Hello fellow forumites,
We might be trading in both our current cars for a new supermini. We have a Saab 9-5 SE from 1999, and a Renault Megane hatch back from 2000. We're still thinking about what to do, but reasons for us wanting to trade in are simple:
-We can't afford to run and maintain the Saab (we recently had one fog light replaced at $600 NZDs.)
-fuel cost is too high, I think it's close to $200 NZDs per filling.
-I'm a learner, and using that car to learn on is frankly too pompous and ridiculous. Also, insurance for an under 25 driving a car with a turbo is far too expensive.
As for the Renault, well, it's French, and it's horrible, but that's not the main reason. The main reason is that the Saabs, despite having only done 23,000 kms in it's 10 year life span, is worth only around $10,000 NZDs now. Also, not much would consider a Saab over cars like BMW/Mercedes/Audi. So we thought, let's trade both cars in, and get something that is fully suitable for us both.
So I went car shopping today, and looked at a Ford Fiesta, and a Mazda 2. Currently, the Fiesta is much better IMO. It is far more spacious, the build quality is impeccable, bigger boot, and slightly more economical. Also, it looks so much better than the Mazda 2. We might test drive both cars next week.
Tomorrow though, we might go and see the Toyota Yaris, and VW Polo. Probably even look at Suzuki's Swift, and Fiat 500.
But for now, what do you guys think, and recommend?
Here are the conditions:
-Safe
-Cheap
-Practical
-Economical
-Reliable
-Good looks (optional )
We're not considering second hand. Reasons... well... let's not go there