Advice on which car to buy

[repatblues]

I have recently returned to this country from overseas and not familiar with the reputation etc of certain makes/models of cars here.  In looking for a car I have set my criteria as follows:

- Automatic (because that's what I'm used to) and not used to using the handbrake on hills etc. 

- 1.4 engine size (I think).  Most driving will be in town but will drive distances on motorway occasionally.

- Small car (3 door hatchback would be ideal)

- Fairly new used

I've looked around and decided I can probably get something that's reliable and economical for under �7k (please correct me if I'm wrong)

So far I've looked at car reviews for Honda Jazz and Civic (expensive), Skoda Fabia (sounds interesting), Mazda (very few around) and the Corsa (because I'm told I will get family discount on parts) but the Corsa doesn't seem to score too highly.  I don't know anything about the 'Euro' small cars that you see so much of (Fiat, Renault, Citroen, Peugeot etc).

Not many autos in the range I am looking at and amazed that you pay so much more for an auto. 

I've hired two cars since I've been here:  A Focus manual (had the problem of holding it in trafic jam on a hill), and a Nissa Micra  Automatic - no probs on hills with that and it did ok on the motorway too - bad seats though and got an achy back. 

[Ward-Minter]

Tho expensive i would always opt for a Jap. Civic your best bet. If not too familiar with UK sites try

www.autotrader.co.uk

[honkytonkman]

For me personally, I avoid any French or Italian cars. From experience they are renowned for iffy electrics..and tend to be a bit tinny when compared to things like a Volkswagen or even a Skoda (a VW subsidiary). I've had 3 Japanese cars (Nissan, Toyota and Suzuki) and they are great for reliability. My friend adores her Easytronic Vauxhall Corsa and has had no problems with it.. and it seems to sip fuel.

[repatblues]

I think it's coming down to either a Corsa (year or two old that still has some warranty left on it) or an older Japanese car. Then there is the question of 'automatic' which increases the price considerably and reduces choice to nil.

Pls explain what easytronic is - is it automatic?

Tks

[BigB]

Hi

Easytronic is basically a manual gearbox but you do not have a clutch pedal to press. The engagement of the clutch is done automatically. It is a very reliable system (i used to work for the company that designed it for Vauxhall) and never breaks down. As the gearbox and clutch itself are similar to manual gearboxes there arent any expensive specialist repair bills if something does go wrong.

Hope this helps