I need to sort out a new car for my mum. I had planned to get her the all new Jazz in 2014 but for some reason the uk release has been delayed to 2015.

I did ask a similar question about a year ago so apologies for repeating.

The Jazz has served her well, and the size is just perfect, she would struggle to drive a car that was significantly bigger. Despite its small size the way the seats fold mean that it can transform into a mini van! I combination of this and the fact its a hatch back means it can actually carry more load than my 5 series!

Anyway these are the requirements

1) Four doors as she sometimes picks my two kids up from school. Can't be much bigger than the Jazz.

2) Clever folding seats + hatch would be nice

3) auto gearbox essential

4) New/demo car so she doesn't have to worry about repairs

5) I'd like to lease the car and £250ish or less per month would be nice

Thanks for your advice.

 

I'd go for one of the following myself: Panda; Kia Rio/Picanto; Hyundi i20 or Fiesta. Polo might be a tad pricey? They're all reliable cars and comes down to how they feel for your mum. I do like Kia small cars - very well put together, value, practical and good looking too.

 

Thanks. I don't have any experience of kia, hyundai etc. I'll have to pop into a garage and actually touch one.

That Fiesta based b max thing looks really clever.

 

M135i

Surely the Jazz will keep going until the new model? Turbo it if not fast enough?

Kia is a good call these days.

 

It's a car for my mum John! She doesn't need a M135i

The Jazz could keep going but needs new tyres, some body work repairs and has developed a leak in the boot. My mum is getting a bit fed up of it and wants to change.

 

As you mention leasing, just lease a Honda jazz for a year and then change the lease deal when the new one arrives?

Richard

 

Thanks.

Rich, I've never seen lease deals for 12 months. Aren't they always at least 24 months+

The new Kia cars do actually look very nice, I'll visit a dealer next week

 

Yes most are 24 months + but generally no problem swapping them after 12 months. Just same as swap a car that own outright. Couple people at work, their wives have Honda Jazz - all leased on 24 or 36 month contracts and just get a new one every year. As ironically it works out better APR / lower payments, and also sales person get more commision and garage gets a guaranteed 1 year old serviced Jazz that can easily put into their used car stock.
If I was taking one out I certainly would not mention wanted if for 1 year but would be asking questions about early swap etc.
Can fault Kia cars - seem V good value and well built and decent spec.

Richard

 

It looks like it makes sense for my mum to buy the vehicle through the Motability scheme.

For about the same money she could have

1) Golf 1.6 TDI SE, 5 door

or

2) Kia Ceed 1.6 CRDi

or for about another £1k

3) Mercedes B180 1.6 SE

Any thoughts? I've not driven any of them but I'm thinking the Golf.

 

I test drove the Golf today, the 1.6 Tdi SE model. I think the Golf it is, can't be bothered to try the Kia. It has a nice ride quality, visibility is good, auto box works well and even the engine seemed quite pokey. Steering is way over assisted and light but my mum will probably like this.

So now I just have to decide which one

1) 1.6TDi SE will cost a £599 down payment

2) 1.4 petrol SE will cost £549 dp

3) 2.0 TDi SE will cost £849 dp

So even though there is a £2.5k rrp difference between the 1.4 petrol and 2.0tdi in terms of down payment the difference is only £300.

My mum only does about 3000 miles a year maximum, is it worth getting a diesel? Or shall I go for the 1.4 petrol??

 

Petrol.

No point getting a derv for such low miles.
The DPF will be knackered in no time.

 

Thanks, that's what I thought.

 

Hmmm, I've been reading some worrying things about VW reliability on the web. Are they not reliable cars??

 

You only ever hear about the bad. It's brand new and under warranty...

 

The internet distils issues but I would say VW aren't as solid as they once were. Our camper (late 2011) has had a fair few issues, mainly mechanical.
But the mk7 is a nice car and I reckon a petrol would last your mum well. Diesels and short trips aren't good; all this emissions cr4p seems to just break cars.

 

Fair enough, I suppose it will be under warranty after all.

 

Warranty claims are still a PITA but I reckon the Golf will be fine. I like the look of the mk7 too!

Our campers had a new steering column, rear diff, part of the roof re-painted and a few other minor issues. Slightly annoying on something that lists at over £50k. But none have caused major inconvenience and I quite like driving other vans and cars while it's being done. If it went pop abroad it'd be different and it worrying if we want to run it outside of warranty.

 

The father in law has had the 1.4 tsi golf on motability for about 18 months now. It's only done about 4k, but hasn't skipped a beat. It's also quite nippy and good on fuel.

 

Thanks, I think I'll go for it.

 

My mum was a little worried about the size of the golf, it being quite a bit bigger than her current Jazz.

So thinking of going for an Audi A1 sportback, basically Polo size but much better quality interior. Unfortunately only the higher models come in auto. It will cost quite a bit more than the golf on the motability scheme even though the rrp is about the same ie circa £20k.

I'm going to test drive one this week.

 

If she only does 3000 miles a year it's probably cheaper for her to get taxis everywhere