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Mrs Palace-Fan has just started a new job, and the van is using quite a bit of diesel, so thinking about a second car to try and save some cash.
It's also at the top of a Peak District hill, so the van (RWD) will struggle if there's snow.
The journey is 50 miles each day, city and small country roads, 3 days a week.
Thinking as follows:
£1000 max to limit depreciation.
1.0 - 1.2L petrol so no DPF or DMF to worry about
Cheap to insure and tax
4 or 5 NCAP
Not likely to have been thrashed by a boy racer.
Reliable.
Don't care how small, slow or ugly it is.
FSH
I've been looking at Micras, Lupo, Suzuki Wagon, Yaris.
So, what do you think? What else should I be looking at?
And will it be possible to save money, or will the tax and insurance soak up any saving?
APF
Got to be a Honda Jazz as they're beloved by oap's so unlikely to have been thrashed too much!
Ive got my eye on a suzuki ignis at the moment, Id buy it but its automatic and Im not sure about that.
Peak District? Top of a hill? Panda 4x4. I recall being "quite startled" by one climbing a very snowy Winnat's Pass. Not sure you'll get one at the price though.
Good stuff, I'll have a look at the Jazz and the Ignis. I wouldn't go auto though Sweepy, small engine autos are horrible, with reduced power the box is constantly shifting.
APF
I wouldn't go auto though Sweepy, small engine autos are horrible, with reduced power the box is constantly shifting.
CCVT FTW. 😉
Daihatsu Terios, small 4x4, within budget(ish)
No idea what they're like to own I just recall seeing a few about.
Worth a look
Toyota Aygo, brilliant little cars.
I've just bought a 2007 Daihatsu Sirion. Ticks most of your boxes.
Ford Fusion (the UK one not the big US saloon)
Its basically a Fiesta estate, so safe and cheap. You can get two bikes in with the front wheels with the bars just nestling between the front seats, passenger seat folds flat for long loads that normally need a Mondeo Estate, no boot lip, Quickclear windscreen if you don't get a poverty spec.
1.4 Petrol is the common one. We had all season tyres on ours and it coped really well in the snow.
Fiat Panda +!.
You probably won't get a 4x4 for that budget, but stick some winter tyres on a 2wd and you'll be sorted.
They're really cheerful, characterful cars with no added "lifestyle" bullshit.
Both me and the Mrs have a daihatsu charade. She had one before too. We may even be selling hers.
It's a 54 plate done about 40k iirc she probably be after 800 is. It has winter tyres on and it's great in the snow. 1.0l 3 cylinder engine is very nippy in town. 30 quid a year to tax. Great mpg. Cheap to insure. And any parts are cheap too.
We just need a bit bigger car. To go with my daihatsu. They are great though
Nissan Micra, absolutely awesome in the snow. In fact my dads girlfriend is selling her daughters and doesn't want much for it if you want to have a look?
Also @professor fate, Jazz's are absolutely horrific in the snow!
I have a small Panda 1.2 which is fantastic and recomended as a run about.
However you will have to save huge amount on the fuel to make running a 2nd car pay. If you want a 2nd car for the snow etc no issue, but don't expect to save money.