Hello folks
I'm looking for a new car around £8k-£9k budget [max].
I've short listed following cars
Suzuki Swift GLX 1.5
Hyundai Getz 1.3 [5 yr warranty]
Honda Jazz 1.2/1.4 [bit over budget]
Mazda 2 (but it's Ford basically, isn't it?)
Toyota Yaris (but looks over priced and awkward)
Any other suggestion??
I'm mainly picking Japanese/Korean brands because of their value for money and reliability ratings. I'm yet to take test drive in all the cars.
I tried Kia Picanto but didn't like it. New Nissan Micra is also very odd shaped.
My first and foremost concern is RELIABILITY and good fuel economy. I don't bother much about image. And the car must have height adjustable driver's seat (because my height is short), AC, PAS and 5 doors must.
Central locking, electric windows, ABS - I can live without them.
I like to keep the car for at least 3 years but prefer to keep for 5 years.
Car will be used mainly on town with weekend long journeys on motorways, however, if I change job, I may need to travel on motorway everyday.
Not willing to go for used car as I suffered in past with used cars.
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I was looking in the same price and size range of car as yourself for quite a while for the wife.
Couple of weeks ago I bought a Skoda Fabia 1.2 Sport.
Six months old ex Motability with 500 miles on the clock.
Just as new and with all the toys as you mention.
Very impressed with it and is really a Polo but with very high ratings in the reliability ratings compared to VW.
Lovely car to drive with excellent suspension and steering. The gearbox is the best I have ever used and the fuel economy seems to be excellent.
Full sized spare wheel. A/C . E/Windows, PAS, Central locking, Height adjustable seat and steering wheel. Computer information on dash, CD + 6 disk player etc etc.
The overall finish and build quality is excellent.
The local garage I bought it from have many ex Motability cars and seem to specialise in them but the owner said this was the lowest mileage one he had bought.
Have seen several with just a few thousand on the clock.
You might want add the Fabia to your list. What Car site is well worth looking at and read the owners comments on all the models you are interested in.
wemyss
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- Add the Fiat Panda Multijet diesel to your list. Should be well within your budget, with AC, PAS, & 5 doors.
ABS is standard on all new cars, has been for over 2 years.
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Save the dosh and have a new Colt 5dr for £6500 or one with air con for £7k
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Kia Rio or Daihatsu Sirion
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Kia Rio diesel. Korean reliability, diesel economy, cracking engine, and within your budget! Can fit 4 adults in with relative comfort as well!
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Don't dismiss the good old Ford Fiesta. Far East cars are excellent value and (usually) reliable, but waiting for parts is not unheard of. Look after a Fiesta and they will be queuing to buy it after 3,5, even 10 years.
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The Swift would be my choice, from your selection.
The Sirion also suggested, might be worth a look!
VB
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peugeot 1007 diesel sport fully loaded and well within your budget at motorpoint.
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I've bit concern about French cars (so many negative reviews), so Peugeot/Renault/Citroen are out!
Daihatsu is good but somehow I don't like the look of Sirion. Also, their resale value is poor.
Skoda might be worth looking.
For Kia, well I'm bit doubtful about them. My current car is (was) Hyundai Accent whose engine has recently seized following engine oil leaking. So, bit skeptical about Korean cars, even though Hyundai Getz I've shortlisted solely based on 5-yr warranty.
Suzuki Swift 1.5 GLX looks like best value for money among all the cars here. However, reading some negative reviews in WhatCar.com (about clutch/brake and even recalls recently) had put me off!
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Suzuki Swift 1.5 GLX looks like best value for money among all the cars here. However reading some negative reviews in WhatCar.com (about clutch/brake and even recalls recently) had put me off!
My sister bought a Swift 1.5GLX over a year ago. I get to drive it from time to time and find it a thoroughly enjoyable small car. Once it had bedded in (around 3000-4000 miles) it feels smooth and rapid. You can throw it around corners and its very stable. It handles and corners a lot better than a Getz, Polo or equiv Skoda. The ride is firmer than those cars though.
Front brakes seem to be a problem. Her discs were scored at 1 year old and 7000 miles. I told her to ask for new discs and pads at first service and they were replaced without a quibble. I took a look at the discs and pads and its clear that the pad material is too hard (too high metal content). I range Suzuki UK about it and they said that they are working on a solution (presumably softer pads) and this will be sorted out under warranty as the modified parts become available.
The clutch pedal bite point initially felt rather high - but as the car has run in, it has settled down, become more progressive and now seems fine.
There was a 'clutch recall' but this was just to replace the hydraulic feed pipe on early examples. Not heard of any other recalls.
Overall I would recommend the Swift, I don't think there is anything to touch it at the price.
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I think I would go for a Swift or a Panda.
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Or a C1/107/Aygo, depending on who was my nearest/best dealer.
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For Kia well I'm bit doubtful about them. My current car is (was) Hyundai Accent whose engine has recently seized following engine oil leaking. So bit skeptical about Korean cars even though Hyundai Getz I've shortlisted solely based on 5-yr warranty.
Unfortunately neglect affects all makes of car! Maybe you'll dip the dipstick from time to time on your next one? ;-)
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