Need a new car. What shall we buy?

[Kez100]

We have a large family car which is on it's last legs and we need to change. We already have a second vehicle which is big enough for family holidays, big shops, etc so are looking for a run around. We've not been in this market for years so can anyone who has a car they would recommend that fits in the catagories below tell me what you have.....

Cheap-ish road tax
Good mpg
Petrol
Can seat four (and squeeze in a fifth occasionally for short journeys)
Has a boot that isn't absolutely tiny.
Not sluggish pulling away at junctions
Possible to add roof bars too


Think thats all

Cheers

[k18dan]

some quite high expectations you have there... however I would say of the top of my head;

Ford Fiesta with the 1.25 or 1.4 zetec engine
OR
Seat ibiza 1.4

[happymonday]

Hiya
I've got a Toyota Yaris. Despite being the 3 door version I can get three kids in the back (has three full seat belts)

Like you we have a main 'family' car and mine is usually just used to drop kids off at school (so eldest, age 10 and tall, ie not on a booster sits in the front) and then for me to get to work. However, on the occasion that the main car is in the garage or whatever, we can all, as a family of five fit in the Yaris (my two youngest are on boosters and the eldest squeezes in the middle). It wouldn't be ideal for long journeys but is fine for short journeys (also dont like going on long journeys anyway with them in the back with it only being 3 doors, I'm paranoid about them not being able to get out in an accident!)

I can, with some creativity, fit a full weeks shop in the boot, and if noone is travelling in the back you have the facility to shunt the rear seats forward (or fold them down) to make the boot bigger.

I only have the 1.0l and its nippy as anything, and I've had much bigger engines in the past, its the way its driven I'm sure ;) Insurance is also very low.

No idea on the roof bars

Tax is £100 a year, and does 45mpg on average

Very very very pleased with my Yaris, as you can probably tell :D

[shop-to-drop]

We are also in the market for a new car and looking into similar aspects as you. We test drove a skoda fabia this weekend and it was a comfortable small car and would tick many of your boxes.

[Riq]

If you want to pull away from junctions I wouldn't recommend anything below at 1.4

Personally, my next car that I am getting next year satifies all your requirements...

The Audi A3 TDi. :cool:

[elsien]

We are also in the market for a new car and looking into similar aspects as you. We test drove a skoda fabia this weekend and it was a comfortable small car and would tick many of your boxes.

I bought one last year, and love it - mainly coz it was very cheap indeed (main reason for buying), the basic model comes with 5 doors, the boots ok, and very spacious with the back seat down, you can put only 1/2 the back seat down if you need to, and people sat in the back seat comment on the amount of space there is.
Downside - my brother (car snob) commented that it looked tacky, but nothing's fallen off yet, and they're said to be very reliable.Don't know about the roof bars though, though I vaguely remember seeing in the blurb that something could be fitted.

[Nicifer_noonoo]

I also have a Yaris. I had a Tigra but had so much trouble with it, and after what was to be his final journey, I actually asked the man from the AA what he recommended. He said a Toyota Yaris or a Honda Jazz. Hope this helps :)

[k18dan]

If you want to pull away from junctions I wouldn't recommend anything below at 1.4

Personally, my next car that I am getting next year satifies all your requirements...

The Audi A3 TDi. :cool:

apart from it being diesel ;) ;) :p

[misfire]

I have a vauxhall agila - i did not buy it from choice i bought it on price!!
(i was lucky a family member lent me some money to buy it)

My agila is only a 1 liter - they do 1.2 liter versions.

Mine cost £5,000 with delivery miles only on the clock (plus my test drive it was pre-registered so was classed as 'second hand'- the insurance on it is really cheap and the roadtax is the lower band (i think!). It also has 5 normal seat belts - which is a real bonus for us.

The negative things are that the boot is small when the back seats are up - although when the back seats are down the boot is huge - very good for taking stuff up to the dump!!

It's not trendy but it suits my needs - mine is a basic model so only has a radio!! but has all the stuff you need and WARRENTY which after the lemon second hand car i bought in march last year is a major bonus. They are bringing a new model out this year and its quite funky... so you can get some really good bargins on new ones or low mileage second hand ones.

I wouldnt have considered one of these cars but my friend has a top of the range 1.2 version and has had it for 3 years and raves about it. Not a car for everyone but for me it is perfect.

[mashed999]

me personally would buy an range rover vogue.....can fit all luggage in great for cruising ...

or if on a budget renault scenic is a great car for families on a budget.

