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Buying a used small car - what would you recommend?

I am a single female and wish to buy a used, small four door car with possible all-wheel drive option. I cover about 10,000 miles per year, but want something reliable, with low running costs and lots of boot space. My budget is £8000. Suggestions please?

Asked on 13 December 2013 by Erica Jeffery

Answered by Honest John
Suzuki SX4 or FIAT Seicento. Better to avoid the diesels because a new DPF for one of them is £3,300. You have said you want 4WD. I have answered 4WD. But you may not actually need 4WD. If snow is your problem then all weather or cold weather tyres are better than 4WD.
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Reasonably spacious five-seater with a decent boot, strong and economical diesel, tidy handling in 4WD.
 

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