Spec my missus a rot box!

Seether

Seether

Seether

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

good mpg - easy to fix - low [ish] running costs

plus they are spacious for family type stuff
my mum swears by them
 
focus
Click to expand...

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
Click to expand...

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

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/424631.htm

Gets my vote.
Click to expand...

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...
Click to expand...

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. ;)
 
paradigm said:
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. ;)
Click to expand...

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
 
Toker said:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/438908.htm

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/466863.htm

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/473910.htm

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/457706.htm
Click to expand...

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?
 
Had three of the new shape Fiestas in the household now since 2003, two pre-facelifts and a post-facelift.

All were/are 1.4 Zetec spec, and have had no problems at all, nothing has gone wrong, nothing has been a concern. They still feel and sound tinny when inside though, but 100x better than fiestas of old.
 
my sisters always had new fiestas since around 2000 and nothing has ever gone wrong with them, they arent bad really.

the main thing that lets them down is the plasticy interior but if you have a pram I guess you must have a kid(s) so won't be wanting a really nice interior for he/she/them to spill on!
 
My sisters had a couple of new Fietas on contract and the parents have had one for a couple of years now and none of them have developed any major faults. Pleasantly surprised with the cars for the price, was stuck in the back of one on a run to Leeds and back the other week and for what it was i found it surprisingly comfortable.
 
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.
 
1.3 is a totally pointless engine, I dont know why it exists, its no more economical than a 1.25, is rougher, slower, and just generally cack.
 
totally agree with Fox about the 1.3. years ago it was a cack engine compared to the 1.4, now it's a cack engine compared to the 1.25l.

avoid.
 
helpimcrap said:
totally agree with Fox about the 1.3. years ago it was a cack engine compared to the 1.4, now it's a cack engine compared to the 1.25l.

avoid.
Click to expand...

having ragged my parents 1.3 Eudora engined Fiesta as a teenager I can confirm it's cack. So much so that the mighty 1.4 Phase1 Renault 19 they replaced it with proved to be a superb upgrade!:p
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom