Cars!

I have a Jazz too, bought from new 1yr 3 months ago and it has been faultless, but then it would be being a new car.
I did a lot of research and unlike some others perhaps I go for reliability, practicality and economy and it seems to deliver all of those, plus we wanted something we could just pay cash for. So my starting points are different from some other peoples. As mentioned the practicality side is excellent with the 'magic seats' all the back folds completely flat, and the back seats individually act like cinema seats so useful. We needed a car that can take a lot of kit, for travelling and for other things but also carry four with roomy back seats which they are. Even for tall people the front seats are plenty roomy. The dash and other controls are really simple and functional and well designed. The brakes are top notch, though took me quite a while to get used to as they are much more sensitive than our old banger.

Reliability was important because we plan to take it on some long trips at home and abroad.

Sure it is not the speediest, but like all other cars (perhaps barring the Reliant Robin) it does the national speed limit with ease. Yes it is not the quickest from a standstill, but then it is a 1.2 non-turbo so you understand what you are getting. But honestly I find it more than adequate for joining motorways and overtaking - as with every car, you must know you car and drive within its abilities. I'm not a tame driver and find it fine. We get 50+mpg depending, but mostly do 80 A road/20 urban. Fair bit more on the motorway.

I don't quite understand the digs it gets regarding looks as I find it no different looking really than plenty of other cars in the class, but then looks is very subjective and emotional thing and each to their own. To me most of the cars on the road look pretty much the same, a compact version with bits and bobs different, a saloon class ditto with a crease here and there and to me at least it's not important. Just as well as I also have a battered 16 year old Corsa that I love Of the current crop of cars the only one I really like the looks of is the Scirroco. For me cars with style are pretty much a thing of the past ...

We waited to buy until Honda had a 5-5-5 on offer which they do periodically I think. Free 5 years warranty, 5 years breakdown cover, 5 years service so if you are still considering the Jazz Woo might look out for that.

The one negative with the Jazz is the design of the dash as it really does reflect in the windscreen on sunny days, most annoying. Also they have a reputation for misting on the inside windows (design?) so an A/C version is recommended.

We looked at a lot of other cars at the time. The Fabia I really liked in general, but the 3 cylinder felt sluggish and the 4 cyl all have turbos I think. While the burst of power is nice, I know turbos have a habit of going pop, and at great expense, so that was ruled out.

The Kia Rio I didn't like at all, felt very tiny inside and the rear window is tiny and awful for reversing. It also has a small boot.

The Hyundai i20 was pretty much the same as the Rio. We drove the Golf, but again the turbo issue and also the OH thought the gearbox was awkward (the Jazz has a very nice gearbox). We drove a few others but for one reason or another were discounted. We also drove the Nissan Note I think which felt like you were driving a shoebox, very weird sensation when sitting inside, can't remember anything else about it.

I found www.reliabilityindex.com which is a good general starting guide but there's lots of other website to cross-reference if you are looking beyond mere looks. As with all these things, treat with caution.

Anyway, Woo I hope you get what you want. Good luck! Looking forward to the pix!

GG

 

The way I see things, turbos are just something else to go wrong, and looks dont help one bit when the car breaks down going over the Snake Pass in the middle of winter...

As you also point out, cars with style are a thing of the past. Back when I was a child, we could tell the difference between cars. Now, they have a tendency to look the same, and that even seems to apply to the colour. Where are the colours of the 50's and 60's? The chrome? The fins? The sheer extravagance of american cars, subtle style of British ones, excitement of the italians?

And what happened to that early form of In Car Entertainment known as the bench front seat?

 

having lived in Jämtland, albeit shortly, I know exactly what you mean...the odd elk crossing and such...

 

Should that not be a Super Star?

 

Saabs even designed their cars to prevent the occupants getting hurt when they hit an elk...and the reason Mercedes had to do a lot of work on their original A class cars after one rolled over when subjected to the Elk Test!

 

Saabs.....I never did get to own one, I think I've missed out somewhere along the line.

 

You have missed out...They are a cracking car to drive, imho of course. A bit quirky as well, which is always a plus in my book.

 

I always liked them Sandy, a car that was a bit different to all the rest....and solid!

 

@Sandy Ground we are in agreement on the stylishness of older motors, and the better colour range (it seems now it is grey, red, blue, black) and I'm with you completely on the bench seats (figuratively speaking of course ).

Just to show I'm not a total fuddy-duddy here is my lust-for car, Saga's in The Bridge, if I could have a brand spanking new one of these (all Japanese engineering if they weren't much cop themselves) I'd be very tempted for a fun car, beautiful simplicity, woof woof ....




And talking of bench seats, this is what I had when a student, just an ordinary everyday car but I loved it:



GG

 

A 1978 Mercury Zephyr if I am not mistaken...

 

I've revived this thread because Mr S and I are back on the SUV trail again. Having decided to delay buying a car, perhaps it's just a well. We will now be buying around the end of September and the spec has changed slightly, we now intend to by a 4x4 and the Nissan Juke is out of the question unless we buy top of the range.

@HarryS you've said in a previous post that you're happy with your Mitsubishi. I've had a look at the ASX on the internet and I'm in some confusion about which models have 4x4. Also, those that have it, is it selected by the car or by the driver? My other necessity is a telescopic steering wheel, is that available please?

Although we haven't looked over the Mitsubishi yet, it's a consideration. We also want to check out the Hyundai IX35. Any thoughts on that please everyone?

 

Thanks FC. I should have said we'd prefer a 'part-time' 4x4 which is why we're interested in the Mitsubishi. We're looking to buy a used car up to £12,000.

 

@Sheal , I have the Mitsubushi ASX3 not the 4WD model . I am not to sure how available they are . For £12k you are looking at a 2012 4WD model.The son in law just bought a Nissan X trail for towing their new caravan . Really nice car even though its an old model . Really good for towing.
Would you buy from the mainland ? That must save you a few quid.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...earlynew,used&body-type=suv&logcode=p&adPos=4