I want to change my car. Currently I'm driving a VW Polo and want to swap it before the warranty runs out. I've looked at the new Polo and had a test drive - don't particularly like it - bit expensive for what you get.

I've also looked at the Toyota Yaris - very nice - and the Skoda Fabia, lots of extras for the cash on the top of the range and very good performance.

Has anyone got any advice on cars in the "supermini" category and in particular, is anyone driving either of the two mentioned above?

-- Anonymous, March 10, 2002

Answers

Any 'pinions?

-- Anonymous, March 10, 2002

I was looking at a Polo last year but I think they are over priced. No good buying the 1000cc as it's too underpowered and anything above that is really expensive.

The Skoda is meant to be excellent - good value for money and well made. Know nothing of the Yaris.

I chose to buy a Peugeot 206 in the end. I really like it but don't know if it's best value in it's class. No problems though so far. (touchwood)

Buy What Car or find it on the net. Really useful at comparing models based on cost per mile (insurance, resale value, mpg etc).

Good luck.

-- Anonymous, March 10, 2002

Thanks Lynda. I've looked at WhatCar online and all it does is confuse me even further! They find fault with every car they review, although they did pick the Fabia as car of the year.

I suppose most of you on here are driving super posh company cars that you don't have to pay for!!!

-- Anonymous, March 10, 2002

I broke my choices down to Peugeot 206, Renault clio, Citreon Saxo and VW Polo. My final choice was based mainly on the fact that I liked the look of it!

I seem to remember the Yaris was car of the year and wasn't the Fabia - must mean something.

-- Anonymous, March 10, 2002

It has to be the new Mini, it will depreciate less than anything else.

-- Anonymous, March 10, 2002

That BBC2 programme about buying cars had a Skoda that went like sh1t off a stick and was rated very highly. Don't know if it was the Fabia, but.

One penile extension is as good as any other, but I suppose it has to depend on where you start from. What's the female equivalent ?:-{E}

-- Anonymous, March 10, 2002

The female equivalent is "how fast do you want your shopping to travel?"

-- Anonymous, March 10, 2002

My wife had a Yaris for a couple of years and loved it to bits

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2002

Does it have to be an brand spanking new car? If not go for the Peugot 106. This really is a "supermini" and I wouldn't like to ride in the back for more than a few miles, but you can pick a one that's a couple of years old for not much money at all. If you've got some boy/girl racer tendancies in you go for the 106 GTi. It's quick, handles like a go-kart and has loads of kit, ie leather trim, air con, good stero.

Also how about the Lupo, looks daft, but performs well.

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2002

Reposting this as it got lost ?

Jacko

Mrs Josh has a 3 dr Yaris SI. She's happy with it. Its brill until it gets to 67 mph then it gets noisy. Garage says thats the way it is. If all you're doing is Pottering about (sorry) then it'll be a typical Toyota.

It does loads of miles per gallon as well. The only issue I have is the doors on the 3 door open too wide - in hindsight we'd have bought a 5 door.

The alternative to the Lupo is the Seat Arosa which is the same car with different badges (and its cheaper).

Josh

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2002

If you can hang on till the end of the year then an excellent new Micra will be out.

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2002

I second SuperKev's choice of a new Micra. If it's as good as the new Primera, then it should be a great car. Be patriotic! But you'll have to wait a while.
Otherwise, take a look at the Honda Jazz. Incredibly cleverly designed, cheap in comparison with competitors, Doctor Who's Tardis interior space, multi-functional, you can arrange the seats 50 ways, great engine as all Hondas are, and also (last and probably least) some weird colours. My 5 year old twins think we should get the Barbie Pink one. I had a good look at all the mini, supermini and mini MPV cars at the Brussels Motor show a couple of weeks ago, and the Honda Jazz is a stand-out.

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2002

Barry

What did you reckon to the Citroen C3 ?

I've had a few CItroens over the years - 2CV, 4 BXs, ZX and have a Picasso. Mrs Josh will be changing Yaris in a year or so - the C3 is out in a month or so & will be settled in by then.

Josh

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2002

I must admit I didn't look at the Citroen stand because my wife likes auto gearboxes and I don't think the Citroens have them. But I had a 2CV and a Dyane and they were great. The only cars where you could drive using the accelerator as an on - off switch : either totally foot down to the boards or over on to the brake pedal. Great fun trying to scrape the door handles on the tarmac. And as the old joke goes, it came with central locking as standard. I think the C3 is basically the same as the Peugeot, so should be pretty good.

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2002

I actually quite like the Yaris Verso, which is the mini MPV version of the Yaris. Looks odd but the space inside defies all logic.

Josh - has your missus got the l litre or the 1.3 Yaris?

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2002

Its the 1 litre - enough poke - one of the mums at out scholl has the Versio - I'll ask her what she reckons on Saturday and let you know.

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2002

I meant our school - not the wooden soled sandals beside the back door.

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2002

My wife has a Corsa NEW one this is a decent motor, m iles better than the origonal, My mate whos a BMW fanatic bought his missus a Ford KA and thinks its great fun. My father in law bought a Mini One as a 2nd motor but its been back to the garage a few times , dodgy petrol filler and dodgy seat recliner.

-- Anonymous, March 12, 2002

Mick - I've got a 106 GTi. It's good fun, with tons of grip. But you really need to stoke the engine to 5000+ RPM to get the power. Then it's a case of hanging on. Saxo VTR is almost the same car but cheaper.

