Second car runabout for the missus

Yakuza

Hi Boardsies,
When looking for a 7-seater a few years ago (before #3 came along) we'd ruled out getting a 2nd car but now the missus realises it would make a difference to her having a runaround. She doesn't like driving the main car (Qashqai+2), she thinks it's too big for her, so we're in the market for a 2nd car. I'm looking for some recommendations / real world experience for a second car runabout for herself. It doesn't need to be that big (the odd school run / trip to the shops / playground etc); any long jaunts or big shopping trips will be in the main car.

We've looked at a few cars (she really doesn't car as to the make, model or colour, and as I in the main won't be driving it, I'm not bothered too much either).

The main criteria are that it needs to be:
1) Small, 5-door (so looking at Micra / Yaris / Fiesta / Clio / Polo / Pug supermini). It needs to take 3 kids (full child seat, booster and the 10-year old can go in the middle) so the smallest cars (Aygo / Ka etc.) are out.
2) Reliable (ruling out the French cars?:D) with low running costs (1.0-1.2 petrol)
3) Budget - 5-6K, hoping for something around 05-07.

Any additions to the above list or feedback on cars of that size and era would be greatly appreciated.

Arciphel

Seat Ibiza would tick all the boxes.

Yakuza

Cheers, will take a look at Carzone. It might be a little big for her, but she is Spanish so that might swing in the Seat's favour

Rolli

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3073969?cid=3073969&
My sister has one since new and hasn't had any problems, fits three kids in the back easily


http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3136029?cid=3136029&
These are great cars too

bazz26

The Ibiza is the same size as a Fiesta, Clio or Polo. They don't get that much smaller in that class to be honest especially if you want to put 3 children in it.

Yakuza

We ended up getting a Micra Sport (1.2, quite nippy, it has to be said) , 06 with 30K (km) on the clock, 12 months' tax and 12 months' warranty from a main dealers for under 6K. We all (just!) fit in it and the missus is happy to drive it, so job done, boxes ticked. Thanks to those who posted.

Arciphel

Yakuza wrote: »

We ended up getting a Micra Sport (1.2, quite nippy, it has to be said) , 06 with 30K (km) on the clock, 12 months' tax and 12 months' warranty from a main dealers for under 6K. We all (just!) fit in it and the missus is happy to drive it, so job done, boxes ticked. Thanks to those who posted.

Best of luck with the new motor, wear well!