Which City Runaround Should I Get?

[Blib]

I'm thinking of buying a city car as I do the majority of my driving in and around London.

Frankly, I've had enough of people in superstore car parks using my 4200 as a convenient door stop. And, to be honest, due to the traffic situation in the capital, the car hardly gets out of second gear most of the time.

So, it's time to give the poor thing a break, save it for the longer runs that it was designed to make and find myself something more suited to the vicious cut and thrust of urban, multi-Company Director style living.

I'm looking for something nippy with a bit of fizz. A car that I'd enjoy weaving in and out of typical city traffic. I've got a budget of £8,000 MAX, though I'd like to get away with spending less than that. I would suppose a Fiat 500 or Panda would be an obvious choice. But, I've been on here long enough to know that you guys can come up with some really interesting, left-field alternatives.

I've only two no-nos. A BMW mini as I've owned one in the past and I don't want another one. And a Mito, just because.

Over to you guys.

[craggers]

VW Up / Seat Mii if you can stretch your budget slightly ?

[Codswallop]

People seem to rate the Aygo/C1/107. Citroen C2 VTS might also be a fun warm hatch. Also, check out the Panda 100HP.

[Blib]

I saw the up! briefly on a shopping centre promo stand and tbh it didn't do anything for me. I'd like to stick to my budget if possible.

[sherman]

I would suggest looking at Kei cars for something a bit left field.

[200bhp]

It's a stock PH answer but actually fits the bill nicely here - MX5 ?

[craggers]

Hyundai i10/i20?

[Blib]

I can't do kei cars as I need back seats for my massive Rottweiller dog*. The Aygo/C1 family is a good call. But, more fun than a 500?


*Actually, she's a Cavalier.

[Blib]

Can't do mx5 as I need four seats. At 52 years of age, I'm thirty years too young for the Hyundai.

[Chris71]

I'm disappointed in you, Blib! I thought using a Maserati as your sensible car was splendid.

A Fiat Panda is worth a look. I think a 100HP would fit in rather nicely with the rest of your collection.

[digger_R]

Integra Type R DC2, half the cost and a lot older than the others but Shirley way more fun too?

[Codswallop]

If memory serves me right, contemporary road tests said that the base Panda handled better than the equivalent 500 due to being a bit lighter model for model. So yes, I would hazard a guess that the Aygo et al. would be more fun than a 500.

[Waugh-terfall]

I'd probably look at a Smart for laughs, but otherwise, probably a Panda. The Dual-Logic box however, dear god.




They will cock a leg too...

[Blib]

I know that the 100HP is a great little car, Chris. But, I just don't like the shape. You know how shallow I am, mate.

Thanks for the good suggestion. But, the Integra is not for me. Owning one car with a rear wing is enough for anyone.

[Codswallop]

Huh, turns out that Twingo 133s can be had for under £6k these days. There's your answer then;

[Blib]

Codswallop said:

If memory serves me right, contemporary road tests said that the base Panda handled better than the equivalent 500 due to being a bit lighter model for model. So yes, I would hazard a guess that the Aygo et al. would be more fun than a 500.

Ah, thanks for that.

[Dog Star]

I had this exact same dilemma - wrecking my SL500 commuting.

I ended up with a Citroen C1 VTR+ and it's a cracking little car - stuck some all season tyres on it (instead of the OEM teflon eco-tyres and it's like a limpet)

I actually went down the leasing route - car is on a 2 year 10K/pa deal and is 130/month. Fiat 500s were about 150 when I last looks. Google "Freedom Contracts".

[Blib]

Codswallop said:

Huh, turns out that Twingo 133s can be had for under £6k these days. There's your answer then;

Ooh! That's more than interesting. I'd forgotten about those.

[Jamie VTS]

The C2 VTS may be worth a look, quickish around town (125bhp), seats 4, 30mpg around town, cheap to insure. It is nice and small for parking. They can be picked up for 2-3k and in my opinion look good. The C2 Code is the same car but with Leather seats.

[Blib]

Thanks Jamie.