When a Yaris won't do... | Motoring discussion | Back Room Forum

Mon 14 May 2018 12:37

When a Yaris won't do... - Alby Back

My wife's Qashqai is ten years old now. We've had it since it was 18 months old. She has really enjoyed this car and says it suits her perfectly. It's not a posh one, being the entry level Visia trim and a 1.6 petrol manual. No sports car but it bowls along ok and has been no trouble at all.

I steered her towards it in the first place because it's "a Japanese petrol manual" and that seems to have been a good move, because apart from normal servicing, brakes and tyres it's never need any work other than replacing the driver's door mirror on more than a couple of occasions due to her driving "style" :-(

She only does about 6000 miles a year so fuel economy has been acceptable, generally running at about 38 mpg on average. Of course it has never needed a cam belt as that engine is chain cam.

It had an MOT in March and passed without problems and has a short 70,000 on the odometer now.

The thing is, we're now sort of debating whether it's time to change it or whether just to keep it until it dies.

Budget isn't really a major worry in that we could fairly easily afford a new car without too much stretch, but it's the old thing about deciding if we want to or not, or indeed whether it's the clever thing to do given that all cars wear out eventually.

She's not all that bothered either way, her only comment being that she wants to able to rely on her car which seems fair enough.

In truth, for her usage now, she only needs a Yaris or an Aygo or similar, but she's a bit wary of small cars having had a nasty accident in a Ka years ago which resulted in her being cut out of it by the fire brigade. We went to see the remains of that car at the breakers yard and it still puzzles us as to how anyone could have got out of it alive given the crumpled mess it was in.

So, we'd almost certainly be looking at something "chunky" as she calls it if we were replace the Nissan.

Does the panel think we should just keep the current car as it's not showing any signs of being problematic yet, or bail out and buy a new or new-ish replacement?

If the latter, what do you think we should we be looking at given the criteria of "chunky" and reliable?

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Mon 14 May 2018 13:13

When a Yaris won't do... - Alby Back

>>Well first, the Qashqai is not actually Japanese, it is a Renault Megane on stilts. Secondly you really can't judge the safety of a small car based on what I assume, is a Mk1 Ka. Car safety in all classes has come on massively since then!. We have a current shape Honda Jazz and not only would it provide at least as good if not better crash protection than your Qashqai, it is also one of the safest cars in it's class. Look at the EuroNCAP website for details.

Yeah, I get all that, but whatever it was based on, it seems to have stayed bolted together so far.

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Mon 14 May 2018 14:09

When a Yaris won't do... - alan1302

If it is running well and it's liked then I can't see a reason to get rid if it

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Mon 14 May 2018 14:19

When a Yaris won't do... - Avant

Alan is probably right....but on the other hand, test drives are quite fun and you can both see what the alternatives are, even if you end up prefering the devil you know. I suspect that the baleful Renault influence on Nissan was less marked when your Qashqai was new than it is now. So if the alternative is another Nissan, best to stick.

So the ideal seems to be safe and solid, with a sitty-uppy driving position. I'd suggest a look at the SEAT Arona: slightly smaller and quite a bit cheaper than the T-Roc and Q2. Assuming her mileage is mainly short-distance, the 1.0 TSI will do very well.

Or there's the Suzuki Ignis - good to drive I believe although I haven't tried one and don't know how substantial it feels.

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Mon 14 May 2018 14:32

When a Yaris won't do... - SLO76

Beaten to it but Nissan’s today are really just Renault’s underneath. That said the 1.6 petrol as used in the Megane and Scenic is actually pretty robust assuming you change the timing belt on schedule as they’re known to fail.

I’d probably keep it, the depreciation will be far lower now than on a newer replacement and there’s nothing much to fear of in the way of major mechanical repairs on these if they’re looked after.

But if you did go for a newer car and planned on longterm ownership I’d point you towards the usual suspects Mazda 3, CX-3, CX-5 2.0 Skyactiv, Toyota Auris 1.2T or Honda Civic 1.8. Nothing to fear from any of them as they’re genuinely “Japanese petrol manual.”

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Mon 14 May 2018 14:46

When a Yaris won't do... - Alby Back

Her dad has one of the new Ignissssss ( Ingni?) ;-)

She quite likes that.

It is a dilemma though, like I said, there's no really compelling reason to change as the current car is doing fine, and she likes it, but what I suppose bothers me a bit is the potential to find ourselves in a distress purchase situation one day if we don't change it soon-ish.

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Mon 14 May 2018 15:32

When a Yaris won't do... - badbusdriver

Despite what certain people think (such as my Mother in law), cars don't suddenly become unreliable and brake down once they reach a certain age or mileage. If the car is going fine and is being serviced regular and driven considerately (not thrashed) there is no real reason to think otherwise. So, i'd concur with others, just keep it.

