Spec my missus a rot box!

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Joined
6 May 2003
Posts
299
Location
Chorley, Lancashire
The missus is in line for a new car with a budget of 3-4k. She has the following requirements:
- Cheap to run, and tax
- Reliable
- 5 door
- Low mileage
- Big enough to get a pram in the boot
- Temperature gauge :p (she’s had OCD about this since her Rover had HGF)

I’ve tried to explain to her that high mileage isn’t necessary a bad thing, etc. but she ain’t having any of it. She wants something mumsy and sensible so no suggestions of MR2s, 200sx’s, etc.

She’s been looking at the following:
- Ford Fiesta (99-02)
- Ford Focus (although these seem a bit miley in this budget, well, by her standards anyway)
- Citroen C3 (I think this is currently her fave)
- Renault Clio
- Renault Megane (with the bum)
- Toyota Yaris (concerned it might be a bit small)

Are any of these to be avoided at all costs? Any other suggestions that she might like? Thanks for your help!
 

This would likely be my first choice, but I've looked at ones in the area and they are a bit leggy (by her standards). I'm only talking 50-60k miles, but to her, thats too many and I've tried convincing her otherwise

There is a Verso version of the Yaris which might fit the specs, as long as you don't mind being seen in it

Didn't know these existed - I might try and keep the missus in the dark about them aswell - I couldn't be seen in that! :p


I've got a Toledo so a Leon is a good shout - and she likes these. Am struggling to find one within budget though. We've got something to part-ex ideally so will have to buy from a dealer :(

my girlfriends sister has a yaris - they are very small
go for the fiesta imo...

Have just seen a couple of newer-shape Fiestas (not the newest but the one before that) on an 02 plate. I quite like the look of these, but am I right in thinking that the 1.3 is to be avoided and instead look for a 1.25 or 1.4?

Thanks for all suggestions so far!
 
Your looking at 02-03 plate cars, tell her that she is being downright silly to expect less than 60k on the clock.

Tell her if she wants low milage, she either gets a rubbish car, or she finds an extra few grand. ;)

Believe me, I've tried explaining this to her. She was recently looking at a 6 year old car with 19k on the clock. She just couldn't understand why this could possibly be a bad thing.

Women's logic:
Less mileage = greater newness
 

The Ibizas are nice and get the wife's seal of approval. Unfortunately, they seem to be quite rare in 5 door guise. Are also generally top-end of budget leaving little choice.

Been finding a few nice 02+ (latest shape I think) Fiestas knocking around on Autotrader. Look nice inside and out - anyone got one of these?
 
Sounds good - could be onto a winner with these Fiestas. Quick question - has anyone had any experience with the 1.3 reliability-wise? I know its 8v and I know its 0-60 time is measured by calendar, but I don't think her indoors is too bothered about winning the traffic-light GP.
 
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