Finally looks like we have found an alternative to the Octavia. SWMBO is really struggling to drive it and reverse. The car we found is a Fiat Idea, test drove one today a 1.4 16v middle spec and we both like it, insurance is cheaper by about 400 quid, the downside is that the boot is a lot smaller but we will have to compromise i suppose.

The Fabia is a not an option as like the Octavia the layout of the cockpit is a real struggle for her and the steering wheel is too big, we tried a Kangoo and Berlingo but whilst she can sit comfortably in them she feels like the car is huge and struggled to drive them, possibly due to the large amount of headroom?

Does anyone else have any suggestions about possible cars around the 10K mark mini people carriers preferably (and the Fiesta/Corsa are not options).

TIA

Depriciation on the fiat will be huge, buy today for 10k and will loose more than 50% in the first year, just look at the Stilo for an example. That said, the really small ones seem to be holding value ok. Italian build quality would be a concern, my sisters fiat broke down and cost more than

Finally looks like we have found an alternative to the Octavia. SWMBO is really struggling to drive it and reverse. The car we found is a Fiat Idea' date=' test drove one today a 1.4 16v middle spec and we both like it, insurance is cheaper by about 400 quid, the downside is that the boot is a lot smaller but we will have to compromise i suppose.

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How about the Stilo? Have been in one (but not driven), and it does seem like a nice car - well put together, good quality materials and that, and available from car supermarkets as 03-reg with low miles for

It is second hand and I havent yet seen how much the sticker price is flexible, its for sale at 10 K but the salesman offered me it for 9 as soon as I expressed an interest. If we do definately go for it then it will be a little bit of a gamble (like buying a Skoda ) but it is fully warrientied till Sept 2006 so I have some piece of mind.

Rob- SWMBO was not comfortable in the Stilo similar to the Octy in that the cabin architecture is very enclosing so with the seat far forward she feels claustrophobic and the steering wheel is huge.

They are listed as 10k brand new on the fiat site, the fact he has already offered a 1k reduction hints that they are proving difficult to sell 2nd hand. Will affect resale even more.

Rob- SWMBO was not comfortable in the Stilo similar to the Octy in that the cabin architecture is very enclosing so with the seat far forward she feels claustrophobic and the steering wheel is huge.

Hmm...so you're after a car which is big enough to use as a family-lugger, but feels like a small car? You don't like making things easy, do you?

Rob.

No SHE doesnt

(Divorce would probably be cheaper though now theres an idea )

How about a merc a class? A bit long in the tooth granted but you sit quite a bit higher, she might find it easier.

The A class is a good idea but the 1.4 is very gutless (8v IIRC?) I wonder waht the servicing cost are like though?

The A class is a good idea but the 1.4 is very gutless (8v IIRC?) I wonder waht the servicing cost are like though?

Agreed, the TDi's are probably best. I think there's a decent petrol now too (2.3?).

Merc Servicing aint cheap. Since they got their hands on Smart servicing, the price of the pollen filter for example has gone from

Much as I hate to say it...how about an Astra? Don't feel as big as the Octavia, etc. and they're pretty inexpensive to buy and run. Pretty reliable, if a bit unimaginitive...

Rob.

and there's a turbo...

Wont parking sensors help?

Rob-I haven't tried an Astra yet but will try that tomorrow, cheers.

Mannyo- I need to speak to the salesman and see how much I can get off the screen price.

Pearce_jj- The servicing costs and price of parts are ruling out the A-Class I am afraid.

Kentish- The issue is that SWMBO is 5 foot tall with short legs and arms as she is SE Asian and very petite. In order for her to find a safe driving position in the Octavia the seat has to be all the way forward at it's maximum height setting. The problem is that when she is in the seat she finds it difficult to see the mirrors and the size of the steering wheel means it is easiest to have her hands on the inside of the wheel. I would hate to imagine the results of the airbag going off.

Also maybe look at the Focus? Apparently very good handling and for 10k, you should be able to pick up a decent spec TDi .....

Chris

(Divorce would probably be cheaper though now theres an idea )

That's the option I would go for Alex ..............and you get to keep the Octy

That's the option I would go for Alex ..............and you get to keep the Octy

you hope...

If it was a Vrs then yeah that would be an option as its not I am a bit less sentimental about it :( .

SWMBO has said I can have it though if I get my new job so I should know by the end of the month

It will be my 6th car in 1 years of driving

Checked out the New Smart Forfour, @ the motorshow yesterday, given that , go have a look. Also the new Colt ( same chassis and engine as the Smart ), but more mainstream. ( you get the japanese bullet proof build quality and reliability ).

Fiat = First In All Trouble

i wouldnt go for a fiat, as everyone has said they're not the best arm of the business, surprising really when they can make cars like the Alfa GTA and Ferrari's, maybe Fiat ought to have a wonder round the other factories...

i know someone that bought a punto and 2 weeks later had a new gearbox fitted when the 1st one fell to bits. he isnt driving the car now, i think he took it back in the end.

Alex, you say you wife is around 5 ft, and so airbags may be a concern. Surely all new cars have driver front airbags now, so perhaps you should be going for an older design or model, or one that you can get without a drivers front airbag.

I know if my wife was that short the front drivers airbag would be a major factor for me too.