Which small car???? :?

I imagine the Punto will depreciate slightly less. Especially being the new grand Punto. They should be doing some good clearance deals on the old one too.

The Suzuki uses the Fiat diesel engine and Toyota petrol engines.


Test drive everything, take advantage of the fact you are wanting to buy a car.

Akula, I can recommend the Jazz on most fronts, the 'Magic Seats' in the back make the boot space like the Tardis, legroom in the back is fairly good too - and it's only available in 5 door (rather than being a more expensive version) so passenger access is good.
Fuel economy is usually Honda's downfall, they're simply not quiet as good as many rivals. That and servicing costs - They're not as bad as their reputation would make out, but they do come in at about 6% above the National average.
That said, they're very reliable.

Northwind, get a Mini (old school). I'm sure there's nothing you can't do to mod them , yet in comparison to other cars they're cheap to run, insure, mod...

... Hell, my DOG costs more to insure each year than my Mini!

[Red ones]

You should get better than 30mpg from the Vectra - how about being more gentle with your feet?

The new Punto is a nice lil motor and my cousin in italy has just got one in black I will give it a run in a few weeks when i am out there as thinking of trading wifeys corsa for one

[Viney]

Ford Fiesta - Still my fav small car
Old shape Nissan Micra - Handled well, and very nippy
Citreon C2 - Cheap and unusual
Audi A2 - Expensive and unusual, but great value secondhand
New Clio - I like this. A mini megane

I have a hate for fiats after almost being killed (Punto) in one and not to keep on Suzuki as a whole (Dad has one, silly expensive on servicing, hes just brought an Audi, and thats cheaper!!)

Vauxhall Corsa 1.3 CDTi (although don't know the cost new). Brilliant little engine, superb on juice. Very cheap car to run.

Smart Car?

AS someone said, old skool Mini. Granted you may have little bits n bobs to sort out, but its a mini. They are so simple to work on.

Two friends have mini. Superb little motors. 1.0 drinks no juice, 1275 isn't that bad either.

Had a look round the Jazz whilst I was waiting to pick my Accord up a little while back.
Looked a decent motor, superb build quality.
Mrs Tricky is thinking about trading her Yaris in for one.
The only think I don't like about the Jazz is its looks.

[fizzwheel]

My brother used to work for a Honda dealer, he rated the Jazz very highly, he now works for a Toyota dealer and is full of praise for the Yaris, its about the only new Toyota he said he would buy, as he reckons all the other others are sh*te and you woudlnt believe the stories he tells about customers bringing new cars back for warranty faults.

Trouble is with the yaris that 2nd hand ones hold the price extremely well

[northwind]

Originally Posted by K

Northwind, get a Mini (old school). I'm sure there's nothing you can't do to mod them , yet in comparison to other cars they're cheap to run, insure, mod...

With my record, I want something that crashes a little better I'd like to not be killed as a school-run mum drives right over me in an X5 without even knowing I'm there...

in my experience i have never bought french/spanish/italian cars and tbh, i have never had any problems . Allways go jap, go for a swift or yaris!