What Car? £4k, High MPG, low tax band?

sallycanwait

My parents have very kindly given me £5000 to get a car with. As I'm also buying a house at the moment, I'd like to pay the insurance and tax upfront so am budgeting for around £4k to allow for this.

I am a female and very short so don't want a tank! I have a small baby so will need space for car seat (5 door ideally) and pushchair in the boot. Don't have a massive amount of spare income with the future mortgage payments but don't anticipate lots of mileage - mostly around town and the occasional drive to mid-France to see my parents, hence wanting the high MPG and tax.

I keep seeing the Skoda Octavia getting mentioned whenever I look but it looks huge!

In the past, I've had a Renault Clio, Ford Fiesta, Fiat Panda and Renault 5 (all many years ago). I always promised myself I'd get a Yaris when I next got a car, but now have a baby to consider so not sure this is practical.

I am in a car club and loved driving the Prius (but doubt they're available for this money!) but didn't like the Honda Jazz.

Also any advice on where to go to buy appreciated - always bought private in past but had my dad around to help. On my own with this one and not a clue!!

Thanks in advance!

andy111

I'm pretty darn sure you mean high MPG!

sallycanwait

oops! That's the one - proof if it was needed that I don't have a clue!

:beer:

AdrianHi

If the Octavia is too big I will suggest the smaller Skoda Fabia with a petrol engine which is a safer option for you as diesels don't like a life of short trips.
I suggest it because:
1. Spacious for it's size - we have had rear facing and forward facing car seats in my mother-in-laws and sister-in-laws Fabias for our two boys all the way up to age
2. Great reliability record
3. In my opinion surprisingly comfortable and capable for long trips on the motorway (I've been a passenger long distance) so should do well for going to France

I think the 1.2 will be a bit too feeble for the long trips so try to find a 1.4 16v (16 valve) which is quicker and more economical than the 1.4 8v that you find.

Here is an example:
http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/SKODA+FABIA/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146-236,N-11-18-50-62-110-240-4294966189-4294966292/advert.action?R=200918333351144&distance=57&postcode=GL7+1LF&channel=CARS&make=SKODA&model=FABIA&min_pr=3000&max_pr=4000&max_mileage=&vehicleYearOfManufacture=2003&vehicleRegLetter=53

and some more in the £3000 to £4000 price range:
http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/SKODA+FABIA/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146-236,N-11-18-50-62-110-240-4294966189-4294966292/search.action?postcode=GL7+1LF&radius=1501&showMoreOptions=

Tax 150 or 175 if air con version and 39 mpg.
1.4 8v is the same and the 1.2 engine is 120 for tax and 47mpg but I think hard work on a long trip.

payless

decent MPG / low insurance / low tax - the 1.4 diesels you get in Peugots / Citroens and Fords might be a good start ...
which models & age dicatated by price.. might get a high mileage 06 Peugoet 207, or at least a decent 206

Francesanne

We've got a Proton Savvy (Town car) and it's great. This is our 4th Proton and we've always been very happy with them. The Savvy is very cheap to run and insure. Nippy little car for a great price.

ailuro2

Honda Civic - nice adaptable space, not the cheapest to tax, but does tell you how economically you're driving.

sallycanwait

Thanks for all the replies.

Skoda - assume the reputation of old is no more?? Even OH immedaitely responded with noooooo when suggested!

Never heard of the Proton before, but found a decent review and it looks promising.

Honda Civic also looks promising but would need to check out running costs for both really.

Any more??!!

KamC_2

Audi A2 TDI

I had one of these, should be able to get one in your budget with less than 100k on the clock.

Extremely frugle, tax was GBP 30 a year, insurance was cheap too

I used to get over 60mpg on the motorway (slip streaming)

AdrianHi

sallycanwait wrote: »

Skoda - assume the reputation of old is no more?? Even OH immedaitely responded with noooooo when suggested!

Dead and buried.
The only thing that might count against a Skoda today is the styling is still a little on the bland side (but only a little with the latest models) and they are no longer the "cheap" option.
Skoda's have the same engines, gearboxes and chassis as Audi's, VW's and Seats and then they manage to make their car more reliable than any of those. They tend to get the latest engines and gearboxes slightly later than VW's or Audi's
So tell the OH that todays Skoda is the thinking mans Audi

leveller2911

I,m on my 2nd Skoda, NEVER had any problems, Octavia 1.9 TDI Elegance.Easily get 65 mpg(warmer months even up to 73 mpg).
If the size of the car is a problem then try a Fabia.Like others have said Diesel engines aren't really made for short trips,however we never do more than about 6k miles a year and have never had any problems at all(I just know im gonna regret saying that).We keep our cars for at least 4yrs too so low miles etc doesn't seem to be a problem, just regular servicing once a year.