I'm looking to buy a Civic, Auris, i30 or cee'd, but want a spare wheels and rear-view camera. What do you suggest?

I'm looking to buy a used Honda Civic (2006-onwards), Toyota Auris, Hyundai i30 or KIA cee’d within the next few months. My budget is £5000-£6000. I'd be looking to keep the car until the end of its lifetime, hence looking at a manufacturer with a good build quality (e.g. proper suspension components that won't fracture on sight of a speed hump), good reliability ratings and low maintenance costs. About 50 per cent of my journeys are motorway, 40 per cent urban city driving and 10 per cent rural. I'm attracted to the Civic, but concerns include the lack of a spare wheel (disappointed with Honda) and rear-view visibility issues. I understand a rear-view camera is not standard on the Civic. Is it feasible to have one fitted?

Asked on 20 July 2013 by SS, Birmingham

Answered by Honest John

The Civic 1.8iES or SE is looking quite good value. Cavernous interior, decent performance and handling and, crucially, up to 45mpg. It's a better cruiser than a petrol engined 5-speed 1.6 cee'd or i30. Auris 1.6 not very good until the current generation. If the Civic does not come with reversing beepers, get some fitted. Easier to work with than a camera.

Tags: motorways fuel economy parking sensors spare wheel small cars

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