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Original poster

Talk to me about your small cars

115 replies

Icedlatteplease · 14/07/2023 16:14

I'm was very much in love with my old but very economic, paid for outright medium sized sensible family car. I always thought i would drive it into the ground then buy electric in 5 to 10 years time

However it developed engine problems recently and has been stuck in various garages for the best part of three weeks while they fail to work out what's wrong.

I've been borrowing other cars from family and suddenly I have cold feet. I might have realised that maybe the grass is greener and when it is finally fixed it might be time for a change.

I have recently driven a small beautiful 20 year old still very nippy Toyota yaris and a way too large skoda fabia which frankly is all style and no substance. However it does have a very comfortable driving position which given I have a significant back injury that refuses to go away has been an absolute revelation. And I like the blue tooth connectivity.

So recommend me a small car.

I like them small and economic but still comfortable enough for two adults in the back. Must be an auto and properly adjustable driving seat/stearing wheel. A decent ncap safety rating is high up the list too. I'm unlikely to buy new on principle but its not entirely inconceivable. I have good credit and a small amount of savings so have a range of finance options for the right car. But it must be the right car

Any suggestions as to what I should be looking at?

OP posts:
bibbingo · 14/07/2023 21:11

I love my Mini! 6ft tall husband also really enjoys driving it Grin

PinkGrapefruitSorbet · 14/07/2023 21:17

I just dealt with this same decision last month and ended up with the Honda Jazz. I wanted something small, but I often take groups of DS's friends to things so it was important that I could fit 6 foot teens in the back when needed.

I have a self charging hybrid jazz that's three years old and I'm really pleased with it so far. I've had back issues and am really picky about driving position and I'm very happy with the Jazz seats.

FinallyHere · 14/07/2023 21:22

Recently drive an Audi A3. It really was great. I'd certainly consider one if I needed to change cars.

Magnoliainbloom · 14/07/2023 21:28

I absolutely adored my little Fiat 500 convertible. Took it on a road trip to the west coast of Scotland from London and it was so much fun! I now have an electric Fiat 500 and love it even more. Can’t go wrong with either as small car.

Original poster
Icedlatteplease · 14/07/2023 21:44

PinkGrapefruitSorbet · 14/07/2023 21:17

I just dealt with this same decision last month and ended up with the Honda Jazz. I wanted something small, but I often take groups of DS's friends to things so it was important that I could fit 6 foot teens in the back when needed.

I have a self charging hybrid jazz that's three years old and I'm really pleased with it so far. I've had back issues and am really picky about driving position and I'm very happy with the Jazz seats.

Oh this is one of the second hand cars local to me!! I take it the self charging means it doesn't need plugging in? Is there enough benefits to the hybrid to make it worthwhile?

Your comments about back issues are so very helpful. Driving my car for any distance is one of my triggers for back pain currently. I have short arms and long legs, the steering column has no adjustment, I tend to have to uncurl myself as I get out the car or I just stay curled for a bit until it is ready to move. Driving the fabia I got out with needing to uncurl. It was a bit of a revelation today.

OP posts:
Original poster
Icedlatteplease · 14/07/2023 21:46

RoseMartha · 14/07/2023 20:53

I had a Nissan micra for years, very reliable. Also Toyota Yaris which I have had for past 6 years.

Can you get two adults in the back of a micra

OP posts:
RoseMartha · 14/07/2023 21:49

Yes, but depends how tall they are re leg room.

The Yaris has more space.

Original poster
Icedlatteplease · 14/07/2023 21:53

bibbingo · 14/07/2023 21:11

I love my Mini! 6ft tall husband also really enjoys driving it Grin

Nice looking car but way bigger engine than I need!!

OP posts:
MerryMarigold · 14/07/2023 22:24

Recently bought a Nissan Leaf and I REALLY love it. So nippy! Great prices at the moment. You can charge it from a normal plug point till you sort out anything more advanced (don't think we'll bother though, just use normal plug). Mine has heated seats.

The best thing you can do is go and drive a few different cars in used car places. Maybe go somewhere large and try several but not to buy, just to suss them out, especially if you have a specific back issue. You don't know till you've got in one what the space/ comfort is like.

EversoDetermined · 14/07/2023 22:46

I've got an 18 reg Yaris hybrid and love it. Fits two adults in the back no problem, 3 at a pinch. Lots of room in the boot. 60mpg in summer, drops a bit in winter but very economical. I get some lower back pain but find it perfectly comfortable. Only a couple of very minor niggles really - the bluetooth takes ages to connect and doesn't automatically pick up whichever phone is in the car (my DCs connect theirs then I get halfway down the road before it tells me mine's not connected and you have to go through several menus to reconnect, not just one touch). The corner parking sensors shriek every time you park next to hedge, wall, another car etc which is annoying too.