What Car? gave the Ka car of the year (budget / city car) again this year, so maybe worthwhile checking that out.

I need to give up the need for speed for a decent diesel. Any experts on that front? Tempted by a nearly new Brava - drove a left hand one in France a while ago and it was very pleasant.

-- Anonymous, March 12, 2002

Yes matey I drive a Passatt sport TDI 130Bhp its a mint motor , does 130plus and never gets less than 45 mpg, I honestly think its the best car ive ever had.

That said if youve loads of dosh me broth in law has just got a BMW 330td with all the bells n whistled (Craig bellamy's old car) its only 4 months old and is chipped . Ive never been in a bloody petrol car that fast jesus....

-- Anonymous, March 12, 2002

We had a Ka on loan while our Renault was being repaired. Not too keen, didn't really feel like it was holding the road too well. I also nearly crashed into Rob Lee while driving it!

-- Anonymous, March 12, 2002

Most V-dub TDi seems pretty sound. Affording one is another matter. Peugeot HDi engine is also supposed to be pretty good, but I don't fancy their cars much any more.

What's the service period in your Passat? And is it more expensive than a petrol service?

-- Anonymous, March 12, 2002

Its a company car but i think its not too bad every 10 or 12K seems to vary. But costs of servicing dont seem too bad. The build quality is 2nd to none though. When i contemplated having my own car and taking a allowance i was gonna go for a golf tdi but my mileage is too high ..

-- Anonymous, March 12, 2002

I'm on my 6th Citroen diesel - this one is a 2.0Hdi - previous ones were the turbos and one normal one.

The Citroen/Peugeot engine was the best for years. BMW is supposed to be better now and I'm not sure about the VW. Rover licensed it for their 4xx series a few years ago. The Ford one wasn't good enough for tractors last time I tried one and I've seen nothing to change my mind.

The main issue I reckon is the box its in. Enjoy

-- Anonymous, March 12, 2002

On your advice Barry I test drove a Jazz this evening. It's a beautifully built car and the flexibility of the seating and internal space is blinkin' amazing. The ride is a wee bit harsh but it's a very nice car to drive. Lots of extra kit for the price - air con, sunroof, ABS, electric windows front and back and all for less than 10,500! Trouble is, they're in very short supply at the mo so they are giving nowt in part ex values.

Have now driven that, the new Polo, the Yaris, the Yaris Verso and am having a go in a Fabia tomorrow. They all have good an bad points and I can't make me mind up!!

Might hang on for 2-3 months and see what happens when we move away from the new reg. period. My Polo's under warranty until December so I might just wait for a special offer or summat.

Thanks for all your advice!

-- Anonymous, March 12, 2002

stuff that, buy a nice little porsche 912 '72, not quite a 911, bit more like a Gti porscha, but cheaper - you only live once. OR get a Alfa drop top circa 73 and emigrate to the south of france and go cruising!

-- Anonymous, March 13, 2002

Hey Jacko, sounds like you don't need a new car. Just go to all your dealers, test Drive the car for the day, go to the next one, test drive their car etc. Should keep you going for about 3 months and then go back and say you are still undecided. It would save you a load on insurance!

Just as an aside, is their still a used car showroom on Leek Road opposite the University?(I am right in thinking you're in Stoke aren't I) I think I owe them a sign or two from my University days....

-- Anonymous, March 13, 2002

Interesting to hear your driving impressions of the Jazz, Jacko.

I just thought of another possibility - why not go up to Benfield Motors and get a secondhand car from the Toon fleet? My brother bought Warren Barton's trade-in without realising it until he read the previous owner details. Only problem is all those infernal blonde hairs all over the headrests.

-- Anonymous, March 13, 2002

I take it they were straight hairs...the thought of leaning back into Warren's curlies - yeuch!

-- Anonymous, March 13, 2002

Kegsy - Stoke Car Sales is still there. In fact, when I past it the other day a bloke stopped me looking for a couple of signs!

-- Anonymous, March 13, 2002

Al's Dodgey Knee has a toyota hiace van going cheap, might cost a bit to get back to blighty ......

-- Anonymous, March 14, 2002

Jacko, if he stops you again, tell him they are in the loft of 424 Victoria Road, right next to the temporary traffic lights from College Road.......

-- Anonymous, March 15, 2002

Jacko

Had a chat with the mum who has the Yaris Versio - its a 1.3 auto and its their only car. She loves it - takes 4 of them away on hols and has loads of room.

No noise like the 3 door wee've got.

-- Anonymous, March 16, 2002

Thanks very much for your trouble Josh. Unfortunately, when we looked at the figures, the Verso was going to cost just too much to change. So, after 9 different test drives(!) we actually put in our order for a Honda Jazz tonight! Thanks for that Barry.

We were on our fourth Honda dealer (from Blackpool to Cannock and all points between) before getting the best deal. Will get it Easter week.

Thanks to all of you for your help and advice.

-- Anonymous, March 21, 2002

Jacko - I bought a Citroen ZX from the Blackpool Honda dealer - I've had a nice letter (not pushy sales bumph) most years since then. Didn't buy a Honda but it was nice.

I saw a Jazz last week in a garage - they look a bit of fun.

Enjoy

-- Anonymous, March 22, 2002