Advice wanted please - best value small car?

muddymouse

Hi

I'd like to get some advice from people who know something about cars, or who have had particularly good or bad experiences of certain makes/models.

I've got a small budget of £1000 maximum and am looking to get as much for my money as I can (obviously!)

I want a small 5 door hatchback that is reliable (top priority with 4 kids) drives well around town, and can cope with 200 mile trips to London once or twice a month. I'd also like it to be in a low insurance group (I have 8 years NCD) and economical to run. Not asking for much I know!

I've looked on some car comparison sites such as Which Car? and What Car? and am currently considering a Nissan Micra or a Ford Fiesta but I would be grateful for any pros/cons and other recommendations.

Thanks in anticipation.

vansboy

Ask in www.honestjohn.co.uk The Backroom - Discussion They'll help there!

Think of Astras 1.4 or 1.6. Don't bother with the bigger engines or diesels & you'll find OK mechanics or cheapish to fix, if you have problems.

Your insurance/fuel won't be too much more than Micra or Fiesta & you'll find more car for your £$£$, as the others will be in bigger demand for youngsters as first cars & not offer you quite such good value.

Plus you'll have more space for the kids & their junk, as well!

Stick to petrol engines, despite people boasting about better fuel costs. At this budget & age of car, you'd end up with a well used diesl, instead of a still got life in it petrol.

VB

balsingh

I would have said a Micra or Fiesta too but with your 200mile trips, something bigger might be a better bet.

As your budget is only £1000, have you looked at a Nissan Almera 1.4? Not the worlds trendiest car but they are reliable and robust.

kitchpoo

You dont say where you would be willing to buy. £1000 in auction will go further than a private seller or a dealer, but with the additional risks associated to it. For £1000 I would strongly consider a Seat Ibiza a big-small car with a 1.4 MPi would suit budget and size. An alternative would be a Seat Cordoba or a VW Polo 4 dr (essentially the same car) - both slightly unloved because it is saloon, but would be a capable car still. Bigger still maybe the VW Vento or a last shape Seat Toledo with a 1.6 engine. The VW/Seat key immobiliser system makes for good low insurance groups. In terms of most car for your money then mass production cars suffer the depreciation through over supply - Ford Escort, Astra, Punto etc etc.

anewman

Skoda Felicia. Cheap because noone wants them (everyone goes for the brand name). Reliable, plenty of space for kids (3 rear seats, centre with lap belt, there even used to be a conversion which let you install 2 more seats in the estate version), low insurance group, low tax, reliable and relatively economical. The 1.3 MPI engine is probably the way to go, but I wouldn't turn down a well looked after 1.3 SPI. (The Fabia 1.4 MPI 8v is just a rebored re-work of this Skoda engine.)

A Felicia is NOT a rebadged Mk2 VW Golf, it is based on the Skoda Favorit which is all Skoda design. This isn't a bad thing though, just don't part with your money thinking you're getting a VW. Watch out for rusting rear wheel arches and pay close attention to the spring cup mountings on the shock absorbers for any substantial rust, top is cheap and easy to replace, bottom usually means new shock absorber and dangerous to drive (these are checked on MOT but are a known fail point). Check for a tailgate leak by looking into the bottom of the spare wheel well, water collects here. Check sunroof for leak if there is one.

I can rely on my 13 and half year old Favorit with 111k miles on the clock to get me 218 miles from Leeds to Wales (although I do not make this trip regularly I admit). The Felicia is a newer model so if you manage to get a decent one that's been pre-loved rather than pre-used and abused it should last you a good few years.

hartcjhart

Anewman,agree about the Skoda,my company manafactured a lot of parts for the Favorit when they first talked about importing to here,and in fact my brother and I were bringing 2 of them from east anglia (depot) to our factory when bro got stopped by the old bill for doing 100mph down the A1,they let him off coz they did not think a Skoda could do it,

I would also as always go for the PUG 106/306 petrol or diesel

pokey15

Hi folks
just wanted to sound you out on couple of things...
Im looking to buy a car in the New Year and im swithering on buying new or leasing,weighing up the pros and cons..new cars depreciate as soon as you drive away from the dealership..leasing you never own the car etc
Also swithering on toyota auris,mazda 3/6,audi 3,honda civic
Any feedback greatly appreciated

anewman

pokey15 wrote: »

new cars depreciate as soon as you drive away from the dealership..leasing you never own the car etc
Also swithering on toyota auris,mazda 3/6,audi 3,honda civic
Any feedback greatly appreciated

Suppose your query is somewhat different to OP's but the points you make show why it's best to buy second hand outright for under £1000. You own the car, and any depreciation will be minimal.

Hintza

Did OP mean £10k?

For £1,000 and the sort of reliance the OP is placing on the car I would be a hard placed to suggest anything really. You pays your money and takes a chance. Small japanese ones are probably the most reliable and best value for older cars.

muddymouse

Hintza wrote: »

Did OP mean £10k?

For £1,000 and the sort of reliance the OP is placing on the car I would be a hard placed to suggest anything really. You pays your money and takes a chance. Small japanese ones are probably the most reliable and best value for older cars.

No, the OP didn't mean £10K, I really wish I had that much to spend on a car! :eek:

Thanks for all the advice, I've had a look at all the cars suggested and the Seat Ibiza in particular seems to be a good buy, am seriously considering that. I know you take a chance with any car, but am just hoping to get the best I can really.

hartcjhart

muddy mouse,where are you situated,I may have a goodun for you