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Any recommendations for Automatic "supermini"

Hi

My mother is finding her 7 old, manual, Fiat Ciquencto (sic) hard to handle due to severe arthritis in her arm. Changing gear is difficult and she can barely get the handbrake on.

She wants to spend about £5k on a secondhand automatic car, about the same size as the one she has now (i.e. tiny).

Any suggestions pleaase? I've tried looking myself but I just don't know where to start. The array of cars out there is baffling! :D

So to summarise
- small 3 door car
- automatic
- second hand
- budget £5k

Thank you in advance if anyone replies!
«13

Comments

  • nunnygirl
    nunnygirl Posts: 2,206 Forumite
    edited 15 March 2011 at 10:41AM
    Petrol or diesel? I'm assuming petrol if she is looking for 'tiny' :)

    I started HERE and maybe get a few ideas?

    I put age of 5 years and younger as you said her FIAT was about 7 years old
    Sealed Pot Challenge Member 1216 -
    2011 Total - £526.62

    2012 Total - £503.87
  • flea72
    flea72 Posts: 5,392 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Absolutely wrote: »
    Hi

    My mother is finding her 7 old, manual, Fiat Ciquencto (sic) hard to handle

    are you sure its a cinquecento, they stopped making those about 15 years ago?

    If she liked her fiat, then she should be able to find a 3-4 yr old dualogic panda within her price range

    F
  • Absolutely
    Absolutely Posts: 500 Forumite
    Petrol or diesel doesn't matter. I'll take a look at that link now.

    Thanks
  • Absolutely
    Absolutely Posts: 500 Forumite
    flea72 wrote: »
    are you sure its a cinquecento, they stopped making those about 15 years ago?

    If she liked her fiat, then she should be able to find a 3-4 yr old dualogic panda within her price range

    F

    Maybe it's a Secento (sic)! Cars aren't my strong point, as I'm sure you can tell. I get in mine, turn the key and it goes so I'm happy. That's the extent of my car knowledge. lol.
  • vikingaero
    vikingaero Posts: 10,920 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Kia Picanto
    The man without a signature.
  • Inactive
    Inactive Posts: 14,509 Forumite
    vikingaero wrote: »
    Kia Picanto

    Good call.

    ( It does have 5 doors tho' ).;)
  • vikingaero
    vikingaero Posts: 10,920 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Inactive wrote: »
    Good call.

    ( It does have 5 doors tho' ).;)

    I did think about that. Most of the tiny cars are only available in automatics as 5 doors - ie Suzuki Swift, Hyundai i10 etc etc.

    You can get 3 door autos in supermini sizes - Fiesta and Corsas, but you're looking at a bigger car and possibly around 3-4 years old. With a £5k budget for a Picanto sized car you should be able to get something 1-2 years old and still in warranty.
    The man without a signature.
  • Tilt
    Tilt Posts: 3,599 Forumite
    edited 15 March 2011 at 2:24PM
    Here's my suggestion as she will no doubt have been pleased with her Cinq (Panda only available in 5 doors but apart from that these tick the boxes); http://www.autotrader.co.uk/search/used/cars/fiat/panda/postcode/po332ee/radius/1501/sort/priceasc/price-to/5000/transmission/automatic/page/2
    PLEASE NOTE
    My advice should be used as guidance only. You should always obtain face to face professional advice before taking any action.
  • Noctu
    Noctu Posts: 1,553 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Toyota Aygo/Peugeot 107/Citroen C1?
  • TiTheRev
    TiTheRev Posts: 3,215 Forumite
    vikingaero wrote: »
    I did think about that. Most of the tiny cars are only available in automatics as 5 doors - ie Suzuki Swift, Hyundai i10 etc etc.

    You can get 3 door autos in supermini sizes - Fiesta and Corsas, but you're looking at a bigger car and possibly around 3-4 years old. With a £5k budget for a Picanto sized car you should be able to get something 1-2 years old and still in warranty.
    ...and with a 5dr, the door will be lighter for her to open, thus easier on her arthritis too. 3dr cars can be quite a struggle to open.
    :A Luke 6:38 :A
    The above post is either from personal experience or is my opinion based on the person God has made me and the way I understand things. Please don't be offended if that opinion differs from yours, but feel free to click the 'Thanks' button if it's at all helpful!
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