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Help me choose between these superminis

  • 23-03-2018 1:24pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 53 ✭✭


    My mother is looking to buy a new car. She wouldn't do a lot of driving at all, just around the town really. I'd imagine 5k miles per year might even be a generous estimate.

    She is looking at either a Fiesta, Ka, Micra, Sandero, Mazda 2, or a Clio. Which of those would be good buys?


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 509 ✭✭✭Nuw


    A Yaris (hybrid is the one to get)?

    Sandero I have no opinion on, never sat in one of the new ones, my ma has a mk1 though, and I hate it with a passion, she however loves it, it does everything she asks of it and costs peanuts to buy/run.

    Ka is really, really tiny (same size as a Fiat 500, both are based on the same platform) but there isn't much wrong with them.
     
    Fiesta is an all time favorite for good reasons, it's quite capable in every aspects.

    Clio, while in the same class, is a good bit bigger than the others, decent range of engines as well.

    Mazda is also very competent and would probably be my choice (it's, I think, the most rewarding to drive... mind you that's probably not high on the priority list of your mother), the petrol engine in it is quite enjoyable while remaining relatively simple (no turbo to go wrong for instance), also, unless you rev the hell out of it at every occasion, she should see good mileage from a tank of petrol.

    It really depends on what she wants/needs from it tbh, and what kind of deal she can get.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,360 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    Sandero is really a budget car and feels like it when you sit inside it. Ka as said is really from the segment below the Fiesta and they are not that popular. The Clio is a good car but they are getting on a bit now and there is an all new model due at the end of the year. Yaris is getting on a bit too despite a makeover last year and at 5k miles per year I think even a hybrid version might be wasted on your mother unless she got the free upgrade that Toyota were offering. The Fiesta and Micra would be the newest models of all those so it would probably be a choice between those two for me.

    I'd also have a look at the Hyundai i20 and Kia Rio though. Both are good cars and have some of the best warranties out there not that they give much trouble. New VW Polo might be worth a look at too but they are a bit expensive compared to the others.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,520 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    Worth pointing out that the newer Ka+ is based on the Fiesta now and is a good bit bigger. It’s onviously smaller than a new Fiesta but isn’t as small as you’d imagine.

    It’s not really aimed at Europe, more India and South America, but I’d probably have one over a sandero

    If she doesn’t need a full supermini sized car (they keep getting bigger) a Hyundai i10 or Kia Picanto would be worth considering, same warranty as the aforementioned Rio and I20.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,616 ✭✭✭grogi


    bazz26 wrote: »
    Sandero is really a budget car and feels like it when you sit inside it. Ka as said is really from the segment below the Fiesta and they are not that popular. The Clio is a good car but they are getting on a bit now and there is an all new model due at the end of the year. Yaris is getting on a bit too despite a makeover last year and at 5k miles per year I think even a hybrid version might be wasted on your mother unless she got the free upgrade that Toyota were offering. The Fiesta and Micra would be the newest models of all those so it would probably be a choice between those two for me.

    I'd also have a look at the Hyundai i20 and Kia Rio though. Both are good cars and have some of the best warranties out there not that they give much trouble. New VW Polo might be worth a look at too but they are a bit expensive compared to the others.

    And my favourite Ibiza...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,002 ✭✭✭micks_address


    colm_mcm wrote: »
    Worth pointing out that the newer Kia+ is based on the Fiesta now and is a good bit bigger. It’s onviously smaller than a new Fiesta but isn’t as small as you’d imagine.

    How about honda jazz?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,520 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    How about honda jazz?

    I note all the cars listed are at the lower end of the scale cost wise. The Jazz is a great car IMO but they’re relatively pricey.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,027 ✭✭✭Lantus


    Fiesta is great. Check out the Skoda Fabia, loads for your money. Ibiza also very good in newer version.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,520 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    Are Ford still doing the 8 year warranty or is it gone back to 2?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 555 ✭✭✭Philb76


    Oul fella has a new skoda fabia which I've borrowed a few times and I was really impressed with it quite spacious and comfortable all the modern tech but also simple also reccomend Hyundai i10 but from ur list the mazda2 is very good not bad space either and lovely to drive i also think they stand out looks wise


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,027 ✭✭✭Lantus


    Fiat 500? Small and funky. Very impressed when I last drove one for a car if that size.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 53 ✭✭sheepers


    I suppose more than anything she's looking for something that's going to be cheap to run, and most of all reliable/not give trouble. Size isn't really an issue as she's driven an old model micra for years. She doesn't care if its fun to drive etc either.

