Small, cheap, reliable hatchback for family member
Discussion
Morning gents.
A family member of mine is on the lookout for a runaround for under £5000. She needs it to be small, reliable and I've suggested petrol based on the limited miles she's likely to do.
If I can convince her away from the much more limited automatic choices, I was thinking an i10, i20 or a Suzuki Swift.
If she does really want an auto, what would you recommend?
Cheers.
A family member of mine is on the lookout for a runaround for under £5000. She needs it to be small, reliable and I've suggested petrol based on the limited miles she's likely to do.
If I can convince her away from the much more limited automatic choices, I was thinking an i10, i20 or a Suzuki Swift.
If she does really want an auto, what would you recommend?
Cheers.
i10 is good in automatic, but the budget suggests it will be a c.2010 model. But proper torque converter auto and chain driven engine means it will be reliable. At that budget, I'd also look at a Nissan Note - again first generation but the 1.6 is again chain driven and the box is a proper automatic - if something a bit bigger is needed.
We've had one of each in the past, and they were trouble-free if not the most exciting steer.
We've had one of each in the past, and they were trouble-free if not the most exciting steer.
david-j8694 said:
Morning gents.
A family member of mine is on the lookout for a runaround for under 5000. She needs it to be small, reliable and I've suggested petrol based on the limited miles she's likely to do.
If I can convince her away from the much more limited automatic choices, I was thinking an i10, i20 or a Suzuki Swift.
If she does really want an auto, what would you recommend?
Cheers.
To be honest with their budget in mind I'd guide them to a Focus sized car as they'll have better Auto options, the first pick is the best Astra you can find, they're reliable robust simple to maintain as well being sensible to run.A family member of mine is on the lookout for a runaround for under 5000. She needs it to be small, reliable and I've suggested petrol based on the limited miles she's likely to do.
If I can convince her away from the much more limited automatic choices, I was thinking an i10, i20 or a Suzuki Swift.
If she does really want an auto, what would you recommend?
Cheers.
Astra SRI:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203284...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205175...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205215...
Elite:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203043...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203183...
Astra GTC SRI:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204275...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204084...
Also the Japanese/Korean alternatives will be no better in reliability terms but won't be as nice inside.
david-j8694 said:
Morning gents.
A family member of mine is on the lookout for a runaround for under 5000. She needs it to be small, reliable and I've suggested petrol based on the limited miles she's likely to do.
If I can convince her away from the much more limited automatic choices, I was thinking an i10, i20 or a Suzuki Swift.
If she does really want an auto, what would you recommend?
Cheers.
Toyota Yaris is the answer.A family member of mine is on the lookout for a runaround for under 5000. She needs it to be small, reliable and I've suggested petrol based on the limited miles she's likely to do.
If I can convince her away from the much more limited automatic choices, I was thinking an i10, i20 or a Suzuki Swift.
If she does really want an auto, what would you recommend?
Cheers.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-search?sort=year-...
The Mad Monk said:
That age of Yaris has the Multimode Auto Box. Automated Manual that can have problems.Mrs Mc had the MK1 Yaris 1.3 with Auto. Cracking Car but probably getting on a bit now.
imck said:
That age of Yaris has the Multimode Auto Box. Automated Manual that can have problems.
Agreed, if you are going for an auto I would personally only go for a traditional torque converter box. Out of interest, if this car goes wrong is your relative the sort of person who will be on the phone to you expecting you to sort it out as you "recommended the car to me".I believe no good deed goes unpunished, I personally wouldn't get involved and let them get on with buying what ever car they believe is the best. Otherwise you might get the "I knew I should have bought a <INSERT CAR HERE> instead of the one you recommended" when it goes wrong.
imck said:
The Mad Monk said:
That age of Yaris has the Multimode Auto Box. Automated Manual that can have problems.Mrs Mc had the MK1 Yaris 1.3 with Auto. Cracking Car but probably getting on a bit now.
When and if, it changed, I really can't say. But 2002 = TC.
The Mad Monk said:
imck said:
The Mad Monk said:
That age of Yaris has the Multimode Auto Box. Automated Manual that can have problems.Mrs Mc had the MK1 Yaris 1.3 with Auto. Cracking Car but probably getting on a bit now.
When and if, it changed, I really can't say. But 2002 = TC.
ZX10R NIN said:
To be honest with their budget in mind I'd guide them to a Focus sized car as they'll have better Auto options, the first pick is the best Astra you can find, they're reliable robust simple to maintain as well being sensible to run.
<Astras>
Good shout, I did say her options would be limited and, after seeing this post, asked if she couldn't compromise on gearbox, would she compromise on size and get something bigger. She seems happy enough with an Astra/Golf/Focus sized car, so this avenue is now open. Good suggestions, too. Thanks. <Astras>
georgeyboy12345 said:
Why does she want an auto, does she do a lot of city driving, start-stop traffic, etc?
She's nearly 60, passing her test for the first time and wants to make it as easy as possible, hence wants an auto. I made it clear that that would greatly reduce her choice, but it's one of her deal breakers.Joey Deacon said:
imck said:
That age of Yaris has the Multimode Auto Box. Automated Manual that can have problems.
Agreed, if you are going for an auto I would personally only go for a traditional torque converter box. Out of interest, if this car goes wrong is your relative the sort of person who will be on the phone to you expecting you to sort it out as you "recommended the car to me".I believe no good deed goes unpunished, I personally wouldn't get involved and let them get on with buying what ever car they believe is the best. Otherwise you might get the "I knew I should have bought a <INSERT CAR HERE> instead of the one you recommended" when it goes wrong.
Thanks for all the other suggestions everyone.
I have gone back to her and said based on her specfic reqs the Yaris and i10 from ~2010 are the best choices, even if they are getting on a bit now. Also advised she consider something from the class above to open up better auto options, which she seems amenable to.
Cheers.
I have gone back to her and said based on her specfic reqs the Yaris and i10 from ~2010 are the best choices, even if they are getting on a bit now. Also advised she consider something from the class above to open up better auto options, which she seems amenable to.
Cheers.
The Mad Monk said:
imck said:
The Mad Monk said:
That age of Yaris has the Multimode Auto Box. Automated Manual that can have problems.Mrs Mc had the MK1 Yaris 1.3 with Auto. Cracking Car but probably getting on a bit now.
When and if, it changed, I really can't say. But 2002 = TC.
I think it was 2005, late MK1 that the TC changed to MM
Mrs Mcs was a 53 Plate with TC. Really good Car. Only sold last Year due to her WFH.
Started getting age related issues. Brake Pipes, Exhaust. Nothing too expensive.
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