Hmm..what should I get?

[zipadeedodah]

I have �1600 maximum to buy a small runabout car. Want a hatchback...any suggestions of what to look for specifically? or not to look for? Opinions would be great!

[KebabMeister]

I prefer Japanese cars because of reliability and value.... but I think you can't go far wrong by buying a Ford Fiesta.  Insurance is cheap, parts are plentiful and cheap, car holds value very well and in whole a good 'small runabout car'!

If you can afford a diesel then go for that, but a 1.1 or 1.3 is sufficient (and cheaper road tax).

[ntl_marc]

 Definately a VW POLO! They retain their value like diamonds, they are bomb proof, great to drive, cheap to run and fill, decent insurance, look good, bags of space and very nippy.

Ive had 3 so far, and my 1st one was a c reg, and died at  250 000 miles. Bought it in '93 with 100 000 miles on the clock and lasted me till '97, did nearly 150 000 miles, i think it let me down once...lol great car.

IF ONLY EVERYTHING IN LIFE WAS AS RELIABLE AS A VW!

Had 2 since then and got one on the drive. Been stood for six months and last week went out to it and started it up 1st turn of the key!! What a car...just waiting for my ban to be over and done with so i can drive it again lol.

[silly moo]

I used to love my little fiat uno - cheap to run - cheapest insurance group - even room for my german shepherd if I dropped the back seat(s).

[Impret-Sir]

Get past the "unusual" styling, and the best small runablout car is definately the Ford Ka, if you enjoy driving it is the best in its class. Also, the boot will hold six full bags of shopping, and there is space for four adults inside. Plus Ford servicing is easy, and the bits are reasonably priced. Insurance on them is only about group 2 and three, and they are quite economical. Go for a Ka 2 at your price range, electric windows and power steering (a must have), make sure whatever you buy has a service history, and do an HPI check.

[Cockney_si]

If only VW had the backup from their dealers it would be worthwhile.

It really depends what you're going to be using the car for.  Mates and luggage will have to go if you want to buy a KA, yes it may hold 6 full bags of shopping but the bootlid won't shut! I rented one of these for a holiday and 2 (small) airport bags just didn't go....But then you're not gonna get one of those for 1600!

Any car for that value will have depreciation that will drop like a stone...

try looking at http://bangernomics.tripod.com/

[zipadeedodah]

Thanks! I kind of wrote my little citroen ax off a while ago, so now onto my second car. Being 19 and only passed last july, insurance is a killer so can't go to high on a car itself.  I like Ka's, but idealy want 5 doors, having to let people out from the back in my old car drove me mad!

[cockneyexile]

get a not that old hyundai accent for that sort of money they have usually been owned by oaps and have been wellserviced. ok not the most prestige car but as hyundai say a car first a badge second

[Jay70]

I would avoid a Hyundai at all cost esp if your prone to runing into things their crash test results are terrible.  One of the safest small cars that you could buy on your budget would be a fiesta.  I would avoid Jap cars due to higher Insurance and parts cost. 

[Moog]

Absolutely no doubt... Peugeot 306

[PhilD]

Polo's are reliable but if they go wrong parts are expensive. Better of sticking with a Ford Fiesta or Ka or a Vauxhall Corsa as parts are easy to come by and insurance is cheap. Saxos are cheap to buy, but are held together with bluetack.

[lurkalot]

If it comes down to Hyundai v Ford then I'd go for the Hyundai. Parts might be more expensive but then you're never going to need them. Also you're going to have loads more free time since you won't be forever touching up the rust and tracking down those niggling electrical problems you get with a Ford.

The Hyundai engine is reliable and virtually bullet proof so long as you keep the usual fluids topped up. Ok so it may not be very exciting or attract much street cred but you get far more car for your money.