My opinion mate.
The cars you are looking at wont really help much. If you really want to cut costs you will have to start looking at a lower spec for higher mpg and cheaper running costs.
The upside is this should help you decide, the zed or something sensible or economical. The other way round it is to decide to cut and run now then come back when things get better. I have been there and it sometimes needs to be done.
Best of luck both, Liz will miss the company in the taxi at Japfest.