What car for me?

movilogo

I am looking to buy a small car (1-yr old max).

I have shortlisted follwing models (all 5-door)

Hyundai Getz 1.3 or 1.4 GSI or CDX
Suzuki Swift 1.5 GLX (1.3 GL model doesn't have AC otherwise fine)
Mitsubishi Colt 1.1 CZ1 (review says 1.3 engine is not that good)
Kia Rio 1.4 GS
Mazda 2 (1.25 or 1.4)


The main thing I'm looking for is reliability and good fuel economy. Should have reasonably good performance on motorways.

Do anyone of you own these cars? What is your experience?

I've read reviews on whatcar, fifthgear etc. All are full of mixed reactions (praise and grunt) for all models!

By next week I'll complete test drives on all of them.

avstar

Hi Movilogo
Sorry I can't offer any advice but would be v interested in your opinions following the test drive. Will prob need to replace my car over the next year as its old and just failed itss MOT big style. Please will you post after your test drives ?
Cheers
avstar

tali

4 Hyundai Getz 1.3 or 1.4 GSI or CDX
1 Suzuki Swift 1.5 GLX (1.3 GL model doesn't have AC otherwise fine)
2 Mitsubishi Colt 1.1 CZ1 (review says 1.3 engine is not that good)
3 Kia Rio 1.4 GS
5 Mazda 2 (1.25 or 1.4)

i have done in order or preference 1best ,5 last , mazda is tooooo borrrrring even for a jap supermini

Aliss

May I just butt in and say that the Honda Jazz holds its value very well if you're planning to sell it on later and has good fuel economy. Toyota Yaris is good too.

A tip- the best place to go for car reviews is not car review websites but driving instructor forums, those people drive for a living so get to know their different models really well! Try http://www.drivertrainingtoday.co.uk/forum and do a search for the various models you're interested in.

dnc1781

movilogo wrote: »

I am looking to buy a small car (1-yr old max).

I have shortlisted follwing models (all 5-door)

Hyundai Getz 1.3 or 1.4 GSI or CDX
Suzuki Swift 1.5 GLX (1.3 GL model doesn't have AC otherwise fine)
Mitsubishi Colt 1.1 CZ1 (review says 1.3 engine is not that good)
Kia Rio 1.4 GS
Mazda 2 (1.25 or 1.4)


The main thing I'm looking for is reliability and good fuel economy. Should have reasonably good performance on motorways.

Do anyone of you own these cars? What is your experience?

I've read reviews on whatcar, fifthgear etc. All are full of mixed reactions (praise and grunt) for all models!

Have you seen?:

http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/owners-reviews/
http://www.peachorlemon.co.uk/basic_search.html
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/index.htm
http://www.usedcarexpert.co.uk/default.aspx
http://www.which.co.uk/reports_and_campaigns/cars/index.jsp

Hintza

Add the Fiat Panda 1.3 Multijet Diesel to your list. Less than £6k new and £45 VED. Great fun to drive.

lush_walrus

I agree with Hintza and give another thumbs up for the Panda, we use them and I have to say they are very reliable, easy to park and fun to drive. At some times of the year Fiat also offer them on a 0% deal, which I think from memory is around August-September but worth hanging on for.

dnc1781

Hintza wrote: »

Add the Fiat Panda 1.3 Multijet Diesel to your list. Less than £6k new and £45 VED. Great fun to drive.

£5795 here:
http://www.fiatsupasaver.com/SpecialOffers.aspx

movilogo

I don't do high mileage so diesel is out.

Honda Jazz is too expensive.

Problem with Mazda 2 is that it is basically a Ford underneath.

Basically the main contenders are Getz and Swift. Let's see what I like more.

The advantage with Hyundai is the 5-yr warranty though many things are not covered after 2nd/3rd year.

anewman

movilogo wrote: »

I don't do high mileage so diesel is out.

The way petrol prices are compared with diesel at the moment I don't think it makes much difference anymore.

Inactive

movilogo wrote: »

Basically the main contenders are Getz and Swift. Let's see what I like more.

The advantage with Hyundai is the 5-yr warranty though many things are not covered after 2nd/3rd year.

You will not find a 1.3 Getz at 1 year old, they are all 1.4, beware, prior to the 1.4, some models didn't have A/C as standard, a face lift model change, newer models have a central rear fog lamp, and different headlamps.

You can get a brand new ( new model ) pre - reg 56 plate 1.1 Getz at SG Petch for £5999.00.