Recommend a Small, Fun, Automatic for 2k

[JimClark49]

As title, I am after a second car suiting the follow criteria:
- Small but can still accomodate one newborn baby and his paraphernalia
- economical
- automatic (wife will have auto licence only)
- Fun to drive (go kart like qualities etc.).
- Possibly Japanese as they are very reliable (based on my previous ownership)

So far I have thought about Suzuki Swift 1.5 GLX.

Any help will be appreciated.

[kieranblenk]

Can't fault the Swift, we have exactly what you describe but a later 11 plate model badged SZ4 - one of the very last of the pre facelifts (essentially a GLX just the trim levels changed over in 2009). We've had it for almost 5 years and it's my partners car.

Ours has nearly 100k on the clock now and still feels tight as a drum. Gets about 35mpg doing over 50 miles a day for my partner's commute. Its done numerous long journeys and has been an incredible companion. Great fun to drive with excellent steering feel; plus a simple drivetrain should provide reliable (we've only had to replace consumables on ours). GLX/SZ4 is well equipped with kit, ours has climate and keyless go.

We need to change "Suzy" as its known soon as its just too small for us now but neither myself or my partner want to part with it so we'll probably keep it a bit longer. We will probably replace with a Baleno or SX4 S-Cross. In terms of auto only cars to match what you're after I cannot think of better for your budget. Try a Splash too, my MIL has one and it's great too if not as stylish as the Swift, but they're very underrated.

[pingu393]

Smart roadster. If you can put up with the slow gearbox.

[ZX10R NIN]

This is a slam dunk for a Focus, they're a great steer & reliable with more than a newborn:

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

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

Or the Astra in Design or Elite spec:

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

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

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

[JimClark49]

Some good suggestions.

Finding an Auto Swift is proving difficult.

Does anyone know whether this Focus C-Max is a reliable and good steer?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

PS: I generally avoid buying from traders. Much prefer private sellers.

[ajprice]

pingu393 said:

Smart roadster. If you can put up with the slow gearbox.

One of these

[JimClark49]

ajprice said:

One of these

I need to add that I will be travelling with wife and baby, so need more than two seats!