What's the best starter car for €3,000?

I'm looking to buy my first car and have around €3,000 to spend. I would estimate that I would travel about 12,000 miles a year. Would you be able to give me any advice on what car to buy, taking into account things like insurance (I'm 22), running costs etc? Any advice would be great!

Thanks

Andrew Quigley (Dundalk)

Sep 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

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Expert answer

Hi Andrew,

Simple answer: Ford Focus 1.4. Not the quickest Focus ever (only 75hp) and perhaps not as classy as the rival Volkswagen Golf, but they're well made, reliable, exceedingly good to drive (that Jackie Stewart-tweaked suspension will teach you all you need to know about driving dynamics) and spacious enough to pack in all you need for Electric Picnic next year. That's what you young people do, right? Lots out there to choose from so be picky, find a good one in a nice colour and tart it up with some nice alloys. You won't go wrong.

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser
@neilmbriscoe