A Grand Monday: Subaru Justy

With the clocks going back, and the Coca-Cola lorry surely about to burst onto our screens with its festive freight, most classic car enthusiasts will be thinking about tucking their prized possession away for the winter.

But that doesn't mean that your winter wheels need to be boring. For fewer than £1000, this week's Grand Monday might be just what you need to make motoring just as much fun through the dark and dreary months. Okay, so it's not in showroom condition but we reckon that's a bonus as you won't worry about it getting salted.

The car? A 1992 Subaru Justy 1.2 GL and it could be yours for £995 (or less, as we reckon a slightly lower offer should nail it). It's a quirky car, but a useful one. Like most Subarus, it has four-wheel-drive, operated via a selector lever to help cope with slippery terrain. And, being a Subaru, it's a serious set-up - it may look like a shopper's supermini, but the Justy was always a tough cookie when it came to the white stuff. 

The vendor is very honest about the car's condition. He's carried out extensive welding repairs himself, and there's one wheelarch that will need attention, while it's obvious from the photos that the driver's seat has seen better days.

But, with just 52,000 miles on the clock and an MoT until October 2018, it also has quite a bit in its favour. If you live in a rural area and want a car that has character, will hold its own on slippery roads, and still remain economical to run, this is the one for you.

• Read our Subaru Justy review and buyer's guide
• How many Subaru Justys survive? Find out
• Find a Subaru Justy for sale