"sensible" car

bokdrol

bokdrol

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One of our cars is getting elderly and as it is rather unique, repair costs are high and parts are not always freely available. The other car is a small half ton bakkie which I use for my charity work. So we are looking for a "sensible" car. There are only two of us so a small car would be fine. The following are priorities:
Reliability
Not expensive to service
Reasonable price overall
Engine 1400-1600
5 door
A/C, power steering, electric windows.
Decent boot space

I don't like VW very much as I find them sluggish
 
Do not judge according to engine size, rather according to power, especially up here in Pretoria. A turbo would work best here for better power.

Fiesta 1.0 Ecoboost is quite good with power for example, and has a good bit more than the old Polo 1.6. What price do you have in mind more or less?
 
Price, not sure really, below 200 k I would imagine
 
The cheapest option would be the new Renault Sandero. Mid range model is 141, top spec 159 for the raised stepway version. Uses 0.9 Turbo from the clio, and stepway even has rear parking sensors.
Next is the Clio. 0.9 Mid spec uses the turbo, starts at 184, top spec is 205. Smaller than Sandero, and wouldn't be my preferred option at the price.

New Polo uses a 1.2 Turbo, starts at 188 with decent specs. Stronger than the Clio / Sandero though it has fewer fancy things inside.
Fiesta Ecoboost starts at 230 new, so a demo might be a better option.

Swift is also a good car for the price, though I do not know them very well.
 
Opel Corsa 1.4T - R201k.

1.4T puts out 88kW - won't be slow.
 
In that price range you could what most people have already suggested, most of the b-segment hatches have been around for some time now. Swift 1.2 has a very nice ride, the i20 is also good even though the ride is not that inspiring. Depending on what GM dealer you visit you could get a great deal on a Corsa Essentia (1.4/74kw) or Enjoy (1.4T/88kw). It is the same 1.4T they have in the Sonic RS and Astra but detuned down from 103kw, so it should last many year. Since you want a spacious boot I guess the i10 Grand is out.
 
Thanks people, will have a look at the cars suggested.
 
Shoaybd said:
Kia Rio Sedan 1.4 Tec
Click to expand...

Seconded! I have one. Awesome car. Had bad luck with a dealer, but changed dealerships.

Hell, even the model just below the Tec would meeting OP's requirements.

Debeer165 said:
The cheapest option would be the new Renault Sandero.
Click to expand...

A seriously good bang for buck car, and cheaper than the Rio Tec. I think I'd take one for a test drive if I were looking at cars again.

henry1103 said:
You can get a Fiesta 1.6 TDCI for around R200k
http://www.ford.co.za/cars/new-fiesta/specifications/price-list
Click to expand...

I almost bought one instead of the Rio. I kind of wish I did, because of that engine. Took one for a spin and I was blown away. However, the rather cramped interior and lack of that quality feel put me off.
 
henry1103 said:
You can get a Fiesta 1.6 TDCI for around R200k
http://www.ford.co.za/cars/new-fiesta/specifications/price-list
Click to expand...

this...This....THIS!!!

I know a few people with Fiestas and even someone with a Ranger 2.2 Turbo Diesel, none if them have a single complaint. The Fiestas belong to some ex varsity mates, they have been driven to the limit, been puked in multiple times on nights out, gone over some speed bumps at speed etc... They are still running great, they are built to last.


Also look at the Hyundai i20, lovely car, and has everything you want and the new ones look pretty good considering their pricing:
http://www.hyundaideals.co.za/specials/hyundai-i20-1.2-motion?gclid=CML7_fjDib8CFVHMtAodQV8Arg
 
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