I have only ever driven Vauxhall Corsa's and there is a very good reason why. The old ones (mine is a P reg, 1995) are really cheap to pick up. Mine cost £500 with a full MOT. The one I had before that was a 2000 plate and I was given that for free. They are really simple, reliable cars. The petrol seems to last a long time, I travel about 40 miles a day and that costs me about £25 a week, which may sound expensive but my boyfriend drives a mini and it costs him double that!

Of course it depends on the previous owner but I always find that even the old types never look scruffy on the outside. Also parts are really cheap to pick up, a full set of tires is around £120 and the insurance is really low! I think they're in the D band of insurance (one more expensive than the lowest).

The steering is fairly light on the Corsa too, my old one had city light steering which was fantastic, my new one isn't so light but it is still power steering so easy to drive.

Moneywise and reliabilty, I would always recommend this car. Especially for a first car as we all have our little bumps and bashes when we first learn!