Choosing a replacement hatchback

I live in deepest, darkest Wales and need to replace my diesel Volkswagen Golf. It will not pass the next MoT and I'm looking for a used (or possibly new) hatchback within a budget of £12,000.

I drive up to 6000 miles per year, with the longest journey being a weekly 30 mile round trip. I daily carry two border collies in the back and occasionally have to carry an ancient relative, aged 94, in the front seat so access needs to be easy. My heart says another Golf, but what does your head say?

Asked on 30 June 2013 by P.A.M.

Answered by Honest John

The best new bargain is the Dacia Sandero 90TCe Ambiance at £7395, or the Dacia Sandero Stepway 90TCe from £7995. But £12,000 might get you a nearly new Honda Jazz, Ford B-Max, Hyundai ix20 or KIA Venga, all of which are fairly upright and offer easier entry and egress to an elderly person.

Tags: buying a used car buying a new car hatchbacks

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Related models

Hyundai ix20 (2010 - 2018)

Cheap to run. Good visibility. Plenty of rear passenger and boot space. Better engines and transmissions in 2016.

Ford B-MAX (2012 - 2017)

Sliding side doors and no central pillar mean unimpeded access. Five star Euro NCAP rating. Engines include 1.0 litre three-cylinder EcoBoost petrol. Decent drive.