Two down, one to go

I drive a 2000W BMW 318SE that I really enjoy but it has not been without problems. It has done 90,000 miles. My wife drives an 06 reg Nissan Note 1.4SE that has done 40,000 miles. Its load carrying capability is very impressive but I do not enjoy driving it as I find the ride hard, the steering too light and, particularly in cross winds, a feeling of instability. We are considering reducing our cars to one and trading in both cars for something to suit us both. We would like a hatchback that feels more like the BMW. Our mileage will only be about 10,000 per annum. Our budget would be £5,000 plus the trade in of our two cars. Should we look at petrol or diesel? I'm not too keen on French or Italian cars.

Asked on 7 August 2010 by TS. via email

Answered by Honest John

You don't do enough miles for a diesel. A BMW 118i is an obvious contender, but doesn’t have much luggage capacity. Try a new Suzuki SX4 1.6. It’s roomy, should give you 40mpg plus, copes with potholes and road humps, and is still quite sporty to drive. Test and video: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/suzuki/suzuki-sx4-...t Better to trade one car in and sell then other using www.sure-sell.info Two into one will lose a lot of money.

Tags: buying new cars small cars

Similar questions

Replacing a mk1 Yaris

Nearly another year on for our 52 reg Yaris D4D. Is your mother's soldiering on? I always have a shortlist of replacement cars but it is more complicated now that my husband is retired and we share the...

What small new car other than a Corsa?

I had a Vauxhall Cavalier and then for the past ten years an Astra; I am now thinking of a Corsa. It must be automatic; is there anything else of this general size you would recommend as being a better...

A new car like a Vauxhall Agila

I know nothing about cars. I want a car with a similar shape to the Vauxhall Agila (having written off my 2006 car). I am regularly doing the London to Brighton run so want something that is good on distance...

Related models

BMW 1 Series (2004 - 2011)

Great to drive and superbly built. Wide choice of models, improved from 2007 with Efficient Dynamics. 118d is super economical.

Nissan Note (2006 - 2013)

Easy to drive and manouevre into small spaces, roomy cabin with plenty of headroom in the back, some clever and practical features inside, economical dCi diesels, well built.