Alex Robbins is contributing editor at Telegraph Cars where, as well as responding to readers' queries, he also contributes reviews of new and used cars, together with articles on buying and selling.
His knowledge of the used car market informs his many buying guides relating to the best buys in particular sectors, with an emphasis on value for money.Every week he will answer your questions on buying and selling, as well as solving your car problems, whether consumer or mechanical.
Do you have a motoring dilemma you'd like our expert to solve?For consumer and used car advice, or car faults, email CarsAdvice@telegraph.co.uk and include your subscriber number. This week's question...
I need to replace my old Mercedes with a more economical car. I am looking for a small hatchback that’s about the size of a Seat Ibiza (nothing smaller), four to five years old, economical, reliable and, of course, on a limited budget. What make and model would you suggest?
– AP
While you say your budget is limited, you don’t specify exactly how much you have to spend, so I’m going to make a few assumptions. A five-year-old Ibiza with average mileage will set you back between £6,000 for a bare-bones basic example and £11,000 for a top-spec Cupra, these days, so let’s meet in the middle and say we’re talking about spending somewhere around the £8,500 mark.
My top choice for that sort of money also happens to be the bestselling used car of the moment: the Ford Fiesta (below). Yes, it’s ubiquitous, but that just means you won’t have to travel far to find a good example. A budget of £8,500 should easily get you into a low-mileage Zetec or Titanium version with the excellent 1.0-litre Ecoboost petrol turbo engine.
The Fiesta’s reliability isn’t perhaps as good as the best, but neither is it terrible. It’s cheap to run and maintain, too, while if it does go wrong, it’s usually affordable and simple to fix. Oh, and it’s also brilliant to drive and extremely comfortable. No wonder it’s so popular.
