A popular automotive personality has recommended a certain used model that offers a surprising amount of practicality for as little as £2,000.
Geoff Thompson runs the YouTube channel Geoff Buys Cars and often produces videos in which he reacts to the latest motoring news and gives advice to help drivers find the perfect car for them.
In a popular video, Geoff discusses used models available on a budget, suggesting the Skoda Yeti for motorists who need a cheap off-roader.
He explained: “I’ve found a Skoda Yeti – a sensible car. This one is in a lovely colour, a really nice green which you don’t see many Yetis in. I know quite a few people who have had these Yetis, and they tend to really like them.
“This one is a 2011, so 13 years old, the road tax is £305 per year and the average fuel economy is 43.5mpg.”
Built from 2009 to 2017, the Skoda Yeti was the Czech company’s first compact crossover and was highly inspired by a concept model made several years earlier.
Using the same platform as cars like the Audi TT and Volkswagen Golf, the Yeti was offered with five engine choices and could even be fitted with a seven-speed dual-shift gearbox that offered faster and smoother acceleration.
With many of the older examples becoming long in the tooth, drivers can get behind the wheel of a Skoda Yeti from around £2,000, with a £4,000 budget enough for a clean example, often with a 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine fitted.
Nevertheless, when buying a Skoda Yeti, Geoff urged all motorists to thoroughly check the four-wheel drive system for faults and the tyre tread depths.
He advised: “Do be careful – they can be a bit expensive. They do go through tyres, and the four-wheel drive system can cause you problems.
“However, if you want a four-wheel drive car, that could be a sensible little choice.”
Alternatively, Geoff suggested that a similar budget is enough for a used Nissan Terrano, stating in particular that they are not a common sight on UK roads.
He continued: “This is one of the oldest cars in today’s video, it’s a 2000 reg, but I’ve picked it because these are pretty robust. Most of them rusted themselves off the road, but when did you last see a Nissan Terrano?
“This one looks like a really smart car. Tinted windows, roof rails, towbar, bar chunky wheel on the back – it’s just a nice-looking thing. It’s a great colour, it’s rare, and I just think this car is cool.”
