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We are now retired and would like your advice on which car/s might best suit our current needs. We fancy a Mini MPV for the added height giving clearer views and easier entry/exit. We now enjoy comfort and are more impressed by ride quality than 0 to 60 in 6 seconds. We both play golf (fairly badly) so we need the car to carry two sets of clubs etc. and the two of us. When not golfing we like to carry four adults as comfortably as possible. We would require an automatic gearbox. Low running costs would be very acceptable but not if they compromised comfort. We have never had a diesel car but are open to your suggestions if that is the best option. Maximum mileage is 10,000 per annum.

Asked on 18 July 2009 by

Answered by Honest John
It really depends on how big you want the car to be. Small, a Suzuki Splash/Vauxhall Agila 1.2 auto makes a lot of sense, combining upright seats, easy entrance/egress, quick folding rear seats and a torque converter autobox. A bit bigger, Nissan Note or Renault Modus 1.6 autos. Bigger still, a Ford C-Max diesel auto or, I have just heard, they have introduced a 4-speed torque converter auto with 1.6/1.8 petrol engines. The new Renault Scenic CVT automatics should be good, but I have yet to drive one with an autobox. The new Toyota Verso 1.8 Valvematic CVT is the nicest Verso to drive. But if you fancy a normal car, the new Chevrolet Cruze has a 450 litre lockable boot shaped to take golf clubs and a couple of trolleys,
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