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Can you recommend a reliable, economical car with a spacesaver tyre?

I want to spend a modest amount, up to £12,000, on a new car. I need to take five people occasionally around town. I just want something that will be reliable and cheap to run but would like option of spacesaver tyre, rather than an inflation kit and parking sensors. A Fiat Panda fits the bill but what else would you suggest we look at? We live up a fairly steep hill on a badly maintained road.

Asked on 2 November 2013 by MH, via email

Answered by Honest John
I reckon £7395 is a "modest amount" for a Dacia Sandero TCe 90, plus maybe £100 for a spare wheel. Alternatively, a raised suspension Sandero Stepway TCe 90 at £7995. Cheaper as well as bigger than a Panda in which 5 is a squeeze. Get the parking sensors fitted ad an aftermarket item.
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