[CRANKY40]

I'm another Skoda Fabia fan. The last one regularly took me from the North to the south coast, many times until some herbert did a u turn into it and wrote it off.

I have another one now, which I am equally pleased with. It's roomy, it's a 5 door hatchback so the back seats fold down for runs to the tip etc, and I can get a buggy and a weeks shopping in the boot at the same time (as well as all the other junk that lives in there).

[unsure]

The Skoda Fabia is a a great little car ( and actually roomier than it's Volswagen cousins). It's not quite the bargain it was few years ago as the world is cottoning on to the fact that Skoda make decent cars that are reliable, comfortable and good to drive. No good for label loonies or badge-addicts but perfect for anyone looking for a good small car at a good small (ish) price.
My wife has had her's for 3 years ( 1.4 estate) it's surprisingly comfortable and a good drive as its awards testify.
We've driven across France in it and done regular long trips in the UK without any problems. It's more comfortable and a better drive than my Vauxhall Zafira (admittedly older model!).
Almost the perfect MSE car, I reckon!

[murphwiz]

I know you said petrol...
But..

Kia Rio diesel, 5 door car, new model has such low emissions on the 1.5 turbo diesel that a years tax is £35 and 60mpg, and it pulls like a train, so you'll have no probs pulling away from junctions.

[Crabman]

me personally would buy an range rover vogue.....can fit all luggage in great for cruising ...

or if on a budget renault scenic is a great car for families on a budget.
If you're considering a Renault, google for "watchdog renault" and witness what a diabolical customer service department they have and how little they care for customers' safety.

[jaytrojan]

Whats your budget? A focus would suit your needs

[stwb]

I recommend getting hold of the "Parkers Guide" from a good newsagents, before looking at any cars.

This will help with what good or bad points to look out for when viewing a vehicle, along with all sorts of other useful info.

[danielag]

hi, we bought a honda civic last year 5 dr 1.6, as big as a focus and quite nippy. I was advised by my mechanic to buy either a japanese car or a skoda/VW. In his opinion (and mine from owing a clio) dont buy a french car.
Parkers said honda civic was the most reliable car in it's class at the time i bought mine, would say one thing tho i wish i had bought it in black not silver as it looks much nicer (it's a 53 plate by th way not one of the funky new ones)

[matmcgregor]

We have a large family car which is on it's last legs and we need to change. We already have a second vehicle which is big enough for family holidays, big shops, etc so are looking for a run around. We've not been in this market for years so can anyone who has a car they would recommend that fits in the catagories below tell me what you have.....

Cheap-ish road tax
Good mpg
Petrol
Can seat four (and squeeze in a fifth occasionally for short journeys)
Has a boot that isn't absolutely tiny.
Not sluggish pulling away at junctions
Possible to add roof bars too


Think thats all

Cheers

You won't find a more suitable car than the New Mazda 2 starting from 8,999 plus theres £500 off if you have a Nissan micra, renault clio or Peugeot 206/207 to part excahnge!!!

Road Tax Band c £115 for the year
MPG 52 combined!!!
5 Door easily seats 5
Is not sluggish because its one of the lighest cars in its class, hence the mpg and accelaration sp
And it looks great!!!
GET INVOLVED

[Kez100]

me personally would buy an range rover vogue.....can fit all luggage in great for cruising ...

or if on a budget renault scenic is a great car for families on a budget.

We aren't on a budget but I don't care for this car - it is for run a round purposes only - and I prefer to only spend whatever I do on something that will suit us for a long time to minimise depreciation.

I don't need the size of a Scenic or a Range Rover because we have the large vehicle already (Mazda Bongo Autofree Top).With that we can not only get all our luggage in and seat 8 if required - we can lift the roof and sleep four as well if needs be!

[Kez100]

You won't find a more suitable car than the New Mazda 2 starting from 8,999 plus theres £500 off if you have a Nissan micra, renault clio or Peugeot 206/207 to part excahnge!!!

Road Tax Band c £115 for the year
MPG 52 combined!!!
5 Door easily seats 5
Is not sluggish because its one of the lighest cars in its class, hence the mpg and accelaration sp
And it looks great!!!
GET INVOLVED

That sounds great. Husband likes the Mazda 3 but I think it's a bit big for what we need.

For part exchange we have an Avensis CDX :( Or we could try and give it away and bag a cash discount.