Leafblow · 14/07/2023 23:00

I had an 8 year old skoda citigo and it was brilliant, passed it onto my niece last year and she loves it too.
Its automatic, very good on fuel and economic. Never had a problem on MOTs, or any trouble with it at all- very reliable car. It is a 'sister' car to the up! And the mii, so there is always parts available if anything were to break (my aunt has the same car, drove into a bollard and had to replace the door and the local place had 8 matching doors pick from)
It is very small but is great up hills and on motorways. I could fit my adult sons in the backseats fine.
It feels roomier up front than a lot of small cars I think because of the shape of the cab and the windscreen.
Boot was big enough to fit a fold up wheelchair and some assorted boot crap.

fetchacloth · 14/07/2023 23:31

I have a Hyundai i10 and that's great for getting around. Easy to park too.
I've been so impressed with it I'm currently looking for a newer model of the same car.

PinkGrapefruitSorbet · 15/07/2023 12:55

@Icedlatteplease Yes, my self charging Honda Jazz doesn't plug in, it just charges itself by something to do with when you press the brake pedal <technical>

It's our small second car for local driving, and so far it's very economical. I've had it about 6 weeks and it's only dropped about a quarter of a tank of petrol. I drive around 5-6 miles a day and it's mostly doing it on the electric I think.

Orangebadger · 15/07/2023 15:27

Honda jazz. Very comfy driving position and easily fits 2 adults in back comfortably. A bit like a tardis, good boot space.

I use to have one and loved it. Now have VW up. Not ideal if you want 2 adults in the back, tiny boot space and I would not say the driving position is that great for a bad back. Like mine but it's our 2nd car as used for nipping around and getting to and from work. But as an only car not sure I would recommend unless not using with regular passengers

Shade17 · 15/07/2023 16:26

I would buy a Polo over the Jazz, yes. It’s just a nicer car all round imo

The Polo is no better than average for reliability though whereas the Jazz is first in class. The Jazz and Yaris kick the living shit out of the Polo.

luckylavender · 15/07/2023 16:30

Haggisfish3 · 14/07/2023 16:25

I love my vw up.

That's what I have and I love it. It's my second.

luckylavender · 15/07/2023 16:31

AnnieSnap · 14/07/2023 16:33

I’ve often considered getting a Toyota Yaris Hybrid. The fuel economy is fab and it’s a little way to being eco friendly without the range anxiety. It’s nippy and comfortable.

My husband is on his third, he's a total convert.

EversoDetermined · 15/07/2023 16:33

Agree about Toyota reliability, I have been driving them for 25 years and never had a breakdown and only recently had to have for (I think) the first time a repair that wasn't normal wear and tear but was free under the five year warranty.

Lionoso · 15/07/2023 16:35

Honda Jazz. I have owned two both amazing reliable cars. Very comfy even for tall people, has a huge boot for a hatchback. The new hybrid engines are economical too.

Before I bought my last one I test drove so many cars, nothing was as good as the Jazz. As an all round car it's amazing.

shewhomustbeEbayed · 15/07/2023 16:40

I love my VW UP as well !

Maggiesgirl · 15/07/2023 17:06

I love my Nissan Micra, bought it new in 2016. Only thing that has had to be done with it was to have a wishbone replaced ( state if the roads caused it to go)

It's auto has a sat nav as standard is economical and you can park it just about anywhere.

spiggydit · 15/07/2023 18:30

Maggiesgirl · 15/07/2023 17:06

I love my Nissan Micra, bought it new in 2016. Only thing that has had to be done with it was to have a wishbone replaced ( state if the roads caused it to go)

It's auto has a sat nav as standard is economical and you can park it just about anywhere.

Totally agree. Love my Nissan Micra - easy to drive, reliable and last forever

MrsPositivity1 · 15/07/2023 19:05

Hyundai i20 is a great wee car

Original poster
Icedlatteplease · 15/07/2023 19:13

PinkGrapefruitSorbet · 15/07/2023 12:55

@Icedlatteplease Yes, my self charging Honda Jazz doesn't plug in, it just charges itself by something to do with when you press the brake pedal <technical>

It's our small second car for local driving, and so far it's very economical. I've had it about 6 weeks and it's only dropped about a quarter of a tank of petrol. I drive around 5-6 miles a day and it's mostly doing it on the electric I think.

Wow that's incredible!!

OP posts:
Original poster
Icedlatteplease · 15/07/2023 19:16

spiggydit · 15/07/2023 18:30

Totally agree. Love my Nissan Micra - easy to drive, reliable and last forever

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I think the micra is out for being just that bit too small

OP posts:
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