Buying a used car and can't choose - help!

Grumpy_chap

LunaStar15 said:

a couple of 200 mile trips each month. Would that be enough to prevent problems with a diesel?

I believe so.
See what others think.

Out of the two cars you have seen, I still lean towards the Citroen.

You could also consider a Yaris Hybrid.

MinuteNoodles

LunaStar15 said:

Grumpy_chap and macman The reason I'm looking for something a bit bigger than the wee thing I'm driving at the minute is I've found myself with more driving to do. It will be for the short morning commute, but also a couple of 200 mile trips each month. Would that be enough to prevent problems with a diesel?

It'll definitely help especially if theres no more than 2-3 weeks gap between them if you're commuting daily.

Stubod

I would go with something petrol, and would not consider either of your choices for all the reasons mentioned. I would consider a Jazz, but be aware that there auto's are of the CVT variety and are not everybody's cup of tea (constantly variable transmission, I got one for a friend and they love it). Also as per above I would consider a Toyota Yaris, and possibly Hyundai i10?

LunaStar15

Thanks folks - this is once again all a great help. Definitely veering towards petrol now, but it's good to know the longer trips would help with the diesel (it would be every second weekend, a 90-odd mile drive on a Saturday, the same back on the Sunday, with a bit of driving in between).

Have spotted a few of others online, including a Yaris and Hyundai i30 (I think it was the i30), so going to have a closer look at those. I'll be honest, there is actually a reasonably priced Honda Jazz available from a reputable dearler within striking distance of me, that looks to be in great condition, but I just can't warm to them. It's purely cosmetic, I simply don't like their shape, which I know is silly since it's sounds like an ideal car for me. Maybe I'll pay the dealership a visit on my day off, I may feel differently once I see it up close. 

Thanks again folks, much appreciated!

Grumpy_chap

You are absolutely correct about the Jazz having 'Marmite' design.  Also, don't forget what an awful drive the Honda Jazz is when fitted with an auto box.  It really is the kind of car you could imagine an Octogenarian going for.

noclaf

Grumpy_chap said:

You are absolutely correct about the Jazz having 'Marmite' design.  Also, don't forget what an awful drive the Honda Jazz is when fitted with an auto box.  It really is the kind of car you could imagine an Octogenarian going for.

Beat me to it. IMO the post 2014 Jazz looks ok depending on the spec/trim but as mentioned by Grumpy_chap the combo of an auto box coupled with a 100 bhp petrol n/a engine put's me right off. It will be painfully slow unless you are happy to trundle along everywhere. I get that performance is not the most important factor but there are times when the extra "shove" can be helpful to make good progress and make the drive less tiresome. I currently drive a manual with 113 bhp, more than quick enough as the car is relatively lightweight but in a modern petrol auto that is likely heavier than my current shed, I would want at least 120 bhp or reasonable torque to avoid having to rag the car constantly to get anywhere.

mobileron

Have you looked at skoda Fabia. If its reliability your after,

The_Rainmaker

mobileron said:

Have you looked at skoda Fabia. If its reliability your after,

Just bought one for my daughter, another under rated car (ie doesn't carry the premium that similar cars do)

[Deleted User]

Skoda Fabia and Seat Ibiza are both the same as VW Polo but a lot better value for money.