Is there a word that describes something cheap, reliable and simple? [closed]
An example might be a car like this: or a laptop like this:
Both of which are simple and cheap yet reliable. If something breaks down, replacement parts are also cheap or even free.
Is there a word that describes what they are?
I would use utilitarian.
Designed to be useful or practical rather than attractive. Oxford
Workhorse might work. It has various connotations, but these include dependability:
Definition from Google Dictionary:
A person or machine that dependably performs hard work over a long period of time
-- http://googledictionary.freecollocation.com/meaning?word=workhorse
And also includes the idea that the work done is not particularly interesting, which suggests a sort of basic model:
Definition from Cambridge English Dictionary:
a person who does a lot of work, especially of a type that is necessary but not interesting:
a willing/reliable workhorse
a machine that operates without failing for long periods, although it might not be very interesting or exciting:
The steam engine was the workhorse of the Industrial Revolution.
-- https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/workhorse
Its definition doesn't inherently include being inexpensive, but a workhorse is seen in contrast to a racing horse or riding horse, which may be seen as 'flashier' or more expensive models, so it sort of has a connotation for being less fancy (and by extension, perhaps less expensive):
Definition from Dictionary.com:
a horse used for plowing, hauling, and other heavy labor, as distinguished from a riding horse, racehorse, etc.
-- http://www.dictionary.com/browse/workhorse?s=t
The idiom no frills refers to a service or product which the non-essential features have been removed to keep the price low. From 1980-1997, the American supermarket Pathmark used "No Frills" for their store brand.