Best 'no frills' Cars

19/10/11

Times are tight, petrol and insurance continue to skyrocket in cost, and yet someone still feels the need to make the Eterniti Hemera. It does 180mph, has a full-length glass sunroof, iPads built into the seats, a drinks chiller, and it also rubs your feet, does your shopping, and gives you a kiss in the morning.

Well, here at Motors.co.uk, we’re aware that the old Eterniti Hemera is probably a tad out of most people’s budget. And frankly, at the end of the day, a car is there to get you safely from A to B, preferably without costing the earth in the process.

So forget the foot rubs, ask your husband or wife for a kiss, and have a look at our top five no frills motors.

Suzuki Alto

The little brother of the swift is the ultimate in simple motoring. We recently spotted a 2005 model listed on motors.co.uk for just £2,500. And, even for a no frills car, it still came with a CD player and electric windows. With a 1.1l engine you’re not going to be revving at the red light, but at 57.6mpg on average, you will be laughing at the pump.

Take a look at our latest Suzuki Alto for sale.

Nissan Pixo

The Japanese are pros at keeping things simple, and if the Alto is just a little too minimalist for you, the have a look at the Pixo. Depending on mileage, a 2010 ‘Tekna’ model on the market at £6,000 is likely to come with a CD player and air conditioning, and they are not bad on the eye as well. Just don’t go too fast, mind, as the Pixo makes quite a noise, albeit at over 60mpg.

Take a look at our latest Nissan Pixo for sale.

Peugeot 107

If you don’t feel like turning Japanese and your budget goes a little further, the 107 is well worth a look. Imagine a slimmed-down version of the immensely popular 307, and that’s pretty much what you’ve got. Something from around 2010 might set you back around £7,500, mileage dependant, and if you fancy a slightly plusher version, go for the Urban as opposed to the Urban Lite. Incidentally, if you like the car, but have an irrational aversion to the French, the Toyota Aygo is basically identical (as is the Citroen C1), as the three manufacturers worked together to develop it.

Take a look at our latest Peugeot 107 for sale.

Renault Twingo

A superb little car with a quasi-legendary status in France, the Twingo hasn’t really made it big in the UK. However, having made its debut on our shores in 2007, they are appearing more and more on our roads, and there are several very good reasons why. You can pick up a 2010 model for as little as £6,000, running costs are minimal, and although some feel the design is not particularly inspiring, we think it has a certain je ne sais quoi.

Take a look at our latest Twingo for sale.

Land Rover Defender

Most no frills cars tend to be the little city runarounds like those above, but perhaps the greatest of them all (and certainly the largest) is the Defender. Don’t expect comfort, don’t expect air con, don’t expect a CD player. Don’t even expect a good fuel to miles ratio. But do expect the power of around 120 (very angry) horses. It’s basically like a bus on steroids.

Take a look at our latest Land Rover for sale.