[Kez100]

Whats your budget? A focus would suit your needs

Don't really have a budget but I don't really care for this car so just want to spend whatever we need to get what we need but no more.

We have always bought slightly used (18 months - 3 years old) to buy after the major depreciation has taken hold. However, would buy new if the deal was right.

[1jim]

have you thought about the citroen picasso? 0% finance and you can pick these up for around £10,000 brane new via one of the on line brokers

[joshtbh]

Hi,I would definately recommend a Honda civic, they have masses of room yet don't look like a people carrier style car. I have an 01 black civic with low mileage that i paid 3700 from a dealer, never had any problems with it.

[My Fathers Daughter]

I have a new style civic and I love it. The boot is massive, it is the nippiest car I have ever driven and I love the looks!

Additionally, the back seats are bench style and fold up so you can get bikes in behind the front seats (or anything else I suppose!!) great idea but not so great if you have bikes AND kids :rolleyes:

The view out of the rearview mirror is not the best with the spoiler across the back window - but having said that you very quickly get used to that - the wing mirrors are large and seem to compensate somehow.

[fonzy8]

People have been saying about the Skoda Fabia in previous posts. Good car - one of my friends has got one (diesel though) and it's great and very nippy so he says.

Don't quote me on this (as I can't remember where I read it), but apparently Volkswagen bought/merged with Skoda and have basically combined Skodas reliability with Volkswagen build quality - hence Skoda's are now more expensive than they were a few years ago but the quality is a lot higher than it used to be.

For instance, to reduce manufacturing costs in the merger, the car body fabrications are the same. As I recall it's something like :
VW Passat = Skoda Octavia with different engine/interior
VW Golf = Skoda Fabia with different engine/interior

I was seriously considering an Octavia a few years ago because Volkswagen had started to add their quality to them!

[dazed]

We have a large family car which is on it's last legs and we need to change. We already have a second vehicle which is big enough for family holidays, big shops, etc so are looking for a run around. We've not been in this market for years so can anyone who has a car they would recommend that fits in the catagories below tell me what you have.....

Cheap-ish road tax
Good mpg
Petrol
Can seat four (and squeeze in a fifth occasionally for short journeys)
Has a boot that isn't absolutely tiny.
Not sluggish pulling away at junctions
Possible to add roof bars too


Think thats all

Cheers

How much is budget and why petrol?

You get cheaper Tax with a clean diesel and more MPG.


Any none like makes?

[joshtbh]

go for a Japanese car, best reliability.

Nissan Micra, Honda Civic, any Toyota etc.

[matmcgregor]

new Honda civic's are pretty crap,

no back windscreen wiper whats that all about??????!!!

Can't go wrong with the japanese reliabilty though, esp Mazda

[joshtbh]

not tried the very new ones, but I have a 01-05 version and its an absolutely superb car.

[matmcgregor]

oh yeah there are a superb old model

[horsechestnut]

I am on my third Volkswagen Polo. All bought from new. They are very solid. Good on fuel etc. Very reliable.

If you can go up a bit in price, then the Golf. My daughter had one and put 180,000 miles on it!

The Dealers are always doing offers and of course you can haggle on the price if there isn't an offer.

[matmcgregor]

I am on my third Volkswagen Polo. All bought from new. They are very solid. Good on fuel etc. Very reliable.

If you can go up a bit in price, then the Golf. My daughter had one and put 180,000 miles on it!

The Dealers are always doing offers and of course you can haggle on the price if there isn't an offer.


V expensive and not as reliable as the japs,

the polo is a heavy car also so the mpg is average

[tstodart]

I bought a 18 month old Jazz a couple of years ago and it is a great runaround.

Cheap to maintain - just don't go to the dealer for servicing.

Cheap-ish road tax- band C (£115/ year)
Good mpg - I get about 50mpg
Petrol - Yes
Can seat four (and squeeze in a fifth occasionally for short journeys) - Yes
Has a boot that isn't absolutely tiny - Yes.
Not sluggish pulling away at junctions - good enough.
Possible to add roof bars too - not sure about this one but don't see why not.

I think recently been awarded Britain's most reliable car.

[sukysue]

We bought a brand new Ford Focus 1600 diesel in June last year for 10, 500 from Motorpoint in newport was very easy and have had no trouble whatsoever (crossing fingers )also we are a family of four and the dds bring their friends with them when we go out and the car fits five easily, the boot is bigger than the ghia we had previously too, cos that was one thing I really wanted when looking for a new car.She does about 52 to the gallon (see so old I cant convert to litres !!!HEHE)just moseying aroung in general not on long runs.

