Which car?

BeenThroughItAll

If it's just you carrying gear about, why not a small car-derived van like the Corsa van thing, Transit Connect, Berlingo, Punto van thing, etc?


Insurance will be cheaper for a start, and you'll end up with a couple of seats in the front if you need to carry a passenger and more secure room in the back.

Sheldor

Thanks Hintza - you're a good advert for the panda. Plus I think being anti-cool is cooler than being cool so not fussed there!

BTIA; aren't other things more expensive with vans though if you're not registered as a business to offset the costs? Such as going through the Dartford Tunnel for instance?

BeenThroughItAll

Sheldor wrote: »

Thanks Hintza - you're a good advert for the panda. Plus I think being anti-cool is cooler than being cool so not fussed there!

BTIA; aren't other things more expensive with vans though if you're not registered as a business to offset the costs? Such as going through the Dartford Tunnel for instance?

Nope. Dartford Tunnel maybe, I believe it's 50p more per crossing, but unless you're doing that many trips I can't see that being a problem.

thebigbosh

we test drove a civic 1.6 diesel recently and found it had loads of space in the boot, plus it has the fold down seats mentioned above for the Jazz and a very very good fuel economy. The speedo is great because it gives you your speed as a number right in front of you - impossible to miss. They do hold their value and you wouldn't be able to get a new one, but Hondas are immensely reliable. Good luck! B

Sheldor

That's interesting B - I was reading Whatcar (I think) earlier and Honda won the reader award for most reliable brand.

Jem8472

I have had a Fiat Punto, not a bad car.

I now have a Honda Jazz, much much better build quality and the back is massive! With the magic seats its amazing what you can fit in the back.

I got 4 adults and 3 large cases and 4 bits of hand luggage in without much trouble. All the luggage went in the boot.

There it tons of leg room for adults in the front and back.

They are good cars, I know the reputation over here is for older people to drive them but in other parts of the world they are a young persons car.

For space in the back I think you will struggle to find a bigger small car.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOCUDCX2bps

Sheldor

B: But I just had a look and the civic is not boxy enough for my needs.
Of course what i'd really like is a 1957 Chevy pickup so nothing modern, economic and reliable is ever going to make me really happy.

Sheldor

Thanks Jem - I could always grow old into the Jazz if it's that good!

kavita72

Fiat 500 or Mini I'd recommend

forgotmyname

I used to drive past the Fiat dealership in Chesterfield. I lost count of the number of broken down ones on the A61.

No idea whether they had 2 teaspoons of fuel in when taken for a testdrive or actually something electrical / mechanical. But it put me off buying one.

But a Panda would be on my list if i need a small car. Wouldnt touch a 500 though.