What car for MIL?
Discussion
I am trying to come up with some better alternatives to a new Citroen C3 for the MIL. She lives in Northern Italy/South Switzerland, therefore spends a fair amount of her total driving time on the Autostrada. It's to replace her old Citroen C3 and the best she can come up with is to replace it with the new model. The old C3 has a cheap feel to it, awful gearbox and brakes like an on/off switch, so no idea why she would want a newer version of the same.
So, im looking at 5 door superminis and not from Asia as she wants to support the European car market with her money, except for Italy as for whatever reason she does not want an Italian car. The Honda Jazz would be the perfect fit for her, but that's women for you.
Having read a load of reviews I can't look past the Ford Fiesta or VW Polo as the best superminis currently on the market, but is there anything I have missed that should be on the list?
So, im looking at 5 door superminis and not from Asia as she wants to support the European car market with her money, except for Italy as for whatever reason she does not want an Italian car. The Honda Jazz would be the perfect fit for her, but that's women for you.
Having read a load of reviews I can't look past the Ford Fiesta or VW Polo as the best superminis currently on the market, but is there anything I have missed that should be on the list?
Might be a dumb question but does she want to support the European market by buying "European" owned companies or would the Jazz count if it was made in, say, Swindon?
Not trying to derail the thread - more a serious question on where the MIL's ethical boundaries are so we can recommend appropriate cars
Not trying to derail the thread - more a serious question on where the MIL's ethical boundaries are so we can recommend appropriate cars
Agree with you on the old C3. My wife has had one for a few years. The interior quality is pretty poor and the gearbox sloppy and as you say the interior finish can be described as hard wearing at best.
Anyways, what about a Fiesta. The engines are built here in the UK and I think the cars are built in Germany?
Anyways, what about a Fiesta. The engines are built here in the UK and I think the cars are built in Germany?
mikeyr said:
Might be a dumb question but does she want to support the European market by buying "European" owned companies or would the Jazz count if it was made in, say, Swindon?
Not trying to derail the thread - more a serious question on where the MIL's ethical boundaries are so we can recommend appropriate cars
Mikey, its a very good question and one that I have asked already. Its European owned unfortunately. Ive already tried that one with the Jazz being made in the UK, it made no difference lolNot trying to derail the thread - more a serious question on where the MIL's ethical boundaries are so we can recommend appropriate cars
She's not too keen on VW either, as the German car companies have too much money/power apparently. Honestly, I can't win, but I'm determined not to let her have another C3
mikeyr said:
Fun game this then - does VW rule out the Audi/Skoda cars too?
It becomes a minefield this doesn't it!
It becomes a minefield this doesn't it!
She hasn't ruled VW or Seat out completely, but Skoda/Czech Republic is completely out. Audi with the A1 is too expensive.
I honestly think the Fiesta is the only one to dodge the ridiculous criteria lol
Aside from ridiculously expensive cars that typical PHers would like (me included), what about a Skoda Fabia 1.2tsi? I looked at one when buying our shopping trolley-Polo (eventually going for the cheapskate 3 cylinder N/A engine). The Skoda has light controls, compliant ride and loads of space.
It's sits a little higher than the other equivalent VAG group cars so will be easier to get in and out of which might be important if she's a 'senior'. Also, since she lives in a high mountainous type area a petrol engine is more likely to start in exceptionally cold weather (mate who lives in Chamonix says most of new & old diesels waxed up badly one severe winter a couple of years ago). The 1.2tsi is turbo charged, reasonably economical and a lively performer which will keep up with traffic on the autostrada + it's a Euro produced car.
It's sits a little higher than the other equivalent VAG group cars so will be easier to get in and out of which might be important if she's a 'senior'. Also, since she lives in a high mountainous type area a petrol engine is more likely to start in exceptionally cold weather (mate who lives in Chamonix says most of new & old diesels waxed up badly one severe winter a couple of years ago). The 1.2tsi is turbo charged, reasonably economical and a lively performer which will keep up with traffic on the autostrada + it's a Euro produced car.
Have you actually asked her what car She wants?
My mum asked me to find her a car a few years back. Spent ages looking at 5 door superminis and mid sized hatches as she was coming from a Rover 600 and wanted to downsize but not lose practicality or comfort etc.
Showed her all the stuff I found and she turned down some really decent cars. She didn't like any of them and it came to me asking her what cars she does like... Peugeot 206cc...
She bought one a few days later
My mum asked me to find her a car a few years back. Spent ages looking at 5 door superminis and mid sized hatches as she was coming from a Rover 600 and wanted to downsize but not lose practicality or comfort etc.
Showed her all the stuff I found and she turned down some really decent cars. She didn't like any of them and it came to me asking her what cars she does like... Peugeot 206cc...
She bought one a few days later
I don't think the Jazz is made in the UK, thought it was the Civic made in Swindon.
Anyhow, it's hard enough keeping the MIL at bay for the majority of time so the thought of being guilty of recommending a bad car is something I'd avoid.
Instead work on finding the best deal for the best spec C3 you can get.
Anyhow, it's hard enough keeping the MIL at bay for the majority of time so the thought of being guilty of recommending a bad car is something I'd avoid.
Instead work on finding the best deal for the best spec C3 you can get.
Having recently bought one for the Mrs I've got to say I'm impressed by the Jazz, and it's been made in the UK since 2009 I believe.
If she's not going for that then I reckon you get her a test drive in a Fiesta and then keep well out of it, if she buys something on your reccomendation and she ends up not liking it you'll never hear the end of it.
If she's not going for that then I reckon you get her a test drive in a Fiesta and then keep well out of it, if she buys something on your reccomendation and she ends up not liking it you'll never hear the end of it.
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