Advice on new second car please.

[economiser]

I really don't know one car from another. We live in the sticks and have to run two cars. Our usual policy is to buy new and keep until it grinds to a halt. This is now happening to the old Cavalier (18 years old) which we use as a runabout, local shopping, that sort of thing. We don't need a car that big but are not looking for a super small car, we are both on the tall side. It must be automatic and must be hatchback or estate and preferably have aircon. A workhorse not a status symbol. Any advice as to what I should be looking at would be greatly appreciated.

[AdrianHi]

I'm thinking Skoda Octavia Estate.
No non-sense workhorse, about as reliable as it gets, reasonably priced. Not too big but decent space.
I'd suggest buying nearly new, a few months to a year old old, avoid paying for that initial depreciation hit, then run for however long it makes financial sense.
There is even a 4x4 option on this car if that makes sense in your "in the sticks" location.
Air con and full climate control available depending on which trim level you go for.
If you can get one fitted with the the VW/Audi/Skoda (VAG) group DSG automatic gearbox you'll never want any one elses auto box again. Simply brilliant.

[AdrianHi]

Have a read:
http://www.motors.co.uk/cars/reviews/skoda-octavia-dsg

[Hintza]

A car to run for 18 years gosh that will be interesting. You don't mention a budget.

Nissan Quashqai springs to mind.

The thing to watch for are imported cars that are rising in price due to the weakness of the £ so it is probably quite a good time to buy a new car before these prices really start coming through. Ford I believe have already (or about to) put up prices.

The Honda accord is top of the reliability index. See HERE (http://www.reliabilityindex.co.uk/tophundred.html?apc=3128339010848601)

Kias come with a 7 year warranty!

Skoda Octavia (used as Taxis so they must be good value except you are driving a taxi....lol)

You have your work cut out making yoiur choice.

[Hintza]

Crossed post with Adrian :)