Small car that would be light on petrol use (UK)?

Question

I need a small second hand car I could still fit a car seat, pushchair and two adults in, just in case our family car packed up, would you have any suggestions with pros and cons?

I do a lot of sitting in traffic jams in the morning, so I need one easy on petrol too.

I'd love to prat about in a Smart, but they're just too small and out of my budget :(
I would say £2.5k tops.

Thanks a bunch!

Oh yes, and if you know specifics for insurance and tax, feel free to give details too!

Cool, thanks for your answers so far. What do you think of "high up" cars such as Agila, Yaris etc? It's just that with all the juggernauts around, I was wondering if being a bit higher up would be safe for my litle girl.

Answer 1

I have a Vauxhall Corsa and fit three children on boosters on the back seat (just) and a buggy fits in the boot as easy as anything. I have had mine for three years and it is a nippy little thing but easy on petrol as well.

Answer 2

An early Ford Focus from around 1998 to 2000 is within your price range. An obvious choice, but there's cheap maintenance and parts, as you'd expect from a Ford. Should have more room than a Fiesta-sized supermini, which obviously will be handy as your child grows.

You say you're after a car that's low on fuel consumption, and a 1.4 should do over 40MPG (average). While that'should be good around town, you might find it a little weedy if you venture onto motorways much at all. If so, a 1.6 should be nicer. Quicker, and it doesn't consume much more fuel at all.

If you really need extra space, there's probably some estates lurking around too. As for safety, it's got a 4 (from a poss. 5) star Euro-NCAP safety rating.

Answer 3

try something like a new fiesta as they are low ins group cheap on petrol economical and look good. Alternatively a micra but not sure about the storage in one of those.
Finally try a corsa, but a newer one. They have plenty of space (space for a double buggy, and can fit car seats and infact we even managed to get 6 fully grown adults in my corsa,
If all else fails email me at [e-mail] as i know a few people who are selling there cars.

Answer 4

you can get way more economical cars than a 1.6 focus! for the ultimate in economy look at ranges such as the saxo offering diesel engines, or go for a 1.0-1.1 petrol engine. remember weight of the car would have great effect on mpg (which is why smart cars are very eco friendly) some other eco cars:

VW Lupo
Peugeot 106, 107
Toyota Yaris

Answer 5

Ford KA
Nice and small from the outside, but deceptively large inside.
Low insurance group, as low as group 2 if you buy a basic model, and certainly no higher than group 3 (so long as you don't go for the SportKA or StreetKA).
Room for two adults, child seat, and a buggy in the boot.

Failing that, a Corsa, Fiesta, Micra, or any of the small hatchbacks with an engine no bigger than 1.2L will pretty much meed your requirements.

Answer 6

I know what you'll think when I suggest this, 2.3 engine, 1.8 tonne car etc. But I have 2 Ford Scorpio 2.3 Ultima's. Been completly reliable as have all these cars that I have owned, is very good on safety, got the size/weight to protect your kid(s), is high etc. But the engine is one of the most efficient I have known. I get approximately 160 miles to £20 of petrol on combined runs (35MPG), 200miles on motorway runs(42MPG), is cheaper to run than my Girlfriends 1.5. I know your first thought will be that sounds too big and is impossible, but I suggest you seriously think about it as an option. It will run rings around all the small cars you try (especially the Smart which is literally DANGEROUS), is safer than houses (almost), and will cost you barely any more to run than a 1.1 fiesta.

I honestly don't know what is different about the design of these cars to most but even the 2.9 Cosworth engined one can deliver over 30 MPG on a run (I had 5 of these), which I still find strange, though not as strange as the 2.3's I have now which is really uncanny. I use them for business working and would not swap until I really have to!!

Answer 7

Ahhh,nice question, I love my Peugeot 205, for getting about( it's a diesel, 4 door and economical for fuel.)
You can get one for a few hundred.
Only I do agree with you on the safety issues.
I just use it for local runs and if I want to go on the motorway, I swop cars with hubby for the day!
M
( If I had spare £$ ,I would like a Ford Focus,they are inexpensive to run/service and I find the Ka has too small a roof,we are all giraffes!)

Answer 8

I would suggest a Nissan micra , you can still by these very economical and reliable little cars at a good price , the money you wish to spend would purchase a good one

Answer 9

I would get ya self a ford focus 1.6 econoimcal and pratical.

It sure as hell aint gonna get ya heart pumping when you put the pedal to the metal but i dont think your gonna do that. as for ya little girl if your that worried you shouldnt take her out in the car you need to relax a little

Answer 10

VW Golf 4