Okay, we know where to get reliable breakdown insurance for a great price, but what about a reliable car for a knock down price? We’ve put together a list of the top 5 cheapest cars you can buy today – they might not all be terribly reliable, but they’re all very kind on your wallet.

5. Perodua Myvi - £6,999

In fifth position we have the Perodua Myvi, a Malaysian motor and one of the cheapest you’ll find. It may, however, be considered a bit of a false economy, since you can buy much more sophisticated and better-looking car for even less.

4. Citroën C1 - £6,995

The French have usurped the Malaysians by a recession-busting £4. Indeed, it is cheaper and better, but despite a re-design it does not match the key rivals in the economical city car class.

3. Hyundai i10 - £6,995

A good car at the same price as the C1, thanks to a £1,350 price drop from the South Korean firm. This car has been built in Chennai, India.

2. Renault Twizy - £6,690

The French are at it again, this time with the Twizy. The price looks good, but when you discover that you have to lease a battery for £45 a month, you’d be forgiven for losing some enthusiasm. And despite being built by a company which knows about the drizzle of northern Europe, it essentially has no doors.

1. Suzuki Alto - £5,995

The number one spot is occupied by Suzuki’s Alto, which isn’t quite as good as class leader the VW UP (and its Seat and Skoda equivalents), but at £1,635 less than the cheapest of those three, how could you resist?