Taking Abarth

I want to change my 2004 Golf 2.0 FSI with 40,000 miles for a smaller car (from reading your column, an Abarth 500, FIAT 500 or MINI Cooper), but I still want enough zip to make frequent driving on motorways fun and safe. I arranged to test-drive a 500 with Hartwells of Abingdon but the man didn't turn up to the appointment and when I 'phoned the garage, although they promised to ring me back, they never did. I am widowed and would appreciate advice on the above. I don't know how best to sell the Golf (part exchange?) and could
probably but reluctantly find £7,000 towards replacement.

Asked on 29 August 2009 by

Answered by Honest John

The Abarth 500 is huge fun. The 500C (convertible) has similar suspension to the Abarth and is much better to drive than an ordinary 500 (though the rest of the 500s get this same suspension from 2010 model year and ESP as well – probably at a price increase of £500 to £750. I would go for either a 500C 1.3 Multijet or a 2010MY 500 Lounge 1.3 Multijet, both of which are low tax, handle well, go well enough and do 65mpg. Test and video test at www.honestjohn.co.uk/road_tests/index.htm?id=396 Your Golf is currently worth about £6,000 as a p/x. So you have about
£13,000. Enough for a 500C Pop 1.3 Multijet, or for a 2010MY 500 Lounge Multijet. Not quite enough for a 500 Abarth or for a MINI Cooper.

Tags: buying fun cars new cars small cars

Dear Honest John,

Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:

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