Please help me choose a car

kikay

I'm struggling to decide which car to buy. My old Clio is on its way out and needs a replacement.

My budget is £2500 for a car that is going to cost as little as possible in repairs, petrol and other costs and ideally last for 2-3 years. On average I travel 15,000 miles per year mostly on the motorway.

Currently my choice is between a low mileage 2005 Toyota Yaris or a low mileage 2007 Fiat Grande Punto.

Are either of these suitable or should I try something else?

Rolandtheroadie

Y'know, I've not had many cars that have never needed a drop link or a ball joint at some time in my ownership.
Price up them for every car you fancy, and go for the cheapest replacement parts.

Ultrasonic

kikay wrote: »

Currently my choice is between a low mileage 2005 Toyota Yaris or a low mileage 2007 Fiat Grande Punto.

How low mileage are we talking? Very low mileage isn't good for a car.

What is wrong with your current Clio? For the sort of money you are looking to spend there is the danger of buying a replacement with more issues.

forgotmyname

The car you have costs nothing to buy. £2500 buys a LOT of repair work.

I always buy high mileage cars. But with a service history that reflects i need a reliable car rather than a run it to with 1 mile of the max service limits.

Horizon81

Unless people have owned a Clio (or known someone who has), it's very flippant to just say keep throwing money at it. Presuming the Clio is 12 years or so old, now's the time to get rid.

I would have said the Yaris is the better option but if you're doing mostly motorway driving then wouldn't you prefer something a bit bigger. Can your money get you a similar aged 1.4 Corolla?

fivetide

I would agree - something a little bigger but perhaps a slightly bigger engine too. Maybe a 1.6 to make the motorway miles a bit more relaxed.

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/toyota/corolla/toyota-corolla-vvti-t-spirit-1-6-petrol-2002/2039433?isexperiment=true

Only 109 bhp but enough go for motorway crusing and a relaxed drive so it won't stress the motor at all. You should see 40+mpg

andrewf75

Skoda fabia?