n/a - Small Car Suggestions (Thank you please)

Honest John Back Room » Motoring discussion
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Wed 11 May 2011 10:04
n/a - Small Car Suggestions (Thank you please) - 12345oncei

Hi There,

I am in the market for a new (used) car and have been considering a Fiesta 1.4 tdci or a polo 1.4 Ctdi. However, due to lack of suitable models in our price range within our locality I think we need to extend our consideration.

We currently have a Seat Arosa that my wife uses to commute to work (35 miles a day total) and also had an Ibiza Sdi which has sadly passed on. The ibiza was used for 80 - 100 miles a week short runs and a 350 mile motorway journey once a month.

I am thinking we need to use the Arosa for the light duties and whatever we get as a replacement should be used for the wife's commute and the once a month motorway haul.

We don't really want to spend more than 4k at the moment and would prefer a hatchback to accomodate 2 adults and a toddler. Low insurance group and tax preferable.

Any suggestions would be greatfully received.

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Wed 11 May 2011 13:09
n/a - Small Car Suggestions (Thank you please) - unthrottled

Staying with VAG, a Skoda Fabia 1.9 tdi might start to come into your price range. Peugeot 206 SW HDI is also worth consideration. The engine isn't as refined or economical as the VW 1.9 but they should be more keenly priced.

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Wed 11 May 2011 13:22
n/a - Small Car Suggestions (Thank you please) - 12345oncei

I did recently miss out on a Fabia 1.9 TDI on an 04 plate with 59k miles @ £3.5k ish. Umming and ahhing over colour does not pay.

Not previously considered a Peugeot so will have a bit of a read up and a scout about.

Thank you.

Any further suggestions greatfully received..

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Wed 11 May 2011 13:34
n/a - Small Car Suggestions (Thank you please) - unthrottled

Shame about the Fabia. I'd take it over the pug in a heartbeat. I'm assuming that diesel is order of the day if this is going to be the commuter car? Your options are obviously much wider with petrol.

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Wed 11 May 2011 13:47
n/a - Small Car Suggestions (Thank you please) - 12345oncei

I'd prefer a diesel though anything decent is a bit like hen's teeth and liable to be sold very quickly.

It will either need to cope with around 8 - 9k miles a year if I use it. Or, 13-14k miles if the wife uses it to commute (with family use at weekends).

I don't have to drive as far during the week - hence I would happily squeeze myself into the Arosa Mon - Friday.

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Wed 11 May 2011 14:08
n/a - Small Car Suggestions (Thank you please) - unthrottled

At 8-9K, the diesel is harder to justify-although a good diesel is much nicer to drive. The problem is that the at a time of high fuel prices and a weak economy, the secondhand market for diesel cars is unusually strong and your money doesn't go very far.

The problem is further compounded by the fact that the latest diesels have gained a not entirely deserved reputation for being less reliable than their older, simpler counterparts. As a result the VW 1.9TDI has gained an almost legendary status-and the prices reflect this.

Best value is usually gained by buying what the bulk of the market ignores. A Honda Jazz might be worth a look. You'll miss the grunt of the diesel but proably get a much newer car.

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Wed 11 May 2011 15:43
n/a - Small Car Suggestions (Thank you please) - 12345oncei

I might just visit the 'onda dealer tomorrow to take a look at a jazz - they have 2 not far off my price range, one on an 06 plate.

Ta

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Wed 11 May 2011 16:06
n/a - Small Car Suggestions (Thank you please) - Bobbin Threadbare

For your £4k or under, and space for a buggy and a child seat, I come up with a Ford Focus, any Skodas or a Toyota Verso. Have a go at the 'help me choose' game on Parkers website. That'll help you put the right variables in and it can sort your results by 'greenest' car etc.

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Wed 11 May 2011 17:13
n/a - Small Car Suggestions (Thank you please) - 12345oncei

Yup, am considering hocus pocus. Funny enough, went to see one at the weekend.

£3495 = 1.6 LX with 34k miles on an 05 plate.

Needless to say I was a bit sceptical of low miles and price.

Salesman was sketchy about history, it's fine, it's fine mate. Phoned back a few days later and asked a few more questions of a different person. Had been involved in an accident and repaired.

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Wed 11 May 2011 17:23
n/a - Small Car Suggestions (Thank you please) - 12345oncei

Should add, also seen an Altea 1.9 TDI on an 04 plate with 75k on clock for sub 4k but it looked like a trader masquerading as a private seller.

It's a minefield I tell ya.

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Wed 11 May 2011 21:07
n/a - Small Car Suggestions (Thank you please) - john96

How about a Kia Rio 1.5 diesel, very roomy supermini, not many faults.

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Thu 12 May 2011 09:12
n/a - Small Car Suggestions (Thank you please) - Bobbin Threadbare

I had an ex-Motability Ford Focus 1.6L petrol LX for a few years as my first car. It was really great. I managed to get some quite big furniture in it as the interior space is like a big bubble. Fords have kind of nice gear boxes too, and a squishy clutch so you don't get leg ache! Cheap parts, fair tax, low insurance. Winner.

I only traded it in to get a big engined motorway cruiser.

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