[Kez100]

Diesel is going up in price and we don't do the long journeys - lots of short ones - so I believe petrol is the better option.

Our last three cars have been japanese - mazda, toyota, toyota and our other car a mazda so, reading everything here, I think we may well shorten our list to :

Toyota Yaris, Mazda 2 or 3, Honda Civic (old), Honda Jazz.

[Inactive]

Toyota Yaris, Mazda 2 or 3, Honda Civic (old), Honda Jazz.

A wise list, if your budget is restricted you may consider adding a Hyundai Getz to the list, 5 year warranty, 3 years RAC cover, very reliable.

[Inactive]

Oh and a Daihatsu Sirion, made in Japan, good spec, and part of the Toyota Group.

[hunsbury0]

We had a Nissan Almera 5 dr hatchback petrol. It was a year old when we got it. We kept it for 10yrs & no problems at all.
During the time we had it, we replaced both washer pumps (not expensive),
Oil sump ( got it from Ebay- lot cheaper than main dealer price),Brake discs & pads ( Normal for all cars), Exhaust, Tyres, Heater matrix card ( not expensive).

Because it had been relible, the we went for a 2 yr old Nisan Almera petrol Automatic 1.8. The wife wanted an automatic as my Mondeo is also an automatic.
When we were looking around, we found that Nissan were the best value for money Japanese car (made in UK though !!!).

[cheap plastic spoon]

Nissan Note is on my list once the Micra gets pensioned off.

[happy hooker]

If you do not have to buy a brand new car www.motorpoint.co.uk (http://www.motorpoint.co.uk) have some near new cars with delivery mileage and you can now use your Tesco clubcard points towards the cost. (at 4 times their face value) anybody have a spare 2,500 clubcard points?

[gunsandbanjos]

If you want something to pull away quickly at junctions dont even think about the yaris!!! The acceleration is dreadful:eek:

[impster]

Good MPG = turbo diesel these days mate. Don't narrow it down to petrol only.

If you wanted a diesel then the car you've descirbed in your first post is a Peugeot 306 or 307 Turbo Diesel. 60+mpg. Quick. Cheap to insure. Reliable if looked after by someone with common sense. Fairly stylish. Rugged interiors. Easy to maintain.

Go for the 306 mate. Cheap to buy now too.

Impster

[quickstepqueen]

I've got a Skoda Fabia 1.4. I absolutely love it but personally wouldn't recommend it as a large family car that pulls away quick. For that I'd recommend the Skoda Octavia. My OH has the 1.9 tdi (diesel, I know) but it has HUGE boot space and very comfortably fits 4/5 people without feeling cramped.

People have cottoned onto Skodas reputation and price. In fact, my OH went to the scrapyard the other day and he saw only one skoda in the whole yard...they are very reliable and just go and go. I wouldn't consider anything else now. Reasonably priced. Do look around. We live in Lincolnshire and our nearest skoda dealerships were £1000 more expensive that dealerships down south, so we bought our Octavia from Brighton and saved £1,000 (minus travel costs to get down there!)

Good look and it seems that the same names keep cropping up as recommendations so defo worth a look.

[pinkzebra]

I would recommend the Nissan Micra. I bought my Micra from new, I had it ten years, and drove over 120,000 miles in it. It never went wrong - the only thing I bought for it was new tyres, and it was still on its first exhaust. We only sold it as my husband 'had' to have a better looking car for his job.

[jaz]

The Skoda Fabia is a a great little car ( and actually roomier than it's Volswagen cousins). It's not quite the bargain it was few years ago as the world is cottoning on to the fact that Skoda make decent cars that are reliable, comfortable and good to drive. No good for label loonies or badge-addicts but perfect for anyone looking for a good small car at a good small (ish) price.
My wife has had her's for 3 years ( 1.4 estate) it's surprisingly comfortable and a good drive as its awards testify.
We've driven across France in it and done regular long trips in the UK without any problems. It's more comfortable and a better drive than my Vauxhall Zafira (admittedly older model!).
Almost the perfect MSE car, I reckon!

Good for Skoda, it sounds like they've raised their game somewhat. I've currently got a Felicia and I wouldn't recommend it to my worst enemy.

[Kez100]

Been to Honda tonight and looked at a few used Jazz and old Civic. Civic too big. Jazz is looking good. I just don't like the price...oh, it'swithin budget, that's not the point. I'd like it cheaper!

