Cheap auto beginners car 1k

[kazino]

Hi chaps, my wife passed her test a year back and I got her a striped, lowered, manual Audi TT 225 with r888 tyres and porsche front calipers.
The hope was she could use it to learn and take her to spank it at the track (as she liked it when I've taken her to track).
Unfortunately it's not worked out as planned, surprise surprise, and she's probably a worse driver than before. She's also on my 911 turbo and cayenne insurance but she's not confident at all driving them.

She wants :
Auto, good visibility, easy to park, petrol

I would like :
Car with no issues
Easy to resell for a little loss in value
Don't mind spending up to 2k if required

Hoping she can get her confidence in driving and then surprise her with a nice hot hatch (cooper s works most likely)

[LordGrover]

If MINI Cooper S is the target, maybe R50 MINI ONE auto to begin?

[narbles]

kazino said:

...take her to spank it at the track (as she liked it when I've taken her to track).

Sounds like an old Shed of the Week article...

[mattman]

Something VW would probably fit the bill - a Polo or Golf

Or else a mini

Small Auto's do command a premium over manuals though

[QuartzDad]

Nissan Note. 1.6, proper torque converter auto.

[ZX10R NIN]

Corsa

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010084...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010074...

[kieranblenk]

Any well looked after Japanese petrol auto will fit the bill - ie Micra/Note/Swift/Yaris/Corolla

[aka_kerrly]

How about a Toyota MRS auto for some 2 seat fun , or a bit more upmarket a Mercedes SLK or C Class Coupe or the E46 BMW 325TI compact ?

Otherwise it's a Jazz or Yaris

[imck]

My Mrs has 53 Plate 1.3 Auto Yaris.
It goes pretty well and I enjoy driving it. 1.0 Manual was very dull.

Must avoid the Multimode Auto Gearbox which came in around 2005

Have had a few age related items to replace in the last couple of Years. Exhaust, Brake Pipes and Rear Shocks.