New, small, automatic?

[The Cardinal]

I picked up a 2017 Skoda Fabia in 110hp with DSG auto 'box flavour last year. It's been a massive hit for us, being used 4-5 times per week albeit with low annual mileage as it's all urban trips (ferrying kids etc).

We've decided to keep our two other vehicles (2013 & 2016) permanently. It wouldn't be economic to replace either, despite ongoing maintenance and the odd reliability hiccup as they age.

This means I'm looking to keep the Fabia as our white goods car, needing 100% reliability. Unlike the other two, I think I could replace this one with a brand new one economically, bearing in mind a 5+ year outlook that includes things like our kids learning to drive.

What's the PH recommendation on new or near-new small, automatic hatchbacks these days? Ideally as close to 4m length as possible, 5 doors, wipe-clean interior, big sidewall tyres.

I'm naturally attracted to the updated Fabia and Polo. The Sandero looks ok, but is it worth it when it's within 25% of those two at today's prices?

Budget is an assumed £9-10k trade-in value for the current Fabia, plus roughly the same again.

[Tyre Smoke]

I'd keep the current one.

It's not exactly old and isn't doing much mileage.

[Belle427]

Me too or buy the same again, great little cars.
Obviously go Vrs next time as this is Pistonheads.

[paradigital]

Small automatic that’s only used locally and in small amounts?

Go electric.

Even if you end up having to spend slightly more than your projected £18-20k, you’ll not look back to ICE for urban usage.

You should be able to pick up a 2021 Zoe for not massively more than £20k, and still have most of the warranty remaining.

Edited by paradigital on Sunday 24th July 08:06

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd say keep it or if you want to change to something with a conventional auto (less potential borkage down the line) then here are some options.

Astra GTC SRI:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206166...

Astra SRI Nav

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204265...

Elite Nav:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207077...

Kia Rio 2:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207207...

[Pica-Pica]

I’d keep the current car. We have a manual 1.2TSi Fabia, on a ‘13 plate, from new. Utterly, utterly reliable.

[georgeyboy12345]

Toyota Yaris Hybrid
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206206...


Renault Clio 1.6 E-Tech Hybrid
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205065...


Ford Fiesta 1.0T Ecoboost MHEV
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205175...

[Glosphil]

You have a 2017 Fabia with low mileage that seems to meet your requirements. Why change?

If repair costs are thought to be a possible future problem then take out the Skoda 'All In' plan for a little over £30/month. That lasts for 2 years & gives 2 services, 2 MOTs, 2 year Seat warranty & 2 year breakdown cover. Often available discounted.

Edited by Glosphil on Sunday 24th July 17:40