What car for a "car" person (cheap to maintain/reliable/£9k)
Discussion
My life at the moment is very boring. I want to get my mortgage paid off in the next few years. I'm single, in my 30's, live on my own and also hate spending money, particularly on unexpected car repairs (or frivolous purchases).
I've had some "nice" cars previously - including a R53 mini and a 2017 BMW 116d (I know "nice" is subjective!!). Both cars had shocking reliability and cost me a fortune over the years.
Which brings me onto my current car:
I currently drive a 2018 Peugeot 108. Well maintained, lowish miles, and in a good colour. I've had it for 2 years, and as much as my work colleagues laugh and joke about it, its been like a faithful friend. Never let me down. It has the 1.0 Toyota engine, cheap servicing, and costs peanuts to run.
But we only live once. I am a "car" person. I like my cars, want to live a little, have something a bit more interesting, but also something reliable and cheap to maintain.
Criteria:
- Budget - up to 9.5k (I could get about 4.5k for the Peugeot, so Ill be putting 5k towards a new car)
- Manual
- Petrol
- up to 50k miles
- At least 4 seats
- Newer than 2018
- No hybrids or electric
- No turbos UNLESS they are proven to be very reliable (thinking Japanese?)
- I do about 10k per year, but this is 95% around the city.
Considerations so far:
- Suzuki Swift sport (either a late Mk2, or possibly early Mk3 with the turbo?)
- Suzuki Vitara - latest shape, from 2015 (I know they are not that interesting, but makes a change from the 108)
- Toyota Aygo-X
- Latest shape Mazda 3 (but will likely exceed my budjet)
Or should I keep the 108?
Any help appreciated.
I've had some "nice" cars previously - including a R53 mini and a 2017 BMW 116d (I know "nice" is subjective!!). Both cars had shocking reliability and cost me a fortune over the years.
Which brings me onto my current car:
I currently drive a 2018 Peugeot 108. Well maintained, lowish miles, and in a good colour. I've had it for 2 years, and as much as my work colleagues laugh and joke about it, its been like a faithful friend. Never let me down. It has the 1.0 Toyota engine, cheap servicing, and costs peanuts to run.
But we only live once. I am a "car" person. I like my cars, want to live a little, have something a bit more interesting, but also something reliable and cheap to maintain.
Criteria:
- Budget - up to 9.5k (I could get about 4.5k for the Peugeot, so Ill be putting 5k towards a new car)
- Manual
- Petrol
- up to 50k miles
- At least 4 seats
- Newer than 2018
- No hybrids or electric
- No turbos UNLESS they are proven to be very reliable (thinking Japanese?)
- I do about 10k per year, but this is 95% around the city.
Considerations so far:
- Suzuki Swift sport (either a late Mk2, or possibly early Mk3 with the turbo?)
- Suzuki Vitara - latest shape, from 2015 (I know they are not that interesting, but makes a change from the 108)
- Toyota Aygo-X
- Latest shape Mazda 3 (but will likely exceed my budjet)
Or should I keep the 108?
Any help appreciated.
LT1987 said:
My life at the moment is very boring. I want to get my mortgage paid off in the next few years. I'm single, in my 30's, live on my own and also hate spending money, particularly on unexpected car repairs (or frivolous purchases).
I've had some "nice" cars previously - including a R53 mini and a 2017 BMW 116d (I know "nice" is subjective!!). Both cars had shocking reliability and cost me a fortune over the years.
Which brings me onto my current car:
I currently drive a 2018 Peugeot 108. Well maintained, lowish miles, and in a good colour. I've had it for 2 years, and as much as my work colleagues laugh and joke about it, its been like a faithful friend. Never let me down. It has the 1.0 Toyota engine, cheap servicing, and costs peanuts to run.
But we only live once. I am a "car" person. I like my cars, want to live a little, have something a bit more interesting, but also something reliable and cheap to maintain.
Criteria:
- Budget - up to 9.5k (I could get about 4.5k for the Peugeot, so Ill be putting 5k towards a new car)
- Manual
- Petrol
- up to 50k miles
- At least 4 seats
- Newer than 2018
- No hybrids or electric
- No turbos UNLESS they are proven to be very reliable (thinking Japanese?)
