Hi Mike, regarding the hyundai ix20, it and the kia venga are essentially the same car, with some minor re-styling front and rear. As for reviews, i hope you were looking at owners reviews, and not from the motoring press?. From my own experience, the only thing they seem to be interested in these days is how fast a car is and how well it handles, neither of which are very high priorities for the average car buyer!. As far as i was aware, the owners of the ix20 and venga like them fine, with only the 1.6 auto being criticised for it's poor economy and lack of performance.

Having said that, we have a current honda jazz, and are huge fans. I know your budget won't get you into the current shape, but another forum member (argybargy) has recently bought a jazz of the age you would be looking at. Maybe he can chip in if he see's this. But the jazz is extremely spacious for its size, extremely versatile, and extremely reliable. I'm not sure off the top of my head what the tax is like, but i'd guess it wouldn't be too bad.

Hi Mike

We have just bought a Venga Auto 1.6 2012.

Good points:- The handling is actually quite taught for everyday driving. We think its pretty quiet unless revved hard.The controls are all easily located and familiar. The rear seats fold flat. The rear seats are a 60:40 split which also independently fold flat. The seat height is quite high for its size and makes getting in and out easy for passengers as well as driver. It has a lot of glass which makes visibility good. The "2" model is a good balance of toys and price. The boot is split level and has a wheel well for a full size or space saver which then gives some boot space under floor storage. You can get a folded wheelchair in the boot if you remove the parcel shelf (we know because we took my wifes when we were looking and tried it). The rear seats move 4 inches forward /back and can be moved independantly on the 60:40 split. The rear seats also have a 3 position recline.

Bad points:- unless you really must, (we did because of health reasons) don't get the auto unless you can afford 2016 onwards when it got a 6 speed. The 4 speed works but its very old technology and it does hinder what appears to be a very lively 1.6 128bhp petrol (non turbo). Kia don't do a manual 1.6 in this model which is shame. Having said that, the petrol 1.4 is also quite lively and the diesels can move briskly by all accounts. The fuel figures on Honest John appear to be about right, the manufacturer figures are "optimistic" at best (same as for all manufacturers). There is a known rust issue on the rear passenger door tops due to a bad seal design. Kia are aware and should remedy if it hasn't already been done. It starts under the seal and isn't an obvious rust spot on the exterior body work.

General points:- compared with our previous car (an Almera Tino) parts seem to be around the same sort of price. A dealer history is preferable but £5K will only get you into a 2011 as despite what the various pricing sites say, these cars do hold their price as they are popular (often used by folks on Motablity) and then bought by people like us who can't get Motability but need a practical high seating car.

Overall we bought ours as it ticked most of our boxes (our ideal car doesn't exist) and apart from the fuel thirst (which we accepted to get the auto) they are actually quite an underrated car. We did also look at a Note but the CVT auto is a disaster waiting to happen. We also looked at a CRV and while nice, it was too high for my wife. We would have liked a look / test drive at a Verso Auto petrol but they are rare and there was nothing local when we were looking. We looked at the ix20 which is mechanically the same car but my wife preferrred the Venga interior. Bearing in mind we wanted an auto, non turbo, high seating, certain size boot, and some specific toys the Venga got closest and was in our price range. I'd recommend you have a go in one before discounting, they really are quite a good package.

Hi Skodalan, I have been interested in the Roomster over the last couple of days, but I'm thinking it's perhaps a little too big for me after all, though I can imagine it's great for carrying large items!

Think the Note is winning at the moment.

Thanks Skidpan! (but what is PX? :-))

PX is Part Exchange, the wife is having a Skoda Fabia. Wheel chair still fits in it and whilst not as roomy as the Jazz its big enough for a 2nd car.

As far as specs go I personally think the Acenta is nearly always the winner in any Nissan model. Ours was the Acenta Premium which gave us the sliding rear seat plus auto lights/wipers and sat nav. Not bothered about the last 2 really but the sliding seat is really useful, had it in 2 Micras previously. In truth we got the Premium bit for only a bit extra since the dealer had no Acentas so it was sell us a better model for just a bit more or see us walk.

Don't go looking for a car with parking sensors, cheap enough to fit later. More important to get a good car than any car with sensors.