New car...any suggestions?

Sirbendy

My beloved, immaculate P reg Astra automatic was written off on monday, due to a Fiesta accelerating into the back, which rearranged the rear and twisted the shell. I say written off, I'm still waiting for the official announcement, but I can't see it being repaired.

In the meantime, I have a courtesy 57 plate Golf 1.6FSI Automatic, with a 6 speed tiptronic gearbox..which is nice.

However, I will need to return this..so I need a new vehicle. Here's my requirements:

Small efficient engine (used to 1.6, but would prefer 1.4 or less for tax)
Automatic gearbox, or semi-auto, 4 speeds minimum. (As per Astra)
Cheap as possible price
Cheap to run and repair
Preferably 4/5 doors, able to carry small sprog (if all goes well)
Tough as old boots.

Picky, aren't I! :rotfl:

I've been looking at the sub-£500 Astra Mk3 autos..1.4 and 1.6s again, as that's what I had, but..if I went to a Mk4, they stopped doing the 1.4 auto, so I'd HAVE to have a 1.6 which is the wrong side of the tax really.

I've looked at Corsa B 1.2 and 1.4 5 doors..I could live with that..but all the 1.2s I've seen are london way etc, and they're not exactly common..the 1.4 is more common, but seems less well equipped. I'd guess te 1.2s were the last of the line, with all the toys.

Corsa Cs appeal, but the expense goes up..and I've read conflicting reports of the EasyTronic semi-autos, that come with the tiddly engines.

Yaris are expensive. Looked at some Generation1 prius Electrics for £2.5k..but the insurance is group 10.

Renault - not if I can help it, not again..too expensive on parts and the electrics are a pig.

Older VW Polos have a 1.4 auto, but don't appeal to me as much as the Mk4/5 that are very like the Golf I have now. The Golf is £6.5-7k for this one I have, and I'd be tempted..but it's a LOT of money to shell out on a car.

i've seen a Mk5 on the web, full auto on an X plate for £2500..semi-interested..but I don't know really. I liked the cheap tyres on the Astra, the "home service" ability of it, and the simplicity that cars now seem to be losing!

Anyone got any suggestions?

goldspanners

so your looking for a small efficient engine paired with a less than efficient gear box?

Sirbendy

I have no option..:) Auto-only license due to disability. Hence I'd like a 4+ speed box, as over 5 years, my Astra averaged 400-450 miles to a tank, which is more than a lot of people in manual Mk3s seem to manage..heh. 3 speeds I've had, 4 speeds are good because they're much longer legged, and run that much lower in revs. Once they hit 4th, it's a lockup converter - far less "wasteful" as it were.

The DSG 6 speed selectable Auto/Semi auto in this Golf is really a seriously impressive bit of kit..in 50 miles of mixed "full auto" and me playing with what is effectively the 6 speed "tiptronic" mode, I've not seen the fuel needle budge. I'd have to seriously query the "less efficient"..I'm quite intrigued as to what I can get from half a tank of fuel, which is the same size (or near as) my Astra, that could do 200-240 miles. Bear in mind that when I was "testing" the semi-auto (always quite fancied one), the car quite happily hit 80 in 3rd, with 3 to go and showed no signs of being bothered..I'd have expected that to make a big dent in the consumption.

As it was, the sheer shock of "oh my god, it goes THAT well?!" means I now baby the thing..heh. I was aiming for 70 tops. Scary machine. it's got a 50 mile round trip with me next week.

looby-loo_2

Do Micra's do an automatic? I've no idea but my local garage hates them. He says he never makes any money from mending them. :T

I've only seen him twice a year for the last 12 years for an MOT and 6 months service in between.

DomTom

looby-loo wrote: »

Do Micra's do an automatic? I've no idea but my local garage hates them. He says he never makes any money from mending them. :T

I've only seen him twice a year for the last 12 years for an MOT and 6 months service in between.

id go for a micra, very reliable. not a very good looking car, but it makes up for it

Hodgehappy

Hi whatever you consider on a car dont forget to browse around honestjohn.co.uk website they give alsorts of advice & information on a host of different cars & there good & bad points.

harveybobbles

If everyone read Honest John then no one would very buy anything lol.

kitchpoo

Micra is a good bet, 1.3 with a CVT auto is not too bad, with I believe some shared technology withthe fiesta CVT Auto.

some others.....around the sub £1k mark.

Daewoo Nexia 1.5
Fiat Punto 1.3 Selecta (CVT)
Hyundai Accent 1.5
Mercedes A140 Auto
Suzuki Beleno
Toyota Starlet

jack_spratt_2

For a good reliable car the Micra takes some beating

hewhoisnotintheknow

not a vw unless you like being poor

Lemonade_Pockets

Micra's are a crock of sh!te. I'm sorry but they've taken a french electical system that was reasonably reliable and made it a whole lot worse. I've never been in one that didnt have some problem with it - and over the years i've been in a lot.

VW polo's are as bad too!