A Car for Mother

[vulgalour]

Mum has lately been talking about wanting to have a bit more independance and Dad has been having trouble with his back and isn't really comfortable doing as much driving as once he was. I'm trying to convince Mum, therefore, to have another go at passing her driving test. Up until a few months ago she was having lessons and was just about ready to take her test but for some reason it never came to pass. She doesn't really like driving big cars and she's nervous about driving Dad's car. Something small, with an airy cabin that she could call her own would, I think, be just the ticket to get her to book a driving test.

 

So, the new challenge is to find a car to surprise her with, ideally for her birthday in September. She doesn't know I'm planning this and seems completely oblivious to me asking her questions about the sort of car she'd like. So far, I've narrowed it down to these three as her favourites to look at.

 

Daihatsu Sirion - Ticks all the boxes

 

Nissan Micra - this shape, particularly

 

VW Beetle - Mum would love one of these. I can't think it'd be a good idea though, while she can do spannering she's not a big fan of having to regularly.

 

 

The criteria:

> Automatic - this is a must, can't be full or semi manual

> Small engine, 1.3 at most

> Age range mid-80s up to 2000ish

> 5 doors preferred (I don't know why, she'd only be using the front seats)

> Splash of chrome

> Not Vauxhall (she's not comfortable in them)

> No sporting pretentions

> Hatchback

 

Any and all ideas welcome on this one. I want to make sure I'm not too blinkered to a few cars and that I get the right car for her.

[Cavcraft]

Peugeot 306 diesel. It probably doesn't fit any of your criteria but I thought I'd best mention it anyway.

Failing that a 106 would be ideal. Probably an L reg blue one.

[dollywobbler]

I vote Sirion. I'd quite like to try one of those. Cavcraft is ignoring the automatic requirement. WUD NOT TRUST.

[Junkman]

I'd say the Sirloin. Where else can you still get prime quality for maybe £1.50 per pound?

[warren t claim]

I'm thinking a silver Punto would be ideal

[RedSparrow]

Those Micras are ok, but have a really high clutch bite which pisses me off immensely. Nearly kneeing yourself in the chin as you start off* isn't fun.

 

*I was going to write pull off, but thought better of it.

[shedvan]

Why not just simply off the Ledbury Maestro you've been hawking about?

[vulgalour]

Hmm... Punto could be a sensible option, she does like her Fiats. As for giving her the Ledbury, she doesn't like it for a variety of reasons, one of which being it's not auto, the others being it's a Ledbury.

[ProgRocker]

Nearly kneeing yourself in the chin as you start off* isn't fun.

 

*I was going to write pull off, but thought better of it.

 

 

Something Japanese would fit the bill perfectly. How about a Toyota Corolla 1.3?

[carlo]

I think the Sirion could be perfect, proper automatic, 5 doors, a bit different, a dash of chrome, good spec; I remember Autocar really rating it in 1998.

 

Parts may be a bit tricky?

[Spiny Norman]

Those Micras are ok, but have a really high clutch bite which pisses me off immensely. Nearly kneeing yourself in the chin as you start off* isn't fun.

 

Polite throat-clearing noise....

 

The criteria:

> Automatic - this is a must, can't be full or semi manual.

 

I'd vote for the Micra too. Sweet engines, generally painless to own and easy to drive. The Sirion's funky but the Micra would be easier to get cheap/scrapyard bits for I'd imagine.

Or how about a VW Polo?

[skattrd]

I'd also check out some random Jap imports, most of those are autos.

I've got a thing about Honda SMX's, these are pretty much all autos and come fully loaded as they're imports. 4 door, however the only side door is on the nearside.

[Micrashed]

Why not just simply off the Ledbury Maestro you've been hawking about?

+1

Surprisongly a decent roomy car for the less nimble of body.

[Tonka]

I've got a thing about Honda SMX's, these are pretty much all autos and come fully loaded as they're imports. 4 door, however the only side door is on the nearside.

 

I still find myself looking at them, got fond memories of ours before the Laguna driver didn't see the brake lights.............

[R9UKE]

The CVT auto in those Micras is absolutely shit - tuned to what nuns would want in a gearbox. Although being an older woman she probably doesn't care about driver involvement too much.

 

And the Sirion? Would you really want to look at a face as miserable as that??

[J-T]

Daihatsu UK are no more and I doubt sirions will be a common sight in a breakers yard. I've never driven an auto Micra, but just watch the front crossmember on them as they rot out.

 

I'd be thinking 3dr civic or corolla myself

[RedSparrow]

Aaaaand I just went back and read the bit about it having to be automatic.

[Barry Cade]

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Toyota-Starle ... 53f4a65134

 

The criteria:

> Automatic - this is a must, can't be full or semi manual

> Small engine, 1.3 at most

> Age range mid-80s up to 2000ish

> 5 doors preferred (I don't know why, she'd only be using the front seats)

> Splash of chrome

> Not Vauxhall (she's not comfortable in them)

> No sporting pretentions

> Hatchback

 

I claim my five pounds.

[pandarus]

The woman next door but one has a white 'N' reg Micra auto which she has owned since the dawn of time (well ages).

