What car for my mother-in-law? Not very PistonHeads!

[CrippsCorner]

Hi guys getting emails coming in left right and centre from the mother-in-law who's after a new car after selling her dying 206CC for scrap.

She's been obsessed with the MINI Countryman for a while, but is just starting to look elsewhere in case there's a better deal.

She's also sent me links for Aygo & Micra, but I have pointed out they're a bit small... she wants to be able to ferry the grandkids around (2 at the moment, maybe 3 soon!) she also thinks something like a Qashqai is too big, so you can get a sense of where we are here, medium hatchback or small SUV I reckon.

£7k max
5 door
Petrol/manual
Doesn't care about performance or anything so lower running costs obviously a bonus
Low miles will win her round!
Would say other than the MINI she's quite keen on Japanese

Not really what I search for. I've got some free time tomorrow so said I'd spend an hour on AutoTrader for her, but any ideas/experience before I start?

[swanseaboydan]

If it were for my mother in law I’d go for something with dodgy brakes and no air bags . . .

(It’s a joke in case my wife logs on . . )

[freakybacon]

Standard pensioner car.. Honda jazz.

[hyphen]

CrippsCorner said:

...she wants to be able to ferry the grandkids around (2 at the moment, maybe 3 soon!)...

Check the NCAP child ratings.

She may think Qashqai is too big, but it isn't really. It's just a countryman size jacked up a bit more - get her to test drive one and she should like it.

If 3 kids are certain, then what are the ages? And will it just be her or 2 adults. As the child seat/booster space needs to be ok.

[anonymous-user]

Kia Soul

[ChrisH72]

If she likes the countryman I'd suggest image might be more important than she makes out?

Obvious choices are...

Honda Jazz
Toyota Yaris
Hyundai ix20

These offer good space in a small footprint, particularly the Honda and Hyundai whilst also being reliable and cheap to run.

My neighbours have recently bought a Suzuki Ignis which they use for grandparent duties. It looks smart and does the job although they only have the one grandchild.

[georgeyboy12345]

Suzuki Swift 1.2 SZ3
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110168...


Toyota Yaris 1.0 VVT-i
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112220...


Honda Civic 1.4 i-VTEC
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111089...


Renault Clio 1.2 16v
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112030...


One of these three, essentially the same car

Seat Ibiza 1.4 Toca
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109117...

Skoda Fabia 1.2 SE
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111249...

VW Polo 1.2 Match
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111099...

[CrippsCorner]

hyphen said:

CrippsCorner said:

...she wants to be able to ferry the grandkids around (2 at the moment, maybe 3 soon!)...

Check the NCAP child ratings.

She may think Qashqai is too big, but it isn't really. It's just a countryman size jacked up a bit more - get her to test drive one and she should like it.

If 3 kids are certain, then what are the ages? And will it just be her or 2 adults. As the child seat/booster space needs to be ok.

Even if 3 comes along, the eldest will go in the front seat so no worries there (doubt she'd ever want another person in the car also)

Jazz is a good shout as my wife currently has one of those, albeit an older one.

She did mention she liked a Polo as well actually, and I sent her the Ibiza FR (because I would, wouldn't I) but she said she preferred the MINI at the time.

Thanks for all suggestions so far, I'll go through them all tomorrow and get some links for her

Oh just to add... we're in Essex and she'd like it keep it local if possible. She is looking into the possibility of getting a car delivered but is a bit anxious about her rights! Can't really help her there as never done that myself either.

[ads_4116]

My suggestions are:

Skoda Yeti
Nissan Note
Kia Venga / Hyundai ix20 (same cars, different badge)

Have driven all 3 and happy to give you my experience on them if you wanted more detail.

[ads_4116]

Just seen your reply about the Honda Jazz. Completely forgot about that one considering the fact that I used to work for Honda for 6 years!!

Cracking reliable cars those Jazz's. 1.4 vtec engine is pretty bulletproof and gets great fuel economy too.

