New car for the wife?

RandallFlagg

Wife needs a a new car. We're looking for something smallish but with 5 doors, nippy for round town trips. (ie not a big saloon or an MPV), not too old, or too many miles, DAB radio, Satnav, Bluetooth, budget £8-9K.

We've shortlisted a 2015/2016 Citroen C4 Cactus Flair or 2015/2016 Renault Clio Dynamique S, these can be had within that budget and seem to be plenty about in good nick.

The Cactus looks like it's made from Lego, looks kinda fun but I'm not sure I would be able to park it at work without some major piss taking (I would only use it when the wife needs the big grown ups car), the Clio is smartly styled but rear access to the back seats may be a bit cramped for the teenage kids when they want running about town.

Thoughts? suggestions?

guitarfishbay

Check out a Skoda Fabia.  One of the petrol TSI models in high spec would be nice to drive around town and should fit most of your requirements/budget.  Just not sure if they do a satnav version.

They're bigger than the Clio, but not a big car still easy to drive and park.  They're a bit taller so rear passenger space is better than typical other small cars.  Boot space is decent for a small car.

holnrew

Austin Allegro

Gassage

New car for the wife?

I'll need a cash adjustment.

Axe_meister

How about a  mini.
Bloddy good fun to drive and lots of toys

RandallFlagg

holnrew said:

Austin Allegro

Thanks for the suggestion, now shortlisted.

joneve

Axe_meister said:

How about a  mini.
Bloddy good fun to drive and lots of toys

Yep. M-I-L swears by hers. Just about to upgrade to her second as she loves it so much. 

RandallFlagg

Axe_meister said:

How about a  mini.
Bloddy good fun to drive and lots of toys

I suggested that, but it's complicated... an ex work friend of hers, well manager in fact, who she fell out with big time, who now is seeing her brother much to her disdain, has a Mini and I'm assured that she would never be seen driving the same car as "that bitch".

That was pretty much the end of that one.

Gassage

Not sure if in budget, but Skoda Yeti is fab

RandallFlagg

Gassage said:

Not sure if in budget, but Skoda Yeti is fab

Nah, don't like the looks

CHRISB50

RandallFlagg said:

Axe_meister said:

How about a  mini.
Bloddy good fun to drive and lots of toys

I suggested that, but it's complicated... an ex work friend of hers, well manager in fact, who she fell out with big time, who now is seeing her brother much to her disdain, has a Mini and I'm assured that she would never be seen driving the same car as "that bitch".

That was pretty much the end of that one.

Sound female reasoning that.

Remove the French cars from your short list. I will admit to knowing nothing about cars, but I've never needed to as my best mate is a mechanic. His rule number 1 - No French cars.

I've always thought those panels on the Cactus are to deflect the eggs and other shit people will throw at you for buying / driving one.

It's dull as, but what about an Aygo? They do a 5 door version with all the bells and whistles you want.

axisus

Our car policy has always been just buy any old banger that is available. Choosing a specific car - what a luxury! Must be nice to be loaded.

rlw

Polo. Classy reliable and German.

crunchman

Having owned a Citroen, I'd go for something Japanese.

I'd much rather have a Japanese car that was a year older with 15k more miles on the clock than a Citroen.  Renault probably won't be very different to Citroen.

RandallFlagg

My experience with French cars: our 2005 Citroen Xsara Picasso is now 12 years old and has passed all MOTs and the only problem we have had was a failed shock absorber spring. Had a cam belt change 2 years ago and has had new brake discs and pads and tyres changed when needed. Been a faithful and dependable servant.

We bought a newish C4 Picasso to replace it earlier this year but have kept it for a while, however now it's time is up as we want a smaller second car.

CHRISB50

RandallFlagg said:

Gassage said:

Not sure if in budget, but Skoda Yeti is fab

Nah, don't like the looks

But you mentioned that Cactus thing!?! It's like the Gert Bucket of cars. 

Nitefly

Right up until you said "teenage kids" I was going to suggest Peugeot 208...

SRich

Major piss take on the Cactus is justified - I had a demo Cactus from Citroen here about a year ago......I couldn't get anyone to drive the thing. Just plain ugly.

To be fair to you, the Citroens would be Okayish if you don't intend to do a lot of miles or keep the car too long. French electrics tend to be their undoing. Costly and frustrating too.

Dodge

rlw said:

Polo. Classy reliable and German.

Unbelievable fuel economy and emissions too.

Iamnobody

CHRISB50 said:

RandallFlagg said:

Gassage said:

Not sure if in budget, but Skoda Yeti is fab

Nah, don't like the looks

But you mentioned that Cactus thing!?! It's like the Gert Bucket of cars. 

Ahh Gerty Bucket. We had a centre page poster of her in the lounge in our student house...


Anyway. My wife has had a Clio and a Golf in recent years. Her current Hyundai i30 is just as good for shopping and kid's taxi. 

5 year warranty - or go for the equivalent Kia with 7 years.

rlw

Dodge said:

rlw said:

Polo. Classy reliable and German.

Unbelievable fuel economy and emissions too.

No issues with the petrol engines and the fuel economy isn't that far off the average.  Looked after, a Polo will be there with Keef and the cockroaches.