A popular driving expert has recommended an often overlooked hatchback that offers style and particularly low running costs for less than £4,000.
With sales of used cars falling by 23% in the final months of 2024, drivers are able to choose from a wide range of interesting pre-owned models available at suprisingly low prices.
In a recent video, Geoff Thompson, who runs the YouTube channel Geoff Buys Cars, shares a wide range of cars available for under £4,000 – praising the Citroen DS3 for its attractive looks and low running costs.
He said: “We’re going to kick off with a small car, and obviously it’s going to be something a bit funky. Look at this bright yellow Citroen DS3 Cabriolet – £3,490, 84,000 miles.
“This is actually a sensible but very fun little car. It’s a 1.6 diesel, but if you look at the car, for starters, it’s a great-looking little convertible hatchback. If you look at the running costs, you will see that the road tax is zero, and fuel economy is 86mpg – that is insanely cheap motoring in what I think is quite a good-looking car, especially in yellow.”
Built from 2010 to 2019, the original Citroen DS3 was a premium hatchback designed to compete against models such as the Audi A1 and Mini Cooper.
Whilst all models featured three doors, buyers were able to choose between a hatchback or cabriolet, in addition to five different engines.
In the video, Geoff recommended the 1.6-litre diesel, which can achieve more than 80mpg and, if it was registered before April 2017, is tax exempt.
Earlier examples of the Citroen DS3 are currently available for around £1,500. However, a budget of about £4,000 will give buyers a choice of much cleaner models with more equipment.
Later in the video, Geoff also suggested that drivers who choose a DS3 can get an almost bespoke vehicle, with Citroen offering a significant amount of colour schemes and graphics.
He added: “What’s cool about the little Citroen DS3 is there’s so many of them available and they were so customisable that there are basically so many to choose from.
“If you don’t like yellow, go for something else. If you don’t want the soft-top, go for something else.
“I just think they’re quite cool and quite funky cars that are on the tail end of things being too complicated. So, it’s a nice sensible car for just £3,490, and I don’t even think it looks that old!”
Whilst the Citroen DS3 is a particularly good choice for used car buyers looking to stand out from the crowd on a budget, motorists should still make a number of checks before they get behind the wheel.
In particular, buyers interested in a model with a turbo-petrol engine should listen out for misfiring and hesitation when starting and revving, with some owners reporting faults with the turbocharger and water pump.
Drivers should also look for plenty of service history, with all engines other than the turbo-petrols needing a cambelt change after 10 years.
