Suggestions for a choice of car.

[TripleS]

Hiya guys.

We have decided that Eileen should once again have her own car, and we could do with some suggestions as to what would be appropriate. She has previously had a 1997 Fiesta automatic, then a 2002 MX-5 (which is now in the hands of our Mike), and then a 2002 Pug 206, but we sold that about 18 months ago.

Now that we have sold our flat in Scarborough, and returned to a village near Whitby, a second car once again seems justified, but what might it be?

Incidentally, we have set the wheels in motion to buy a nice bungalow with a huge and exceedingly wild garden, and I'm looking forward to spending a lot of my time occupied with that, so my own motoring is going to take a sharp downturn, and I'm not sorry about that. I'll still keep old CUBby (Pug 406 HDi) for a while longer, but Eileen isn't keen on the 406 to use herself, hence the search for something smaller.

Anyhow, the 'new' car needs to be small and economical to run, and Eileen fancies an automatic, but thats not essential. We're not looking to buy a new car - something a few years old will be fine - but we would like something that will be decent and not give too much trouble. She's spotted a 2004 Fiesta 1.4 diesel, being sold by somebody at Brompton, near Northallerton, and while I'm impressed by the quoted mpg figures, the car will probably not do a high enough annual mileage to make fuel economy particularly important. I think it's more important to have something that will be reliable, and cheap to maintain.

Well there you are; what do you suggest we look at? Thanks chaps.

Best wishes all,
Dave.

[jont]

If you want reliable and aren't doing that many miles in it, I'd stay away from modern diesels. As for maintenance, who are your local specialists that you trust? Unfortunately with reliability on "modern" (but not new) cars, I'd probably use that to steer choice as much as personal preference for manufacturer. Most modern cars will do an acceptable job for most people.

[Rick101]

Petrol Focus or Fiesta would be the obvious choice for general motoring.

Depending on requirement and budget why not another MX5. Could get a late Mk2.5 for or even a Mk3 for reasonable money these days.

[Gareth]

For small & nippy, with light controls, I might try a Toyota Aygo / Peugeot 107 / Citroen C1 for size. I've been a passenger in one a number of times and was very impressed.

[TheInsanity1234]

VW Up! might be a contender? They've been out for a while, so possibly you'll get a surge of ex-fleet cars on the used car market?

[jameslb101]

For small & nippy, with light controls, I might try a Toyota Aygo / Peugeot 107 / Citroen C1 for size. I've been a passenger in one a number of times and was very impressed.

I drive these occasionally and while they're fun to pedal they feel very built-to-a-price. My money would probably be in something the next size up, and most likely Japanese. Was impressed with the quality, economy and versatility of my friend's Honda Jazz recently.

[martine]

If you're budget stretches to a Fiesta 'Ecoboost' then go for it - the 1 litre, 3 cylinder turbo is an engineering marvel and pleasant to drive.

If not then I'd suggest any of the modern superminis would be fine - as has been said there aren't many bad cars these days - especially if you're doing low-mileage.

[sussex2]

Petrol Focus or Fiesta would be the obvious choice for general motoring.

Depending on requirement and budget why not another MX5. Could get a late Mk2.5 for or even a Mk3 for reasonable money these days.

Beware chassis rail rust on the MX and even comparatively new ones. It may not be seen with the naked eye as they rust inside out; you really need to take the under engine tray off.
I wouldn't consider buying one unless I had this done.
Other than that I would agree as they are good little cars you can have a bit of fun in.

[sussex2]

Someone else mentioned the Focus and frankly I think that an excellent choice.
There are stacks of them on the market and they are well made (very well made IMO) and drive neatly.
It'll have plenty of room and they feel very safe.

[martine]

Someone else mentioned the Focus and frankly I think that an excellent choice.
There are stacks of them on the market and they are well made (very well made IMO) and drive neatly.
It'll have plenty of room and they feel very safe.

Owning 2 Focii at the moment, I'd have to agree but neither are good on fuel ('07 ST & '57 1.6 petrol).

[TheInsanity1234]

How about a Fiat Panda?

They've gleaned a 5* rating from Jeremy Clarkson, and he's not an easy chap to please. Buy one second-hand, the older ones were only £6k new, the second hand ones will probably be about 3p and in good condition, as they're owned by little old ladies who need a car to pop to the shops in to buy some cat litter, so there'll be about 10 miles maximum on any Panda

No, but, seriously, here's a decent looking one.

A wheel-spinning, tarmac stripping 60 hp can be gleaned from the motor, and Jeremy does say that he finds it a hoot to drive because of the skinny tyres and marvellous steering. You can have as much fun in an Panda at 30 mph as you can have in a Lamborghini at 100 mph

Now enough about it, I recommend you have a look at the Panda.

[WhoseGeneration]

How about a Fiat Panda?

They've gleaned a 5* rating from Jeremy Clarkson, and he's not an easy chap to please. Buy one second-hand, the older ones were only £6k new, the second hand ones will probably be about 3p and in good condition, as they're owned by little old ladies who need a car to pop to the shops in to buy some cat litter, so there'll be about 10 miles maximum on any Panda

No, but, seriously, here's a decent looking one.

A wheel-spinning, tarmac stripping 60 hp can be gleaned from the motor, and Jeremy does say that he finds it a hoot to drive because of the skinny tyres and marvellous steering. You can have as much fun in an Panda at 30 mph as you can have in a Lamborghini at 100 mph


Now enough about it, I recommend you have a look at the Panda.

Not a bad idea, touch elevated for seating and entering, however I'd suggest the 100HP, that providing some fun when circumstances allow.
Dave and Eileen, don't succumb to too much sensible.

[Mr Cholmondeley-Warner]

The 100hp is indeed good fun, if a little bouncy - some might even call it harsh.

BTW where is PandaChris (or ScoobyChris, or BMWChris, or whatever he calls himself these days...) ?

[TheInsanity1234]

Not a bad idea, touch elevated for seating and entering, however I'd suggest the 100HP, that providing some fun when circumstances allow.
Dave and Eileen, don't succumb to too much sensible.

But aren't they a pair of retired OAPs?

But I know Jeremy also said the car was excellent in the snow, because it had such skinny tyres and it was exceedingly light, it would chug around in the snowy bits that massive SUVs couldn't get to due to their oversized tyres

[WhoseGeneration]

But aren't they a pair of retired OAPs?

But I know Jeremy also said the car was excellent in the snow, because it had such skinny tyres and it was exceedingly light, it would chug around in the snowy bits that massive SUVs couldn't get to due to their oversized tyres

You need to take a bit of care around here, being a retired OAP is not a negative indication of capability.
I am also such and currently considering a new car to replace my Subaru Impreza Turbo.
I'm looking at such as Focus ST, GolfR and S1.