- I do about 10k per year, but this is 95% around the city.
Considerations so far:
- Suzuki Swift sport (either a late Mk2, or possibly early Mk3 with the turbo?)
- Suzuki Vitara - latest shape, from 2015 (I know they are not that interesting, but makes a change from the 108)
- Toyota Aygo-X
- Latest shape Mazda 3 (but will likely exceed my budjet)
Or should I keep the 108?
Any help appreciated.
You don't sound like a "car person". I've had some "nice" cars previously - including a R53 mini and a 2017 BMW 116d (I know "nice" is subjective!!). Both cars had shocking reliability and cost me a fortune over the years.
Which brings me onto my current car:
I currently drive a 2018 Peugeot 108. Well maintained, lowish miles, and in a good colour. I've had it for 2 years, and as much as my work colleagues laugh and joke about it, its been like a faithful friend. Never let me down. It has the 1.0 Toyota engine, cheap servicing, and costs peanuts to run.
But we only live once. I am a "car" person. I like my cars, want to live a little, have something a bit more interesting, but also something reliable and cheap to maintain.
Criteria:
- Budget - up to 9.5k (I could get about 4.5k for the Peugeot, so Ill be putting 5k towards a new car)
- Manual
- Petrol
- up to 50k miles
- At least 4 seats
- Newer than 2018
- No hybrids or electric
- No turbos UNLESS they are proven to be very reliable (thinking Japanese?)
- I do about 10k per year, but this is 95% around the city.
Considerations so far:
- Suzuki Swift sport (either a late Mk2, or possibly early Mk3 with the turbo?)
- Suzuki Vitara - latest shape, from 2015 (I know they are not that interesting, but makes a change from the 108)
- Toyota Aygo-X
- Latest shape Mazda 3 (but will likely exceed my budjet)
Or should I keep the 108?
Any help appreciated.
it really depends on what you want,
208 GTi can be 2018ish at that money, like your 108 but much nicer inside and will feel like a real upgrade, just with some familiar touches.
Fiesta ST is the driver's choice, the comparisons at the time between the two basically said the 208 was great and felt posh, the ST is just a giggle.
Just not sure that's the angle here?
208 GTi can be 2018ish at that money, like your 108 but much nicer inside and will feel like a real upgrade, just with some familiar touches.
Fiesta ST is the driver's choice, the comparisons at the time between the two basically said the 208 was great and felt posh, the ST is just a giggle.
Just not sure that's the angle here?
Sounds like you're after a hot hatch. But ruling out turbos limits your choice especially if you want newer than 2018. Nothing wrong with a turbo. I think many reliability issues are caused by people modifying them and adding too much power.
95% city driving. Go for a nippy city car like a VW Up Gti. Or an early Swift Sport boosterjet. Maybe an Abarth 595 is worth a look too.
95% city driving. Go for a nippy city car like a VW Up Gti. Or an early Swift Sport boosterjet. Maybe an Abarth 595 is worth a look too.
Thanks for your responses… I appreciate all the suggestions!
Mazda mx5: this would fit the bill in terms of reliability, but I could not afford to run it alongside my 108. Also, rust is an issue (unless I get a mk4… which I can’t afford unfortunately)
Peugeot 208: on paper, they are great.. although I could not have a car with the Prince engine and all the associated problems. It’s a shame really, as I can imagine they’re great when working, and a good looking car.
Fiesta ST: a great all rounder, but I think the fiestas (2008 - 2017) are starting to look a bit dated. It’s hard to find one without mods too.
GT86: been seriously considering one of these. They do everything I need, although I could only afford an early one, which would come with typical older car issues. Don’t the early ones have some engine issues too?
Abarth 500: similar to 208 and ST… a good all rounder, but I get the sense they are a bit fragile. Prices are very tempting though
I think the front runner is the swift sport. Does anyone have experiences of the Mk2 sport (1.6 n/a), and the mk3 sport (1.4 turbo), and the pros and cons of each?? I appreciate they will be 2 different driving experiences. I could get a perfect mk2 for my budget, but would the limited torque become tiring? (My 108 is very slow, but it’s light, nippy at the low end, and cheap on petrol, which makes up for it!)
