A basic model Peugeot 106/Citreon Saxo would be my pick for budget motoring.
Cheap to buy and fuel, child's play to service, parts are much cheaper than anything Japanese or German, they are as rust resistant as you get and good to drive with a ride quality which will make mincemeat of any comparable Jap or German car. Just find a decent one that hasn't been messed about with by the Max Power brigade. The XU series engine was never refined but will rattle away indefinitely if you don't run it low on coolant or oil, synchromesh can get weak on old Pugs with age but the gearbox will last forever if you use mechanical sympathy and don't try to force it into gear. Front suspension bushes can wear but are cheap and easy to replace. The one thing to really watch on any old Pug is the condition of the trailing arm bearings at the back. Be wary of squeaking over bumps or thumps or rattles from the back and stand behind the car and check for excessive camber.
Cheap to buy and fuel, child's play to service, parts are much cheaper than anything Japanese or German, they are as rust resistant as you get and good to drive with a ride quality which will make mincemeat of any comparable Jap or German car. Just find a decent one that hasn't been messed about with by the Max Power brigade. The XU series engine was never refined but will rattle away indefinitely if you don't run it low on coolant or oil, synchromesh can get weak on old Pugs with age but the gearbox will last forever if you use mechanical sympathy and don't try to force it into gear. Front suspension bushes can wear but are cheap and easy to replace. The one thing to really watch on any old Pug is the condition of the trailing arm bearings at the back. Be wary of squeaking over bumps or thumps or rattles from the back and stand behind the car and check for excessive camber.