3k what car for parents?

[VolvoT5]

I know it isn't an exciting 'what car', but my parents are looking to replace a guzzling gas X-type with something more practical:

3k budget

MUST be an automatic and easy to get in/out of.

10 to 12k per year, mainly running around town with the occasional long run. (dos diesel make sense with this mileage?)

Should be as economical as possible - they like the people carrier type of car but these seem to carry a price premium, especially for a diesel.

I have no ideas so any suggestions?

Edited by VolvoT5 on Monday 16th January 22:22

[rallycross]

Zafira diesel?
307 diesel?
Mitsubishi Outlander quite good but unloved hence low prices
Subaru Forrester?

These are quite cheap so £3k might get something decent, avoid things like CRV/X-Trail as £3k just gets a cheap / older example....

[sparkythecat]

So, you're looking for an Automatic, Economical, People Carrier with easy accessibility for less than £3k ?

You'll probably end up with something ancient and horrible like this Toyota Previa

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

Or this Mazda Bongo

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

I can't think of much else

[Codswallop]

Sounds like a hatchback on stilts might be the answer here - taller to ease access, but not so big as to ruin economy. Petrol vs diesel depends on the driving. Lots of motorway slogging during their 10-12k miles would suit diesel more, many short trips would be better suited to a small petrol which is more likely to reach operating temperature.

Some suggestions;

Mercedes A-Class
Ford Fusion (or C-max, which is just about falling into budget)
Vauxhall Meriva
Fiat Multipla

[VolvoT5]

sparkythecat said:

So, you're looking for an Automatic, Economical, People Carrier with easy accessibility for less than £3k ?

You'll probably end up with something ancient and horrible like this Toyota Previa

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

Or this Mazda Bongo

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

I can't think of much else

Doesn't have to be a people carrier.... anything with easy access really.

[Zad]

Retired bloke next door has a C-Max which seems a pretty good fit for your spec, although probably a bit expensive now. How about a common or garden Ford Focus 1.6? They are pretty tall cars and easy to get into. Reliable, cheap to service, easy to get spares etc. The Mk1 is well respected as a drivers car. Lots around so you can be choosy as to spec.

I know its an estate but this came up first http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...

2004, Focus Zetec 1.6 Auto. 47k miles, 2 owners FSH, £2100

[kentmotorcompany]

How about an especially nice E39 528i.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/190626731497?ssPageName=...

[Zad]

Alas I don't think the words "economical" and "2.8 litre" really work together, given 12,000 miles a year.

[sparkythecat]

VolvoT5 said:

Doesn't have to be a people carrier.... anything with easy access really.

How about the Peugot 1007?
Some really low milage examples about for less than £3k

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...

[kiethton]

Civic, previous generation? The 5 door version is rathermlarge and very economicalmin 1.4 petrol or 1.7 diesel guise

[kentmotorcompany]

Zad said:

Alas I don't think the words "economical" and "2.8 litre" really work together, given 12,000 miles a year.

Ok, but it is nice.

[230TE]

Fiat Idea? I had one as a rental car in Italy, hated it for a couple of days but found it grew on me. There's a tidy, low mileage (although Cat D) one on Ebay at the moment for £2.5k.

[VolvoT5]

kentmotorcompany said:

How about an especially nice E39 528i.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/190626731497?ssPageName=...

Nice (if you like that type of thing) but totally impractical. Older, thristier engine than the X-type they want rid of, low seating position and IMO not even as nice a car.

They are trying to get something easier to get in and out of and more economical on fuel/insurance.

Civic/Focus sound like the best bet so far. They are talking about a galaxy but given the budget it would be a shed.

I'm wondering what deals are available new on something like a Panda?

[Zad]

kentmotorcompany said:

Ok, but it is nice.

Would it, perchance, be on sale from the Kent Motor Company?

>Taps foot<

Well who woulda thunk it?

[kentmotorcompany]

Zad said:

Would it, perchance, be on sale from the Kent Motor Company?

>Taps foot<

Well who woulda thunk it?

Yes, I've heard he is a jolly nice chap too!

[cheesesliceking]

kentmotorcompany said:

Yes, I've heard he is a jolly nice chap too!

Although he doesnt appear to have a WRX in stock.. nobody does. boo :*(

[300bhp/ton]

L-Series D Freelander. Quite good on fuel and easy to get in/out of.

[Johnboy Mac]

Honda Jazz.

[excel monkey]

Honda FRV.

Or Civic EP3 if they don't need 6 seats.

[zaphod42]

Merc A-class. Good visibility, high driving position, pretty reliable.