It's time for a small petrol

avantra

We are looking for a second small petrol car to do a new commuting run of up to 150 miles a week (Motorway + A road).


The problem is that the last time we bought a small car was in 1997 when we got our Rover 216 (which now have to go after passing the 200k mark and show it's age).

Back then our budget was similar to today (up to £3.5K) but the selection of small petrols was nothing like today.

We are looking for longevity (see Rover above) and cheap motoring as possible, comfort style or design are way at the bottom of the list as what counts this round is our bottom line at the end of the month (recession or not?!).:eek:

So in the last month we both drove and took a ride in six models all between 1.0 to 1.4 litres and done up to 70k miles, all with manual transmission as this is what we are aiming for and are happy with all of them, but not sure which one is best??!

So, we thought we ask the MSE lot for some opinions. We avoided any small French motors as Swambo had loads of troubles with her work's Renault's and Peugeot's.:rotfl:

I really liked the wee Mazda due to the extra space but I am not that fussed.


1. 2006-2007 VW Polo or Fox 1.2
2. 2006 Nissan Micra 1.2 and 1.4
3. 2005 Toyota Yarris 1.0
4. 2006 Mitsubishi Colt 1.1
5. 2009 Nissan Pixo Tecna 1.0
6. 2006 Mazda 2 1.4 (old model)


Which one do you see us still driving in say 2020?

grizzly1911

avantra wrote: »

We are looking for a second small petrol car to do a new commuting run of up to 150 miles a week (Motorway + A road).


The problem is that the last time we bought a small car was in 1997 when we got our Rover 216 (which now have to go after passing the 200k mark and show it's age).

Back then our budget was similar to today (up to £3.5K) but the selection of small petrols was nothing like today.

We are looking for longevity (see Rover above) and cheap motoring as possible, comfort style or design are way at the bottom of the list as what counts this round is our bottom line at the end of the month (recession or not?!).:eek:

So in the last month we both drove and took a ride in six models all between 1.0 to 1.4 litres and done up to 70k miles, all with manual transmission as this is what we are aiming for and are happy with all of them, but not sure which one is best??!

So, we thought we ask the MSE lot for some opinions. We avoided any small French motors as Swambo had loads of troubles with her work's Renault's and Peugeot's.:rotfl:

I really liked the wee Mazda due to the extra space but I am not that fussed.


1. 2006-2007 VW Polo or Fox 1.2
2. 2006 Nissan Micra 1.2 and 1.4
3. 2005 Toyota Yarris 1.0
4. 2006 Mitsubishi Colt 1.1
5. 2009 Nissan Pixo Tecna 1.0
6. 2006 Mazda 2 1.4 (old model)


Which one do you see us still driving in say 2020?

Toyota Yaris.

But the question is a little unfair as the Nissan is 4 years younger an you don't quote the milages or relative condition.

redbull5

my opinion - stay away from the colt and stay away from the micra.

VW POLI best option along with mazda

attila_

fiat panda, no?

SHIPSHAPE

avantra wrote: »

The problem is that the last time we bought a small car was in 1997 when we got our Rover 216 (which now have to go after passing the 200k mark and show it's age).

Really??:eek:

I'd settle with the Micra, great little car.

rev_henry

All quite good cars there in your list I think. A 200k 216 would make you a celebrity on the MG-Rover forums...!

avantra

rev_henry wrote: »

All quite good cars there in your list I think. A 200k 216 would make you a celebrity on the MG-Rover forums...!

Yes, it a good forum.

216 Driven sensibly and been a stickler for servicing was the only secret, yes, she needed bits and bobs replaced over time but not much different to anything else I owned before and she never developed the famous HGF problem typical to the K series.

To answer few questions:

The Nissan Pixo has around 2000 miles on it so practically new. The rest of the cars we looked at have higher mileage at anything from 40k to 70k.

I heard that the Panda is reliable like a Japanese car so might test it if I see one around for sell.

Wh05apk

for 150 miles per week, whether you get 40 or 50 mpg will make very little difference, also depreciation won't come into it, as it seems you run your cars into the ground ?
So you need to be looking for something that will be reliable and cheap to run.

You might find going up a size to Astra/Focus or even mondeo/vectra gets you far more for your money, as the cars you have mentioned tend to hold their values well as they are popular with learners and new drivers.

We have recently bought a 2003 Yaris for my daughter and can thoroughly recommend them, although it's a 1.3 I can get 50mpg quite easily, and the bigger engine will be less strained for motorway use, economy wise there is very little between the 1.0 and the 1.3.

Hotspur

May I add another car to your list for consideration - Honda Jazz. Versatile interior, space and reliability according to the JD Power surveys

The_Turner

Hotspur wrote: »

May I add another car to your list for consideration - Honda Jazz. Versatile interior, space and reliability according to the JD Power surveys

Maybe the OP is under 65 though.

fivetide

The_Turner wrote: »

Maybe the OP is under 65 though.

Then maybe a Suzuki Swift Sport?

1.6 VVT unit. Sporty little number, well regarded as one of the best handling small hatches. No turbos or anything like other models seem to have these days and 40mpg possible.

Should be great for the mix of driving being done. Plus, they have been about for a bit and no issues. Can't see one going wrong.

5t.