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

What car should I buy for my retirement?

I have recently retired and am looking to change my six year old diesel Ford Focus for a long term replacement. I'm looking at a petrol engine as my estimated annual mileage will probably be around 7000. The users / passengers will usually just be my wife, myself and a cocker spaniel. No need for room for golf clubs or to have towing ability. My budget would be around £15000 and I 'm hoping to find something less than 2 years old. Reliability and reasonable running costs are important. Performance, comfort and handling would be great additions but I realise that I won't get "everything" for my budget. I have a hankering for an SUV but can't really justify it.

Asked on 8 June 2017 by Andrew Davies

Answered by Honest John
You can get un unfancy new 4x4 SUV in the form of the Dacia Duster Laureate 1.2TCe 125 4WD for £15k and it's actually not bad at all: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/dacia/dacia-duster.../ Maybe a chance of a used Peugeot 2008 1.2 PureTech 130 6-speed (much better than the PureTech 110 5-speed. Or, for fun, a Suzuki Swift 1.0T Boosterjet: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/suzuki/suzuki-swif.../
Dear Honest John,

Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:
    Select a few terms below
Similar questions
I am retiring in 6 weeks. I want a vehicle to transport wife, grandchildren, dogs and lots of luggage on holiday. I may also want to tow a small caravan. I have been looking at a Berlingo and a Dacia...
I'm a year off retirement and am lucky to have a decent pension and lump sum. I want to get a new car this year, so should I buy cash now or still do a PCP for 3-5 years? Over the years I've owned a Volkswagen...
I'm due to retire soon and looking for a car that has good build quality, reliability and very low cabin noise. I have £12-15k to spend and the Lexus IS 250 and Audi A4 2.0 are top of the list. Annual...
Related models
Exceptional value for money – an SUV for the price of a small hatch, low running costs, hugely practical, large boot and spacious cabin.
Excellent 1.2-litre PureTech petrol engine, more spacious and practical than the 208, post-facelift version looks smart.
Revvy 1.0 Boosterjet engine, stylish with plenty of kerbside appeal, really good fun on twisty roads, engines are refined and economical.