Used car

mikey72

Renault Modus 55
Chevrolet Matiz 54
Hyundi i10 10
Nissan Micra 09
Renault Clio 52
Suzuki Swift 58
Vauxhall Meriva 58
Vauxhall Aglia 08
Ford Fiesta 57
Honda Jazz 08
Mishubishi Colt 04 on (courtesy of avantra)

So, ideally diesel, small car, 5 seat belts, (not 4). town and motorway use, above all good economy, which is a good buy from the list of what's at the car supermarket.
They're all up to about 5K, but I'm just as happy with £500.
Handling, performance, doesn't matter.
Economy does, as it'll do at least 15k a year, at least half on the motorway, so 60mpg + combined would be good, and it has to be small, so no mondeos, golfs, etc.
If it's comfortable enough, it'll be used with a roof box for foreign holidays, if it's not I'll still use the zafira.
It won't be going to a dealer for servicing either.
The year is only important to the model type, as some are pre facelifts, like the fiestas and the meriva, and the new model is either too dear, only a four seater, or we just don't like it.

I'm not really biased towards any manufactuer, or country, I think they all build the same sort of cars, I just want something that'll run for the next 10 years and 150k miles, so nothing is out because it's French, or in because it's Japanese.
Anyone love or hate the ones above, or suggest anything else in that price/class.

Biglad_3

I would say the Ford Fiesta, although try to get the 1.6 Diesel engine as its as economical as the 1.4 but drives better and has more power when you need it.

My wife has an i10 although it is a great little car it's too small to be doing 15k a year in on a motorway and the 1.2 petrol would be buzzing !

mikey72

That could be a bit misleading, the motorway is normally solid, maximum of about 60mph when we're not parked on it, currently the 105 diesel we have copes well enough, but I see your point if we ever decide to take if for better runs.

Scarab

I wouldn't advise a Matiz if you're going anywhere near a motorway, it's an underpowered (head gaskets go), 'weedy looking' little thing esp in '54 guise, you'd be better off with a pair of roller skates, scrapped mine 2 weeks ago.

flyingscotno1

Any Fabia's kicking about? It will be older model for £5k but they are decent reliability wise and excellent on the motorway in my opinion. My old one which was sold on to family is still going strong.

mikey72

The fabia was on my list, but my OH doesn't like the driving postion when she sat in one.

avantra

I'll say the Fiesta or Fusion as it is cheap as chips to service diy, if it will go wrong parts and labor will be frugal as well, and yes the 1.6 diesel is a better choice. Disk is cheap as well if you can be bother with such things.

2nd will be the Suzuky diesel 1.3.


I would add a diesel Colt as well.

mikey72

Ta.
The colt is well worth a look at.

funkycoldribena

mikey72 wrote: »

The fabia was on my list, but my OH doesn't like the driving postion when she sat in one.

Ive got a Fabia and dont get this? Ive driven all sorts and found no problem with the Fabia and its fairly quiet on the motorway,cracking car.

mimi2091

Toyota IQ! brilliant little car - it's bigger than expected plus no road tax and no congestion charge.
You could get it at around 5k if you put some effort in searching.
Couldn't recommend it more :-)

mikey72

mimi2091 wrote: »

Toyota IQ! brilliant little car - it's bigger than expected plus no road tax and no congestion charge.
You could get it at around 5k if you put some effort in searching.
Couldn't recommend it more :-)

4 seater though.