Hi
I'm currently learning to drive and I need to buy a car very soon. I'm learning in an automatic so I'm a bit limited to car choice but I know I want something small, cheap and reliable.
I've kind of narrowed it down to a choice between the Corsa and the Micra but I'm a bit torn. Of the 2, which (in your expert opinion!) is the better car.
I've got a chronic back condition and find it very difficult to turn my neck, so I find the electric side mirrors on the higher spec Corsas incredibly useful for reversing, which the Micras I've looked at don't seem to have. Can you buy add-ons for side mirrors that allow you to see the curb when you are reversing and if so, where would I buy them?
Thank you for reading
Kathryn
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Kathryn
I have been driving a W Reg Micra for 2 years and would highly recommend it. They are very reliable and cheap to run, the insurance is cheaper aswell. I don't know anything about the electric side mirrors, but i think you would find it a comfortable small car and very easy to drive and manoeuvre. Also, I think the Corsa bodywork is more prone to corrosion than the Micra.
Hope this helps
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Of the two, the Micra has a much better reputation for reliability than the Corsa, according to the surveys. However, probably more important to find yourself a car you feel comfortable with overall. Either of these should be fine. Not sure of your budget but don't rule out the Yaris, with its slightly higher seating position and great visibility.
Baz
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The new Micra has electric wing mirrors on the SE(?)model (3rd one up)but it may be too pricy for you. However, the control for them is not best sited for frequent use.
I also have a 2 year old micra of the previous style driven by Mrs Buzbee. No electric mirrors but can confirm it is easy to drive and easy to alter the driver's mirror via inside knob on door. Also has adjustable steering wheel position --- check if you go to buy one as it may be only on late models. It's a Micra Vibe and was one of their special offers. No problems so far with either.
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Knowing a relative that has a corsa.And others that have had them.I don`t recommend them corsa that is.I was amazed at the problem`s that occured with them.My father in law has spent in eccess of £1000 on his it is a 98 s reg in less than a year got more faults than any rover I have owned.I do like rover`s
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Hi everyone, thank you for all your messages! It's been very helpful!
Unfortunately my budget is around the 4K mark, so sadly the Yaris is a little outside of my price range at the moment.
I've heard very good things about the Micra's reliability but I've also heard that the Micra's CVT gear box on the automatic almost inevitably needs replacing when it's done 50 - 60K miles (cost £1.5K and more) so I'm a little wary of getting a slightly older Micra. Can anyone else back this up?
At the moment I've seen 2 cars on The Internet that are suitable, A P reg Corsa CDX which has done 33,000 miles and an N reg Micra SLX which has only done 8000 miles. The spec of the Corsa is much better, but I'm still quite swayed by the reliabilty of the Micra.....
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An N Reg with 8,000miles! That is an average of only 1000 miles a year, and i certainly wouldn't pay more for that than one than has done a modest 35,000 (5000 a year). As widely advised on this site, very low mileage probably indicating short journeys can cause many more problems than an average-to-high miler.
I'm not saying don't buy that car, but just make sure you're not paying a premium because of the very low mileage.
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And also don't pay too much for that Corsa. They are very popular, and I've seen some silly prices for Corsas of that age. That said, I'd disagree with some of the comments on this thread. Corsas don't rust (unless they are badly repaired). They have decent build quality, strong engines and a good image so easy to sell on, hence the high prices asked. Cheap to service and repair too, not to mention very low insurance grouping.
Regards
John S
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