Which is best small automatic car?

TerracedHouse

I need to change my car for an automatic. Looking for a Fiesta size kind of car but which is best as there are different types of automatic gear boxes for a budget up to £8,000?

daveyjp

Mazda 2 is a sensible choice. No silly gearbox.

DUTR

There is no best.

wgl2014

Horses for courses really......

For most people considering a small car petrol is best as it's more suited to shorter journeys that can gunk up a diesel.

I would also steer towards a traditional torque converter auto gearbox rather than a dual clutch or automated manual. The issue there is that quite a few manufacturers have moved away from the older tech on efficiency savings so choice is more limited.

If you did end up with a DSG type gearbox I would suggest ignoring any 'sealed for life' claim which should really say 'sealed for the warranty period' and go for a fluid change maybe every three years.

DUTR

wgl2014 wrote: »

Horses for courses really......

For most people considering a small car petrol is best as it's more suited to shorter journeys that can gunk up a diesel.

I would also steer towards a traditional torque converter auto gearbox rather than a dual clutch or automated manual. The issue there is that quite a few manufacturers have moved away from the older tech on efficiency savings so choice is more limited.

If you did end up with a DSG type gearbox I would suggest ignoring any 'sealed for life' claim which should really say 'sealed for the warranty period' and go for a fluid change maybe every three years.

The DSG usually stipulate oil change around 40K.

wazza2004

Go for the ones fitted with a torque converter. Mazda 2, Hyundai i10, Kia picanto. Next size up is Mazda 3, Hyundai i20, Kia ceed? Do remember that torque converters are heavy on fuel. My favourite is the 2012+ Suzuki 1.2 swift. Suzuki also do splash/alto etc with auto but can't remember if it's torque converter or CVT.

There is the Honda jazz with CVT. Make sure it's the CVT. Drive it first to make sure you can live with the characteristic of the CVT box.

Avoid the following fiesta with powershift (unreliable gearbox), be family with dsg unless it's the correct type or had the oil changed depending on mileage, Toyota because it has a mmt which is a different breed. Some issues.

wazza2004

Last paragraph should read vw family not be family*

daveyjp

However Toyota CVT on hybrids is v reliable.

wazza2004

daveyjp wrote: »

However Toyota CVT on hybrids is v reliable.

Can you get one on a £8k budget?

Honey_Badger

wazza2004 wrote: »

Can you get one on a £8k budget?

You can get one on a £2k budget.

knightstyle

Smallest would be a Smart For2!!!!