Buying a nearly new car - what do you recommend? | Ask Honest John

Buying a nearly new car - what do you recommend?

I am looking to replace me 2011 Skoda Octavia 1.6TDI in the next year or so. I'm looking for a recommendation for a replacement that meets the following brief:

-quiet and comfortable for me (6'3") on a 40 mile each way motorway commute
-suitable for a petite 17 year old to learn to drive in next year
-space in the back for 3 children for mostly short trips (occasionally longer but will have a family car for big trips)
-good fuel economy

I'd be looking at new or up to 1 year old. I'm wondering about a Fabia 1.4TDI, Kia Rio or maybe even an A3 if I am treating myself. What are your thoughts about those, any other suggestions?

Asked on 9 May 2016 by allanj

Answered by Honest John

Fabia 1.4TDI tested here: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/skoda/skoda-fabia-.../ Rio tested here: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/kia/kia-rio-2011-r.../ For 50mpg economy, no diesel worries and a fun drive I'd look at a Peugeot 308 1.2 Puretech 130: www.honestjohn.co.uk/our-cars/peugeot-308/ or a Citroen Cactus 1.2 Puretech 110: www.honestjohn.co.uk/our-cars/citroen-c4-cactus/

Tags: buying a used car learner drivers

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