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What should we buy when downsizing from two cars to one?
My wife and I are both in our early 70’s and are now slowly reaching the conclusion that it is hard to justify our running two cars now that we are both retired. My wife currently drives a 2020 Fiat 500 (24k miles), I have a 2018 Fiat 500L Cross (25k miles).
We are thinking of trading both for, ideally, a new hatchback/SUV but, not being particularly car-orientated, we really don’t know what makes and models we should be looking at. We live in deepest darkest Northamptonshire where the 'tracking' capabilities of the 500L have been particularly valuable. Otherwise the priorities for us would be reliability, economy and comfort, the car being used mainly around town and in our local area but with the occasional longer motorway hauls to family, friends and the coast. Budget would be the part exchange values on our current cars plus £6k - £8K’ish / as little as possible.
What would you suggest that we look at?
We are thinking of trading both for, ideally, a new hatchback/SUV but, not being particularly car-orientated, we really don’t know what makes and models we should be looking at. We live in deepest darkest Northamptonshire where the 'tracking' capabilities of the 500L have been particularly valuable. Otherwise the priorities for us would be reliability, economy and comfort, the car being used mainly around town and in our local area but with the occasional longer motorway hauls to family, friends and the coast. Budget would be the part exchange values on our current cars plus £6k - £8K’ish / as little as possible.
What would you suggest that we look at?
Asked on 4 January 2024 by Nickaj
Answered by
David Ross
When choosing to switch from two cars to one within a household it is worth considering whether one of the cars you already own is suitable for the job. Your Fiat 500L appears to be well suited to your needs, assuming it has been reliable, and with such low mileage it should have plenty of years left in it.
Alternatively, if you are looking for something newer we would suggest looking at cars such as the Skoda Karoq, Volvo XC40 and Hyundai Kona, all of which should suit your needs.
Alternatively, if you are looking for something newer we would suggest looking at cars such as the Skoda Karoq, Volvo XC40 and Hyundai Kona, all of which should suit your needs.
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