During the current cost of living crisis, people are constantly looking for ways to spend less and make each pound go further. This includes not just limiting how often they go out or how long their holidays are, but also extends to their cars. Some people, instead of buying a car outright, are choosing finance options to get a nicer car for less.
However, one group of automotive experts has highlighted a brilliant vehicle that can be acquired for around £1,000. Renowned motoring publication Autocar has named the Dacia Sandero the best-value car in the UK, specifically highlighting the second-generation model released between 2013 and 2020.
Autocar journalist Alex Wolstenholme remarked that it is not only a compelling alternative to the bus or train, but also a rival to cars such as the Fiat Panda or the Kia Rio. He concluded: “A new one today will set you back more than £15,000, so bona fide bargain hunters are best served by a tidy second-generation model… As cars become ever more expensive and complex, the simple, sensible Mk2 Sandero is a breath of fresh air, with a definite whiff of future classic about it.”
Alongside highlighting the Sandero’s impressive value for money, Wolstenholme offered some advice for prospective buyers. He warned against entry-level models, which lack many features and creature comforts. “Inside, there isn’t even a radio, never mind such frivolities as central locking, air conditioning or a car alarm,” he said.
Instead, he recommended considering the Ambiance or Laureate trims, which come better equipped. The Sandero has even been a favourite of James May on Top Gear.
Autocar’s praise of the second-generation Dacia Sandero comes shortly after the Labour government unveiled its Fuel Finder programme, aimed at helping motorists locate the cheapest fuel nearby.
In a statement, the Competition and Markets Authority said the scheme would allow “drivers to find the best deals and spur competition as fuel retailers compete for customers”.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves noted that the new system is expected to save drivers around £40 a year on average. Although this may seem modest, to paraphrase author David Mitchell: an ocean is a multitude of drops.
The scheme works by sourcing and sharing pricing data, which will be made available to established apps. Following the announcement, RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “As a growing number of the country’s 8,300 forecourts submit their prices on a daily basis, drivers will be able to easily find the cheapest forecourts near them using their favoured app or sat nav.”