I do have a real soft spot for the Ignis though. With there being a local dealer there are quite a few in my town. Looking on the EuroNCAP website, the Ignis does not score very well, but the model tested was a more basic model without a few of the safety aids. With these, it would have scored 5 stars (as opposed to 3). But those are really to prevent an accident in the 1st place and the video shows the structure of the car to hold up very well to the standard offset frontal collision.

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Mon 14 May 2018 15:53

When a Yaris won't do... - SLO76

I like the Ignis too. Pretty straightforward running gear, bags of character and built by a firm with a good reputation. Try it over a good distance before committing though as the ride is a bit firm and refinement won’t match the Nissan plus space is a tight being such a small car. If you’re happy though there’s no reason not to buy.

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Mon 14 May 2018 16:14

When a Yaris won't do... - badbusdriver

I like the Ignis too. Pretty straightforward running gear, bags of character and built by a firm with a good reputation. Try it over a good distance before committing though as the ride is a bit firm and refinement won’t match the Nissan plus space is a tight being such a small car. If you’re happy though there’s no reason not to buy.

Going by what i have read, space in the Ignis is only tight across the car. The basic versions can be had with 3 rear seatbelts, but it would be pretty uncomfortable for adults. But due to the height, 4 adults can fit in there pretty comfortably, and the boot is of a decent size for such a small car. Windows are quite small though, especially rear side ones, so might seem a little claustrophobic in the rear seats. Agree about the ride though, i have read about it being firm, so try it 1st.

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Mon 14 May 2018 15:56

When a Yaris won't do... - Alby Back

Thanks all, in truth that's where we always seem to end up whenever it gets discussed. It would be easy enough to go and get a replacement car, but ultimately, this one seems to suit her very well and replacing it wouldn't result in any life changing thrills. She really likes it.

As far as I'm concerned, it's a bit of a "washing machine" in so far as there's nothing much to dislike really, but I don't feel like rushing out to drive it. It's the sort of car that, if it was our only vehicle, would do most things adequately well without complaint. Perhaps I shouldn't knock that.

Difficult to know what could be another long term car like that now though isn't it?

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Mon 14 May 2018 16:13

When a Yaris won't do... - coopshere

As Avant says, god fun to do some test drives. Now would be a good time to start so that you know what would be suitable if you do need to have a sudden purchase. No need then to rush into something you’re not sure of. In the mean time keep the Nissan going as it currently owes you nothing.

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Mon 14 May 2018 16:49

When a Yaris won't do... - Andrew-T

... there's no really compelling reason to change as the current car is doing fine, and she likes it, but what I suppose bothers me a bit is the potential to find ourselves in a distress purchase situation one day if we don't change it soon-ish.

The only reason to change would be if your money is burning a hole in your pocket. Any replacement will bring with it all the problems of recent overcomplexity. My Pug 207SW has a very similar history to your Qashqai - 10 years old, coming up 70K, and no 'work' ever done except routine servicing plus brake parts and tyres. I even had it put together again after it was marginally written off following a front-end mild collision.

Keep it running and spend the money on something enjoyable.

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Mon 14 May 2018 17:14

When a Yaris won't do... - Alby Back

No, the money isn't burning any holes Andrew, I'm Scottish and we have special extra asbestos lined pockets for money! ;-)

I suppose it'll end up being as these things usually are, one day we/she will just see something and buy it.

She did mention that she quite liked those C4 Cactus things with the bubble wrapped doors. I shall try to erase that thought from her mind.

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Mon 14 May 2018 17:25

When a Yaris won't do... - Andrew-T

No, the money isn't burning any holes Andrew, I'm Scottish and we have special extra asbestos lined pockets for money! ;-).

Och well, there'll be nae moths in yer sporran, then .... :-))

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Mon 14 May 2018 19:48

When a Yaris won't do... - SteveLee

No, the money isn't burning any holes Andrew, I'm Scottish and we have special extra asbestos lined pockets for money! ;-) I suppose it'll end up being as these things usually are, one day we/she will just see something and buy it. She did mention that she quite liked those C4 Cactus things with the bubble wrapped doors. I shall try to erase that thought from her mind.

The Cactus is a brilliant car, light, efficient, supple springing and a real hoot to drive. One of those rare cars that feels faster than it is.

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Mon 14 May 2018 16:02

When a Yaris won't do... - Paul Robinson

At ten years old I think I'd want to have plan for what it is to be replaced with when she feels she can't rely on it anymore. So, a short list and a few test drives in the near future so you can act quickly if necessary. Otherwise I'd hang on to it for now, budget for a bit of car hire if it 'dies' suddenly and enjoy the cheap motoring while it lasts.

