Suggestions/Recommendations for my new car

[Twin_Cam]

Dear Phers - I am currently running a small suzuki hatchback (Alto). Its quite reliable and fuel efficient however its boot is very small.

I am new to the country and want something slightly bigger for family. After some search I have came across following vehicle who seems adequate.

1- Suzuki Swift/Baleno
2- Ford Fiesta - (heard lot of stories about ecoboom)
3- Seat Ibiza/Skoda Fabia
4- Peugeot 206
5- Nissan Micra

Can you please share your feedback/suggestions ? My budget is 10K GBP and my key criteria is "Reliability" and cheap maintenance, I cannot afford expensive breakdowns and repairs. My travelling is very limited 300-400 miles a month usually short trips.

Would really appreciate the help,

Thank you.

[Krikkit]

Toyota.

[Pica-Pica]

We have had a Škoda Fabia for 9 years. It is the 1.2TSi engine (90ps). Utterly reliable. Very roomy inside (we tried an Audi A1, and a Fiat Panda, both were too small inside for the outside dimension). Probably the best car we have ever bought for reliability, simplicity, and ease of parking. In truth a more sensible car than my 335d BMW!

[Sc0tchland]

Twin_Cam said:

Dear Phers - I am currently running a small suzuki hatchback (Alto). Its quite reliable and fuel efficient however its boot is very small.

I am new to the country and want something slightly bigger for family. After some search I have came across following vehicle who seems adequate.

1- Suzuki Swift/Baleno
2- Ford Fiesta - (heard lot of stories about ecoboom)
3- Seat Ibiza/Skoda Fabia
4- Peugeot 206
5- Nissan Micra

Can you please share your feedback/suggestions ? My budget is 10K GBP and my key criteria is "Reliability" and cheap maintenance, I cannot afford expensive breakdowns and repairs. My travelling is very limited 300-400 miles a month usually short trips.

Would really appreciate the help,

Thank you.

Something like this -
High spec Yaris - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208038...

[GreatGranny]

Toyota Auris

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205256...

Bullet proof, decent space, lots of kit and cheap to run.

[ninjag]

Alto has 129 litres boot space so a few that come to mind that are all reliable (especially petrol versions) and should be cheap to maintain:

Suzuki Swift (211 litres) but it's still tight inside
Suzuki Vitara compact SUV (375 litres)
Honda Jazz (399 litres)
Honda Civic (467 litres)

Maybe too big but the Honda CRV (589 litres) is a great family car, but if getting petrol only get the manual. The diesel auto is fine though.

[CG2020UK]

Of your recommendations I’d go the Fiesta with the 1L engine.

The so called eco-boom is related to specific Focus cars with the 1L engine. The fiesta doesn’t have the same problem.

Brilliant handling, economical, reliable and the 1L engine is great.

[Twin_Cam]

Thank you everyone for taking time and replying. Quite valuable information.

As my trips are usually short I think a small engine would be better, and I have parking space for small car (e.g. Ibiza/Balano size car).

What should I look far while buying a used car? any tips or important point to consider while buying a pre-owned car.

[samoht]

I second the Honda Jazz, my aunt likes hers. These 'supermini MPVs' combine supermini running costs with class-up interior space, which sound like what you want.

Could also consider the Nissan Note
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208108...

or the Toyota Verso S
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207258...

all with Japanese reliability too.

[Bobupndown]

Fabia or Ibiza, can't go wrong with either.

[ZX10R NIN]

Twin_Cam said:

Dear Phers - I am currently running a small suzuki hatchback (Alto). Its quite reliable and fuel efficient however its boot is very small.

I am new to the country and want something slightly bigger for family. After some search I have came across following vehicle who seems adequate.

1- Suzuki Swift/Baleno
2- Ford Fiesta - (heard lot of stories about ecoboom)
3- Seat Ibiza/Skoda Fabia
4- Peugeot 206
5- Nissan Micra

Can you please share your feedback/suggestions ? My budget is 10K GBP and my key criteria is "Reliability" and cheap maintenance, I cannot afford expensive breakdowns and repairs. My travelling is very limited 300-400 miles a month usually short trips.

Would really appreciate the help,

Thank you.

I'd say look for a Kia Rio 2 as they're not only reliable but you'll also get one with 2-3 years of the Manufacturer's Warranty left too, so you'll have piece of mind:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208088...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204214...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206247...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203083...

If you can stretch the budget a smidge then the 1.0T engine is the pick:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208218...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204214...

If you can stretch then this Kia Ceed GT Line with the same 1.0T but with 20bhp more is a very good buy at your price point & you'll still have 3 years warranty too:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206237...

Also the Astra in 1.0T SRI Nav spec are good buys & you'll get a years Network Q Warranty which you can extend:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206096...

[georgeyboy12345]

Out of your list, the most reliable car there is the Nissan Micra. All these cars are a bit on the small side for family duties I feel.

Here's what I'd be looking at. Japanese/Korean, petrol, no turbos or fancy/complex engines, low mileage, not too old, good on fuel, cheap on insurance and tax, maximum reliability.

Honda Civic 1.8 i-VTEC
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203113...


Mazda 3 2.0 Skyactiv-G
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207017...


Hyundai i30 1.6 SE
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207157...

Edited by georgeyboy12345 on Monday 22 August 21:22

[Sc0tchland]

ZX10R NIN said:

Twin_Cam said:

Dear Phers - I am currently running a small suzuki hatchback (Alto). Its quite reliable and fuel efficient however its boot is very small.

I am new to the country and want something slightly bigger for family. After some search I have came across following vehicle who seems adequate.

1- Suzuki Swift/Baleno
2- Ford Fiesta - (heard lot of stories about ecoboom)
3- Seat Ibiza/Skoda Fabia
4- Peugeot 206
5- Nissan Micra

Can you please share your feedback/suggestions ? My budget is 10K GBP and my key criteria is "Reliability" and cheap maintenance, I cannot afford expensive breakdowns and repairs. My travelling is very limited 300-400 miles a month usually short trips.

Would really appreciate the help,

Thank you.

I'd say look for a Kia Rio 2 as they're not only reliable but you'll also get one with 2-3 years of the Manufacturer's Warranty left too, so you'll have piece of mind:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208088...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204214...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206247...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203083...

If you can stretch the budget a smidge then the 1.0T engine is the pick:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208218...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204214...

If you can stretch then this Kia Ceed GT Line with the same 1.0T but with 20bhp more is a very good buy at your price point & you'll still have 3 years warranty too:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206237...

Also the Astra in 1.0T SRI Nav spec are good buys & you'll get a years Network Q Warranty which you can extend:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206096...

ZX10R, I got my sister a 2016, Hyundai I20 with the 1.0T 120hp engine in it recently. It sounds awesome! Anything to look out for maintenance wise?

[ZX10R NIN]

Sc0tchland said:

ZX10R, I got my sister a 2016, Hyundai I20 with the 1.0T 120hp engine in it recently. It sounds awesome! Anything to look out for maintenance wise?

Nothing really but like most modern engine they're sensitive on their oil so make sure you use a good brand & do the maintenance yearly rather than by mileage.

[Twin_Cam]

Thank you gentlemen - Great information and suggestions... Appreciated!!! Already loving this forum