Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Small car recommendations

16 replies

RepentBirthingPersonFucker · 10/12/2021 13:45

I am looking to upgrade my car. I currently have a kia picanto which I like but it is terrible on hills or if I have more than 2 people in the car
I was considering a fiesta, skoda or another kia. A Ford Ka was recommended and the new shape looks better but I'm not wholly convinced
My driving is semi rural and I drive around houses for work so lots of parking. I only occasionally do motorway driving and don't like the feel of my kia on motorways
Safety and cheap to run are my main considerations I guess

OP posts:
APurpleSquirrel · 10/12/2021 13:46

I had a Nissan Micra for many years - very good car, still small but no real problems & live semi-rurally.

Monkeytapper · 10/12/2021 13:48

I have a suzuki swift, £30 a year tax, cheap insurance.

NightmareSlashDelightful · 10/12/2021 13:50

Sounds like you need an engine with a bit more grunt.

How about another Kia, but go one size up to get that bit of extra refinement on motorways. The next one up is the Rio. And look for a slightly bigger or more powerful engine.

How many miles do you do a year?

wonkylegs · 10/12/2021 13:55

I ran an old style 1.3l Toyota Yaris for 14yrs before I passed it on to its next owner (it's still going strong)
It was ridiculously cheap to own and run, very very reliable - pretty much only spent on consumables - tires, wipers etc and the next owner replaced the clutch but it wasn't too expensive
It wasn't the most exciting car to drive but it coped with going all over the country on motorways to rural roads to building sites.
It was a light car so the small engine was ok and not underpowered. It was very easy to fit loads in it as the hatchback was very flexible.
I'm not sure how the newer versions stack up but they might be worth a look.

Aspergirl77 · 10/12/2021 13:56

Another one for Nissan micra here, I have one of newer shaped ones 4 years old - nippy, easy to drive/park, not too expensive to fuel and insure Smile

RepentBirthingPersonFucker · 10/12/2021 16:57

Does anyone have a 108 and can comment?

OP posts:
Bagelsandbrie · 10/12/2021 17:02

Kia vengas are amazing. I don’t think they’re making them anymore but you can find them secondhand easily. I absolutely loved mine. Still small but quite powerful and lots of space. I am a Kia addict though, I love their 7 year warranty. I have a new Sportage now and it’s my favourite thing…!

Failing that… a VW polo…? Or even a Vauxhall mokka? Mokkas are like a mini suv. They’re comfy and have a high driving position which makes them nice to drive.

OldTinHat · 10/12/2021 17:24

I bought a used Chevrolet Aveo a few weeks back and I'm really pleased with it. It feels big inside but isn't on the outside if that makes sense. I also drive in mostly semi rural locations and with lots of hills.

Gatekeeper · 10/12/2021 17:27

Toyota Yaris...proper little work horses..reliable, cheap to tax and run. Brilliant!

TimeforaGandT · 10/12/2021 17:30

I have the Ford Ka (1.2 engine) and no complaints. Good around town but does lots of long motorway driving too. Very happy with it.

Soozikinzii · 10/12/2021 17:30

We have a vauxhall corsa which has nice caraway screen, heated seats, heated steering wheel absolutely brilliant little runaround

RickJames · 10/12/2021 17:33

I have a Citroen C1 2016. Its great. I just don't need it anymore so I'm selling it.

They are cheap to run. Reliable and come in funky colours and nice interiors. Cheapest band road tax and a 300€ a year fully comp. It was an interest free credit deal. My mum had a go in it and thought it was too small so she bought a Polo - it looks like a tank compared to the C1 and was twice the price. The Polo is probably a nicer car but it depends what your priorities are. I was happy with fun, tiny cheap car. The Polo is pretty nice, if you want to spend the money.

RickJames · 10/12/2021 17:34

C1 is fine on the autobahn too. I just stay out of the fast bit!

luverlybubberly · 10/12/2021 17:38

My teen dd has been driving a Fiesta since she passed her test and it's been reliable and cheap to run so far.

Nomoreusernames1244 · 10/12/2021 17:39

Hyundai i10 all the way.

I’d never considered a Hyundai but needed a cheap run around, and the Vauxhall garage had just had one part-exed.

It’s one of the older cars on the road now (10 plate) and it’s very basic, but I love it. Cheap, mechanically sound (touch wood!), great in town, good to park. Love nipping in to tiny spaces all the big suv’s are having to drive past! I also do a fair bit of motorway driving and it’s great there too.

StillMedusa · 10/12/2021 17:56

I've had lots of small cars.
Favourites include the Nissan Micra .. ran it til it dropped in old age and my current car.. Fiat Panda 4x4.. I like the higher profile ,it is great on MPG (mines Diesel) and fine on motorways. We are semi rural and it handles all weathers. It's also very nippy which surprised me. Mine's an older 13 plate one but I'd love a new one..

Quite liked the Citroen C1 but it didn't have much oomph . And the Suzuki Jimny was dreadful to drive, with horrible fuel economy.

My dS1 has had two Peugeots and they were very reliable (I like the electric 208) and a KA that was equally decent!

New posts on this thread. Refresh page