Advice for 2nd hand automatic?

bombe_capri

Looking for help on getting a car for my mam, something Polo-ish sized, mainly short trips in Dublin but few times a year down west/south for hols (prob <6000mi/yr). Budget is €10-14k and I'm thinking an automatic is best for her going forward.

We've looked at loads (all at dealers), but mainly 15 and 16 Polos in that price bracket and low milage. But also a few Honda Fits (15) which is hybrid so bonus, but I'm not 100% on as I've read on here about issues getting mechanics and insurance for Jap imports? And also a couple of Nissan Notes (16/17) which looked good, should I be worried they're now discontinued?

I'm not around and she's over 70 so I want her to have something reliable and will last. All suggestions welcome!

pat_sconce

Short trips. 70's.

Just go for a bog standard petrol auto.

Golf might be an option.

Forget hybrid or jap import. Keep it simple and local for her.

Nissan Juke is another to look at. The extra bit of height might be of benefit

User1998

Looking for petrol autos and excluding Jap imports would be very unwise. Your probably excluding 90% of the cars.

Nothing wrong with Jap imports. Insurance won’t be an issue especially for an older driver. Just make sure the car has an alarm & immobiliser fitted

bazz26

Most of the Polo automatics for sale these days are used Japanese imports. They will have an immobiliser as standard and generally better equipped than equivalent Irish models.

wotzgoingon

2021 Dacia Sandero is a good reliable car.

electricus

Yaris hybrid might suit. A couple of my older aunts snd uncles swear by them.

https://approvedused.toyota.ie/used-cars/ireland/toyota/yaris/a0Z6700000daYRS/

galwaytt

Honda Jazz is a good choice.

Mooooo

Toyota hybrids would be reliable. Only thing is the higher models which might be easier to get in and out of like the chr and that don't look to be great visibility wise.

Got a skoda yeti here and mother is very happy with it but its a diesel, wouldn't see many petrol autos of them around, and short trips would be petrol / hybrid territory

bombe_capri

Thanks all for your comments. We looked at a 2016 Honda Fit today that she was delighted with - but hit a wall with insurance...

She's been insured for decades, no issues, but her current policy with Chill said none of theirs would insure the Fit as it's not on their system. (Allianz are the actual insurers). Tried quotedevil and registration number wouldn't even come up, and Liberty wouldn't quote. Chill said the only Fit in system is the 2011 1339cc so as this was a 1496cc it didnt match, so computer says no.

So final question - there seems to be thousands of these, who is insuring them?!

Oh and they have immobilizers so that's not the problem I dont think.

User1998

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120904470#Comment_120904470

I know for a fact that Axa and Allianz both insure them no problem as long as you call them directly. But if you try online its a case of ‘computer says no’

bazz26

Hyundai i20:

https://www.carsireland.ie/3398509

Flinty997

Did you tell the insurance it has an immboliser. Some of those small car Jap imports don't have them. Might be causing the insurance issue. Also the older age. Parents had issues in later life with insurance.

bombe_capri

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120904553#Comment_120904553

Cheers - I'll try ringing them tomorrow!

hoodie6029

Try First Ireland brokers too for insurance.

colm_mcm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120904637#Comment_120904637

Proper torque converter box on them too, a solid choice.

€400 tax means it’ll be a bit thirsty but not outrageous, certainly won’t be much of an issue for the OPs mum

bombe_capri

Just an update - thanks again to everyone.

We got her a Honda Fit - rang Allianz and they quoted no bother as User1998 said. Chill are being flaky and not calling back, so I'll harass them til they do something - not having her miss out on a few months insurance 🤬