Cheap super mini.

[phil24_7]

Thinking about gettin a cheap super mini and I'm after some suggestions.

The list of requirements:

Group A or B tax
50+ mpg
Low to low-ish insurance group
Reasonably cheap to buy

I'm not using my peugeot 306 1.9dti much at the mo and I don't have to pay for my diesel at the mo, Kate has a 1.6 mx-3 that drinks fuel if revved and is slowly costing more and more to tax and run.

We're thinking about selling her car and getting a cheapy little run around so that we still have 2 vehicles when we need them. She'll use mine during the week so as to cut her running costs.

I've been looking at a 1.4td (70bhp), any of the smart cars, small engined mini but I'm not sure about many other super mini's and I've definately never seen any reviewed!

Any help or advice will be appreciated.

Regards

[phil24_7]

Wow, no thoughts, comments, insults or jibes from the org. Gotta be a first!!

[fizzwheel]

Whats your budget ?

Personally why not do away with kates car completely... do you really need two cars ?

Liz and I have done this recently and we got rid of my fiesta and her skoda and got a Focus 1.8TDci instead.

Saved a fortune, one lot of tax and insurance instead of two lots.

[phil24_7]

That's why I'm after a group A or B tax band car. 0-40 quid to tax and probably the same for me to insure, MOT-ing, servicing and repairs courtesy of my dad's company so almost nothing to run but means we still have a car that can go long distance easily, plus a car each for when we need it.

Probably have between 2-3K but the cheaper the better.

[fizzwheel]

When I was after a small run about I was looking at either a Yaris or a Micra, which is what my mechanic brother said to go for.

I had a quick look on Auto Trader and they seem to fall into your price band but not sure about emissions rating for Road Tax

[phil24_7]

Does anyone have a list of the group A and B tax band cars (not necessarily conclusive just most of the popular choices?

[embee]

There aren't that many to choose from which get into band B, never mind A. Most of them are diesels, which partly defeats the object considering fuel differentials now.
Govt. site with banding (http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicle/HowToTaxYourVehicle/DG_10012524)

Check out cars here (http://www.dft.gov.uk/ActOnCO2/index.php?q=best_on_co2_rankings)

Or here (http://www.vcacarfueldata.org.uk/search/vedSearch.asp) and click on one of the band prices and you can search manufacturers etc.

1.0L Yaris is band C for example.

Problem you'll have is the "cheap+low band" combination, I think. Personally if I could live with the physical size, I'd go for the Aygo/107/C1 (all the same thing apart from minor trim spec). They aren't that cheap yet though, I guess a combination of age and new found desirability.

[phil24_7]

Cheers fizz and embee, will have a look into it.

Anyone wanna buy a mazda mx-3 1.6 in black??? ;-)

[Stu]

Sounds like you'll be paying a fortune in depreciation to achieve £40 tax :???:

[phil24_7]

Not really, will be buying a well used vehicle and get some money back from the sale of Kate's car as well as better mpg, lower tax and if I get a diesel, free fuel!