Another what car thread?

Another what car thread?

Author
Discussion

Steve Benson

Original Poster:

288 posts

155 months

Wednesday 24th August 2016
quotequote all
I've been out of small cars for years so would like a little advice if possible?

Small car needed for son in law. He's just turned 26, a personal trainer and will do around 200 - 250 miles per week. Budget ideally around £5000 but can stretch to £6,000 at a push.

Now he's not really into cars at all (I know, I know, he's currently being educated), currently driving a knackered old Punto. I have asked what he is looking for but has no clue except something smallish. Priorities are reliability, economy (90%) then looks, image (10%).

He quite likes a Fiesta a dealer is pushing but it seems woefully underpowered. It's a 60 BHP, 1.25 style that does 0-60 in 16.9 seconds and a top speed of 94mph. I honestly didn't think they made modern cars this slow. He is not interested in racing around and insurance is a big consideration but I think this will drive him mad being so gutless.

So what do you kind people recommend. Any help or pointers is appreciated.

sidekickdmr

5,078 posts

207 months

Wednesday 24th August 2016
quotequote all
Before I even read the part about the Fiesta i was thinking a Fiesta Zetec or even an ST?

They dont have to look flash, and dont drink too much fuel, but they are nice.

Al U

2,313 posts

132 months

Wednesday 24th August 2016
quotequote all
Fiesta if that's what he likes but with the 1.5 TDCI engine for the economy (if that is 90% of what he wants from the car).

kambites

67,609 posts

222 months

Wednesday 24th August 2016
quotequote all
What sort of trips is that 200 miles a week? If it's pottering a few miles between the houses of private clients, a petrol may be best but if it's a one-time commute to a gym a diesel will probably be a better bet for him.

The Fiesta is a thoroughly decent car but then so is just about everything else in that segment for the non-enthusiast driver. It's really quite hard to buy a newish bad car these days.

Steve Benson

Original Poster:

288 posts

155 months

Wednesday 24th August 2016
quotequote all
Driving will mainly be to gym base and back, around 40 miles per day 80% motorway, 20% a roads.

Probably will increase if and when he has private clients in there own homes.

Rosscow

8,779 posts

164 months

kambites

67,609 posts

222 months

Wednesday 24th August 2016
quotequote all
I'd say go for a small diesel engine in something Fiesta sized then.

You might just about find a current model Kia Rio with the 1.1 diesel engine for £6k. About as far from an enthusiast car as you can get but they're perfectly good transport, are rated at 88mpg, and will have most of the seven year warranty left to run.

wiliferus

4,064 posts

199 months

Wednesday 24th August 2016
quotequote all
Fiesta a decent car. With his type of projected driving I'd be leaning towards a diesel even though his mileage isn't huge.
At top end of budget you could get a 1.6tdci, which has a much more healthy 95bhp making it more comfy for his motorway commute. Also claims 88mpg, so even if it does 65mpg which is probably more realistic, that's damn frugal.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

CoolCurly

210 posts

212 months

Wednesday 24th August 2016
quotequote all
http://www2.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Diesel Mini Perhaps?

Built a little better than the Ford.

tomtom

4,225 posts

231 months

Wednesday 24th August 2016
quotequote all
Spacious rear seats for taking care of the more special clients?