Can anyone recommend a small car?

[Tron[ADS]]

The Mazda 2's are probably cheaper than a Jazz, and score very highly on the Which magazine reliability tests, and also on safety/security.

I cant vouch for reliability, although ive never actualy had it "let me down", it has been back to the dealer for a few little niggles....nothing that would stop me buying another though.....except Im after a Vauxhall Meriva next I think.

 

[MazdaUK]

Go for a Toyota Yaris. We have a Corolla Verso, but while it was in the garage recently (ahem, who moved the gatepost over there ) they gave us a Yaris. DH was a bit dubious as he had to go up to Manchester on business, but he thoroughly enjoyed driving it, to the extent that he said if he had a company car big enough for family holidays he'd trade in the corolla for the Yaris. I drove it a couple of time (when it wasn't in Manchester) and it was lovely and light, and really easy to park. Toyotas are very reliable (unless people leave gateposts lying about ) and hold their value.

 

[disneyholic family]

when i was at the gym today i noticed a really cute little car - a fiat panda....but i don't know if it's been around long enough to be available second hand..

but it looked quite cute....and small...maybe only a 1.0, but i don't know..

 

[DisneyRGB]

An awful lot of people have said that Toyotas are fantastic, and the Toyota Yaris is a really good small car, but it may be out of my price range. Guess I'll just have to see what I can find and hope I can get a good deal!

 

[jockey]

What about a Mini-you can pick up a Mini one at a very reasonable price and they are great little cars!!

 

[Tron[ADS]]

Hi

I'm looking to buy a new car; at the minute I have a Ford KA, which I enjoy driving, but I've had quite a few problems with it which has put me off having another KA (or any Ford). Probably just unlucky with my car but still, I'd prefer to try something different.

I am reminded of a classic quoute from King of the Hill.....

Dale: "Hank, you know what Ford stands for....its Fix It Again Tomorrow...."
Hank: "Dale, thats FIAT."

Superb.

Anyway, I read a decent write-up on the new 2006 Kia Rio the other day, seemed like good value if your not particular about your brands.

 

[SammieG]

dont dismiss the C3.. I had a Punto before and there really is no comparison at all (although I liked my Punto, it just felt tinny compared to the C3)
I paid no more for mine at the time than my punto as there was a special offer on.

 

[Woodge]

Please don't throw rocks at me, I was merely going to offer a little advice.

You say you don't know about cars so suggesting a trip to an auction sounds crazy............if you have the time and are sensible it is not.

Go along to a large auction and you will find hundreds of cars all in one place, here you can browse to your hearts content without some smarmy salesman in a shiny suit (I know, I was one) trying to sell you todays latest offer. You will also be able to see what cars sell for what price and therefore give yourself a clearer idea of budget.

If you do decide to take the plunge and buy from an auction.

1.) Take someone along that does have an idea about cars. Even limited knowledge is better than none.

2.) Make sure the car has all of the relevant documentation. This will normally be displayed on the windscreen of the car

3.) Auctions normally sell lines of cars from finance companies and Motorbility (Govt aided) These tend to be OK

4.) Never, never, never buy from the unnamed stock, this will be stuff that garages have not been able to sell or another dealer has bought, found fault with and put back in to sell.

5.) Remember, a dealer has to make a profit so he will always want to pay less than you would be prepared to.......it is a profitable business. So being a private buyer you are already at an advantage.

6.) Do you homework. do not jump in ans bid for a car just becasue it is the right colour and looks shiny.

If I can help any more, happy to.

Cheers

Woodge

 

[disneyholic family]

I am reminded of a classic quoute from King of the Hill.....

Dale: "Hank, you know what Ford stands for....its Fix It Again Tomorrow...."
Hank: "Dale, thats FIAT."

Superb.

Anyway, I read a decent write-up on the new 2006 Kia Rio the other day, seemed like good value if your not particular about your brands.

from what i've seen of my neighbors cars, that seems to spell renault and peugeot.....(which makes me wonder about the citroen)..

as for me, despite my origins (detroit), i would always opt for a japanese car...and not just a japanese car, one that's actually made in japan (as opposed to the civic 5 door that's made in the UK or the civic 4 door that's made in turkey)....

in my experience, the japanese are the most reliable......and within that group, i would opt for a honda or a toyota....