Can you suggest a reliable family car replacement for our 15 year old Honda Jazz?

We're looking to replace a 15 year old Honda Jazz - which we bought on your recommendation and it has been perfect for us. But, sadly, it will need a lot of money spent on it to pass this year’s MOT. We do a lot of very short trips, about a mile or less, but also need to drive 30-40 miles at weekends and occasionally go further to visit family. We do need space for 2 growing boys (14 & 11 years old). We're happy to buy secondhand and have a budget of about £15,000. Reliability is important to us, and a few modern touches like Apple CarPlay would be great. My wife would love keyless entry! With short journeys, should we look for a hybrid? The annual mileage will probably be about 6000 miles. What would you recommend? Many thanks.

Asked on 30 November 2020 by James Alexander

Answered by Andrew Brady
Can you charge a car at home? If so, an electric car might work for you... it'd certainly be well suited to your regular short journeys. Consider a Nissan Leaf, BMW i3 or Kia Soul EV. All three would make a good introduction to EVs and should be practical enough for your needs.

If you can't charge a car at home, it sounds like a hybrid would work well. We'd recommend a Hyundai Ioniq – it's a bit bigger than your Jazz and your budget will get a 2018 model with the remainder of its five-year manufacturer warranty. Consider a Kia Niro, too, particularly if a crossover SUV body shape appeals.
Similar questions
We are both recently retired and found that having just one car (the brilliant Volvo XC40 T3) is proving inconvenient, so we want a small used car for running around and short trips. Current thoughts are...
I drive a 2011 Ford Galaxy auto, mostly for transporting grandkids to school and long motorway journeys. I have a 2007 Fiat Panda for local runs around town. I get 44mpg and 60mpg respectively, both diesel...
I'm looking to change my car (petrol Nissan Qashqai) to an automatic as I do around 3000 miles a year, mostly town driving and the odd motorway trip. My wife is disabled with hip problems so I need something...
Related models
Fun handling and nippy performance. Light, airy and high quality cabin with easy to use tech. Distinctive looks.
Available as hybrid, plug-in or pure EV. Easy and relaxing to drive. Low running costs.
Easy to drive. Impressive fuel economy and low running costs. Space for a family.
Impressive real-world range from the Leaf E+. Fairly spacious cabin. Should be reliable. Decent value for money.
280-mile range is impressive. Spacious cabin. Long warranty.
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer