What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks
Should we consider the Skoda Fabia for a small commuter car?
I am returning to full time work in September and we are looking for a small, basic second car that I can use for my journey each day. My commute will be only 10 minutes each way along windy, country lanes and we would like something reliable and economical to run. We would also like our daughter to use it in a few years time when she is learning to drive. We would like to buy new or just a couple of years old (we will need to take out a loan) and would be interested to hear which make of cars you think we should look at. My father-in-law has suggested looking at a KIA Picanto or Skoda Fabia, but what else should we look at?
Asked on 27 July 2013 by CK, via email
Answered by
Honest John
Citroen C1, FIAT Panda, Hyundai i10, KIA Picanto, Nissan Pixo, Peugeot 107, SEAT Mii, Skoda Citigo, Suzuki Alto, Toyota Aygo or Volkswagen Up. All cheap to run, some with free annual tax. Not the Fabia because is it now an old model and up for replacement soon.
Similar questions
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...
My 18-year-old son has decided to take up driving lessons and will eventually have a car of his own. What would you recommend as his first car? My issue is obviously insurance costs but more importantly...
My son aged 23 has just applied for his provisional driving licence and I am paying for some lessons as an Xmas present, as travelling to his new job by public transport is beset with problems. Any advice...
Related models
Cheap to run. Group 1 insurance. 60mpg. handles well. Low list prices. Good Euro NCAP score. 2012 model emits just 99g/km CO2.
Cheap to own. All models have airc on, five seatbelts and flat folding rear seats. Rides and handles quite well for its size. 99g/km Blue model from early 2011.
Cheap to buy new, low CO2 emissions and high economy mean it's cheap to run. Available with an automatic gearbox. Nicer seats than near identical Suzuki Alto.
Cheap to run. Economical and perky 1.0-litre engine. Fun to drive. Decent cabin room. Ideal first car. 2012 model emits 99g/km CO2.
Decently built and good value. Cheap to run. Greenline models are very economical with low CO2 emissions.
Cute little small hatch clone offering low emissions, low tax, good fuel economy and a proper 4-speed automatic option. Decent to drive.
Low road tax and insurance. Averages a claimed 60mpg. Cheap to run and drives decently. 99g/km CO2 from 2012.
Funky little city car. Cheap to run with low CO2. Lively and fun to drive. Large enough for four adults.
Cute looks. Surprisingly practical. Fantastic value for money. Really easy to drive.
A quality product, low running costs, decent level of refinement, zesty little engine, easy to drive.
Ideal for town or motorway driving, and economical on fuel. Fun to drive and great value.