Which small car to replace my 2003 Ford Fiesta?
I’m in my early 70s (but fit and agile). I think the time has come to change my 2003 Ford Fiesta 1.4 for a newer secondhand small car with a budget of £10,000. I do about 5000 miles a year, mainly local but with a few longer trips. I need an economical car with excellent reliability. I have no garage so my car is parked on my drive all year. My previous Ford Fiestas and Volkswagen Polos have all been maintained and serviced by my excellent local independent motor engineers, Graysheen Ltd, for the last 30-40 years. A friend recommends his Fiat 500 and he has had far more driving experience than I have. What cars should I be considering?
Asked on 21 April 2012 by CC, Gerrards Cross
Answered by
Honest John
I've been running a Fiat 500 for nearly four years and it has been totally reliable. It has a gutless 1.2-litre engine but is surprisingly good on longer runs because it has excellent seats with long squabs. The 900cc 500 TwinAir is more fun to drive.
But to replace a Fiesta, I'd say either a Mazda 2 1.3TS2 (huge fun and £30 tax) or a KIA Rio 1.4 which is a well-equipped, good looking Fiesta-size car with a 6-speed gearbox and a five year warranty. See: www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/kia/rio-2011/.
But to replace a Fiesta, I'd say either a Mazda 2 1.3TS2 (huge fun and £30 tax) or a KIA Rio 1.4 which is a well-equipped, good looking Fiesta-size car with a 6-speed gearbox and a five year warranty. See: www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/kia/rio-2011/.
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