Bit of advice for me mum on this one really.

At the moment she drives a T plate Honda CRV auto. Not the greatest car in the world, but it's served it's purpose and never missed a beat, although it's horrendous on fuel ! :(

She's looking for a replacement, with about 4.5k max to spend, as it's only a run about really.

Nothing too sporty, doesn't have to be as big as the CRV either, and might be handy if it's an auto due to a shoulder injury.

Not sure what Fabias etc come in auto (if any)

She likes the new Corsa but the prices are still too high.

Any suggestions ?

Has she looked at the new Panda?

A quick search on the Trader turned up Autotrader - Fiat Panda 1.2 Eleganza

Chris

im sure that you will be able to get an auto focus for that cash?

Chris,

When she mentioned it yesterday, the first thing i mentioned was your Panda.

I use the car 2 days a week when she's looking after the wee one, as SWMBO uses the Octy on those days, so i want her to get something decent.

Panda would be a good contender.

Matt,

My aunt has a Focus, which she does like, but my dad has a thing about Fords (he's a Saab/Volvo pringle jumper wearer)

What about a toyota yaris..

2002 Toyota Yaris 1.3 CDX 5 Door Auto on eBay, also, Toyota, Cars, Cars, Parts Vehicles (end time 02-Apr-08 12:18:21 BST)

as an example.. not bad little cars!

Well if its saab's your after..

Saab : Saab 9000 2.3 Aero Auto 250bhp

them old 9000's would put most octy vrs's to shame all from the comfort of your own saab sofa!

Chris,

When she mentioned it yesterday, the first thing i mentioned was your Panda.

I use the car 2 days a week when she's looking after the wee one, as SWMBO uses the Octy on those days, so i want her to get something decent.

Panda would be a good contender.

Matt,

My aunt has a Focus, which she does like, but my dad has a thing about Fords (he's a Saab/Volvo pringle jumper wearer)

V70 it must be then

Funnily enough i nearly bought a 9-5 Aero instead of the Octy, but trying to find a low mileage one wasn't easy.

Hmm..Yaris !

Another contender.

Thanks so far guys.

Funnily enough i nearly bought a 9-5 Aero instead of the Octy, but trying to find a low mileage one wasn't easy.

Hmm..Yaris !

Another contender.

Thanks so far guys.

What like this one.. Elite Car Co. : Saab 9-5 2.3 T HOT AERO 250 bhp Turbo

Only thing putting me off is that dash.. its awful!

Should've said "finding a low mileage one in my price range"

Dash is awful, but the single colour ones look a lot better.

Hyundai Getz 1.3 Auto - Comes with long warranty too IIRC

Hyundai Getz 1.3 GSi Auto on eBay, also, Hyundai, Cars, Cars, Parts Vehicles (end time 07-Apr-08 13:00:46 BST)

Kia Picanto 1.1 Auto

Kia Picanto 1.1 LX petrol auto 5 door hatchback on eBay, also, Kia, Cars, Cars, Parts Vehicles (end time 27-Mar-08 10:24:55 GMT)

Ford Focus 1.6 Auto LX

2002 FORD FOCUS 1.6 LX Auto on eBay, also, Ford, Cars, Cars, Parts Vehicles (end time 07-Apr-08 17:39:39 BST)

Ford Fiesta 1.4 Auto GHIA

2003 Ford Fiesta 1.4 Petrol Ghia Semi Auto low mileage on eBay, also, Ford, Cars, Cars, Parts Vehicles (end time 27-Mar-08 20:14:46 GMT)

Daihatsu Sirion 1.3 Auto

2002(02) Daihatsu Sirion F-Speed 1.3 AUTOMATIC 5 doors on eBay, also, Daihatsu, Cars, Cars, Parts Vehicles (end time 05-Apr-08 02:15:24 BST)

Honda Jazz

2002 Honda Jazz 1.4i-DSI SE Sport 5-Door Hatchback Gree on eBay, also, Honda, Cars, Cars, Parts Vehicles (end time 05-Apr-08 19:12:09 BST)

All with sub 45k miles.

Obviously you can get better cars for the same price but theyll have more mileage.

Jazz gets a very good write up as a car for the maturer driver.

Micra?

Panda as mentioned or the Grande Punto.

Suzuki Swift?

My old man just sold his Defender 90 Johnny , would have done her a treat:D

I will ask if he is willing to part with his MGB Roadster for her:)

Think I would be looking at a Yaris or even the Honda Jazz, there's bound to be an auto version. Both should be easy to get in and out of, and nice to drive, with good engines. Should run forever.

Many thanks for all the input fellas.

Spoke to her today, and may not be limited to an auto after all.

Something like the Jazz etc..will be fairly light cars, so cant imagine being a hefty gearchange on them.

I found swmbo's previous shape Yaris, which was a 53 plate 1.3 petrol, to have a very light gear change. I traded it in against the car I have now and the dealer gave me £4300 IIRC. That was last year.