It's still possible to get a new car for less than £5000, provided your needs are small. The Nippa has slipped off Perodua's price list, leaving the Fiat Seicento S (on special offer until September 30) and Suzuki Swift 1.0 Sky edition as the only models officially under the magic £5k mark.

However, we've spotted heavily-discounted Suzuki Alto stock at £4995 and even a pre-registered 02 Daewoo Matiz SE for the same price at an independent retailer.

The Daihatsu Cuore, Kia Rio and Seat Arosa ranges all have basic models at under £6000 new. One and two-year-old superminis and town cars are even more compelling value at £3995 for an 00X Hyundai Amica 1.0 Si and £4500 for an 00V Toyota Yaris 1.0S.