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bigjl

Gloomendoom wrote: »

IIRC it was a 2014 model (old shape).

The car was OK apart from the engine and gearbox. Every time it changed up, the revs would die away and the car slowed by about 5mph. It made overtaking rather exciting.

Was that the 1.4 with a proper Autobox or the 1.0 with the automated manual?

Sounds like it was the Automated manual by the way you describe the delay on changing up, much like the Smart ForTwo, drive one to Harlow a couple of weeks ago, felt like it was broken. (10k mile 63 plate)

bigjl

lewishardwick wrote: »

I used to drive an old Mercedes Ambulance that used to surprise you by changing up a gear mid-corner! That was always fun.

FWIW Toyota Aygo, Peugeot 107/108 & Citroen C1 are pretty much the same car, though the engines will be different.

I'd go for a nearly new Ford Fiesta. Loads about so plenty to choose from.

I suspect your Mercedes Ambulance had gearbox issues, I have driven loads, from new shiny ones with less than 1000miles to 7/8 year old ones with 180k on them.

They do have common issues with Torque Convertor failure and the 2.2's tend to rev the engine flat out all the time (worse in the 515 than 516) the 416 was pretty nice though, never got to drive the 3.0 diesels though as I had long since retired when they got them.

I would have no issue with a 1.4 Auto Corsa other than fuel consumption.

vikingaero

You're not looking at a performance driving experience so I would look at:

Hyundai i10
Kia Picanto
Nissan Micra

Basically anything with a traditional 4 speed torque convertor gearbox for reliability.

Avoid anything automated manual gearbox, MMT, DSG etc. Any salesman who tells you that they are good are lying. The only other box to consider is the reliable CVT from Honda and Toyota.

Rain_Shadow

Noble_Viking wrote: »

Fantastic and helpful information on the Aygo, a friend's hubby has the IQ which I believe was the model before the Aygo and his is an automatic, he inherited the car from his dad and has experienced no problems with it, I've also found it comfortable to sit in as a passenger.

!

No. They are totally different cars.

iolanthe07

My wife has a Kia Picanto automatic (2014) which is reliable, comfortable and surprisingly roomy considering its small size. It also came with a 7 year/100,000 mile warranty. The gearbox is traditional torque converter, so while not the most economical car in its class, it is very smooth and trouble free. She gets about 45 mpg overall.

Mercdriver

vikingaero wrote: »

You're not looking at a performance driving experience so I would look at:

Hyundai i10
Kia Picanto
Nissan Micra

Basically anything with a traditional 4 speed torque convertor gearbox for reliability.

Avoid anything automated manual gearbox, MMT, DSG etc. Any salesman who tells you that they are good are lying. The only other box to consider is the reliable CVT from Honda and Toyota.

I always take advice that is speaking in absolutes with a very generous pinch of salt.

I learned to drive in a Auto/manual Meriva, and I would be inclined against it. Am in Italy at the moment and Avis 'upgaded' us to a hybrid Auris estate from a BMW 218D. I wish I'd taken the diesel now. Toyota are moving away from autos with diesel engines and making them all Hybrids. I was looking at getting the Rav 4, and my experience with this Auris puts me off. Despite it having a 1.8L petrol engine, you can't get any urgency out of the engine, and in Italy you need it because many of the drivers are nutcases. It's nasty to drive on motorways the engine makes an ungodly whine.

Pity as Toyota have a good reputation for reliability, and I like the idea of their hybrid system more than the PHEV. It is good on fuel though. Just not all that good to drive.

bigjl

vikingaero wrote: »

You're not looking at a performance driving experience so I would look at:

Hyundai i10
Kia Picanto
Nissan Micra

Basically anything with a traditional 4 speed torque convertor gearbox for reliability.

Avoid anything automated manual gearbox, MMT, DSG etc. Any salesman who tells you that they are good are lying. The only other box to consider is the reliable CVT from Honda and Toyota.

I have never driven an Auto Picanto.

But our 1.0 City has done 9500 miles since beginning of March and has been faultess.

Nice easy steering, room for even my size 11's in boots without problems.

Decent rear legroom, boot a bit tight but not terrible.

The electric steering is a lot better than the Clio mk3 electric PAS which always felt a bit lifeless.

You can Bluetooth music from your phone or using Aux. The City also has reversing sensors and decent looking 14" alloys.

The wife's shoes have started to wear into the carpet so I have out the heavy duty Michelin doormats from Costco.

Returns mid to high 40's in mostly urban usage.

Not exactly a ball of fire with the 1.0 3 cylinder lump but the 1.25 lump in the Auto will likely be better in that regard.

ABS cuts in quite early in the wet but it is running OE Hankook Eco tyres so different tyres may improve that.

I reckon the original front tyre will last another 10k, rears are hardly worn. There is some uneven wear on the NSF which is likely caused by the wife humping up and down kerbs doing her work rounds.

The seats are hard wearing but seem to show dirt very easy, not uncommon in a vehicle used as a work vehicle to be fair.

I will be getting them properly valeted and fitting some decent seat covers, unless I have some spare cash in which case I might get them recovered in leather. Not typically MSE but they will be an awful lot easier to keep clean and I don't intend to sell the car for at least 5years.

bigjl

iolanthe07 wrote: »

My wife has a Kia Picanto automatic (2014) which is reliable, comfortable and surprisingly roomy considering its small size. It also came with a 7 year/100,000 mile warranty. The gearbox is traditional torque converter, so while not the most economical car in its class, it is very smooth and trouble free. She gets about 45 mpg overall.

Interesting as I never expected a 1.25 Auto to get anywhere near 45mpg, though as you are based in Somerset is most of the driving away from the urban sprawl?

When I have used our Picanto to drive into East London and the roads have been quiet it is easy to get mid 50's, really being careful you can reach 60mpg.

Gloomendoom

bigjl wrote: »

Was that the 1.4 with a proper Autobox or the 1.0 with the automated manual?

Sounds like it was the Automated manual by the way you describe the delay on changing up, much like the Smart ForTwo, drive one to Harlow a couple of weeks ago, felt like it was broken. (10k mile 63 plate)

I thought it was a 1.4 but it definitely wasn't a proper auto. Every gear change was marked by a rapid deceleration and our heads nodding backwards and forwards.

gabitzul

Just a little thought on the IQ as I had one.

The auto gearboxes are CVT so reliable. Avoid at all costs any MMT type gearbox (automated manual).

The IQ is ridiculously easy to drive and park as it's tiny and the turning circle is tighter than that of a London taxi. I think that says a lot.

If you go for the 1 litre engine, make sure the EGR fix has been done or if not ask for the (main dealer only) to do it.

Between the engines, I would go for the 1.33 as it's more potent and not much less economical. You will lose £0 tax p/a but not big loss.