Volkswagen Passat, Prudent Passat

One thousand pounds is more than enough to get you into some old fleet metal. We're talking Ford Mondeos, Vauxhall Vectras and the like, but we'd search out VW's Passat instead. There are plenty to choose from at £1,000 and all will feel more solid than the VW's mainstream competition. Again you'll be looking at cars around eight to ten years old with mileages in excess of 100,000, but the chances are they'll have been well looked after and should be able to double their mileage with no hassles.

Solid interiors and a good choice of engines appeal too. If you can get yourself one of the 1.9-litre turbodiesels then all the better, saving money as they stretch out the time between fill-ups at the pumps. All should still feel tight inside; if they don't go and find another one as there are plenty to choose from. It still looks good today, so much so that when your shares are looking healthier and the banks are paying you some interest on your savings you might be reluctant to part with it.