Recommendation from HJ - I'm buying a small/medium family car
I have a Nissan Alemra 1996 1.5 auto. It's low on mileage, but quite old now, and I've been driving it since 2007.
It was very good for the first three years, but since last year, during every service, a long list of repairs are being suggested by the garage. The car now worth less than this years repair cost (which I am yet to start) - hence thinking about changing it.
We are a family of two adults, two kids, and we need to have buggy space in the boot. My driving style - daily 2-4 short (2-3 mile long) urban trips, monthly two longer motorway trips of 30-40 miles. Annual mileage so far less than 5000.
I have not set a budget yet, but probably would go for around £5000. Thinking about Toyota Prius 2005-6, Honda Civic Hybrid, or if you can give idea about any other non-hybrid automatic cars. For the 7-8 year old hybrids, are the repairs and servicing expensive? Do I need to have a new set of batteries?
It was very good for the first three years, but since last year, during every service, a long list of repairs are being suggested by the garage. The car now worth less than this years repair cost (which I am yet to start) - hence thinking about changing it.
We are a family of two adults, two kids, and we need to have buggy space in the boot. My driving style - daily 2-4 short (2-3 mile long) urban trips, monthly two longer motorway trips of 30-40 miles. Annual mileage so far less than 5000.
I have not set a budget yet, but probably would go for around £5000. Thinking about Toyota Prius 2005-6, Honda Civic Hybrid, or if you can give idea about any other non-hybrid automatic cars. For the 7-8 year old hybrids, are the repairs and servicing expensive? Do I need to have a new set of batteries?
Asked on 4 December 2012 by ahmjt
Answered by
Honest John
The automatic requirement hugely restricts your choice. Maybe you could find a Nissan Note 1.6 auto for your money. Avoid DGS and automated manuals like i-shifts.
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Much better than the original. An enjoyable, practical, safe, economical hybrid. Looks good, too. Prius Taxis have run to 400,000 miles plus with very little trouble.
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