Economy – Smaller cars use less fuel, so start small. Size – Don't get a big car. New drivers are much more likely to get into accidents. Cost of ownership – Consider the purchase price of the car and all running costs. Make a budget before buying a car. Read more on the Irish Sun Are used cars as safe as new cars? Yes, used cars are as safe as new cars. Always check the MOT record and service history and, if possible, buy from a dealer. This will ensure your new used car is in the best condition it can be. Buying a used car? Check out
Daily Mirror
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Full list of 10 cheapest cars to insure in 2025
Car insurance can be costly and often depends on the make and model of the vehicle Many new drivers - or even those still learning - forget to consider car insurance when they're thinking about getting a new car. However, car insurance can be costly, with a number of different factors being taken into account. Insurance premiums can vary widely, as factors such as age, driving history, and safety features, are taken into consideration when it comes to insuring different makes and models. According to MoneySuperMarket, in the UK, cars are categorised into one of 50 insurance groups. Group 1 is the lowest risk and cheapest to insure and Group 50 - the fastest and flashiest cars - the highest risk and most expensive to cover. However, factors like age play a big role in how much you pay for car insurance. This means that the cheapest cars to insure for new drivers differs from what is generally cheaper for everyone. Among the many factors taken into account when calculating premiums are the model of car, the driver's details and claims history. Also considered are the car make and model, car modifications, and annual mileage. The driver's occupation and age are also factored into the decision. MoneySuperMarket has created a list of the cheapest cars to insure, in order to give drivers an idea of the types of cars that are generally less expensive. Cheapest cars to insure for 2025 Mini Cooper (184) - average annual premium £279 Porsche Boxster S - average annual premium £282 Mini Cooper (122) - average annual premium £294 Porsche Boxster - average annual premium £295 Ford KA - average annual premium £299 Jaguar X-Type SE DCI - average annual premium £309 Audi TT Quattro (225) Coupe - average annual premium £310 Mercedes-Benz SLK 200K (163) Convertible - average annual premium £312 Mazda MX-5 Cabriolet - average annual premium £314 Ford Fiesta - average annual premium £318
BBC News
07-04-2025
- BBC News
Mobility scooter rider, 105, dies in crash in Uckfield
A 105-year-old man died when his mobility scooter was involved in a crash in man had been crossing the B2102 Bell Farm Road, east of the junction with Brookside, when he was struck by a blue Ford KA being driven by an 87-year-old woman, Sussex Police force said the man, from Uckfield, was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision, which happened at about 13:45 BST on Saturday. A section of the road was closed while emergency services worked at the scene. The Ford driver was uninjured, and officers said they have launched an investigation into the deceased man's next of kin have been informed.