Thanks
Mazda mx5: this would fit the bill in terms of reliability, but I could not afford to run it alongside my 108. Also, rust is an issue (unless I get a mk4… which I can’t afford unfortunately)
Peugeot 208: on paper, they are great.. although I could not have a car with the Prince engine and all the associated problems. It’s a shame really, as I can imagine they’re great when working, and a good looking car.
Fiesta ST: a great all rounder, but I think the fiestas (2008 - 2017) are starting to look a bit dated. It’s hard to find one without mods too.
GT86: been seriously considering one of these. They do everything I need, although I could only afford an early one, which would come with typical older car issues. Don’t the early ones have some engine issues too?
Abarth 500: similar to 208 and ST… a good all rounder, but I get the sense they are a bit fragile. Prices are very tempting though
I think the front runner is the swift sport. Does anyone have experiences of the Mk2 sport (1.6 n/a), and the mk3 sport (1.4 turbo), and the pros and cons of each?? I appreciate they will be 2 different driving experiences. I could get a perfect mk2 for my budget, but would the limited torque become tiring? (My 108 is very slow, but it’s light, nippy at the low end, and cheap on petrol, which makes up for it!)
Thanks
You certainly won't go wrong with a Swift Sport.
For urban driving it's a waste of time buying a car with too much power as you'll never use it. The full fat hot hatches often come with a very stiff ride which could get tiring.
Very few 1.4 boosterjets under £10k surprisingly, especially if you want lower mileage. I'd save a bit more and go for the 1.6. They look better imo and if you're not bothered about rear doors then the 3dr is the one to get. There is no lack of torque really, it'll be fine. I've had plenty of small NA petrol cars and lack of torque has never bothered me. Just change down a gear and boot it!
For urban driving it's a waste of time buying a car with too much power as you'll never use it. The full fat hot hatches often come with a very stiff ride which could get tiring.
Very few 1.4 boosterjets under £10k surprisingly, especially if you want lower mileage. I'd save a bit more and go for the 1.6. They look better imo and if you're not bothered about rear doors then the 3dr is the one to get. There is no lack of torque really, it'll be fine. I've had plenty of small NA petrol cars and lack of torque has never bothered me. Just change down a gear and boot it!
The ZC32S is supposed to be a bit sharper than the ZC33S, which in my opinion looks a bit bloated in comparison, but as has been mentioned I don’t think you can go wrong with either.
It will just be a question of being in budget for a great example of a ZC32S or at the lower end of the ZC33S market.
I think a few people on PH have had both, so hopefully one of them may chip in with their experiences. Personally I love my ZC32S and paid a bit less for it than your budget just over a year ago. A lot will say you don’t need to spend that much on what is a budget car, but I think if you’re after something reliable, compact and cheap to run, it’s just about worth it.
It will just be a question of being in budget for a great example of a ZC32S or at the lower end of the ZC33S market.
I think a few people on PH have had both, so hopefully one of them may chip in with their experiences. Personally I love my ZC32S and paid a bit less for it than your budget just over a year ago. A lot will say you don’t need to spend that much on what is a budget car, but I think if you’re after something reliable, compact and cheap to run, it’s just about worth it.
LT1987 said:
My life at the moment is very boring. I want to get my mortgage paid off in the next few years. I'm single, in my 30's, live on my own and also hate spending money, particularly on unexpected car repairs (or frivolous purchases).
I've had some "nice" cars previously - including a R53 mini and a 2017 BMW 116d (I know "nice" is subjective!!). Both cars had shocking reliability and cost me a fortune over the years.
Which brings me onto my current car:
I currently drive a 2018 Peugeot 108. Well maintained, lowish miles, and in a good colour. I've had it for 2 years, and as much as my work colleagues laugh and joke about it, its been like a faithful friend. Never let me down. It has the 1.0 Toyota engine, cheap servicing, and costs peanuts to run.