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Mon 14 May 2018 16:08

When a Yaris won't do... - Alby Back

That makes a lot of sense Paul. Although, test drives are a bit like going to see a litter of puppies because you "might" buy one. You know in reality that unless the puppies look like something from Monsters Inc, you're probably coming home with one ! ;-)

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Mon 14 May 2018 16:47

When a Yaris won't do... - gordonbennet

If you decide to keep it, wot abaht treating it to a bloomin good birthday in the hands of your trusted indy.

So as well as the usual oil change, also replace the transmission oil and the coolant, and filters, service the brakes really well too ie full strip clean and lube up plus fluid change, if the pads are getting a bit thin maybe try a set of Brembo's...these have improved the braking on several cars i've now fitted them too, they seem nicely progressive like Ferodos of yor.

Check all hoses etc and maybe stick a new auxilliary drive belt(s) on for good measure.

Cosmetically hows about letting a detailer (posh valeter) do the business on it, and if the alloys (assuming it has them) are looking a bit sad get them refurbed, any monor scrapes get a smart repairer to tiddle them up.

There you go, the equivalent of 3 months payments on a PCP plan and the present car looks tip top again and should have several years more reliable use for Lady B.

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Mon 14 May 2018 17:19

When a Yaris won't do... - Alby Back

Not a bad thought Gordon. Maybe some version of what you suggest could be an idea.

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Mon 14 May 2018 16:39

When a Yaris won't do... - TheGentlemanThug

I agree that keeping the Qashqai is probably the best move. Affordability notwithstanding, you're still spending thousands of pounds which could go elsewhere. You also know the history of the car and can be confident that it shouldn't have any major issues. The same might not be said for another car.

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Mon 14 May 2018 17:27

When a Yaris won't do... - Alby Back

Yes, you're probably right BRM. I'm guessing from your "handle" that we share an interest in pedal power? We're fairly obsessional mountain bikers and spend way too much time, effort and money on finding new places to do it and on bikes to do it on.

One thought I had was to keep the Qashqai anyway ( whether it gets replaced or not ) and keep it as a bike hacker to avoid the possibility of knocking lumps out of my car and not caring too much about the amount of vegetation it gets in or on it.

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Mon 14 May 2018 21:12

When a Yaris won't do... - Oli rag

If you want to stay with Nissan, how about a juke. I know they’re a marmite car, but they are supposed to be reliable.

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Mon 14 May 2018 22:22

When a Yaris won't do... - Bromptonaut

The squashy is doing the job just fine and if you keep it maintained it could easily go another five years and twice the mileage. You will of course have to hope nothing goes dramatically wrong but I guess difference between trade in value and scrap will only be a few hundred.

Mechanical parts will probably be OK for a few years but body parts and trim can be a problem. Remember my Citroen specialist telling me a few years ago how hard it was to find a door mirror for a BX..........

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Mon 14 May 2018 22:52

When a Yaris won't do... - Alby Back

Thanks for the tip Bromp, I may stock up...

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Wed 16 May 2018 14:46

When a Yaris won't do... - Engineer Andy

Indeed - my local Mazda dealer says they will soon have no stock left of Mazda3 mk 1 suspension struts/springs as its 10 year parts guarantee will end in 2019. Not so much of a problem if a car shares its platform with others (as Nissans do with Renaults) as there's more business to be had; with mine, I'm not so sure as I don't know how many parts are shared (or at least compatable) with the mk2 Ford Focus and Volvo S/V40 which it shared a floorpan.

Its worth the OP finding out what parts (based on the car's age, condition and mileage) are likley to require replacement within the next few years (subject to how long they would like to keep it), based on other owners' experiences of the model, and how much it'll cost to replace them.

Sometime a major item that might need replacement might make the vehicle essentially a write-off as uneconomic to repair, others may not, so it might mean a fingers crossed scenario, with as has been said, a 'Plan B' in place by test driving alternatives so a decent replacement can be quickly sourced as required.

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Mon 14 May 2018 22:51

When a Yaris won't do... - Alby Back

"We" dont like Jukes apparently ( which is fine by me )

"We" do like Yetis though, I'm reliably informed this evening. Given that they've recently stopped making them, I wonder if there are bargains to be had...

Do "we" like Yetis here?

( bound to be good in the snow you'd think ) ;-)

Edited by Alby Back on 14/05/2018 at 22:54

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Mon 14 May 2018 23:10

When a Yaris won't do... - Bromptonaut

Do "we" like Yetis here? ( bound to be good in the snow you'd think ) ;-)

I rather like the Yeti but STR from past research that it's actually quite light and my current 1300kg caravan would be close to 85% kerbweight match recommended for hassle free towing.

Given our next 'van is likely to be 1500kg it doesn't tick the boxes.

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Mon 14 May 2018 23:14

When a Yaris won't do... - KB.

Regulars here must be sick and tired of hearing that we do like Yetis in our house.

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Tue 15 May 2018 14:27

When a Yaris won't do... - corax

. Do "we" like Yetis here? ( bound to be good in the snow you'd think ) ;-)

I'm a fan of square shaped cars so I like the looks of the Yeti, but the Honest John review says 'numerous faults and niggles' or words to that effect, which would put me off.

Current shape Toyota RAV4? Japanese petrol, and the massive boot would appeal to me.

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Tue 15 May 2018 16:02

When a Yaris won't do... - Alby Back

Aye, that might work Corax.

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Tue 15 May 2018 17:29

When a Yaris won't do... - badbusdriver

You like a square and your wife likes chunky?, well here is something which could be right up your street, the Kia Soul. You have that ace 7 year warranty, so long as it has full Kia history (if buying used), the reliability, and a nice high seating position. Be wary of is the trendy special edition versions with very large wheels, apparently they give a rather harsh ride!. The original version ran from 2008-2014 and the MK2 is still current, here is a MK2 for you to have a gander at,

www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20180403517...1

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Tue 15 May 2018 17:43

When a Yaris won't do... - Alby Back

Thanks BBD, but I suspect that might not be quite sitty uppy enough. ( I know, believe me I do know, but we are not dealing with a rational being here ) Think Kate Bush but less "normal"... ;-)

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Tue 15 May 2018 18:25

When a Yaris won't do... - gordonbennet

Kate Bush you say.

Thats done it, dozens of blokes old enough to know better are now daydreaming all sorts of thoughts, one of which is how much they now envy that lucky swine Mr Back :-)

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Tue 15 May 2018 19:19

When a Yaris won't do... - badbusdriver

By sitty uppy, i assume you mean seat height?. If so, according to the Motablity website, the Soul has a slighlty higher seating position than the Ignis, and an inch lower than the RAV-4.

BTW, i love Kate Bush!

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Tue 15 May 2018 19:52

When a Yaris won't do... - Alby Back

Qashqais, Sportages, Ravs etc are sitty uppy and chunky. ( according to "Kate" ) I am informed that Souls are not.

Don't try to overthink this, I promise it won't be based on any measurements, statistics or logic...

;-)

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Tue 15 May 2018 20:15

When a Yaris won't do... - badbusdriver

Horses for courses i guess, but to my eyes the Soul looks much chunkier than a Qasqai?. Hey ho, it matters (according to 'the big yin') "not a jot"

;)

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Wed 16 May 2018 13:16

When a Yaris won't do... - SteVee

She needs to buy what she likes - there is no other sensible option.

Try and get her to take a look round the various options so it's not an impusle buy when she decides it has to be changed. Beware of changes in technology which can make a previous 'liked' model into something 'not interested'.

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Wed 16 May 2018 14:08

When a Yaris won't do... - Leif

Chunky does not necessarily mean safer than 'unchunky'. The old VW Camper Van is chunky, but the driver and front passenger are the crumple zone. The Ford Ka was okay safety wise, which is presumably why your wife survived. A longer car may be safer than a short car with the same NCAP ratings because the extra length allows the car more time to crumple, thereby reducing deceleration forces, which can kill even if the passenger cell is intact.

So, looking at the Suzuki Ignis we see that it has 3 NCAP stars. The Toyota Yaris has 5 NCAP stars. Were you to buy an Ignis, you may well be buying a less safe car due to a misguided perception that chunky means safer.

Of course the perception rather than the reality of being safe may in fact be the requirement ...

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Wed 16 May 2018 14:12

When a Yaris won't do... - skidpan

Don't forget that NCAP changed the ratings recently. The yaris may have been a 5* car when tested but updated requirements would almost certainly mean a lower rating.

The Punto EVO was on sale as a 5* car (which it was when tested in the era of the Roman Empire). But when retested recently it managed just 1*.

So its just possible that a 3* Ignis is actually safer than a 5* Yaris.

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Wed 16 May 2018 14:31

When a Yaris won't do... - Manatee

Don't forget that NCAP changed the ratings recently...

Look at the NCAP information in detail to compare the risks in the actual event of a crash.

ISTR that many cars got lower ratings based on not having certain driver aids, e.g. autonomous braking and possibly lane departure warning/control and adaptive cruise control. Personally I don't impute much value to those, having so far always managed to do them myself.

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Wed 16 May 2018 16:38

When a Yaris won't do... - KB.

Strictly speaking the Ignis is three star without the "safety pack" and five star with it. And, has been pointed out, the 2016 criteria was more stringent that the earlier ones. Having said all that the little diagram showing areas of strength and weakness has an unsavoury looking brown bit on the drivers side.... meaning "weak".

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