Help me choose a 'new' car........please!

[Lucycat]

So my lovely little 9 year old Punto has a nasty oil leak, we've been offered a decent trade in by a friend, I have a job n September and so I'm looking to get myself a different car.

Do I go for Ford Ka, in metallic bluey/green (notice how important the colour is ) cream leather seats, air con, 6 cd player, remote central locking, electric window, 22k on the clock and 4 years old - for £4k, so i can pay it off over 2 years

or a brand new Fiat Punto Grande, bigger car, new so no MOT to worry about, cd player, electric windows, remote central locking no air con - but that doesn't bother me - my currrent Punto has windy windows as air con. It will cost £7k though so I will have to pay it off over at least 3 years........

decisions, decisions......what would you do?

and I don't need to fit buggys in we're past that stage thank gawd so this is for me!

personally would take the Ka if you dont need the bigger car. As mileage is low, will be paid of quicker and has better spec.

thank you nemo

has anyone any experience of driving either of them?

Do some research on which car would do better in a crash (and is therefore safer), which is more reliable, which has better resale value, mileage, which has better storage/seating etc. Then drive the cars you're considering, and factor that in too.

Do the cars cost about the same to maintain? Maybe ask a mechanic his opinion - they'll tell you which cars are constantly in the shop. Then compare affordability and what 'feels' better to you.

We looked at buying a Punto Grande and test-drove two - smaller engine flat, bigger engine lovely drive.

Ended up buying a Suzuki Swift though, which is a great drive.

Ka never an option for me, but some friends have them and are very happy with them.

I know that Ford's have a good reputation, we've had a Mondeo in the past which was great to drive. The gain I've never had any problems with my Punto either.....

I think it's going to come down to the cost.

If the safety of the 2 cars was similar, I would get the cheaper one (I am tight ). Otherwise get the safer one.