Ask Honest John

Honest John Ask Honest John » Buying a small car for wife - what would you recommend?

Buying a small car for wife - what would you recommend?

I am looking at a used small car for my wife. She drives 3000 miles a year and needs space to carry a medium sized dog. I would like to drive for fun sometimes so quite sporty. Our budget is £9000.

Asked on 3 August 2016 by glenna

Answered by Honest John
A Suzuki Swift is good fun but for £9k wouldn't be new. You're not far off a Fiesta ST if you can find one that hasn't been ragged. The Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost 125 is also fun, and so is the Mazda 2 1.3TS2.
Similar questions
I have test driven a Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Powershift and was really impressed with it. However, I've now been told by men 'in the know' that its probably a DSG gearbox and I should avoid it. Is this...
I like the Mazda2 (2007 onwards) and Suzuki Swift (2010 onwards). 1) Can you please tell me which would be more reliable in the longer run if I were to buy used? 2) Which of these would have the lower...
I need a used car for £2,000 or less. Can you please tell me which petrol and diesel models have the best reliability within this type of budget?
Related models
Enjoyable and fun to drive with economical engines. Feels well built. Ride quality was improved for 2011.
Excellent equipment across the range, great fun to drive regardless of the engine, sport version is huge fun, 4x4 is great for rural areas.
Sharper looks than the previous Ford Fiesta. Comes with the award-winning 1.0 Ecoboost three-cylinder.