Mechanically they are identical. I don't know how many standard models there are in each range but they may offer some differences in trim/equipment at any given price point. You'd need to study brochures and visit dealers to establish this.

My son and daughter both have the predecessor of the 108, the 107. Son bought his outright about 3 years ago and daughter's previously belonged to her husband who's parents bought it for him in circs similar to your own. Consequently no experience of the 'simply drive' type offers.

Both though have found the cars just great at what they're meant for - city and local driving. They've been reliable needing for the most part only wear parts like brakes and a clutch. Daughter's is an 07 reg and approaching 100k miles but looks and drives good. I've driven one and their like the old Issigonis Mini - go-kart handling. Smallness, noise and lack of aircon handicap them somewhat on longer journeys. Daughter's though has been as far north as Butt of Lewis and as far south as Lands End and son regularly travels home to Northampton from Liverpool in his.

Word of caution about cars at Uni. Student cars tend to be discouraged both on campus and at Halls. My wife who is 60 and doing a PhD is treated same as teenage undergrads; not permitted to park at Oxford Brookes' Headington site. The new Waterside campus for University of Northampton has almost no on-site parking providing instead park and ride and cheap frequent buses to/from Halls. Campus Uni's like York or Keele have similar services to town. If renting privately parking can be a PITA with student lets clustered around terraced houses with no off road parking and each occupied by four or five students.

Edited by Bromptonaut on 18/09/2018 at 10:48