Car select have one which would be 2k cheaper.

I'd have to get rid of my Avensis then and it's too old to P/E via Car Select.

Mmmmmmmm decisions, decisions.

Off to have a gander at the Mazda and Toyota tomorrow.

[harz99]

That sounds great. Husband likes the Mazda 3 but I think it's a bit big for what we need.

For part exchange we have an Avensis CDX :( Or we could try and give it away and bag a cash discount.

Hi, you look as though you will keep the motor for a number of years - with that in mind I would suggest looking at either the Hyundai or Kia ranges due to their 5 or 7 year warranties. Both manufacturers have a variety of models, many of which would suit your needs.

A tip, if you live outside of an area that uses London style taxi's, is to look at what cars the Taxi (not mini cab) drivers are using and be guide by which model dominates.

Finally, visit the "Honest John" website for reviews of all cars you may be thinking of buying. www.honestjohn.co.uk (http://www.honestjohn.co.uk)

[Skeksis]

Definitely don't buy a Citroen, my sister bought a brand new Picasso and mum a brand new C4 over the past couple of years and both had to go back for repairs within the first 6 months of ownership and are still going back now for niggly little things. Trim, fittings and bodywork are as cheap as chips, absolute c**p for £11,000 to £14,000 'brand new' cars. You also lose a bundle buying them brand new as all those 'cashback' deals + VAT come off the second-hand book price!

[Kez100]

Hi, you look as though you will keep the motor for a number of years - with that in mind I would suggest looking at either the Hyundai or Kia ranges due to their 5 or 7 year warranties. Both manufacturers have a variety of models, many of which would suit your needs.

A tip, if you live outside of an area that uses London style taxi's, is to look at what cars the Taxi (not mini cab) drivers are using and be guide by which model dominates.

Finally, visit the "Honest John" website for reviews of all cars you may be thinking of buying. www.honestjohn.co.uk (http://www.honestjohn.co.uk)

Yes, we like to keep cars for years - minimise the cash we pay on depreciation and usually buy 18 months old to get the benefit of the major initial losses. The Avensis we bought from 18 months old and have had it 7 years this month. We also tend to buy a good spec so we are remain happy with it for a long time - hence the Avensis being a CDX.

[davek1]

not sure if its new or used you are looking for but you could do a lot worse than check out daewoo or chevrolet their smallest car the matiz has a 1litre engine and the next model up starts at a 1.2 excellent warranty and spec at an economical price

[harz99]

not sure if its new or used you are looking for but you could do a lot worse than check out daewoo or chevrolet their smallest car the matiz has a 1litre engine and the next model up starts at a 1.2 excellent warranty and spec at an economical price

In that size of car, the Kia Picanto and Fiat Panda are much, much better choices.

[tomstickland]

Why don't you use the other car? Running one vehicle is probably cheaper than owning two.

[Kez100]

Our other car is an 8 seater (with camper lift roof) and does 25 to the gallon (turbo diesel). Presently it's not depreciating or, if it is, it is very low as they are in great demand down here and quality imports are not plentiful - obviously the more use it gets it will become tattier and higher mileage. It also costs a lot per mile to run. However, it's a fantastic vehicle for camping, holidays, when the family stay, large shops and as a second vehicle if the first is out. It will cost to have a second vehicle but if we buy a very economic one probably not much more and the convenience of two cars cannot be forgotton.

I am thinking we may compromise a bit. We quite like the Aygo - a car I have never seen before. We would have to use our larger vehicle when we need five+ seats but that's not that often and the boot will be only for daily use as it's tiny. This choice will mean more use of the second vehicle tha I anticipated but it also comes in with up to 68 mpg fuel consumption and a mate who recommended it gets 63 mpg on mixed use and the very low RFL of about £40. Quite a saving over most of the small cars we have test driven - Jazz, Mazda 2, Yaris (so far) which come in at a tad below 50 mpg and RFL £115.

Decisions, decisions......

[quickstepqueen]

A tip, if you live outside of an area that uses London style taxi's, is to look at what cars the Taxi (not mini cab) drivers are using and be guide by which model dominates.

Good thought harz99....in our area there do seem to be more and more Skoda Octavias appearing as taxis. (And the Brighton skoda dealership told us that they sell ALOT to the taxi industry (1.9tdi's in particular) because of there reliability etc. My OH wouldn't swap his OCtavia for anything now (well an Aston Martin if he won the lotto! LOL)