Buying a small and cheap new car - what do you recommend?

My Mum's 2004 plate Vauxhall Corsa is past its best. It is starting to leak and the red paint is fading ,as most red cars do. We're looking at replacement options and would like some advice. The lure of a new car and the confidence it affords is attractive but the depreciation is not as enjoyable.

The car will be used for the usual short hops but also a weekly A road run of 30 miles and a twice monthly blast up the motorway for 50 miles. What would you recommend?

Asked on 4 February 2014 by simwright

Answered by Honest John
Down to price. See what deals on small new cars are going locally. You might find a Suzuki Alto for £5995. You will find a Dacia Sandero for £5995. You might also find Citroen C1s, Peugeot 107s and Toyota Aygos in the £6k-£7k bracket. And if you can get a Suzuki Splash or Vauxhall Agila for around £7k, that would be a good choice.
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