My girlfriends younger sister is about to embark upon driving lessons within the next couple of months, and it is likely that , as they did for my girlfriend, her parents will buy her a car for her 17th.
Now against all my advice at the time, they bought my gf a 2 / 3 year old fiesta. This has been a pig of a car - it constantly cuts out at idle despite repeated visits to the garage and has the heaviest steering of any car I have ever driven. really basic equipment levels, uncomfortable seats and the beginnings of rust complete the picture.
Knowing how unsatisfactory this car has been, thay have turned to me for advice on what to get for their little treasure in the region of 7k. Now I know that they won't touch auctions with a bargepole and would prefer to buy from a dealership rather than private sale, so as I see it the best 2 options are:
Mk3 VW Polo 1.0 / 1.4
Toyota Yaris 1.0 VVT-i 16v
Any thoughts anyone ? I'm leaning towards the toyota, but perhaps somwone can put me straight ?
all advice appreciated,
Jake
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WHat about a SEAT Ibiza, or a SKoda Fabia (their used values should be that low now?). Or a new Smart car (very trendy).
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believe me, this girl wouldn't be seen dead in a Skoda. Seat ibiza may be an option - is that based on the golf or the polo chassis though ? She wants a small car and anything golf-sized or above may be too large - fussy mare.
If I'd been bought a car for my 17th anything would have been gratefully accepted. Youth of today, honestly !!
jake
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Get the Yaris.
I've been in some competitors Ford Ka, Pug 106, Polo 1.4 & 1.0.
The Yaris is better that the lot in every possible way. Dunno about depreciation.
The sweet one litre Yaris engine revs like a bike and is *almost* fun to drive. It also seems to have more space than the others.
The clocks are a weird LCD display that I hated but it wasn't a *bad* interior in general.
Both polos are embarisingly slow and seem to feel more plasticy than the '84 polo I tried once.
Other thoughts: Might be worth checking resales of all these cars. Punto? Never been in one but I like the look.
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VW Lupo. Styling is appreciated by ladies, drives like a Golf, will hold its value, very safe. Go for 1.4 if you need a little power
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Keith Stockdale wrote:
>
> VW Lupo. Styling is appreciated by ladies, drives like a
> Golf, will hold its value, very safe. Go for 1.4 if you need
> a little power
60 bhp really is a *little* power. My '89 1175cc Skoda made 58bhp!
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I thought it meant fast small car?
I wouldn't describe the yaris as fast...
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I can't see where it asks for a fast car myself. I've said it before and I'll say it again ............it has to be the Yaris. New or used, UK or imported. (See Saturday Motoring Telegraph for ad's.) I've bought several and they sell like hot cakes. 1.3 better than the 1.0 - obviously, but 1.0 is fine (NOT S. spec). Preferably silver. Looks and sells better and holds money better.
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Yaris every time,failing that,Micra is very good.All the euro brands are scrappers in comparison.
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The Smart makes a lot of sense, but not to pass a driving test in because it's a little bugger to drive and you wind up with an auto only licence.
HJ
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Get a Yaris I would go for the T-Sport it has streatcred looks amazinin and isn't classed as a "boy raser" car but it shifts ! & is very easy to drive
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