New car - for occasional use - cheap and reliable

[casualdriver]

Hi,
now I need a new car. My priorities:

• safe - so 6 airbags, good NCAP ratings (for driver).
• cheap to run - so low mpg if possible, cheap to fix
• I prefer petrol, as I am fearing a bit of more ULEZ zones being introduced and higher complexity of diesel systems
• if petrol, I am not a fan of tiny turbo engines as I heard opinions that they might develop some issues
• automatic could be better, but I can live with manual

Not important at all:

• power or look

Regarding milage, I am wondering if there is any harm in older (from 2008) cars with relatively high milage around 100-120k.

Budget - lower the better, but up to 8k.

My candidates:

• Ford Focus
• Honda Civic or Jazz (not sure about safety of Jazz). I have CRV already and my mechanic says that lot of parts are available only at Honda dealerships.
• Kia Ceed
• Hyundai i30
• Vauxhall Astra
• Toyota Auris or Avensis. I like the prices (around 6k) of 2010ish Avensis, not sure about running cost though.
• other boring car - something that will be likely in good condition....

I think thats all for now. Thanks!

[Mikebentley]

I think you may need to edit this thread title. Realiavle isn’t a word.

Sorry to be a pedant but you may also be best suited looking for a car that does higher miles per gallon as this would be cheaper to run.

[georgeyboy12345]

You want a Japanese hybrid. Are they fast? No. Are they good on fuel? Yes. Are they reliable? Yes. Are they safe? Yes.

Lexus CT200h
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304276...


Honda Insight
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305026...


More conventionally powered

Honda Civic 1.4 i-VTEC
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302274...


Nissan Note 1.2
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208088...


Mazda 3 2.0 Skyactiv
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207027...


Not sure if this counts as a "tiny turbo petrol", but in my experience the EA211 engine in this Audi A3 1.4 TFSI is reliable and with cylinder on demand and a low kerbweight of under 1.2 tonnes is very good on fuel
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304176...

Edited by georgeyboy12345 on Monday 8th May 10:09

[Glosphil]

georgeyboy12345 said:

You want a Japanese hybrid. Are they fast? No. Are they good on fuel? Yes. Are they reliable? Yes. Are they safe? Yes.

Lexus CT200h
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304276...


Honda Insight
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305026...


More conventionally powered

Honda Civic 1.4 i-VTEC
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302274...


Nissan Note 1.2
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208088...


Mazda 3 2.0 Skyactiv
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207027...


Not sure if this counts as a "tiny turbo petrol", but in my experience the EA111 engine in this Audi A3 1.4 TFSI is reliable and with cylinder on demand and a low kerbweight of under 1.2 tonnes is very good on fuel
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304176...

The 1.4TSi Audi engine mentioned is also available for less money in the Seat Leon & Skoda Octavia.

I have the 150hp version in a Leon FR. It has averaged 45mpg over 4 yesrs & manages 52+mpg on longer runs.

[FamousPheasant]

Left field choice, but how about a Suzuki baleno?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2023022847...

Manufacturers warranty up to 7 years old under there new scheme.

[georgeyboy12345]

Glosphil said:

The 1.4TSi Audi engine mentioned is also available for less money in the Seat Leon & Skoda Octavia.

I have the 150hp version in a Leon FR. It has averaged 45mpg over 4 yesrs & manages 52+mpg on longer runs.

I was going to, but wasn’t sure they all had cylinder on demand tech? I know some do - they possibly might be over budget? Audi just beats them too as it is lighter, probably due to it being a 3 door.

[ZX10R NIN]

casualdriver said:

Hi,
now I need a new car. My priorities:

• safe - so 6 airbags, good NCAP ratings (for driver).
• cheap to run - so low mpg if possible, cheap to fix
• I prefer petrol, as I am fearing a bit of more ULEZ zones being introduced and higher complexity of diesel systems
• if petrol, I am not a fan of tiny turbo engines as I heard opinions that they might develop some issues
• automatic could be better, but I can live with manual

Not important at all:

• power or look

Regarding milage, I am wondering if there is any harm in older (from 2008) cars with relatively high milage around 100-120k.

Budget - lower the better, but up to 8k.

My candidates:

• Ford Focus
• Honda Civic or Jazz (not sure about safety of Jazz). I have CRV already and my mechanic says that lot of parts are available only at Honda dealerships.
• Kia Ceed
• Hyundai i30
• Vauxhall Astra
• Toyota Auris or Avensis. I like the prices (around 6k) of 2010ish Avensis, not sure about running cost though.
• other boring car - something that will be likely in good condition....

I think thats all for now. Thanks!

I'd say find yourself a nice Astra GTC SRI in either 1.6/1.4T form, if you go for the 1.6T it comes with the better suspension setup (if that's something that matters to you) they're also sensible to run as well as spacious:

Astra GTC Limited Edition 200:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303165...

SRI 200:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304045...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304066...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304276...

If the 1.4T can work for you then you'll get a newer lower mileage one:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303275...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304196...

Nissan Pulsar 190:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303044...

Kia ProCeed GT:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303255...

[casualdriver]

Thanks all. After browsing, thinking and analysing, those 2 left:

• Focus 1.6 Petrol as is popular, parts are cheap and easy for every workshop. Still plenty of those around. Would love red one
• Toyota Auris. Because its Toyota.

Both around 2009-2010, so it will be closer to 4k-5k, 3k will be left for fun stuff (airline tickets, petrol etc). And I don't think this makes any difference (cheaper car).

I will pass on Honda Civic. I would love one, but parts are quite expensive.

The shortlist is just me being pragmatic. I considered higher millage, fancier cars like Audi A3, and A4, but in this case, its the destination, not the journey that matters

[ilikejam]

I just bought a 65 plate Volvo V40 R Design Lux on 85k miles for just over £8k and would recommend looking at them. Has 'big car' toys like leather, heated seats, cruise control and as safe as a house.

I went for a D2 which is a 2l diesel rated at 120hp. Not fast by any means but plenty go for normal driving. £0 tax and ULEZ free. Drove from Aberdeen to Manchester and only used half a tank with cruise set around 80 most of the way.

[ZX10R NIN]

casualdriver said:

Thanks all. After browsing, thinking and analysing, those 2 left:

• Focus 1.6 Petrol as is popular, parts are cheap and easy for every workshop. Still plenty of those around. Would love red one
• Toyota Auris. Because its Toyota.

Both around 2009-2010, so it will be closer to 4k-5k, 3k will be left for fun stuff (airline tickets, petrol etc). And I don't think this makes any difference (cheaper car).

I will pass on Honda Civic. I would love one, but parts are quite expensive.

The shortlist is just me being pragmatic. I considered higher millage, fancier cars like Audi A3, and A4, but in this case, its the destination, not the journey that matters

You'll get a nice newer GTC 140 for around 5k & they come in red:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305207...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304276...

You'll also get a nice 1.6T in Titanium X 150 spec:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304296...

Titanium 125:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303305...