New Car Suggestions

wattywattwatt

Currently I drive a 4 year old Toyota Verso, but, to be honest, it really is too big as I hardly ever carry more than one or two passengers now. I needed the big car when I bought it as I was carrying large equipment from time to time and the load space is great, but these occasions are now few and far between and I feel it is time to let go and downsize. I like the higher up driving position of my current car and would like something similar only a bit smaller and a lot more economical, have thought of something like a Suzuki SX4 or a Toyota Urban Cruiser but don't know anyone with either of these to ask how they find them. If anyone out there has either of these vehicles and would be willing to share their views that would be a great help, or if anyone has any other suggestions these would be gratefully received also! Thanks.

Hintza

From what I gather the Toyota is overpriced for what it is.

http://www.topgear.com/uk/toyota/urban-cruiser

I personally like the Suzuki SX4 (Fiat Sedici) and it is relatively cheap. Write ups are not that favourable so a deal should be available.

http://www.topgear.com/uk/suzuki/sx4


If buying new I think the Skoda Yeti looks interesting. Brand new so probably limited used ones around.

http://www.topgear.com/uk/skoda/yeti

If you want something even smaller take a look at the Fiat Panda. If you want a bit more voom the have a 100bhp version.

http://www.topgear.com/uk/fiat/panda

Going slightly bigger the Quashquai might be an option

http://www.topgear.com/uk/nissan/qashqai

wattywattwatt

Thanks for replying, much appreciated. Did look on the top gear website already, though I love the programme, I really think they're a bit down on run-of-the-mill cars think it's more biased towards sporty, 'drivers' cars rather than everyday, practical cars. Was really hoping to get actual owners feedback rather than from a petrolheads website, more a long term test, if you like! Not really interested in Fiat, more inclined towards Japanese models, ingrained beliefs about reliability, probably totally unjustified and out of date! The Qashqai seems too big about the same size as what I'm driving now, really looking to downsize. I'll take a closer look at the Skoda. Thanks again.

Hintza

Go to the What Car website and read what readers have said (might need to weed out the odd nutter that doesn't like the car because the salesman ripped them off on the finance or whatever moan they have)

wattywattwatt

Had a look this morning at the Suzuki and the Toyota Urban Cruiser and Auris. Thought the toyotas were far superior in build quality and overall look and feel, will have to go on test drives next but going off the Suzuki now just after a close look. Did also take a look at the Nissan Note which looked quite nice but the salesman in the dealership was very uninterested in even talking to me and wouldn't provide any brochures, said he didn't have any although they were on the shelves he was looking at! The toyotas are much more expensive but seem to be better quality all round, the only thing for it is the trudge round the dealerships. Oh I hate buying cars and all the BS that goes along with it, salesmen never give you a straight answer!!

emmell

Have you looked at the Kia Soul, I don't know anything about them but they look ok, it's probably the only Kia model I would take a second look at.
ML.

AdrianHi

Honda Jazz or Honda Civic for something similar size to Auris?
Skoda Yeti not really smaller than the Verso.

We're contemplating a Verso at some point, the need just isn't there yet.

wattywattwatt

Thanks for all the suggestions, guys! Hadn't considered the KIA, will check it out. Like the look of the civic, will look at it online. Did pick up a mag today and saw that the urban cruiser only has 3 star ncap rating, so now that's turned me off it! Been told by my darling daughter that the jazz and the note are 'granny cars', not quite ready for that yet! To the poster thinking of a verso, this is my second one, Toyota picnic before that, and they've all been great, customer loyalty should be highly regarded. Cheers!

AdrianHi

wattywattwatt wrote: »

To the poster thinking of a verso, this is my second one, Toyota picnic before that, and they've all been great, customer loyalty should be highly regarded. Cheers!

We've had Nissan's and a Mitsubishi in the past, got a Mazda now which is what would get replaced with some kind of MPV. Toyota Verso appeal on many fronts, realiability being a big plus.
Which engine have you got?
Good for carrying loads - enough "go"?

We've just packed all our new camping gear in my 3 series touring / estate, it was a bit of a tight fit!

property.advert

I'd have a look at the Hyundai i10. Small, perhaps too small, but cheap and with a 5 year guarantee. I was going to get a new Fiesta but might go for the Hyundai at around 60% to 70% of the Fiesta cost.

http://www.hyundai.co.uk/newCars/i10/specifications/

Only the 1.2 engine now, not the poor 1.1. Many reviews only on 1.1.

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/hyundai/i10-2008/?section=owners-reviews

wattywattwatt

AdrianHi wrote: »

We've had Nissan's and a Mitsubishi in the past, got a Mazda now which is what would get replaced with some kind of MPV. Toyota Verso appeal on many fronts, realiability being a big plus.
Which engine have you got?
Good for carrying loads - enough "go"?

We've just packed all our new camping gear in my 3 series touring / estate, it was a bit of a tight fit!

Hi, Current car is a verso 1.8 petrol t3 (2006), love it to bits really but just too big now. It has been totally reliable and extremely versatile and I enjoy driving it, it's not too big for around town. I did hire a Galaxy once and found it a bit unwieldy, I feel the Verso is more car-like but you still have the space and 7 seats if required. The previous car was a Corolla Verso (different shape, 5 seater), it was a 2003 diesel model and I loved it too. I felt it had loads of nice wee touches compared to my current one, which I missed a lot (lots of little storage compartments and dookits) but I think the new one has a better seating arrangement for a larger family. As for carrying loads of stuff it's great, Ikea flatpacks are no problem! As far as oomph goes, I'm not much of a speed freak, not a slouch either, though. I've never felt that it was particularly sluggish and for long trips and motorway driving it will cruise along quite happily in the 80's ( not that I would ever do that!), around town I think its fine although as I said I hardly ever have more than one passenger these days. Servicing and repairs seem to have been reasonable, not really had to pay for anything other than consumables, tyres, brake pads etc, over 50000+ miles. All in all I'll be sorry to see it go but I reckon with a new finance deal on a nearly new car I can save about £200 a month on running costs so it's time to change.