Best small car to buy 2nd hand?

Fozz

Am thinking about changing cars, have a Morris Minor at the moment, but haven't got the spare cash to keep up with the ongoing restoration and with regret may have to sell her.
I just want a reliable small runabout (will be using for work every day) but have no idea what to go for - quite like the old style Nissan Micra.
Wondered also if there any good websites comparing cars on reliability, cost & availability of parts etc.
Will be sad to lose my Moggy, but seem to be spending more and more on her lately

harveybobbles

Put the MM on ebay or MMOC or something.

Lots of cars on ebay under £500

jrrowleyws

Old style Micras are pretty reliable. If you're going to buy one, keep an eye out for rust on the sils and for welded patches underneath.

Strider590

^^ and check for white gunk in the oil filler cap, some of the old Micra's had inferior head gaskets..... If it's pretty clean then you've found a good one.

jimbo_the_jetset

Honest John Website for car reviews.

Corsa's are a dime a dozen second hand and for a small engine petrol fairly easy to maintain