Top 10 cars for under £1,000 revealed - including 'executive' jag (2024)

THE top ten cars for under £1,000 have been revealed by a motors expert - and they include an "executive" Jaguar and a rare Ford.

Cars with JB shared a YouTube video with his choices for the most practical and economical vehicles on the market.

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If you are strapped for cash and are looking for a car that won't burn a hole in your pocket, then look no further.

JB said: "All 10 cars do a great job for the absolute minimum amount of cash."

Here's a list of the affordable cars for just under a grand.

Skoda Fabia Estate

Skoda Fabia Estate might be on the smaller side, but it has a spacious useful boot.

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The vehicle is designed for daily drive and practicality as the YouTuber admits it was his first ever ride.

The car enthusiast shares that Fabia could even fit multiple bikes in the rear.

And although it is a relatively small car, it still offers plenty of space.

The motorists consider it a "jack of all trades" as it has a great practicality.

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With 1.2 L engine which generates 64 brake horsepower, this small motor can get to 60mph in 15.8 seconds.

It is not the fastest but combined with cheap insurance and low taxes, it is a great value for money which makes it a perfect first car.

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The 2004 model starts at a reasonable £990.

But Fabia estate owners should be wary of engine coil packs, and ensure to get them checked thoroughly during services.

They're known to be prone to fault in this model.

Volkswagen Polo

Londoners will be especially happy to know that Volkswagen Polo is not only affordable but also ULEZ compliant.

Although the trunk is smaller in this car, it makes it ideal for driving in the big city.

Finding a parking spot in the city can be a headache, and this vehicle can fit even into smaller spaces.

Despite the small build, Polo doesn't compromise on cabin space.

With 1.2L four ignition engine, the 63 brake horsepower take this one to 60 in 14.4 seconds.

Being smaller and lighter than Fabia allows it to be faster.

The 2005 hatchback type of Polo can be found online for £1,000.

It is known as a reliable ride with minimal repairs required throughout its lifetime.

Ford StreetKa

The 2003 Ford StreetKa offers a 1.6L engine and 93 brake horse power which lets it accelerate to 60mph in 11.7 seconds.

JB said they're "becoming quite a rare little offering for our price range".

The vehicle also comes in two specifications - basic and luxury.

For under a grand, the drivers have an exclusive opportunity to drive in a car designed by legendary Pininfarina - a firm responsible for multiple iconic Ferrari designs.

The luxury type includes leather interior, heated seats and air conditioning to make the experience more comfortable and elevated.

Suzuki Swift

Suzuki Swift is an ideal hatchback for a day to day use.

With 1.3 litre engine, the vehicle has 90 brake horsepower which takes it to 60 in 10.6 seconds.

Some drawbacks include having no phone connectivity option on a standard radio.

It is also on the faster lane compared to most other cars in its class in this price range.

The 2007 example of this vehicle can be found for just £975.

The motorists are warned to watch out for clutches.

Volkswagen Golf GTI MK4

Volkswagen Golf GTI MK4 is the 2-litre which produces 115 brake horsepower.

Going from zero to 60 in 10.2 seconds, it is not the most exciting ride.

But it does offer a great interior with nice leather touches and wooden panelling.

The 2003 model goes for £995, with some options on the market possibly cheaper.

But some issues to note include window motors, coil packs and throttle.

When it was released 26 years ago, the Golf redefined expectations for quality of compact cars.

Perhaps lacking in power, it is still praised for its elegant design.

Vauxhall Astra SRI

With 1.8-litre engine that generates 123 brake horsepower, this ride will get to 62mph in only 10 seconds.

The Vauxhall Astra SRI comes in two designs - as a hatchback and as an estate.

Although the fuel economy of this car is underwhelming, the Astra is described by motorists as an all-rounder with good safety.

The 2007-model of this type can be found for just under a grand, and plenty are available on the market.

Jaguar X-Type

Jaguar X-type is one of the rare cars to come by with a two-litre engine and 128 brake horsepower which takes it to 60 in 9.5 seconds.

When it was designed, the Jaguar was still under ownership of Ford, which means this model shares 90 per cent of its parts with Ford Mondeo.

Offering a sophisticated look - which JB calls "executive" - it is a blend of an excellent comfort with decent handling.

Although not as popular as its German counterparts, the X-type is an alternative to premium saloons without costing a fortune.

Honda Civic Type S GT

Honda is known for being a reliable car manufacturer, and with Civic Type S GT they have thought about functionality.

It is generally considered a good value for money vehicle with a decent reliability.

A 1.8-litre engine, 138bhp and acceleration to 60 in 8.6 seconds, it still remains quite economical.

The design offers a bit of a sportier edge to it, and the 2008-model is available on the market for just around £1,000.

BMW 3-Series Estate

Described by car lovers as "agile" ride, this two-litre engine generates 150 brake horsepower - going from zero to 60 in 8.6 seconds

It is a practical option for money with 2005 model running for £960.

The interior is spacious, offering enough leg room for tall passengers and a good-sized trunk space.

Unfortunately it is not ULEZ compliant but the vehicle has great fuel economy.

Mazda MX-5 NB

The second-generation of this Japanese model has come out even better with previous issues sorted out.

Offering more aerodynamic design with safer headlights for pedestrians, this Mazda is described as a fun and exciting ride.

But drivers are warned to watch out for rust as a common issue with this car.

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The specifications include 1.8-litre four inline engine, with 146 bhp and acceleration to 60 in 8.2 seconds.

The 2002 example is selling for as little as £800, making this the cheapest option on our list.

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Top 10 cars for under £1,000 revealed - including 'executive' jag (2024)

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