What is the most economical new car I can buy?

Question

I am looking to change my car this year for a new one. I currently have a City Rover Solo on a '54' plate. I drive around 20,000 miles per year and need a very reliable car for work reasons so would prefer to have at least a three year warrenty. I need to know what car is best on petrol or diesel use, tax and insurance while still being very reliable. I also want the best buying price I can get. What do you suggest?

Answer 1

The most economical new car currently on sale in the UK is actually 3 cars: the Toyota Aygo 1.4 diesel, Peugeot 107 1.4 diesel and Citroën C1 1.4 diesel - effectively the same car with slightly different styling and different badges, all built in the same factory.

Other very economical cars are the Citroën C2 and C3 1.4 diesel (same engine as the Aygo, 107, C1), Fiat Panda 1.3 diesel, Vauxhall Corsa 1.3 diesel (same engine as the Panda), Ford Fiesta 1.6 diesel.
See http://www.vcacarfueldata.org.uk/information/how-to-use-the-data-tables.asp#petrol
for a more full list.

You will probably get the best price on one of the Citroën models, but the C2 and C3 do not have good reputations for reliablility (and the Toyota Aygo is likely to retain more value than its Peugeot and Citroën sisters).

Answer 2

In terms of reliability the small cars which do best in the JD Power consumer surveys and other reliabilty surveys are the Toyota Yaris and Honda Jazz. Both have good fuel economy have, like most cars, 3 year guarantee, the Hyundai Getz has a 5 year guarantee, is highly rated and is cheaper than the other two.

Best prices at places like trade sales in Slough. Toyota guarantee is from toyota, some cars like peugeot the 2nd and 3rd year guarantees are financed by the garage you buy from. So if you buy from a trade sales type place check out guarantees in detail.

Answer 3

I suggest you check this out:

http://www.lingscars.com/car_detail.php?make_model=25&id=999&status=1

I saw Ling on Dragon's Den a few weeks ago hence this suggestion. A Ford Fiesta leased for 3 years based on 20k miles per year is initially £481 then £160 per month. This includes road tax, and manuf warranty. You need to pay for the insurance and service of it and return it in reasonable condition.

This is a very reliable car and probably about the same size as a City Rover.

Scroll down for the MPG details etc.

Answer 4

A citreon C1 would meet your requirments perfectly, they are cheap to buy and run. Look quite cool as well. Diesel is gets more mpg but cars cost more and so does the fuel. If getting larger car try for diesel but a C1 will easily do 60 mpg on good runs in petrol guise. Good luck

Answer 5

I think City Rover are great cars and they are very economical even if they look really old. They are one of the most environmental friendly cars you'll ever find on earth. So please stick with city rover solo or why not upgrade to city rover select or city rover sprite.

Answer 6

Small Peugot diesel.
Or if you want to be different, the new citroens are way cool.
For Gods sake DONT buy a Prius.

Answer 7

any dodge, chrysler,jeep,chevy, and gm. they will last forever. the wrangler is your best bet. they last for aroound 300,000 miles and are cool looking. they are also cheap. if you want eviromental the chevy aero or avero is the best. hybrids are bad for the enviroment becaus the way the bettery is made.

Answer 8

i recently hired renault clio diesel and that was ecnomic and a great drive

Answer 9

Toyota Prius (sp?)

Answer 10

try nike goes when you feel like it don't use much gas and you will be helping the enviroment.