Small family automatic

[SidewaysSi]

Normally I love buying cars but this one is driving me a bit crazy. Need a car for my wife who is a new driver. Criteria are:

- £2-5k
- Safe and reliable (particularly gearbox)
- Auto gearbox
- Can't be too big (max Golf sized)
- As practical as possible (needs to carry a baby and toddler)
- Cheap to run

I made a huge list but every car seems t have issues. Probably shortlisted this lot but anyone have any other ideas? Also any thoughts/experiences of the below:

- Astra H/J
- Mk2 Focus
- Mk5 Golf
- Nissan Note
- Mazda 3
- Mercedes-Benz A class
- BMW 1 Series

Skoda Roomster is out, so are all Hondas (can't turn off passenger airbag and all seem rusty).

Don't care how it drives but if there is some joy, it would be a bonus.

[Pica-Pica]

I would not dismiss the Honda Jazz auto.

[Jag_NE]

In my view that’s the worse price range for regular cars as you may inherit someone else’s issues and you have sunk too much in the car to bin it and the car won’t have any meaningful warranty. Henceforth it’s a bit of a lottery so I’d seek something out that’s one owner with a complete history as opposed to focusing on a specific make or model. Good luck.

[sparkythecat]

Citroen Berlingo is only 2inches longer than a Golf and much more versatile.

[ZX10R NIN]

Kia Cee'd

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Astra SRI

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Toyota Auris

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Focus Titanium

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Mazda3 TS2

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

All of the above will be reliable but do your checks & make sure the car you're looking at has been looked after.

[SidewaysSi]

Thanks all. Agreed that this is a hard price range to buy something decent for this type of car. For the money I personally would go for something like a W126!

Part of the problem is most are sold by small traders which wouldn't be a problem but their idea of history and "excellent service condition" differs to mine.

I do think the Berlingo would be good but that has been vetoed. Jazz has been thought about but seen a couple and they were a bit rusty.

People don't really seem to care for these sorts of cars. Feel I am shooting in a barrel!

[nmd87]

We have a Nissan Note Automatic and very happy with it. It's actually my wife's car, but now serves as a family car as we downsized from two cars to one. It replaced another almost identical Note that was written off when my wife was involved in an accident a couple of years ago.

We've had this one since September 2016 and had no problems in that time. Paid £3500 in a private sale for a 59 reg with 25k on the clock - you could probably buy the same car for a bit less now. It's worth buying privately - having bought two of these cars now it doesn't seem to be hard to find them in good condition from private sellers.

We only have one child so far but there would be plenty of space for a baby and toddler in your case. The back seats can be moved forwards/backwards depending on whether you need more boot space or more rear legroom.


Did consider alternatives but discounted them for various reasons:

- Auris has a "multimode" transmission which has mixed reviews - wanted a torque convertor
- Honda Jazz has a similar type of transmission and doesn't seem to offer any advantages over the Note
- Focus is a lot more expensive, not any roomier and more expensive to tax and run (mpg)

Any questions feel free to ask.

Edited by nmd87 on Monday 18th June 08:47