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Original poster

OK, so recommend me a 1ltr or 1.2 ltr car.

33 replies

StripeyKnickersSpottySocks · 18/06/2007 19:48

It needs to be safe and reliable. Not bothered about fancy extras such as a/c, etc.

Am thinking;

Micra
Punto
Corsa
Seat Ibiza
Yaris

Doubt I can afford a VW as have about 4k to spend.

I have an irrational dislike of Fords and French cars based on my parents always said Fords are shit and Jeremy Clarkson says all french cars are shit. Comments?

OP posts:
emkana · 18/06/2007 19:49

Dh reckons as well that Ford and French cars are no good.

He would say go for Toyota, v. reliable.

We have a Toyota Aygo and are very happy with it.

chocolateshoes · 18/06/2007 19:50

Always liked our Corsa. Never had any probs with it & it looks good. I also do like the look of the Yaris but it may be a bit more pricey

bewilderbeast · 18/06/2007 19:50

punto probably the best car you can get in that class for that money. You should be able to get a 2-3 year old one for that. I loved mine. Make sure that it has had its electrical recall fix though, the dealer should be able to confirm it for you.

FioFio · 18/06/2007 19:50

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

ruddynorah · 18/06/2007 19:51

dh has a ford and i have a french car so i shall not comment.

Chopster · 18/06/2007 19:54

I would say go for an Ibiza out of that lot. I have a Seat and never had a problem with it. Fords aren't crap, DP has had one for 7 years and still running well without any problems. French cars are crap avoid like the plague.

doggiesayswoof · 18/06/2007 19:54

Corsa - I've had two

1.2 better than 1.0 deffo.
I spent about 4k too, and got a bargain on a year-old one (06 plate). There should be lots going cheap in the old shape atm because the new model came out late last year

hairycaterpillar · 18/06/2007 19:55

Toyota Yaris, DH has one and LOVES it. Parents have two and think they are great they have just bought a Toyota Aygo to replace the oldest one as mum now needs an automatic.

doggiesayswoof · 18/06/2007 19:55

Looked at Ibiza too, but a bit more expensive than Corsas round here.

Chopster · 18/06/2007 19:56

Your parents probably got their attitude about Fords from back in the old days when they did break down loads.

LilRedWobblyGut · 18/06/2007 19:58

Love my Corsa 1.2. It's my second Corsa, the first being a 1.5TD. Both great, reliable cars.

Hulababy · 18/06/2007 19:58

DH has a Toyota Aygo (1.0) which is great for in town driving. Has aircon and isofix. Very easy drive. Manages okay on motorways, but not fab.

nomdeplume · 18/06/2007 19:59

I have a 9 year old Ford Focus and it is the most reliable car I have ever had/known.

TheArmadillo · 18/06/2007 20:00

There are several around that are basically the same car but different makes that have lots of room inside.

Suzuki Wagon R (I have this one)
Perodua Kenari (MIL has one - we wanted it, made by Dihatsu (sp?) and toyota. Very good reputation and still reasonably cheap as no one has really heard of it).
Toyota Yaris
Vauxhall Agila
Daewoo Matiz.

Have loads of room inside for a very small car and good boot space. I have driven a couple of them and would highly recomend them.

chocolateshoes · 18/06/2007 20:01

Sorry to disagree Chopster but we are getting rid of our Seat Leon because it has cost us a fortune over the last 20mths. Apparently they are known for problems with electrics

Original poster
StripeyKnickersSpottySocks · 18/06/2007 20:04

ok, am adding ford fiestas to my list of possible cars.

OP posts:
TheArmadillo · 18/06/2007 20:06

Oh and I managed to get hold of an R reg Suzuki Wagon R for £1000 so should be able to get a newer 2nd hand one well within your budget.

Hulababy · 18/06/2007 20:07

How big does the car need to be?

I used to have a Ford Ka and loved it! Think it is a 1.3 engine.

Original poster
StripeyKnickersSpottySocks · 18/06/2007 20:27

Ka would be ok, its no smaller than a micra I guess.

Am going shopping tomorrow.

OP posts:
nomdeplume · 18/06/2007 20:28

i wouldn't get a wagon R tbh, they are very tall and narrow on skinny tyres and so don;t corner/handle very well.

You might want to check out the NCAP crash test ratings of the cars you are considering too, stripey

Original poster
StripeyKnickersSpottySocks · 18/06/2007 20:35

go look at ncap now, thanks.

OP posts:
MrsWho · 18/06/2007 21:01

I have a Yaris and its fab!

Very cheap to run, loads of space for dds and I and the back seats move to make the boot bigger (we do when we go on holiday)

I was between that and a C3 and the Yaris had better reports.

beansprout · 18/06/2007 21:02

Micra - have had 2 and they were fab.

scatterbrain · 18/06/2007 21:04

Anyone mentioned the Honda Jazz ? I test drove one for work a week ago and was extremely impressed - looks tiny but has great legroom, decent boot with back seats up - has these magic seats that go absolutely flat to make a vast boot plus two seats !

I think it's pretty green and has won loads of awards too ! I am thinking of buying a few for our fleet.

somersetmum · 18/06/2007 21:07

Micra. I have an 04 plate. I know you said you're not bothered about kit, but they come with loads. Mine has climate control, a storage box in the passenger seat, handbag/takeaway hook , cd player, driver computer, automatic windscreen wipers, parking sensors, expanding boot (you can push it forward if you've got loads of shopping, but won't work if you've got passengers too!). Mine does 52.8mpg and its great. Its a 1.2.