So I’m thinking of getting a new-ish car on HP and I would like some advice on cheap-ish cars, I have already looked at a Renault Twingo and am considering a Dacia Sandero but I’m thinking about other options, can anyone give me some suggestions based on past experience or cars you have driven? I want something that isn’t going to break the bank but has a decent amount of driver feel
The C1/Aygo/108 lot are outstanding fun. The 1.0 is not fast but it’s a cracking engine, and you won’t get much cheaper to run. Plump for the Toyota and you’ll get a 5 year warranty too.
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(most of this I already mentioned in your other thread)
I’m probably biased because I’m driving one as my first car, but the 1st gen Sandero is surprisingly fun.
It drives really well, it’s not trying to be “premium” in any form, but it’s of good build quality, reliable, no real known issues.
If going for the Sandero, how much more does the 1.5 dci cost on taxes and insurance, compared to the 1.2?
I’m not sure if warranties carry over to a new owner as I’m buying ‘nearly-new’ but even without it the Aygo is a great car + £30 road tax is bloody good
Yeah I like the Sandero but it would be nice to hear what other people have/think are good, the 1.5 is a bit pricey but it does save a lot in fuel and has a good low + too end range unlike the 1.2 which lacks in top end power and the 0.9 which lacks low range oomf
I am seriously considering one but I heard the steering is a bit numb and there isn’t a huge amount of driver feel
I would take the 1.5 due to it having decent power and economy balance as I want to spend all my petrol money on the beast which is currently in hibernation until I can be arsed to start working on it
It does carry over to the new owner with the Aygo at least, should be free tax on the newer 1.0 too. Some good deals on x-cite models if you want to stand out a bit. 
Hm my uncle has an Aygo and he finds it ok to drive
Truth be told though I am possibly looking for something more like the size of the Sandero
Yaris?
The Sandero is only a good deal really if you get one of the cheapest models, and it’s a good buy only if all you need from a car is getting you from A to B.
If you want ANYTHING else from a car except the fact it’s a car you should buy something else.
What is the next decent sized cheap-ish hatchback with a smaller than 1.4 engine?
Guess this would be a good moment to ask what country you live in because that obviously affects which cars can be recommended
I’ve been in quite a few sanderos, seeing as pretty much everyone at work has one.
I honestly think that my Ford Ka, Ka+ for you in england, is much nicer. The car is pretty fun to drive, controls are responsive and linear, gearbox is good and the handling is well balanced and agile. Maybe have a look at one, could be a good budget car.
About the sandero, it’s an honest car. It just works well as a car, there isn’t much flair, but it isn’t offensive in any way, which gives it a certain je ne sais quoi, an utilitarian charm. Be aware that depreciation on those is apparently terrible.
What about doing a test drive in one then? That will answer all questions you have.
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I would also recommend checking out the Ka+, and doing a test drive if possible
The Ka+ is crap here, would not recommend owing to the fact Ford seemingly don’t want to sell any. I’ll locate reasons in a minute.
Edit: Base spec starts at 8995, 9995 for a Zetec (which is an OK spec), we only get the 1.2 engine, and they’re too new to be on the second hand market yet. I’ve managed to see more new Suzuki Baleno’s than these things. Price is higher if you want the 85 engine over the 70 as performance is not great.
Sticking with Ford as an example, there are a few 1.0 Ecoboost Zetec or Titanium Fiestas for the same price around 1 year old with 5-7k miles on them which are quite a lot faster, free to tax and more economical, not to mention a fantastic drive.
For another comparison, a Sandero 0.9 TCe Laureate with metallic paint, a proper spare wheel, sat nav touchscreen thing and comfort pack is 9790, still gets you poshness like cruise control. Depreciation is pretty bad as mentioned but it does mean there are some second hand bargains. As you can see from the example above it’s pretty shocking on a Fiesta too, but it’s working in your favour there.
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All I can add here is that I helped a friend buy a 1.0 Ecoboost Fiesta recently, and that it’s a fantastic little thing. Such a happy little boosty motor, and a nice interior 
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Recommend the Fiesta as well
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Do all the 1.0 Ecoboost Fiestas use that same twin clutch gearbox?
No, thankfully.
Europe has some common sense and decided to sell the ecoboost without the powershit 'box.
Shame the engine with the manual 'box didn’t make it down here.
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so I’m going to test drive a Dacia anyway
I’m going to give the KA a pass because where I live it’s built up a reputation of being a girls car.
If I can honestly find a EcoBoost Fiesta for less than £100 a month with a small deposit I will take it because I know for a fact they are the best normal hatchbacks on the market
Edit: is a 2012 1.25 Zetec any good? I have just found one for next to nothing in decent condition and it has all of the basics that I would want too
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