Recommend a small, economical runabout?

Our main car is a Volkswagen Touran. We require a second car primarily as a local runabout. We’re looking for something cost effective in fuel and insurance, around 12-18 months old from Motorpoint in Derby and have up to £8000 to spend. We need to be able to accommodate two kids seats, preferably at a decent height as my wife has a back condition.

Asked on 21 September 2013 by MC, Newark

Answered by Honest John

£8000 goes a long way at Motorpoint. Probably a Suzuki Splash or Vauxhall Agila, but also check out a Citroen C1, FIAT Panda, Nissan Pixo, Peugeot 107, Suzuki Alto and Toyota Aygo.

Tags: child seats small cars

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Citroen C1 (2005 - 2014)

Cheap to run. Group 1 insurance. 60mpg. handles well. Low list prices. Good Euro NCAP score. 2012 model emits just 99g/km CO2.

Nissan Pixo (2009 - 2013)

Cheap to buy new, low CO2 emissions and high economy mean it's cheap to run. Available with an automatic gearbox. Nicer seats than near identical Suzuki Alto.

Peugeot 107 (2005 - 2014)

Cheap to run. Economical and perky 1.0-litre engine. Fun to drive. Decent cabin room. Ideal first car. 2012 model emits 99g/km CO2.

Suzuki Alto (2009 - 2015)

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Suzuki Splash (2008 - 2014)

Small yet tall five-door city car. High seating position. Rear seats fold flat. Auto is 4-speed torque converter. Highest first time MoT pass rate of any car.

Toyota Aygo (2005 - 2014)

Low road tax and insurance. Averages a claimed 60mpg. Cheap to run and drives decently. 99g/km CO2 from 2012.

Vauxhall Agila (2008 - 2014)

Surprisingly spacious small five-door city car. Makes best sense with 1.0 petrol engine. Much better than old Agila. Rebadged version of Suzuki Splash.