Ask Honest John

Honest John Ask Honest John » We need a small and cheap automatic - what do you suggest?

We need a small and cheap automatic - what do you suggest?

We have a Ukrainian guest who would like to buy an automatic car for around £5000. We are worried about all the extra costs so a good start would be something likely to be reliable. Where to start?

Asked on 17 April 2023 by Susan Lamerton

Answered by Andrew Brady
A Honda Jazz should be a fairly reliable choice. Look for one with the CVT automatic gearbox rather than the i-Shift transmission briefly offered between 2008 and 2011. A Hyundai i20 could be a good alternative, although you might struggle to find an automatic within budget.

Our honest used car pricing is a little bit different to all the others. You can get to our values through make or model - you don’t have to follow a prescribed route. Plus, it’s live, which means we can react to changes in the market quicker than any printed price guide.

Honest Used Car Prices

From which small car to buy at which price point to the best UK-built cars, our Top 10s have the lot. Click now for your shortlist.

Unsure of what to buy? Our Top 10s are here to help you....
Similar questions
I'm looking to buy a car mainly for local running but it must be automatic. I'm struggling to decide between a two year old Honda Jazz or Toyota Yaris. Both seem to be around the same price or for about...
We have recently had a baby and have a dog which means we have outgrown our Ford Fiesta. We are looking for something under £5k with room for car seat, buggy, luggage and dog but don't want anything too...
Please help me choose between a Honda Jazz i-Shift and a Honda Jazz CVT. Which is more reliable? I can spend £3000 and I want the most reliable car. It doesn't matter if it is the first generation or second.
Related models
Neatly styled. Increased room and better performance than original Jazz. better to drive. Very versatile. CVT-7 returned in February 2011 replacing i-SHIFT. More reliable than first generation Jazz.
Easy to drive and refined. Very well built. Five-year warranty as standard. Neat and tidy styling. Decent room in the back seat. Good economy from entry-level 1.2-litre.