Ask Honest John

Honest John Ask Honest John » Not automatically
What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Not automatically

My present car is a 07 plate Yaris SR 1.3VVT and I have covered 13,000 miles from new. As I am getting on in years I feel that a small automatic car would make driving a lot less stressful. Therefore I am looking for a nearly new automatic and would appreciate your views on the best choices. Obviously the Yaris and Jazz are contenders, but are there any more out there?

Asked on 30 July 2011 by WS, via email

Answered by Honest John
You have to be careful with 'nearly new' automatic Yaris and Jazz, because they weren't. They were automated manuals. The latest Jazz CVT-7, from February 2011, is fully automatic CVT. The Toyota Verso S is also CVT. But the current Yaris (now on runout) is MMT automated manual, not automatic. Buying used, you could also consider a Nissan Note 1.6 4-speed auto. And buying new, either the KIA Venga 1.6 auto or the Hyundai ix20 1.6 auto.

Our honest used car pricing is a little bit different to all the others. You can get to our values through make or model - you don’t have to follow a prescribed route. Plus, it’s live, which means we can react to changes in the market quicker than any printed price guide.

Honest Used Car Prices

From which small car to buy at which price point to the best UK-built cars, our Top 10s have the lot. Click now for your shortlist.

Unsure of what to buy? Our Top 10s are here to help you....
Similar questions
I'm looking to buy a car mainly for local running but it must be automatic. I'm struggling to decide between a two year old Honda Jazz or Toyota Yaris. Both seem to be around the same price or for about...
Can you please recommend any large(ish) estates? I am looking for an auto with good rearward visibility. We drive 10k to 15k miles per annum. I am struggling to find anything as comfortable for 2 footed...
We wish to replace both our cars in retirement for used models preferably with auto boxes. We desire a chain cam engine with some punch and comfortable seats for long occasional long distance 500 mile...
Related models
Neatly styled. Increased room and better performance than original Jazz. better to drive. Very versatile. CVT-7 returned in February 2011 replacing i-SHIFT. More reliable than first generation Jazz.
Spacious back seats and wide-opening doors. Easy to drive and park. Good visibility. Decent boot capacity.
More room and better handling than the previous version. Excellent crash test rating. 1.4 D-4D does 50mpg +.
Cheap to run. Good visibility. Plenty of rear passenger and boot space. Better engines and transmissions in 2016.