    So with cost/reliability aspect being most important, is there any of those cars mentioned in the OP that I should drop from that list immediately?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,520 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    From a cost POV, paying extra for the Fiesta vs the Ka probably doesn’t make sense if she doesn’t care much about looks/size. I would probably drop them all bar the Ka, and add the Hyundai i10, Toyota Aygo and Kia Picanto to the list. Maybe still consider the Sandero cos it is quite cheap to be fair. Kia/Hyundai would be the best quality from this list.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,039 ✭✭✭✭Kintarō Hattori


    I know you didn't mention it to I'm a Fiat 500 owner myself and love the car. A €40 tank of fuel gets me over 500km of driving a week which is a mixture of motorway and rural country roads. It costs €200 to tax and it's on the lower rungs of the insurance ladder. For your Mum it has a button called 'City' which lightens the steering for when she might be parking in a tight spot. There's Isofix if there are grandkids, Start/Stop, remote boot opening, adjustable height for the drivers seat etc.

    They are cheap as chips to buy and I think all new models come with air conditioning now.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,616 ✭✭✭grogi


    sheepers wrote: »
    I suppose more than anything she's looking for something that's going to be cheap to run, and most of all reliable/not give trouble. Size isn't really an issue as she's driven an old model micra for years. She doesn't care if its fun to drive etc either.

    So with cost/reliability aspect being most important, is there any of those cars mentioned in the OP that I should drop from that list immediately?

    Get something simple, without turbocharger.

    Fabia/Polo/Ibiza come with lethargic, but very reliable and extremely economical
    1.0 MPI.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,257 ✭✭✭chicorytip


    Seat Mii, Skoda Citigo or VW Up. Any of these would be a far better choice than those you have mentioned. Very well made and designed "family" of city cars. Cheap to run and good to drive.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26 nextcarC5


    Just two tidbits for you: The Fiesta is a new generation model, just got released not too long (so you won't be stuck with an outdated model the next year!), also it's widely regarded as an excellent all-rounder and has been the best selling car in the UK for yonks now


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,100 ✭✭✭noelf


    nextcarC5 wrote: »
    Just two tidbits for you: The Fiesta is a new generation model, just got released not too long (so you won't be stuck with an outdated model the next year!), also it's widely regarded as an excellent all-rounder and has been the best selling car in the UK for yonks now



    I actually prefer the look of the older car .. Not bad for a decade old design..


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,837 ✭✭✭✭AMKC
    Ms


    Citroen launched there new C3 recently and it looks really good. Just another one to consider.

    Live long and Prosper

    Peace and long life.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 53 ✭✭sheepers


    Thanks for the replies, some good info there.

    Regarding city cars, would they be okay for the very occasional longer journey? The car would be used almost entirely for sub 10 mile journeys, but maybe 5 times a year on a longer ~80 mile roundtrip. We're probably leaning towards an i10 or a Picanto if they would handle those requirements, otherwise will look at a supermini.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 555 ✭✭✭Philb76


    Can tell from personal experience the Hyundai i10 is very capable on motorways plus stay away from basic one and you get cruise control


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,520 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    sheepers wrote: »
    Thanks for the replies, some good info there.

    Regarding city cars, would they be okay for the very occasional longer journey? The car would be used almost entirely for sub 10 mile journeys, but maybe 5 times a year on a longer ~80 mile roundtrip. We're probably leaning towards an i10 or a Picanto if they would handle those requirements, otherwise will look at a supermini.
    Yeah, they’d be just fine, they’re not grand tourers but they’d be well able.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,837 ✭✭✭✭AMKC
    Ms


    @ OP

    Citroens come with a 5 year warranty now.

    http://www.citroen.ie/new-cars-and-vans/car-range/new-citroen-c3.html#sticky

    C3 really is a very nice car now. It come with Citroens renowned Puretech petrol and diesel engines.

    http://www.citroen.ie/new-cars-and-vans/car-range/new-citroen-c3.html#sticky

    It's well worth checking out.

    Live long and Prosper

    Peace and long life.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,520 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    I don’t know that the 1.2 puretech is renowned, they seem to be quite troublesome?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,616 ✭✭✭grogi


    colm_mcm wrote: »
    I don’t know that the 1.2 puretech is renowned, they seem to be quite troublesome?

    It is 1.6 those that has been causing problems. Puretech seems good.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 308 ✭✭GypsyByName


    colm_mcm wrote: »
    I note all the cars listed are at the lower end of the scale cost wise. The Jazz is a great car IMO but they’re relatively pricey.

    What is your budget?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,617 ✭✭✭ba_barabus


    What about a Suzuki Ignis?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,837 ✭✭✭✭AMKC
    Ms


    The Suzuki Ignis as mentioned above and swift are two other very good options to look at.

    Live long and Prosper

    Peace and long life.



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