Small Auto Advice ?

Raven_k42

Evening All

I'm trying to assist my daughter-in-law choose a replacement automatic car. Currently driving a 2003 1.6 Civic import...she's looking for something smaller and cheaper (to run, tax and insure). Won't drive a Micra...before you say !!.

Seen a 2004 Suzuki Jimmy...not bad deal...2/4wd...but I suspect no saving on fuel...plus basic basic interior. Slightly rough condition but lowish mileage. Viewed some Jazz (Fit) and Colt imports...and they look in brilliant condition. Great spec, low mileage...and decent deals too. Is there something obvious I'm missing ??. Did I mention some of my assistance would be financial ??. Surprise surprise. Limit €6k.

Any thoughts ?.

Many thanks,
K

colm_mcm

Parts for the jazz cvt can be tricky

JohnBoy26

Something like a Yaris would be your best bet. http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4336705

colm_mcm

The gearbox in the yaris MMT is rotten though

6k buys a lot of 1.6 tax and petrol, civics are great cars
Anyway, auto punto an option ?

JohnBoy26

colm_mcm wrote: »

The gearbox in the yaris MMT is rotten though

Colm I can't argue with that. Truth be told I've only driven one once and not very far. What I was going on was the owner of the car I drove has had it for years and in that time all that has gone wrong was a headlight bulb.

Chuck Stone

Kia Rio
2007
1.4 EX
56,900 Miles
NCT Apr 2015
AUTO
6 Months Warranty
€5,950

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4154066

bazz26

€6k is alot for a 6 year old Rio.

2009 model here for slightly more:

http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/KIA/Rio/1.4-EX/31113522922003990/

I'd say most of them here are ex rental cars.

_Kaiser_

Owned 2 old model 99/98 Colt imports (the Mirage as they call it) and they never caused me any problems. 1.3L won't be breaking any speed records, but did the job just fine around town. I presume the newer models are much the same

Had a 06 Suzuki Swift import as a rental/loan for a few days at one point. Auto as well. Not sure what engine size but it was surprisingly well specced and I remember being pretty impressed for what it was.

Driven a 1.3L auto 05 Honda Fit/Jazz as well and it didn't cause any issues but seemed a bit more underpowered (heavier car?) but again electric windows, mirrors etc all included. Stereo never worked for the Irish stations though despite getting those band adjuster things and as it's integrated into the dash replacing it wasn't easy.

In all cases though, small petrol autos are really only suitable if most of your driving is urban/city runs. If you're running up and down motorways with any frequency it'll cost a fortune in petrol.. better to pay for an older 2003/04 era 1.9 TDI diesel VW Passat/Golf or similar in that case.

I haven't driven a manual in years and really don't see the Irish obsession with them when tech like DSG has come along, and it makes even less sense in big "exec" saloons like E-class Mercs, big Audis, 3L BMWs etc

Ron Burgundy II

colm_mcm wrote: »

The gearbox in the yaris MMT is rotten though

How bad are they?