3-4k small car for me muvva

[carbonblack]

As title - would like get something a bit nicer than what’s currently in service for my mum (04 Meriva which is an absolute shed!)

3-4k doesn’t really get you a lot these days, I’m looking for
- smallish (smaller than Meriva)
- petrol non turbo
- 5 door
- possibly automatic if it’s reliable
- cheaper to run the better
- not a 1L - some motorway and long distance is done so not anything totally gutless


I was considering a Juke but it’s too large and a lot of them are diesel too.

I’ve already discounted wet-belt Ecoboosts.

As much as I’d like to get her a 330ci or a smoker barge it’s not going to fly!

Any suggestions? Thanks in advance

Edited by carbonblack on Saturday 1st February 10:22

[ChocolateFrog]

If the daily mileage isn't much and she has off road parking I'd be tempted by something like a Dacia Spring. The almost free running costs would offset a good chunk of the small monthlies.

Failing that the go-to answer is always the best Jazz you can find.

[carbonblack]

Thanks for the reply.

Unfortunately electric is a non-starter due to no off-road parking or public charger points.

Could possibly push the budget to £5k max for something decent.

Every time I look I can’t believe how much cars have gone up. Like a 15 year old Focus for £4k!!!

[Simon_GH]

The Honda Jazz is hard to beat for your criteria.

[Om]

I was in a similar situation late last year after Mum's car was written off. She didn't want too much but wanted something reasonably solid and not too small - but tall enough so she didn't fall into it - basically a smaller version of her previous Zafira.

After much deliberation we settled on a second generation Merc A class. A 2009 facelift so some of the early issues were resolved. The one we found had only 2 owners and had been serviced at main dealers half its life and Merc independent for the rest. It has only done just over 35k miles - typical pensioners car - and has been garaged. Immaculate underneath and brand new inside it doesn't show its age at all.

She only uses it for short journeys but when I picked it up it did the 130mile trip home in decent levels of comfort/quiet especially for a small car. She likes sitting high up and the fact the car feels solid/substantial. Also that it is bright red so other people see her!!! Worth a look certainly and considering the badge they don't seem to be too sought after so prices are low - I paid £3.5k from a dealer.

[Frankthered]

Simon_GH said:

The Honda Jazz is hard to beat for your criteria.

Agree, but would also suggest the Toyota Yaris or Nissan Note as options. I'm not sure how good the auto boxes are on the Jazz (or Yaris), the Note might be the best bet for an auto at your price point.

You could also look at Hyundai i20 or i10 (or the Kia equivalents).

[Morry10]

Suzuki Swift?

[ZX10R NIN]

carbonblack said:

As title - would like get something a bit nicer than what’s currently in service for my mum (04 Meriva which is an absolute shed!)

3-4k doesn’t really get you a lot these days, I’m looking for
- smallish (smaller than Meriva)
- petrol non turbo
- 5 door
- possibly automatic if it’s reliable
- cheaper to run the better
- not a 1L - some motorway and long distance is done so not anything totally gutless


I was considering a Juke but it’s too large and a lot of them are diesel too.

I’ve already discounted wet-belt Ecoboosts.

As much as I’d like to get her a 330ci or a smoker barge it’s not going to fly!

Any suggestions? Thanks in advance

Edited by carbonblack on Saturday 1st February 10:22

I'd say the 1.6 auto Astra pretty much ticks every box:

Elite:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202411236...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202501268...

SRI:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202501228...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202501077...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202501308...

I had one of these fitted to my nephews Astra & it works really well:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/325236100320?_skw=astra...

[cpszx]

Hyundai i10

[A500leroy]

1.3 Yaris.

[Snow and Rocks]

Yaris all day long - my MIL bought a nearly new one in 2014 and I haven't even had to change a bulb. It gets an annual oil change and just goes from one MOT to the next without an advisory. Not particularly exciting but perfectly competent with the bigger engine.

[ZX10R NIN]

5 door versions of the Yaris/i10 etc are a waste of time.

[lornemalvo]

Skoda Citigo - great cars