Should I downshift my Renault? Scenic to Clio?

Butternut

I currently run a Renault Megane Scenic 1.6 R reg, which, although its a great car, seems a little too big for tootling around town in (I only work part time, and go out occasionally for shopping etc). Tax is £185, Insurance £144. I've had it valued at £895, had trade in offers of £200 (ha!). I now have a buyer for it if I want to sell, offerring £900 no problems.I have £1000 available to add to the £900 to buy something smaller, HOWEVER, the potential buyer of my car has his Renault Clio RL Oasis 1.2 P reg to sell for £450. I am very tempted to downshift to something smaller and older and save the £450 cash he will give me along with the Clio,plus the £1000 Ialready have, and see if I can manage for a year or two with teh CLIO.
My MOT on the scenic is due NOV, tax due MAY. The Clio has tax due JAN at £120 and MOT due March.
My scenic has electric windows, powersteering, the clio is basic model. This doesnt particularly botherme.
I'm interested if downshifting will be Moneysaving, or am I just being stupid getting rid of a decent (if big) car for a potential disaster ?
NOTE - the owner of the clio is someone we know, and he has been looking after it, full service history since 2001.
Thoughts from those in the know would be appreciated.

ArsenalFC

The clio has full service since 2001 so it's been well looked after. You will save money in terms of less petrol consumption, insurance and tax. However I should state that you should have a car with power steering at the very least as going from one that have it to one that doesn't is a massive difference.