But we only live once. I am a "car" person. I like my cars, want to live a little, have something a bit more interesting, but also something reliable and cheap to maintain.
Criteria:
- Budget - up to 9.5k (I could get about 4.5k for the Peugeot, so Ill be putting 5k towards a new car)
- Manual
- Petrol
- up to 50k miles
- At least 4 seats
- Newer than 2018
- No hybrids or electric
- No turbos UNLESS they are proven to be very reliable (thinking Japanese?)
- I do about 10k per year, but this is 95% around the city.
Considerations so far:
- Suzuki Swift sport (either a late Mk2, or possibly early Mk3 with the turbo?)
- Suzuki Vitara - latest shape, from 2015 (I know they are not that interesting, but makes a change from the 108)
- Toyota Aygo-X
- Latest shape Mazda 3 (but will likely exceed my budjet)
Or should I keep the 108?
Any help appreciated.
I'd change your mindset slightly if you're a car guy 1st then there's only one car on your list that makes the cut, most turbo cars are reliable but the main thing is buy a car on its Condition/Documented History & a good test drive.I've had some "nice" cars previously - including a R53 mini and a 2017 BMW 116d (I know "nice" is subjective!!). Both cars had shocking reliability and cost me a fortune over the years.
Which brings me onto my current car:
I currently drive a 2018 Peugeot 108. Well maintained, lowish miles, and in a good colour. I've had it for 2 years, and as much as my work colleagues laugh and joke about it, its been like a faithful friend. Never let me down. It has the 1.0 Toyota engine, cheap servicing, and costs peanuts to run.
But we only live once. I am a "car" person. I like my cars, want to live a little, have something a bit more interesting, but also something reliable and cheap to maintain.
Criteria:
- Budget - up to 9.5k (I could get about 4.5k for the Peugeot, so Ill be putting 5k towards a new car)
- Manual
- Petrol
- up to 50k miles
- At least 4 seats
- Newer than 2018
- No hybrids or electric
- No turbos UNLESS they are proven to be very reliable (thinking Japanese?)
- I do about 10k per year, but this is 95% around the city.
Considerations so far:
- Suzuki Swift sport (either a late Mk2, or possibly early Mk3 with the turbo?)
- Suzuki Vitara - latest shape, from 2015 (I know they are not that interesting, but makes a change from the 108)
- Toyota Aygo-X
- Latest shape Mazda 3 (but will likely exceed my budjet)
Or should I keep the 108?
Any help appreciated.
If you're a car guy 2016 & newer with around 60k on the clock & you'll hit your brief with ease.
If you want swift with a bit of a nice interior then a warm/sporty hatch may work for you.
Clio RS200 proven reliability & a good steer to:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509056...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202508035...
Kia ProCeed GT:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509136...
Ceed GT:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509106...
Astra GTC Limited Edition:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509256...
1.6T Q30:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509246...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202508205...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202508135...
Polo GTI:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202508185...
Giulietta, well proven reliability wise & they're a good car but make sure the history is present:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202508015...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509186...
Car guy options but some will be more than 60k:
124:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202508225...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507104...
MX-5:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202508235...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507254...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202508225...
208 GTI Prestige:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509186...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202508095...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509086...
595 Competizione:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202508305...
595:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202508235...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509226...
Why not electric? You'll get something reliable, much cheaper to run and far more interesting to drive. Could bump up budget to £12k and still be better off financially over 3 years
Eg
BMW i3, Honda e (though range is about 100 miles), zoe, 500e
Otherwise just keep the 108 and get a motorbike
Eg
BMW i3, Honda e (though range is about 100 miles), zoe, 500e
Otherwise just keep the 108 and get a motorbike
My advice would be to save up a bit more or stretch the budget to 12-13k and get a mk8 fiesta ST , best car in its class and has proven very reliable with its 3 cylinder turbo, even with a mild remap. Interior is much better with the newer car , these cars drive absolutely fantastic, get a standard not modified example and regular service should see a very reliable car, and being a Ford parts are never gonna break the bank anyway.
According to PH, these are your top ten options:
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/search?engine-powe...
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/search?engine-powe...
Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff