£1500 Small auto for Mum

[FlatToTheMat]

Looking for suggestions, I know its a case of 'buy on condition' however Ill most likely buy over the phone as I live around 7000miles away from her. I'll of course be using the MOT history checker etc and may even pay for an RAC inspection depending on the car

Shes been running a Corsa (C?) 1.4 Auto for a number of year, she does 700miles between MOT's but spends about the same in pounds keeping the thing running. I've had the discussion with her even running a car in the first place however she wants one for her independence/nice to have etc

Criteria:
- Rock solid/bullet proof reliability (Ideally Chain, good gearbox (Auto))
- Reasonable degree of rust proof-ness (Seaside location and not driven or moved much)
- Small, no bigger than a focus etc
-3 door, 99% of the time its only her and the bigger door makes it easier for her to get in and out (Blue badge holder)
-1-1.5k budget

Over to you.

[Scrump]

Nissan Note 1.6 petrol Auto. Cam chain, conventional auto. Slightly higher ride height/seating position than most small hatchbacks so getting in and out is easier. Mrs Scrump has owned hers for 10 years and it has been amazingly reliable.

Other suggestions here from a recent similar thread:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[kieranblenk]

The worry with buying at this price point is you could end up buying something which will cost the same or more to keep going.

Having said that, if you get something Japanese you won't go far wrong. My nan has had an automatic Micra for over a decade and it's never put a foot wrong and neither did our auto Swift in nearly five years of ownership. Buy on mileage and condition, small autos are often owned by older people who spare no expense on them.

My suggestions would be;
-Nissan Micra/Almera
-Honda Civic/Jazz (easy access despite 5 door)
-Toyota Yaris/Corolla/Starlet
-Suzuki Swift/Splash (another easy access 5 door)
-Daihatsu Charade/Sirion
-Mk1 Focus

Edited by kieranblenk on Thursday 17th January 08:17

[The Mad Monk]

Toyota Yaris

https://tinyurl.com/yagfqhrz

3 door versions:-

https://tinyurl.com/y98vmrww

If it shows a postcode, I don't live there.

Edited by The Mad Monk on Thursday 17th January 08:18

[sbk1972]

I had a similar quest for my 70+ mum.

I brought a Honda Civic 3 dr hatch. Auto, A/C, 32K, reverse senors, radio/CD, sunroof. 1999. W plate. £1K.

Its in silver, the old style, reliable, easy to drive. She loves it.

I then went out a year or so later and brought myself one, Honda 1.6 Civic Coupe, auto, ac, etc. Had 11K miles, brought off an air hostess who lived in a different country most of the year, was mint, £1400.

I use it daily for the M25, done 44K on it now, never broken down, perfect.

Old Hondas is where it's at...... if you dont mind not being trendy.

[FlatToTheMat]

Thanks chaps, Japenese unsuprisingly seems universally suggested. I was looking at civis such as:

https://www.gumtree.com/p/honda/2004-honda-civic-a...

I will be sure to check out the Yaris, any particular one to go for out the 1.0 and 1.3. Its all town driving she does.

Also will check out the note, slightly higher is a welcome suggestion

[ZX10R NIN]

This is a slam dunk for a Toyota Corolla:

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

[FlatToTheMat]

ZX10R NIN said:

This is a slam dunk for a Toyota Corolla:

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

You're right that looks spot on, its even green!

I do know of one Corolla the same as that, also owned by a Doctor and its the worst driven and cared for car I've ever known. I remember being picked up in it. She swung a U-Turn but proceeded to slam it over a curb so big I was sure the wheel was coming off!, this was about 10 years ago I don't believe its had any maintenance what so ever.. Surprised to see it at Christmas still going and still unwashed!

[GreatGranny]

As others have suggested, buy Japanese and especially either Civic or Corolla.

Lots to choose from but you're still taking a risk buying over the phone.
Is there no one closer that can have a look with her?

[MRichards99]

FlatToTheMat said:

Thanks chaps, Japenese unsuprisingly seems universally suggested. I was looking at civis such as:

https://www.gumtree.com/p/honda/2004-honda-civic-a...

I will be sure to check out the Yaris, any particular one to go for out the 1.0 and 1.3. Its all town driving she does.

Also will check out the note, slightly higher is a welcome suggestion

I'd say the 1.3 is better, but there are less of them around. 1.0 is perfectly fine as it has VVTi, and isn't dangerously slow as long as you use the revs (you notice the VVTi come in just around 2000rpm and then about around 3500-4000 revs).

[FlatToTheMat]

GreatGranny said:

As others have suggested, buy Japanese and especially either Civic or Corolla.

Lots to choose from but you're still taking a risk buying over the phone.
Is there no one closer that can have a look with her?

No one closer but i could wait until i visit in a few months. Piece of mind for both of us then I guess.

I get excited then carried away and would just do it now but she has a car, its with MOT etc

[GreatGranny]

FlatToTheMat said:

GreatGranny said:

As others have suggested, buy Japanese and especially either Civic or Corolla.

Lots to choose from but you're still taking a risk buying over the phone.
Is there no one closer that can have a look with her?

No one closer but i could wait until i visit in a few months. Piece of mind for both of us then I guess.

I get excited then carried away and would just do it now but she has a car, its with MOT etc

Sounds like the sensible thing is to wait until you are back in the country but I know what you mean about getting excited and carried away :-)