Best Small Car Option
Best Small Car Option
Author
Discussion

Breeks

Original Poster:

113 posts

112 months

Tuesday 9th August 2022
quotequote all
I'm looking to change my car for a smaller runaround type as I'm just not doing mileages anymore - mainly used for back and forth to train station and supermarket a few times a week.

I have a soft spot for a Suzuki Swift - it seems to be a reliable, fun option.

Wondering if there are any alternatives that I should be looking at.


sherman

15,156 posts

243 months

Tuesday 9th August 2022
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Ford fiesta. They have a fun chassis and a nice gearbox.

biggbn

32,089 posts

248 months

Tuesday 9th August 2022
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Mini. Huge fun and they do get under your skin.

ingenieur

4,643 posts

209 months

Tuesday 9th August 2022
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When not doing large mileages this exactly the time to buy something insane. Plenty of choice out there.

Canon_Fodder

1,775 posts

91 months

Tuesday 9th August 2022
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I would just get something really basic but reliable like an i20 if all you want is a motorised shopping trolley

Quhet

2,909 posts

174 months

Tuesday 9th August 2022
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So many different considerations. What sort of area do you live? Is there (or will there be soon) a ULEZ? Do you need 5 doors?
Pretty impossible to give any advice out without knowing a bit more detail

Breeks

Original Poster:

113 posts

112 months

Tuesday 9th August 2022
quotequote all
Thanks all....live in a semi-rural location - no ULEZ, commute to train station is approx. 20 miles round trip weekdays.

Longer trip to visit family or friends at weekend - say 100 / 200 mile round trip once a month.

2 x kids ( 8 & 10) ferry to clubs etc....but that's a few miles here and there - implies 4 doors.

Currently have a 2012 Volvo XC60 which is becoming a bit of a pain to keep on the road with what seems like an expense every couple of months lately plus fuel consumption isn't the best - so reliability + lower maintenance costs + mileage in the 40 plus mpg would be ideal.

Edit to add.....I'd like a few creature comforts such as satnav, DAB, Bluetooth media + phone and electric windows....


Edited by Breeks on Tuesday 9th August 12:30

sherman

15,156 posts

243 months

Tuesday 9th August 2022
quotequote all
Breeks said:
Thanks all....live in a semi-rural location - no ULEZ, commute to train station is approx. 20 miles round trip weekdays.

Longer trip to visit family or friends at weekend - say 100 / 200 mile round trip once a month.

2 x kids ( 8 & 10) ferry to clubs etc....but that's a few miles here and there - implies 4 doors.

Currently have a 2012 Volvo XC60 which is becoming a bit of a pain to keep on the road with what seems like an expense every couple of months lately plus fuel consumption isn't the best - so reliability + lower maintenance costs + mileage in the 40 plus mpg would be ideal.

Edit to add.....I'd like a few creature comforts such as satnav, DAB, Bluetooth media + phone and electric windows....


Edited by Breeks on Tuesday 9th August 12:30
Then I stick by my choice of Fiesta or if you want the ground clearence a Puma.

Trevor555

5,365 posts

112 months

Tuesday 9th August 2022
quotequote all
I've got a 2017 Seat Mii that I'll probably keep until I cant drive anymore.

Daughter has the VW Up, son has the Citigo, all essentially the same car.

Only drawback is the thought of having an accident in one, but that applies to all small city cars I guess.

If going that route pick one that has heated door mirrors, it's actually not common on these models, and it's the only thing they really should all have.

Pre April 2017 are £20 Rfl, some are £0 but have stop start which I hate with a passion.

If you're not in a hurry these cars are brilliant, cheap to fix, heaps of used parts available, and can do 65+ mpg if driven carefully.


ingenieur

4,643 posts

209 months

Tuesday 9th August 2022
quotequote all
Breeks said:
Thanks all....live in a semi-rural location - no ULEZ, commute to train station is approx. 20 miles round trip weekdays.

Longer trip to visit family or friends at weekend - say 100 / 200 mile round trip once a month.

2 x kids ( 8 & 10) ferry to clubs etc....but that's a few miles here and there - implies 4 doors.

Currently have a 2012 Volvo XC60 which is becoming a bit of a pain to keep on the road with what seems like an expense every couple of months lately plus fuel consumption isn't the best - so reliability + lower maintenance costs + mileage in the 40 plus mpg would be ideal.

Edit to add.....I'd like a few creature comforts such as satnav, DAB, Bluetooth media + phone and electric windows....


Edited by Breeks on Tuesday 9th August 12:30
My usage is very similar which is why I bought a Mercedes CL500. 5.0v8 with double-glazing & hydraulic suspension. It's a joy to drive over long distances and who cares about fuel consumption if you're only using it occasionally. As it's based on the s-class the fact that it's a 2-door doesn't rob legroom from the kids, it's still very comfortable being in the back. Plenty of luggage room as well.

ZX10R NIN

30,424 posts

153 months

Tuesday 9th August 2022
quotequote all
It depends on how much you want to spend?

Clio GT Line Nav:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207197...

Or you could go for the full fat 220 Nav Trophy:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205235...

Kia Rio First Edition:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206176...

1.4t Astra SRI a decent steer with DAB/Android Auto/Car Play etc:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203263...

georgeyboy12345

4,566 posts

63 months

Tuesday 9th August 2022
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Yeah I was going to say, what’s your budget?