 

In true Nissan style the thing has just run and run. So for reliability it should tick the box, they drive like they are on rails too. I also think you could get one for real Shiters money.

[In The Pit]

Ford Fiesta MKIV or MKV, ladies love them. Cheap to buy and run and from what i've been told nice to drive.

 

MKIV

 

MKV

[vulgalour]

Fiestas have to be crossed off too. She's not keen on their face, saying they either look sad or smug. Starlet is a serious contender though, that's a great suggestion.

[Ben_L]

Fiestas have to be crossed off too. She's not keen on their face, saying they either look sad or smug. Starlet is a serious contender though, that's a great suggestion.

 

I'd not suggest a Micra or Fiesta Auto due to the CVT gearboxes. Micra CVT's can be troublesome and Fiestas just sound shite with them in...

I'd like to suggest on a serious note a 106, but the smallest engine is a 1.4 Auto, same with the Saxo and Clio.

As much as Daihatsu aren't a well known brand, there's always eBay etc etc and it is a really well specced motor, most come with electric windows and roof, central locking and A/C.

If Vauxhall wasn't a problem, I'd say a Corsa Auto, even though they've got a reputation for gearbox faults, 99.6% of the time it's the selector which is a piece of piss to clean out and make work.

 

Mother_L has a 1.4 16v Megane Automatic and says it's the best thing since sliced bread. Seeing as she's got major back problems, the seating position is perfect for her and she likes the high steering wheel and how most things fall to hand when shes driving. I on the other hand hate it and likewise, when ever I drive it, it throws up various warning lights.

 

If you could coerce her into getting a slightly bigger engine, Hyundai Accent for ultimate shiting points... The 1.5CDX has electric everything and save for an oil change annually, she'd probably have no trouble other than tin worm, which in my case, I'd have no problem keeping the car clean and ensuring it lasted out. Even the GSi is nice, but the CDX has AC, ABS, Twin Air Bags and Electric Windows x 4.

[trigger]

I'm in a simiar boat myself, after the Golf has gone and depending on how my wife gets on with the Alto (once it's fixed) I want to buy something with the same criteria later in the year, expect mine needs to be a manual.

 

A mate of mine has a 2003 Daihatsu Sirion and really rates it, he's had no problems in 18 months and says it goes like the clappers for a 1.3, Parkers list it doing 0-60 in under 10secs which is crazy!, I have been looking at them but there's hardly any about.

 

The Micra is a very good car, we had one years ago, again a 1.3 GX and that was a nippy thing, she wants another one but they are quite expensive for anything with a decent spec, the Fiesta's are cheap now but suffer with rust.

 

Mash of this parish has a Starlet and that seems a nice car when i saw it at Shitefest.

[Doctormop]

Hyundai Amica?

Small, plenty of autos about, very easy access for anyone of mature years, my Father in Law had one and it seemed to be pretty viceless, bright yellow one in Mansfield jumped out at me when browsing t'bay;

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2001-HYUNDAI- ... 35c41bc824

[Ben_L]

Hyundai Amica?

Small, plenty of autos about, very easy access for anyone of mature years, my Father in Law had one and it seemed to be pretty viceless, bright yellow one in Mansfield jumped out at me when browsing t'bay;

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2001-HYUNDAI- ... 35c41bc824

 

Any tall Asian car is worth a look... Daihatsu Move, Atoz, Amica etc etc...

 

The later the Amica, the better... More goodies

 

Looked at a 56 plate one for Granny just before she croaked it and got reprimanded for not informing her on the test drive that the wiper stalk and indicator stalk were back to front... Haha. She commented that the seats were hard but she only did three miles a week, but we never got to put the deposit down, unfortunately.

 

Some Hyundai Amica/Atoz have chain driven engines too according to H-UK... Think the 1.0 is belt and the 1.1 is chain...

[Alexg]

Sirion should do the job

 

 

What about a Rover Metro?

[seacow]

http://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-moto ... 1009026252

 

this looks bonny! i could bring it half way for you!

[meggersdog]

Ticks some but not all the boxes

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271153214747? ... 1555.l2649

 

I have just got it MOT'd but the tax is due end of the month.

[barefoot]

A mate of mine has a 2003 Daihatsu Sirion and really rates it, he's had no problems in 18 months and says it goes like the clappers for a 1.3, Parkers list it doing 0-60 in under 10secs which is crazy!

 

I've seen this and these numbers before but I've not actually driven one yet (it's on my to do list)

I suspect it would ideal for both

A, a speed king of an old twat like me and

B, an insecure old dear learner lacking a bit of confidence

[Lord Sterling]

Another vote for the Micra here. They just run and run. Ma_Sterling has one (that I am now using again no thanks to my Rover's 'Honda' engine throwing in the towel) its always been my back up car whenever my Sterlings have given up. My....sorry Ma's Micra though is a manual. I did drive a late 'bubble' K11 with the CVT box and nearly wrecked the box after knocking it into reverse whilst driving forward. There doesnt seem to be any stops between the selections like there is on the Rover for example.