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Original poster

Clio, Fabia, or Hyundai i20

30 replies

ISeeDeadDandelions · 21/07/2019 21:42

My car got written off today and I need another one ASAP. I'll have approx £5k and can't pay more. Does anyone have one of these? I need reliable and cheap to run... any other suggestions??

OP posts:
Chune · 21/07/2019 21:44

Damn I hoped this might be a baby names thread.

Original poster
ISeeDeadDandelions · 21/07/2019 21:46

God it could have been, but I wouldn't want to confuse little Hyundai i30 by calling his sister something so like his name Wink

OP posts:
thenewaveragebear1983 · 22/07/2019 07:57

I have a Skoda fabia (it's my second one) but never bought one secondhand. I genuinely like it; we chose the second one when we could have had something different. They are well made, feel 'solid', mine has a really good Bluetooth sound system and built in navigation, I used to be able to fit my pram and shopping in the boot, plus I can fit 2 car seats and a teenager in the back. I can't remember the details but We were impressed with the safety features.

Downsides: she's a bit fugly. No one else thinks I have a nice car (I get pity looks from people who drive BMW's and Audi's even though the parts are identical (some even say bmw on them!)

topcat2014 · 22/07/2019 08:00

I have a Skoda and a Dacia both been great cars

crankysaurus · 22/07/2019 08:03

I also thought this might be baby names.

We had a Fabia and it was good and reliable. Personally not so keen on Clios and haven't driven a Hyundai.

Potcallingkettle · 22/07/2019 08:10

Loved my Hyundai i20. I think it has the biggest boot size of these and can also seat a taller driver in comfort. I had mine for 4 years with no major problems.

TheRedBarrows · 22/07/2019 08:16

Skoda over Renault for reliability any time.

BertieBotts · 22/07/2019 08:19

Hyundais are brilliant cars. My sister has got the i10 and we have our eye on thei30 estate.

Do you have car seats you need to fit in it? If so it might be worth checking the compatability with what you've got. If you had car seats in the car, you can claim on insurance to replace them.

Original poster
ISeeDeadDandelions · 22/07/2019 08:21

I had a car seat belted in but she wasn't in it so assumed it would be ok to still use? It was an i30 that's been crashed and I loved it but just can't afford to replace with the same model, hence looking at cheaper ones. Sounds like Fabia or Hyundai is the way to go though!

OP posts:
Foxyloxy1plus1 · 22/07/2019 08:22

Skoda every time. My Karoq is vitally identical to DH’s Golf, I. Terms of engine, technology etc, but way cheaper. Excellent customer service from the local garage too.

TheRedBarrows · 22/07/2019 08:24

The Fabia has a bit more boot space than the Hyundai and is of a roomy boxy layout, very usable.

Glitteryfrog · 22/07/2019 08:25

I've got a Clio (ten years old) and she's been reliable, only things which you would expect have been replaced... tyres, break pads etc.
New Clios look lovely.

viques · 22/07/2019 08:32

Another one who thought baby names. Worryingly my eyebrows didn't even twitch until I got to i20...... Clearly I have been completely desensitised. MY DD has a Clio, hasn't had problems with it but I think the battery seems to drain fast if she doesn't use it much. I think she needs to change her car as she's lost the code for the radio so can't reset it......

BertieBotts · 22/07/2019 08:34

No defo not, you need to replace the car seat too.

CaptainHammer · 22/07/2019 08:35

I love my Hyundai, best car I’ve ever owned!

Original poster
ISeeDeadDandelions · 22/07/2019 08:45

Great, I'll get on to the insurance about that too then, I didn't realise. Glad you said!
I'll be off to try them all then by the sounds of it. I love the styling of the Clio. Skoda and Hyundai are the sensible choices...

OP posts:
LIZS · 22/07/2019 13:26

Clio's can be pricey to maintain. Make sure ignition coils and timing belt have been changed to the specified service times and , if there is a sunroof, that it does not leak.

Rightsaidmabel · 22/07/2019 13:59

Not a Clio! As pp said they can be expensive to maintain.Have had to replace both rear indicator relays and garage commented that it was a common failure.Also,mine's a 2 door and the over- sized unwieldy heavy door has an awkwardly placed handle that makes it very difficult to control the door when getting out of the car.Not fun on a windy day in a busy car park.

Rightsaidmabel · 22/07/2019 14:00

Mine's a 2 door...

GetTheStartyParted · 22/07/2019 14:19

I have had an i20 for 5 years, super reliable and cheap to run.

I recently had a courtesy car, a Skoda Fabia, and while I didn't dislike it, it felt very basic. I also had a Corsa, which I liked and a Focus, both of which were better feeling/driving than the Fabia.

No technical knowledge there though, sorry! Perhaps a test drive is the best way to go.

Purpletigers · 22/07/2019 14:21

Not the Clio in a million years . The Skoda or anything Japanese .

Lestertester · 22/07/2019 15:05

Go for the i20. I bought one in April - it's the new shape, 66 plate and it's by far the best car I've ever owned. I've had Vauxhall's, Citroen's, FIAT's and Ford's and not only us it the easiest to drive, it's been the most reliable and the most generously equipped - you also get extended 5 years warranty as standard on them rather than the usual 3. (KIA offer 7 years and as a sister company, Hyundai and Kia's are very similar as they share a lot of the same parts and chassis, etc so may be worth having a look at them, particularly the Ceed if an i20/30 is the size you're looking for). Korean cars have come a long way and rival the European's now.

Knackerelli · 22/07/2019 15:09

I’ve had Hyundai’s for the last 15 years and love them. My i20 is practical, cheap and reliable. My only negative is that they don’t make the coupe anymore. God I loved that car!

StrongerThanIThought76 · 22/07/2019 16:17

I love the look of the new Clio but it doesn't have a glove box...

ForalltheSaints · 22/07/2019 17:08

An unfortunate reason to have to make a choice, but have you considered not having a car at all? Using public transport, taxis or minicabs, and more walking?

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