Buying a car - budget £2000 - advice please!

[kev007]

Hi guys

I'm currently driving a 55 Ford Ka, mileage is around 70,000 and it is in reasonable condition. I only use the car for short journeys mainly, probably have an annual mileage of around 5,000 although may be a little variable as I used to go out and visit local businesses a couple of times a week, this is currently paused and no idea if / when it might restart!

I used to have a Ford Escort so am used to Fords but open to other possibilities too.

I have a budget of around £2,000 - possibly a bit more if I can either sell (most likely) or trade in my car (less likely but possible).

I only want a 'small car' - ideally 5 doors. I am 6'1 tall so need some room in the driving seat! Hopefully the mileage wouldn't be too high and I would like a petrol car with manual gears.

I've done some research and have seen the following -

Toyota Yaris
Honda Jazz
Nissan Micra
Volkswagen Polo
Mazda 2 (possible the favourite at present)
Ford Fiesta
Seat Ibiza
Skoda Fabia
Suzuki Swift
Vauxhall Corsa

I'm looking for something reliable, cheap to run, easy to drive and will last a few years.

Any advice or suggestions would be very welcome!

Thanks all.

Kev

[LexiBantam]

My last three have been Skoda Fabias and I’ve absolutely loved them all. I find them comfortable, and nice to drive but above everything each one has been 100% reliable. Happy hunting !

[Rac20]

Out of the cars you’ve listed, I’ve owned a fiesta, Yaris and corsa. The fiesta is probably my favourite out of the 3. The corsa was the worst and we paid £3500 for it and it just had no power and limped along.

[kev007]

Originally Posted by LexiBantam

My last three have been Skoda Fabias and I’ve absolutely loved them all. I find them comfortable, and nice to drive but above everything each one has been 100% reliable. Happy hunting !

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Thank you - wife used to have a Skoda and was reliable, she switched to a Ford Focus as got a good deal. Will definitely consider

Kev

[kev007]

Originally Posted by Rac20

Out of the cars you’ve listed, I’ve owned a fiesta, Yaris and corsa. The fiesta is probably my favourite out of the 3. The corsa was the worst and we paid £3500 for it and it just had no power and limped along.

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Thank you - I'm used to Fords so the Fiesta is probably second or third preference at present but it is definitely in contention.

Kev

[Leggibone]

I’m a ford fan - I know Fiestas have a good rep,
Polos are nice but they come with a bit of a price tag so I don’t know what you’d get for that budget!

Another no for corsas, again you won’t get much for your money and quite frankly the cheap ones are awful!

My neighbor have a Skoda, they are pretty reasonable - a little basic, but runs well!

I drove a Mazda 2 - it was very very light, id recommend a test drive in one!
I’ve also driven a Yaris in Portugal, nice car - but again not sure what you’d get for your money, they are quite desirable!

[Ds4ljs]

I went from a Ka to a Honda Jazz when my eldest was born. Had another after that. Reliable, roomy and cheap to run. 18 years later I said goodbye to my Jazz 6months ago as it went to DD!

[Trusty ian]

Most reliable out of the list will be the jazz, Yaris, swift, worst will be Corsa ,

[djewkes]

I have had... Renault megane, Nissan note, neither of which I would recommend as both were expensive trouble...
I have had a Skoda Fabia automatic for the past 6-7 years... it’s been brilliant, and even though it’s a 59 reg I still love it...

[catlady]

My dad's just bought a Hyundai i20? It's a lovely car, loads of extras on it and very comfortable! Not sure on the price but dad's was quite low mileage!