Used Dacia Sandero: £1000 gem is Britain's best-value car

There's also the rugged Stepway version, which adds plastic cladding, a 40mm suspension lift and chunky roof bars. It all makes the Sandero look a bit funkier but doesn't transform it into a capable off-roader.

Another word of warning is that at higher speeds you start to notice a few more areas where Dacia cut costs.

The engines feel the need for a sixth gear, while the numb steering and limited ride sophistication become obvious.

The driving position can also leave something to be desired: the steering wheel doesn't offer any adjustment and the height of the seat cushion is fixed. The interior feels plain no matter the spec, but it's functional, and Stepway models do have a smarter seat design. Leather is a rare option.

On the plus side, it's roomier than more expensive rivals like the Peugeot 208, and dynamically the Dacia can hold its own on tight, twisty or cratered roads. The range was updated in 2017, when all Sanderos were made to look a bit more appealing, with extra chrome trim and LED running lights. Access models were binned and Ambiance was replaced by Essential and Comfort.

The atmospheric 1.2 petrol (later ditched for a marginally better 1.0) feels slow and inefficient, so seek out the 900cc turbo, which is better in all areas. The 1.5 diesel is the most powerful and efficient option, and from 2016 onwards it's ULEZ-compliant. A five-speed manual is the only gearbox for all engines.

As cars become ever more expensive and complex, the simple, sensible Mk2 Sandero is a breath of fresh air with a definite whiff of future classic about it.

What to look for

Diesel particulate filter: Like all modern diesels, the DPF needs cleaning out by taking a longish drive at speed every now and then. If this hasn't happened and it has become clogged, it can cost £1000, including labour, for a new unit.

Belts and chains: Diesel and atmospheric petrol Sanderos are belt driven and should have their belts and water pumps changed at six-year or 72,000-mile intervals (typically at least £300). The 0.9 SCe is chain driven and won't last the life of the car, as Dacia claimed. 'Death rattle' can happen as early as 40,000 miles (expect £1400-plus for a new chain) but frequent oil changes will extend that greatly.

Interior: Rattles, scuffs and squeaks are to be expected at this price point but they can still be annoying. The interior's fit and finish can vary from car to car, so look at a few if you're not satisfied at first.

Body: Owners have reported extensive rust on their Mk2 Sanderos. It seems to affect only some cars, although not necessarily in correlation with their age or build date. Have a poke around before buying, because an extensive welding job and/or new panels may cost more than the car itself.

Electrics: Owners have reported persistent engine management lights (and other dash lights) requiring repeated trips to the dealer, even when nothing is actually wrong.

Also worth knowing

The less common Dacia Logan MCV is basically a Sandero estate and offers a tremendous amount of boot space—573 litres with the back seats up or 1518 litres with them folded down—for very little cash. They weren't big sellers, so you might have to go farther afield to find one, and you'll definitely want the torquey 1.5-litre diesel or the 0.9-litre turbo petrol to cope with any heavier loads or light towing.