3+ years old, fun, comfortable, automatic?

[rockymoghal]

Hi guys,

Had some really great advice on here for myself so now my sister was asking for some as well. She passed her test about 3 years ago but stopped driving due to a shoulder injury. She needs a car now for work but struggles with the gears. Basically looking for a hatchback (Yaris was her first car). Requirements are:

- £7.5k budget
- Automatic
- 5 doors
- 3+ years old (Don't want the depreciation hit)
-comfortable
- reliable
- Petrol (will do probably 5-6k miles)
- Fun ( doesn't have to be fast but I will be driving it as well so would like a car that is a bit fun to drive)

My sister has given her two preferred cars
- BMW 1series ( It's the one car she has actually liked and keeps pointing out but I'm worried about the reliability factor)
- Toyota Yaris 2015 onwards (Uncle has one and it's a practical car)

The reliability is a big thing. She had her Yaris break down on her in some bad situations and it out her off driving for a while. I'm hoping if I can get her back to driving slowly then maybe in a year or two I will sell the car and get something a bit more fun and enjoyable to drive. But I just want her to get behind the wheel again with confidence and be comfortable. Hope you guys can help.

Edited by rockymoghal on Friday 8th January 07:33

[ZX10R NIN]

If you need a five door go for a Focus sized car which is why I'd say get her to look at an Astra in 1.4T form in SRI or Elite spec:

Elite

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008272...

SRI

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011216...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011176...

308 Allure

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012307...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012167...

Kia Ceed 4 Tech/4

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012167...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202003128...

[mickyh7]

I had a BMW 1 series as a courtesy car.
It was the equivalent to a 1980's Ford Escort.
Horrible thing.

[henrycrun]

Kia something. Should have some kia warranty left.

[CynicalHotTake]

mickyh7 said:

I had a BMW 1 series as a courtesy car.
It was the equivalent to a 1980's Ford Escort.
Horrible thing.

What a ridiculous, sophomaniacal opinion.

[mickyh7]

CynicalHotTake said:

What a ridiculous, sophomaniacal opinion.

But an opinion nevertheless.
And using a clever word to insinuate I have delusions of grandour intelligence is a bit of smoke blowing up your own backside.
One doesn't need any intelligence to air an opinion.
Acres of black plastic and no buttons or bells is what I found.

Edited by mickyh7 on Friday 8th January 10:20

[culpz]

Surprised to hear about the issues with the Yaris.

I'd look at a Fiesta. Not sure what the auto gearboxes are like but should be cheap to run, reliable and fun to drive. If you want bigger, then maybe a Focus.

Suzuki Swift is a good option too.

[Disco You]

mickyh7 said:

But an opinion nevertheless.
And using a clever word to insinuate I have delusions of grandour intelligence is a bit of smoke blowing up your own backside.
One doesn't need any intelligence to air an opinion.
Acres of black plastic and no buttons or bells is what I found.

Edited by mickyh7 on Friday 8th January 10:20

Which generation was it? The fist 1 series did get some bad press for interior quality (not sure about later models, but this stuck in my mind from reviews back then).

[mickyh7]

Disco You said:

Which generation was it? The fist 1 series did get some bad press for interior quality (not sure about later models, but this stuck in my mind from reviews back then).

To be fair it was a 2009-2010 model 2.0D IIRC.
Last minute problem with my new car.
It was a German Car Centre. I thought they might have done better but their business as they say!
Put me off though

[rockymoghal]

Thanks for the replies. Given me a lot to think about. Sister is looking at the same time. She wants the Peugeot 208 as it's smaller and as she describes it "a good small work car". What are people's thoughts? Worth putting 7.5k on it?

[ZX10R NIN]

They're good cars (& I'd buy one) but like all 5 doors of this size they can actually be more awkward (because the front seats are normally behind the B pillar) than a three door when it comes to access.

Look for the Feline model:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012026...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009234...

Or you could go rogue on her & talk her into a Clio RS:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011055...

[rockymoghal]

Haha I think the Clio is too sporty for her. The Peugeot looked good but unfortunately both were manual. Wouldn't mind getting it so I can have a go occasionally though. The 80,000 miles makes me think it will need some work soon. Saw this Yaris,

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2020102754...

What do people think? Ticks all the boxes. It's about 60 miles from me so would probably have it delivered. It has FSH and is low mileage. WBAC has similar cars listed for £5800. Might try to see if they will shift on the price but it's one of the lowest priced on AT so doubt they will budge. Just need to confirm the warranties and reassurances as I can't test drive or see it in person.

To be honest I think she needs to be in a car for a year or two and then I can swap her to a manual. I'm gonna let her drive my manual as well so she doesn't forget. Hopefully the Yaris holds its value for a year or two so I can PX for something else.