Which small car to replace my 2003 Ford Fiesta?

What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

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/.

Tags: running costs reliability road tax small cars

Similar questions

Which small, economical car for a first-time driver?

I am thinking of buying a car for our grandson who is just starting his first job after graduating. I could manage £5000 but might be able to make it more, possibly double for the right vehicle. Obviously...

Which stylish small car do you recommend for my daughter?

I have a 21-year-old daughter who is an "Essex girl". She would like to buy a small, nearly new car with looks and street cred, although I am more inclined to recommend a reliable car with low running...

Can you recommend a reliable, safe 3-door car to replace our daughter's Volkswagen Polo?

My daughter lives in the south of England and does a fair bit of motorway driving. She currently has a Volkswagen Polo that is eight years old and is starting to cost her money. We would like to help replace...

Related models