Found a 2014/64 Jazz in Essex with 39k miles at just shy of £7k.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112130...

(I have no affiliation with this dealer whatsoever, simply did a search for low mileage Jazz's in Essex and this one seemed to be the best option in my opinion).

[Pica-Pica]

We have had a 2013 Skoda Fabia from new, so coming up for 9 years old. 1.2 TSi (4cylinder) engine, unburstable. Very roomy inside for four large adults. Less than 4 metres long. Easy to get in, and good visibility out. Easy to park. Fit it with all-season tyres, and you will get anywhere.
The Honda Jazz is also a good bet.

[Trevor555]

For 7k I'd buy a MK3 Fabia, pre April 2017 so it's £20 road tax.

Try to get the SE spec as they're pretty well equipped.

Or the Jazz, but higher road tax, and lacking in equipment compared to the SE Fabia.

[ZX10R NIN]

1.4 Kia Rio 3 110

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112090...

1.4 Ceed VR7 100

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112150...

1.6i Mokka SE 115 good reliable family transport with nice spec low miles & low running costs

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112060...

Astra Elite 115 as above but lower to the ground:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112210...

1.6i Focus Titanium 125

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111169...

1.6T Focus Titanium 150

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112060...

1.6i Mazda3 Tamura 105 no more reliable than the Astra above but a decent car:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110309...

1.6i Auris Icon 130

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110088...

[CrippsCorner]

I like those Mazda3's. I remember now sending one of those to her before but got the same response... "I prefer the MINI" at least now she seems more open to suggestions so we'll see where we get.

There's 2 MINI Countryman locally for sale in budget and she's contact both dealers but hasn't pulled the trigger. Even she said there's something holding her back but she doesn't really know why! Considering she wants to buy ASAP - Within the next week or two.

[Tyre Smoke]

Can you get a Duster for that sort of cash?

[CrippsCorner]

Aren't they that price brand new

Not a bad shout. The only problem being, that after my son saw Dacia in Which? magazine for being the most unreliable car brand, and therefore gaining their 'Don't Buy' award, every time he sees one go past he shouts at the top of his voice... "Don't Buy that caaar!"

[anonymous-user]

CrippsCorner said:

Aren't they that price brand new

Not a bad shout. The only problem being, that after my son saw Dacia in Which? magazine for being the most unreliable car brand, and therefore gaining their 'Don't Buy' award, every time he sees one go past he shouts at the top of his voice... "Don't Buy that caaar!"

I don't think I've ever heard Dacia as being described as the most unreliable brand, basic yes, the owners are often very happy.

This years Whatcar reliability survey put Dacia number 2 behind Lexus, the Sandero is number one in its group and the Duster is number 4.

Edited by MonkeyMatt on Tuesday 28th December 10:37

[CrippsCorner]

Apologies, maybe it wasn't regarding reliability. I can't remember what the award was for exactly, but it was on the cover of a supplement! Maybe it was from this...

https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/new-and-used-cars/...

Should I buy it?

No. It's easy to see the appeal of the Duster's value, but we simply can't recommend it due to its poor safety score. It's a problem that we've seen in other Dacia models, and not something we think you should put up with when considering a new car. It's a Don't Buy model.

[thenorth]

Nissan leaf would be ideal for low miles / short journeys. Buttons to run

[anonymous-user]

CrippsCorner said:

Apologies, maybe it wasn't regarding reliability. I can't remember what the award was for exactly, but it was on the cover of a supplement! Maybe it was from this...

https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/new-and-used-cars/...

Should I buy it?

No. It's easy to see the appeal of the Duster's value, but we simply can't recommend it due to its poor safety score. It's a problem that we've seen in other Dacia models, and not something we think you should put up with when considering a new car. It's a Don't Buy model.

there is a very interesting interview with the boss of Dacia talking about NCAP, he talks about safety gadgets in modern cars and what Dacia buyers want. A low NCAP doesn't automatically mean a car will perform badly in a crash.