Vauxhall Meriva or the Ford B Max - which would you buy?

I will soon need to change my car to one that is suitable to take two elderly people in the back. I have decided it is between the Vauxhall Meriva and the Ford B Max. I am also weary of changing gears and have decided I will upgrade to automatic transmission.

I will be covering low mileage, but my main concerns are reliability, cost of repairs, performance and resale value. What do you recommend?

Asked on 14 August 2013 by Stephen

Answered by Honest John
The Meriva has a chain cam petrol turbo engine and a 6-speed torque converter auto. The B-Max currently has a belt cam 1.6 petrol engine and Powershift dual clutch automatic transmission.

I have not driven either. With a turbo, the Meriva should warm up faster from a cold start. Handling of both is fine, but I have only driven manuals.
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