Is there a word that describes something cheap, reliable and simple? [closed]

An example might be a car like this: fiat panda or a laptop like this: thinkpad t430

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.