In article ,
Roland Perry wrote:
I'm not sure I can think of any mode of transport that combines *all*
of those (clearly desirable) elements. At least, not one that would
be suitable for inter-city distances.

A modest mid-life family car.

It's difficult to see how running any form of car can be described as
'cheap' given the amount it's going to cost you to tax it and ensure
it and MOT it. Add in servicing, break down cover and (depending on
where you door is) residents parking and you have to pay a huge whack
before you even start travelling anywhere.

I'll concede that it may be the least expensive option for some usage
patterns but the high fixed costs pretty much ensure that there are no
circumstances under which it it could be described as 'cheap'

-roy