Small automatic, £1.5k - is Yaris the answer?
Discussion
My mom's 60th is the end of January, she's had a license for decades but never owned a car.
I'd like to get her a car as she's always kinda wanted something small and simple to commute in (only about 10 miles 3-4 days per week) and go shopping in etc.
She has a full license but really would want an automatic - usual other requirements, small-ish, so 3/5 door hatch ideally, simple and reliable, petrol makes a lot more sense.
Budget isn't really set but myself and my dad would be going halves so I think around £1500.. Maybe up to £2k listed if we could haggle down a bit.
I haven't been able to find a better option than a first-gen (facelift?) Toyota Yaris.. loads for sale, 5 doors, 1.3 petrol, auto..
Need I consider anything else? And if not, anything particular to look for on these?
I'd like to get her a car as she's always kinda wanted something small and simple to commute in (only about 10 miles 3-4 days per week) and go shopping in etc.
She has a full license but really would want an automatic - usual other requirements, small-ish, so 3/5 door hatch ideally, simple and reliable, petrol makes a lot more sense.
Budget isn't really set but myself and my dad would be going halves so I think around £1500.. Maybe up to £2k listed if we could haggle down a bit.
I haven't been able to find a better option than a first-gen (facelift?) Toyota Yaris.. loads for sale, 5 doors, 1.3 petrol, auto..
Need I consider anything else? And if not, anything particular to look for on these?
ElectricSoup said:
Honda Jazz.
I quite like the 2008 honda jazz I drive regularly. I'd probably buy one if given the option cheap. Only issues I've come across are:1. fitting headlight bulbs needs to be done through the wheel arch liner and can take me anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes, to 30 mins plus depending on luck.
2. Takata air bag recall needs sorted unless you like risking getting killed in a minor bump (same story with toyota and many other brands though).
3. Need to fit good tyres to the rear, as I've found it's relatively easy to lose traction on budget tyres with decent tread. This isn't a concern in my saab (thinking it's a weight thing).
I quite like the simplicity of things, lack of timing belt, and generally easy to work on (except the headlight bulb issue).
Was ideal to collect a toolbox roll cab which couldn't fit in my 9-3 too.
It's the sort of car that everyone turns their noses up to but is actually quite good if that's what's needed.
Also fun on a country road to avoid the brakes and lose better cars that don't expect you to do so. Normally responded to with them tailgating you once they catch up at 30mph limit when you slow down.
Edited by bluezedd on Friday 29th November 14:55
My Mrs has one 53 Plate about 70K. 1.3 Auto T-Spirit.
Has been reliable.
Last couple of Years has had Brake Pipes, Mid Section on the Exhaust and currently needs rear Shocks.
Quite nippy. Very capable on the Motorway. Can struggle a bit on long Hills.
Rear Seats slide to give either Boot or Rear Passenger space.
I like driving it.
Torque Converter Box. I believe some of the newer MK1 (2005ish?) have the MMT Box which can cause problems.
Edit -- Had a Manual Jazz as a Hire Car maybe 10 Years ago and was impressed for what it was.
Has been reliable.
Last couple of Years has had Brake Pipes, Mid Section on the Exhaust and currently needs rear Shocks.
Quite nippy. Very capable on the Motorway. Can struggle a bit on long Hills.
Rear Seats slide to give either Boot or Rear Passenger space.
I like driving it.
Torque Converter Box. I believe some of the newer MK1 (2005ish?) have the MMT Box which can cause problems.
Edit -- Had a Manual Jazz as a Hire Car maybe 10 Years ago and was impressed for what it was.
Edited by imck on Friday 29th November 23:26
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