Second Car - Challenge for you all!

**um20** · 13th October 2007, 09:14

I'm looking to replace my Corsa (my car) with something better suited to motorway driving. I do 90 miles a day on the A1 and sometimes A19 (Doncaster to York round trip) each day. It's getting jarring in the corsa!! I got a corsa 18 months ago because:
a) It was cheap with no miles ('52 plate, 14k on the clock!)
b) It's cheap to run and insurance (had no policy before buying it)
c) Does mid 40's mpg

Now I'm turning 30 (

) and will be nearing 2 years no claims (fingers crossed) I'm thinking about upgrading. So I need a car that:
a) costs about £6-7k
b) isn't a vectra (before you all start!! We don't need 2 big cars, orders from SWMBO!)
c) is "funky"
e) is economical & cheap to run
f) doesn't have stupid 9k service intervals (I do 18k a year)

So far I've looked at:
a) C2 VTS '04. 1.6 engine and goes like a pocket rocket. 20k service intervals, only group 8 and 40+mpg on the motorway, but tiny fuel tank means refills every 3 days and a bit too much boy-racer perhaps!!
b) C4 VTR plus 1.6. Again 1.6 engine, but this would have comfort over performance and be a usable second car with our 5 month old. 20k service intervals, 40+ mpg and group 6, so cheap to run
c) Toyota MR2

1.8 engine, 7.7s 0-60 but still 38+mpg on a run. 20k service interval with 10k minor (e.g. £70) services. No space, but hey - it's a convertible!!

I KNOW you guys have driven just about every car on the road these days, so come on guys - any suggestions?

**AndrewTi** · 13th October 2007, 10:16

I actually like the C4......

Wouldn't buy one new though.

**Harry** · 13th October 2007, 10:26

Originally Posted by um20

a) costs about £6-7k
b) isn't a vectra (before you all start!! We don't need 2 big cars, orders from SWMBO!)
c) is "funky"
e) is economical & cheap to run
f) doesn't have stupid 9k service intervals (I do 18k a year)

here's your answer:

it's the funkiest car i have ever driven and i absolutely loved it!

something like group 5 insurance

100bhp in a little go kart

only down side is that the suspension is said to be a bit stiff, which might not make it so comfortable on the motorway......but still, i dare ya to try and find something more funky.

**AndrewTi** · 13th October 2007, 10:30

Harry, that is genius. Forgot all about that!

Something about small Fiats, just so much more character than any other small car.

considered a new 500? The classiest small car that isn't a Mini.

**Harry** · 13th October 2007, 10:43

yep....and i'm sure they can be picked up for little over £7k. it may not have the sunroof option but it's got elec windows, dual zone climate and bluetooth headunit as standard!

wicked little car.

**um20** · 13th October 2007, 11:16

See I knew you guys would come up trumps!

Never knew there was a funky panda, and autotrader only shows 2 but they're both within 35 miles of me. Love the white/red abarth one

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk.../search.action

Just have to sell the corsa now.

**sotonjames** · 13th October 2007, 12:14

how about a seat leon, can get some 04/05 plate ones for under 7 grand with under 20k on then, only a 1.4 engine and one of my mates has one he raves about it, sticks to roads like glue and does a ton without a whimper

**mark1319** · 13th October 2007, 12:16

That red and white punto looks mint, very eye catching.

**Super T** · 13th October 2007, 12:46

ford focus 1.8 cdti good motor.

**Hideous** · 13th October 2007, 13:09

Looks like um20 is sold on the Panda. Haven't driven the new one, but they certainly are a bargain. 2007 models for under 7 grand, sounds good to me.
I know Fiat get a bit of flak for building unreliable cars, but I think it's quite unjustified - they are just as good as any other mass produced car.