A "big" small car
Discussion
Its that time of the week again, I fancy buying something else. I've had all sorts of crazy ideas as regulars will know (anything from a quadrophenia style Lambretta scooter to a Dodge Ram). This time I'm being sensible, a small car which feels bigger. My Panda is a great small car, but I think I need something bigger (still unable to fit all my toolkit in the boot of the Panda). So, I've narrowed it down to 4 cars, some of which I've considered before:
1. Honda Jazz
2. Audi A2
3. Renault Modus
4. Ford Fusion
My budget would be around £3000, which looking at the classifieds would just about get me into an A2 or Modus, and could get me a half decent Jazz or Fusion. While for some reason I'd prefer the Audi, I reckon that for my budget I'd end up with a complete lemon, so would love to hear the PH thoughts?
Also while checking out the Ford, I thought I'd compare Focus prices, they are very tempting, so a Focus might be the way to go? I'd only be able to get a MK1 1.4 or 1.6 though, but I did find for £3800 (bit of saving required) a 2005 (first of the new shape) 1.8D, only thing was it'd done 130k, how good are Focus' (Foci?) when they've done large mileage?
1. Honda Jazz
2. Audi A2
3. Renault Modus
4. Ford Fusion
My budget would be around £3000, which looking at the classifieds would just about get me into an A2 or Modus, and could get me a half decent Jazz or Fusion. While for some reason I'd prefer the Audi, I reckon that for my budget I'd end up with a complete lemon, so would love to hear the PH thoughts?
Also while checking out the Ford, I thought I'd compare Focus prices, they are very tempting, so a Focus might be the way to go? I'd only be able to get a MK1 1.4 or 1.6 though, but I did find for £3800 (bit of saving required) a 2005 (first of the new shape) 1.8D, only thing was it'd done 130k, how good are Focus' (Foci?) when they've done large mileage?
tI would have a focus myself, to be honest after been in all of the cars you mentioned they dont really feel very big.
The 1.6 focus is a good engine, there is very little differance between that at the 1.8 and its better on fuel. £3000 should get you a mk1 facelift focus. If you have a good look around some models comes with leather seats and lots of other toys.
The 1.6 focus is a good engine, there is very little differance between that at the 1.8 and its better on fuel. £3000 should get you a mk1 facelift focus. If you have a good look around some models comes with leather seats and lots of other toys.
Edited by anonymous-user on Thursday 27th May 12:15
If it's space you need in a small package then the Jazz offers allot - the neat trick is that they have put the fuel tank under the front seats(!) so you can lift up the back benches (which clip neatly in the up position) and have a nice loading space on the floor.
This is a pic of the new one but it is the same for the old one but a little smaller:
Stay away from pre-2007 automatics (the CVT models) and get manual (the pre-2007 CVT box has some expensive problems later on in life). Apart from that reliability is good but I would check for rust.
This is a pic of the new one but it is the same for the old one but a little smaller:
Stay away from pre-2007 automatics (the CVT models) and get manual (the pre-2007 CVT box has some expensive problems later on in life). Apart from that reliability is good but I would check for rust.
Edited by Dino D on Thursday 27th May 12:19
ZesPak said:
J
First of all, it has the best reliability record.
I bought so dug around online and guess what - the reliability is good but I think it is a bit hyped up over zealous owners...First of all, it has the best reliability record.
The CVT gearbox is problematic requiring replacement, especially pre-2007 models - granted, not all models affected by this but it is a big black mark for this type of car as there is no pleasure to be derived from snappy manual shifts here - the CVT is great and suits the car perfectly -even has F1 paddles and 7 ratios in manual mode!!
Wheel bearings often need replacing in less than 60k miles in many cases (depends on roads I guess) and being a Honda the bearing is pressed into the hub so you have to change the lot, again pricey. Mine has a little surface rust on the tops of the back doors under the rubber seals (2007 model that lives in Greece!)
Some reports of faulty instrument clusters.
Overall a great reliability rating though (manuals only) and certainly better than the others listed here but not as good as the P reg Civic I had that wanted for nothing in 100k miles.
RE the A2: I love the look and idea of it but ruled it out due bad reviews and lots of complaints about expensive repairs. Also, parts not easy to come by and the aluminium body requires specialist repairs if bent.
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