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Original poster

Best small automatic car

36 replies

stillthinking22 · 14/09/2023 12:07

Advice needed! Looking for a small second car as a run-around for school pick ups etc. Budget up to 10k (new or second hand), must be an automatic, bonus points if eco / hybrid / electric. Ideally with parking sensors / cameras. We have a BMW X3 and while I like being up high I struggle with the size of it and would prefer something more environmentally friendly. Like the look of Fiat 500, VW Up or Polo but would love some tips. TIA!

OP posts:
BodegaSushi · 14/09/2023 12:12

I'd be interested if you can find something for that price. I'm in the market for similar, size-wise and would like parking sensors. Websites like cinch are throwing out more upwards of 10k

Original poster
stillthinking22 · 14/09/2023 15:22

Glad it's not just me who's struggling!

OP posts:
Rollinghill · 14/09/2023 15:23

I loved my Corsa...

itsmeafterall · 14/09/2023 15:24

Fiat500. Smashing little car. Like driving a dodgem 😊

exexpat · 14/09/2023 15:27

Toyota Yaris hybrid - I bought a 3-year-old one four years ago for £10k, I am not sure what prices are like now. Great little car.

jonnyjanetkeogh · 14/09/2023 15:35

Mini!! If you already know you like BMW then you'll love it as there's a lot of similarity as they're BMW owned. Incredible cars to drive, more fun than anything else out there and fantastic dual clutch automatics! It is brilliant plus you can personalise it so much and join a great community of Mini owners online too.

F1ymetothetoon · 14/09/2023 15:39

I used to have an automatic Renault Clio which was an awesome little car and very economical.

Judashascomeintosomemoney · 14/09/2023 15:39

Definitely Toyota Yaris - superb cars. Got one for each DD. Waited and got really good deals on them, be prepared to travel. We found (from the SE) one in Wales and one in Yorkshire for better prices then down here, approx 2-3k less, both very low mileage (11000 and 21000) 2016 cars.

Judashascomeintosomemoney · 14/09/2023 15:45

jonnyjanetkeogh · 14/09/2023 15:35

Mini!! If you already know you like BMW then you'll love it as there's a lot of similarity as they're BMW owned. Incredible cars to drive, more fun than anything else out there and fantastic dual clutch automatics! It is brilliant plus you can personalise it so much and join a great community of Mini owners online too.

Minis are great (I’ve got one of those too - auto Countryman) but it will be a much older car than a lot of brands for £10k I guess.

IntheSnowySnowyMountains · 14/09/2023 15:49

I had a Twingo automatic for 12 years and loved it! The newer ones look good too. I now have a electric Zoe (fully electric) which is a bit chunkier but I love it too. Bought second hand 2 years ago for €6,000 with a leased battery. In the U.K. you can buy the battery outright so might just be possible to find a newer second hand one with a bigger range within your budget (cars are more expensive where I am). My range is small (100km) but fine for me. Driving position is not bad (better than a Fiat 500!). My friend has an E-Up but it's tiny - not much space in the boot or the back. Much less car for the money than the Zoe.

TeaMistress · 14/09/2023 15:56

Skoda Fabia. Its a nippy automatic with really good parking sensors and on board infotainment/ satnav / heated windscreen / mirrors/ seats and steering wheel. Excellent safety rating and relatively inexpensive. Feels solid and it's very comfy to drive.

bobby81 · 14/09/2023 16:00

Another vote for the Toyota Yaris Hybrid, I absolutely love mine. Really economical & easy to drive. Got mine 2 years ago for £12,500, it was about a year old. I know I got a bargain (the dealer was desperate to get rid of old stock post covid) but I'm sure you'd get something within your budget now.

jonnyjanetkeogh · 14/09/2023 16:29

@Judashascomeintosomemoney ohh I didn't notice the bit about the cost! Just saw automatic and got excited 😄

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 14/09/2023 17:24

Is a Golf too big?

Tayegete · 14/09/2023 18:49

Another one saying Toyota Yaris hybrid. I bought a 2- 3 year old car in 2019 for £10k. I love mine and is still running really well.

Tayegete · 14/09/2023 18:51

Mine has a parking camera but no sensors, but newer models might.

Crucible · 14/09/2023 18:54

I have an estate hybrid but if I go smaller (I will eventually) it will be a Yaris.

tootrueblue · 14/09/2023 19:05

If you can, I'd hold off for a few months. The second hand car market is coming down

nc14 · 14/09/2023 19:08

I love my Toyota Yaris. It feels spacious inside whilst being small.

JamieJ93 · 14/09/2023 19:15

Kia picanto X line S. I wanted something cheaper on petrol. I originally went for this as I have a bad left leg ( clutch leg) but I didn't like an automatic as I've always driven manual and passed in a manual. I didn't like driving the auto so I ordered a manual picanto GT line in manual instead. Very good on petrol. Good tech inside and the X line S is slightly higher on the ground but still small. X line S Has a built in sat nav though x
Edit to add also has a very clear reverse camera, heated seats steering wheel oh and also wireless charging

CorylusAgain · 14/09/2023 19:19

Another Toyota yaris owner here. Mines also a hybrid. Parking camera at back and sensors.
I really like it. Small car but doesn't feel too small if that makes sense. I'm really happy.

Original poster
stillthinking22 · 14/09/2023 21:00

Wow! Thanks for all the responses! Lots of great suggestions. To answer a few questions I've had a golf and BMW hatchback before but ideally looking for something smaller. I've driven a mini before but didn't like the feel of being so low to the ground but I'm sure they are great cars. I like the sound of Škoda Fabia and Toyota Harris. Lots of Fiat 500s round here as driving is quite tricky and they always catch my eye! Basically I just want a car that's super easy to drive where I don't need to think about gears / hand break / parking etc 😂

OP posts:
Original poster
stillthinking22 · 14/09/2023 21:01

JamieJ93 · 14/09/2023 19:15

Kia picanto X line S. I wanted something cheaper on petrol. I originally went for this as I have a bad left leg ( clutch leg) but I didn't like an automatic as I've always driven manual and passed in a manual. I didn't like driving the auto so I ordered a manual picanto GT line in manual instead. Very good on petrol. Good tech inside and the X line S is slightly higher on the ground but still small. X line S Has a built in sat nav though x
Edit to add also has a very clear reverse camera, heated seats steering wheel oh and also wireless charging

Edited

Thanks for this! I also have a bad left leg

OP posts:
Original poster
stillthinking22 · 14/09/2023 21:02

tootrueblue · 14/09/2023 19:05

If you can, I'd hold off for a few months. The second hand car market is coming down

Good to know, not in a rush just thinking for the next year or so

OP posts:
AnIndianWoman · 14/09/2023 21:12

DH has a VW Polo automatic that has all the latest tech. We bought it for 9k 4 years ago and somehow it’s worth 8.5-9k. Witchcraft!