A MOTORS expert has revealed some of the best ULEZ-complaint motors available for less then £5,000.
If your vehicle doesn’t comply with new emission zones it could cost you a fortune – don’t get caught out.
4
But the thought of buying a new car in this economy can be crippling.
That’s why car experts at Top Gear gathered eight ULEZ-complaint cars that can be taken home for less than £5,000.
RENAULT CLIO 2010
Your £5k should be able to secure you a 2010 car with around 80,000 miles on the clock.
They say: “With not a turbo nor shift paddle in sight, you need revs and gumption if you’re to squeeze out its full 197bhp.
“But you’ll be grinning from ear to ear every time you do. Dinky FWD cars don’t get much more fun and frisky than this.”
SUZUKI SWIFT SPORT
Prices start below £2k if you want something truly disposable, but spend more, and its age, owner count, and miles will fall accordingly.
The Swift has a top speed of 130mph and can shoot from 0-60mph in 8.5 seconds.
Car experts at Top Gear explained: “The Swift’s circa-130bhp output basically hasn’t changed across its three generations; even now, it’s a £20k+ mild hybrid that’s slower than most SUVs.”
TOYOTA MR2
The experts claim that three to four grand is the going rate, so if you’ve £5k to spend, then something clean, mid-noughties and with low mileage should be within grasp.
With a top speed of 131mph, this car can go from 0-60mph in 7.7 seconds.
The Top Gear bods think that the MR2 is a great alternative to the Mazda MX-5, specifically the third-gen car produced between 1999 and 2007.
SKODA FABIA COMBI
The Skoda Fabia Combi could be a savvy option, with pre-loved models on the market for as low as £2,000.
It’s estate style will ensure plenty of room for anything from family essentials to a hefty set of golf clubs.
Engine sizes range from 1 litre to 1.4 litres, some with turbocharge power.
It is important to check when buying an older versions as some diesel models won’t be compliant.
MAZDA MX-5
The Mazda MX-5 can be found on used car websites such as AutoTrader for just under £4,000.
4
A decently maintained older model should deliver drivers a bargain, while keeping them in the clear on ULEZ roads.
Plus, with 167 hp and torque from a 2.0-liter MZR engine, the vehicle will still get you from A to B in no time.
FORD FIESTA ECOBOOST
If you’re lucky, a second-hand old Ford Fiesta EcoBoost can be bagged for £5,000 on used-car websites.
However, most models are on sale for a little bit more.
The 1.0litre engine offers about 125hp and can go from 0 to 60mph in just over nine seconds.
BMW 3 SERIES TOURING
There a a few pre-owned BMW 3 Series Touring up for grabs, priced between £4,000 and £5,000.
Any model from 2005 to 2011 will come with a horsepower anywhere from 114hp to 301hp – and it can reach 60mph in as little as 5.4 seconds.
These versions will also run at 30 to 68mpg.
FIAT 500
This fashionable little option is available for less than £3,000 on sites such as AutoTrader, and could make an excellent choice.
Their smaller size makes for a great city car option, and their popularity speaks of their reliability.
Older models usually come with a horsepower of just 69hp but they still make perfect run-around vehicles.
What is ULEZ?
ULEZ stands for the Ultra-Low Emissions Zone.
It is the area of London between the North Circular and South Circular roads.
Owners of vehicles that do not comply with the emissions standards enforced by Transport for London have to pay £12.50 each day they enter the zone.
It runs 24 hours a day every day of the year except Christmas Day and applies to all cars motorcycles, vans and specialist vehicles up to 3.5tonnes and minibuses up to 5 tonnes.
These vehicles have to meet Euro 4 standards for petrol models and Euro 6 for diesels.
You can check online if your vehicle is compliant but, as a general rule, petrol cars made after January 2006 and diesel cars made after September 2015 are compliant.
Always double check before driving into London.
Electric cars and zero-emission vehicles are exempt, as are classic cars that fall into the historical vehicle tax bracket, which usually covers vehicles built more than 40 years ago on a rolling basis.
The zone is set to be expanded on August 29 to cover all London boroughs.
Similar schemes in the form of Clean Air Zones have also popped up in cities including Birmingham, Manchester and Sheffield.
4
4
For all the latest Automobiles News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
