2019 Suzuki Baleno £7800, good buy?
Discussion
I used to own one a few years back - a few random thoughts:
It's more comparable to Fiesta / Corsa size than the Astra or Focus.
The 1.0 Boosterjet engine is lovely, I test drove one with the 1.2 and it felt very sluggish in comparison despite there only being around a second between them in 0-60. In the 1.0 with an automatic box I was getting around 50mpg real world.
If you go for the SZ5 trim you get adaptive cruise control, automatic lights, keyless entry and climate control for not much more money.
The auto box is a 6 speed torque converter and it drove really well, always seemed to know the right gear to be in and responded quickly. Only drove a manual once and I can't remember what the box was like.
The radio is a bit of a pain in the arse, I ended up updating it using some firmware I found on the internet and a youtube guide to get Android Auto working reliably.
Trim was pretty plastic-y and had developed a couple of rattles by the time I moved it on.
It's more comparable to Fiesta / Corsa size than the Astra or Focus.
The 1.0 Boosterjet engine is lovely, I test drove one with the 1.2 and it felt very sluggish in comparison despite there only being around a second between them in 0-60. In the 1.0 with an automatic box I was getting around 50mpg real world.
If you go for the SZ5 trim you get adaptive cruise control, automatic lights, keyless entry and climate control for not much more money.
The auto box is a 6 speed torque converter and it drove really well, always seemed to know the right gear to be in and responded quickly. Only drove a manual once and I can't remember what the box was like.
The radio is a bit of a pain in the arse, I ended up updating it using some firmware I found on the internet and a youtube guide to get Android Auto working reliably.
Trim was pretty plastic-y and had developed a couple of rattles by the time I moved it on.
As above it's Fiesta/Corsa in size, they're basic, if you're looking for a Astra sized car then I'd say look for an Astra you'll get a nicely spec'd Elite Nav 150 for £600 more & it's a nicer car:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108045...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108286...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108045...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108286...
A lot depends on how you feel about cars and also how you're going to use it.
Yes it's cheaper than an Astra but that will be because it isn't as good. That may or may not matter to you? A lot of people won't touch an Astra because they feel its inferior to a Golf even though it costs a lot less. Only you know what you're happy with.
If you want 4 wheels as new and as cheap as possible and you intend to keep it until it dies then I think it's fine.
My wife has a Hyundai ix20 which we use as our main family car. It was bought ex demo because it ticked the boxes on practicality, equipment and price. I probably drive it more than she does and although I am a petrol head it's really grown on me over the last 5 years. Its been excellent and I find it perfectly good to drive. Certainly wasn't the most obvious choice for me but its worked out very well.
Yes it's cheaper than an Astra but that will be because it isn't as good. That may or may not matter to you? A lot of people won't touch an Astra because they feel its inferior to a Golf even though it costs a lot less. Only you know what you're happy with.
If you want 4 wheels as new and as cheap as possible and you intend to keep it until it dies then I think it's fine.
My wife has a Hyundai ix20 which we use as our main family car. It was bought ex demo because it ticked the boxes on practicality, equipment and price. I probably drive it more than she does and although I am a petrol head it's really grown on me over the last 5 years. Its been excellent and I find it perfectly good to drive. Certainly wasn't the most obvious choice for me but its worked out very well.
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