Which small MPV?

[Ecosseven]

My partner is looking for a new car and wants a small MPV. The short list is:

1. Kia Venga
2. Hyundai ix20 (Venga’s twin)
3. Vauxhall Meriva
4. Ford B-Max
5. Suzuki SX4

She has had 2 Renaults and both have needed expensive repairs to she’s not keen on having another one. She also been warned off C3 Picasso’s but I have no experience with these.

The other question is whether to go for petrol or diesel? Annual mileage is around 16k-17k.

The car will be around 12 months old with less than 10k miles on it when purchased and it will be run into the ground so residuals aren’t really important. Max budget is £10k.

Thoughts and opinions appreciated.

[Matt UK]

Nissan Note in budget? They seem alright.

[rigga]

Wife's meriva has been great (her second one) and it has peace of mind with having the lifetime warranty, though if your not buying new that won't be a factor
At that annual mileage I'd go petrol.


First generation meriva was a gutless piece of st, the second sucide door version with 1.4t engine is a vast vast improvement.

[nunpuncher]

Just been through similar for the wife. We were retiring her old but very reliable xsara Picasso. She actually wanted the newer model but after reading about the stty 1.6 diesel shared in the Citroen/ford/Peugeot we had a change of plan.

In the end we got a Mercedes b180. Pretty happy so far. Its not the be all and end all of driver involvement but none of these cars are. That's also why I went for diesel, why pay slightly more to fuel something that isn't fun. On your partners mileage she will certainly spend less on diesel in a year.

Why the restriction on age and such a specific mileage?

[flatso]

Have you considered the previous generation Merc A-Klasse?
You may be surprised, lots of interior space, good driving position, some are quite nicely appointed and now that t he new generation is out they are starting to be good value.

[525 Ben]

Hi,looking at your list and wondered if you had thought of the Seat Altea XL.1.6 ecomotive.
I only suggest this as i just joined a new company and got one.
Its nice and comfy,loads of room,has Climate,cruise,all round electric windows,electric mirrors etc.
Loads of safety kit and returning 50mpg.
Might be worth a look.

Ben.

[mike9009]

I would also recommend a Nissan Note.

We have a 1.5DCi TEKNA, which has everything. (Sat Nav, leather, Bluetooth, autolights/ wipers, cruise, folding mirrors, chilled glovebox.) The interior is versatile (Rear seat easily slides back and forth by a foot.) We have had no reliability issues, in almost two years.

It will return 65mpg and £30 tax. Surprisingly, my wife loves it after having various MINIs. It will keep up on the motorway without issue.

Not sure what you will get for £10k, but definitely worth a look.

Mike

[Ecosseven]

Thanks for all the replies.

The Nissan Note is a good shout and the new model looks nice.

Kia’s 7 year warranty (or balance thereof) appeals.

The Ford is probably the most fun to drive, especially with the 1.0 ecoboost engine.