Cheap car, which one Micra, Fiesta, Punto or Clio

nullogik

Tinuel wrote: »

Thanks all, I just rang the Micra and Fiesta owners to view them tonight. The Micra has got 112000 miles on the clock and the Fiesta 109000. Would that be average or high mileage for a 1997 car?

I would say those mileages are quite high for what are cheap city run arounds. That said mileage isn't everything particularly if they can provide a whole pile of service history that proves the car has been well maintained and looked after.

I would be inclined to go for something with a little less mileage. Sure if it were a Mercedes or BMW I wouldn't worry about 100k+ mileage, but on a small city car it would always be a bit of a concern.

ArsenalFC

I would say micra for the general proven reliability. Having had the micra and currently driving a 1998 fiesta, I would say i favoured the fiesta more as it has a better chassis/drive than the micra.

If you're looking at the fiesta then make the 1.25 16v top of your list as it's much better than the 1.3. Mileage on both cars quoted are on the high side. I got my fiesta 1.25 top model ghia 1998 for £600 last year (09-08) comes with air con and heated front screen, 71k miles. I should add that I got a very good price for this.

Check around gumtree/ebay.

mikey72

If you want reliable they're all good or bad, and they've all lasted over ten years.
At that age go for the one with no oil leaks, good tyres, long MOT, best tax, some service history, etc, or you could pay as much again in a few months.
Power steering is nice as well.
We recently bought a 97 diesel 106 for £475, excellent car for the money.
Only thing missing is power steering, it's heavy to park and the turning circle is poor.

Quinny_2

I would say that the mileage is a little high for the type of car.

Keep looking as there are plenty out there.

And iirc,power steering was standard on Micras post 97 from what I read.The wife had a 97 P 1.3 SR,and it didn't have it,and it was heavy at times,although because it was the type of car it was,it was still light in comparison.

If it was my money,then....

Micra
Fiesta
Clio/Punto joint last.

Ken.

goldspanners

mikey72 wrote: »

Only thing missing is power steering, it's heavy to park and the turning circle is poor.

stick a few extra psi in the front tyres,it will help with the heavy steering.

geordie458

Can i suggest a Skoda Felicia. They have more room than a smaller hatch, reliability isn't a problem and you should be able to find a nice one within budget. We have one in the family and it's a lovely car for the money. Just a thought.