The 106

Whilst it's not a highway rocket, the 1.1 litre engine still manages to chug its way up the most challenging summits; a tough job when bearing ten crates of larger, and whilst nothing exclusive lurks under the bonnet, the 106 will crusade happily from bar to bar. If you're willing to spend a bit more cash, the 120 bhp GTi is a definite winner, but beware of the 1.6litre engine if you're drowning in debt.

Not as trendy as you might aspire, but unless your parents can claim it on expenses, chances are you'll need to wait for that Subaru. For the overdraft junkies among us, we trust you'll find this little life-saver at almost any car dealers in the country, so mass hysteria can definitely wait. Casual and no-nonsense, this car is perfect for those who drift from lecture to beach, plus you'll never feel guilty about not hoovering it. Not exactly vogue material, but a pleasing enough package all the same. I guess we'll just have to wait for that double rollover.

The 106 may be ticking along, but it won't retire this side of graduation. Before we add it to the fossil pile, let's see what we can salvage. Crazily cheap fuel and minor emissions make it great on the essentials, and if you're the type, one of the rarer cars that will happily accommodate spoilers, side skirts and wheel trims (want our advice? Don't get em). Purchasing one of the 'Aztec' or 'Inca' models could make you feel a degree more prestigious, but avoid earlier versions if you don't want your girlfriend to see the cassette player. If you're after a bit more progress, we recommend the phase 2 models, whose airbags are a reassuring new feature. You won't be able to party in the back, but in alliance with the boot, there's ample room for approximately 12 bags of washing.