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

Vauxhall Meriva or the Ford B Max - which would you buy?

I will soon need to change my car to one that is suitable to take two elderly people in the back. I have decided it is between the Vauxhall Meriva and the Ford B Max. I am also weary of changing gears and have decided I will upgrade to automatic transmission.

I will be covering low mileage, but my main concerns are reliability, cost of repairs, performance and resale value. What do you recommend?

Asked on 14 August 2013 by Stephen

Answered by Honest John
The Meriva has a chain cam petrol turbo engine and a 6-speed torque converter auto. The B-Max currently has a belt cam 1.6 petrol engine and Powershift dual clutch automatic transmission.

I have not driven either. With a turbo, the Meriva should warm up faster from a cold start. Handling of both is fine, but I have only driven manuals.
Similar questions
I would like your advice on behalf of my elderly parents please. They are looking for a new small SUV or hatchback with a low boot lip to load my sister's wheelchair without having to lift it up too high....
I am planning to change my car soon. I'm currently driving a Honda Civic 2.2 diesel. I've had it eight years and love it. Sadly it is no longer suitable for my elderly mother of 86 and small neurotic terrier....
I will soon be getting a new Ford B-Max under the motability scheme, I rather fancy one with a 1.4 petrol engine. Do you think that engine will be underpowered?
Related models
Practical and easy to get in and out of. Facelifted 2014 models get impressive new 1.6-litre CDTi engine.
Sliding side doors and no central pillar mean unimpeded access. Five star Euro NCAP rating. Engines include 1.0 litre three-cylinder EcoBoost petrol. Decent drive.
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer