Small(ish) car suitable for bumpy country roads

rich_jtg

a&akay wrote: »

I had the same situation. I spoke to the various dealers and told them I wanted a test drive. They were all quite happy to let me drive over my route to work, about 15 miles max from them. I told each that I was testing other makes and would not be drawn. I ended up with a Fox due to the high ride height and acceptable ride, though the MPG is not that great and I would always have a diesel if it had been avaialble. If buying new then go via the various brokers on this site for the best deal. If second hand at least you know the model you want, as long as the suspension spec has not changed on any newer model you may drive. If you don't have nearby dealers then find a road close to them that mirrors your poor one(s).

Thanks for the advice.

Although most of the main dealers are quite a distance away, I think I'm going to have to have some extended test drives as my research is coming up with many blanks. How a car handles over bumps isn't mentioned in that many reviews!

rich_jtg

Thanks again for all of your replies.

After drowning in reviews, I think I'm probably going to play it safe and go for something like a Ford Focus or Kia Ceed.

I will certainly give a few different cars a test drive, but will probably end up just going safe and trying to avoid anything with low profile tyres. :undecided

notbritishgas

rich_jtg wrote: »

Thanks again for all of your replies.

After drowning in reviews, I think I'm probably going to play it safe and go for something like a Ford Focus or Kia Ceed.

I will certainly give a few different cars a test drive, but will probably end up just going safe and trying to avoid anything with low profile tyres. :undecided

I should take the Kia Ceed for a long test drive over your bumpy roads.
I have one and the ride is very hard, supposedly designed for sporty driving!! but the ride quality certainly suffers.
Its sister car the Hyundai I30, which is basically the same platform and engine, on the other hand was designed more for comfort, so that may be better for you.

rev_henry

rich_jtg wrote: »

Thanks again for all of your replies.

After drowning in reviews, I think I'm probably going to play it safe and go for something like a Ford Focus or Kia Ceed.

I will certainly give a few different cars a test drive, but will probably end up just going safe and trying to avoid anything with low profile tyres. :undecided

Indeed both very sensible choices. Couldn't comment on the ride quality over bumps though.

rich_jtg

rev_henry wrote: »

Indeed both very sensible choices. Couldn't comment on the ride quality over bumps though.

After various test drives I don't think I'll comment either!

I think I'm going to have to get something a little bigger such as a C-Max or other similar mini-MPV.

rev_henry

rich_jtg wrote: »

After various test drives I don't think I'll comment either!

I think I'm going to have to get something a little bigger such as a C-Max or other similar mini-MPV.

I doubt that would be better; they're higher, therefore higher centre of gravity, so more body roll (probably).

jase1

Lada Riva.

Built for this kind of road.

Wouldn't be at all surprised if they start appearing again as grey imports given the state of some roads.

gilbert_and_sullivan

You orginally wanted smaller cars.

I delivered some new Corsa's not so long ago that were fitted with 70 aspect tyres, they drove down the truck decks barely noticing the stops etc, couldn't tell you what the model was mind, but i hadn't seen 70 aspect on a new car for years.

Another car noted for it's soft supension is Daihatsu Sirion, in short supply now though as not importing any more because Sterling is monopoly money.

Clio's, in fact most Renaults on sensible tyres are comfy.

Forget Focus, we hired one in Ireland and it was enough to shake your fillings out.

CaptainKidd

What about a Suzuki Jimny? dont know much about them and not my cup of tea but its small and the the 4x4 could come in handy in the bad weather since your in the country, but its only 4 seats.

pompeyfaith

Or if you are on a lower budget how about the Suzuki Vitara like this.

http://www.buyyourcar.co.uk/used-car/suzuki/vitara/awb_selectmarques_5160843.aspx