IF you're in need of a small, cheap second car, or one for a new driver, take a look at the Fiat Seicento.  

These small Italians are not only cheap to buy, but very cheap to run, with excellent economy and low insurance costs.

They are great for local use, but can handle longer journeys reasonably well too.

The last model available was the 1.1 litre Sporting but earlier cheaper versions had a 900cc enegine.

The 1.1 only has 54bhp but in a small, light body, still gives plenty of fun.

It has agile handling and although it can feel a little tinny at times, crash protection is up to the proper standards and will not let you down.

The ride can be unsettled, but this is a problem with almost all small cars.

Make sure you get one with full service history - there are plenty out there so hold out for the best.

All have basically the same body - a three door hatch with just about room for four adults - and a small boot.

But even at that, it has more interior space than the VW Lupo, SEAT Arosa or Ford Ka - and a bigger boot than the first two. All models after 2000 have the essential power steering.

Pay about £1,000 privately for an '02 02-reg, £1,170 for an '03 03-reg Michael Schumacher special edition

54bhp, 1,108cc, 4 cylinder petrol driving the front wheels via a 5 speed manual gearbox

93mph

13.1secs

43

4

155g/km

Ford Ka