Which small, reliable, automatic 5 door car?

wyx087

wyx087

Suspended / Banned
Messages
3,209
Edit My Images
Yes
With our Fiat Panda's automated manual gearbox occasionally throw a hissy fit, we've decided to get rid of it before it gets expensive. :exit:

So my wife is looking for a small, automatic 5 door car. It as to be reliable where the car won't stop working in the middle of the road. :eek: Has to be cheap to insure for a just-passed driver. We would plan to keep the car for as long as possible, I'm thinking £8000 is reasonable for a 3 year old city car.

There seems to be many types of automatic transmission. It seems the automated manuals are the cheapest, least reliable version and the one to avoid. Ideally she'll want one that creeps forward when lift off the brakes.

Not in a hurry to buy at the moment, just looking for car models to look out for, or to avoid.

How about Toyota Yaris hybrid? It uses power train similar to Prius, so should be ultra reliable?
Wife also likes idea of driving a Mini, how are their automatic versions? Are they as good as 3 series autos?
Nissan Micro CVT? or Honda Jazz CVT?

Your input is much appreciated. :clap:
 
The only experience I have in the class is the old man's Hyundai i20 (from new).
Wouldn't touch another one with a bargepole.
Not only has the car been shockingly poor, Hyundai's customer service has been appalling.
 
Couple across the road have a Nissan Note automatic and they love it - their on their 3rd Nissan and 2nd Note.
 
Just been out to double check and theirs is a 5 door :)
 
Honda Jazz...
 
I would buy a small petrol Japanese. Yaris, jazz etc..

The jazz is said to be the most reliable car in the UK.

Newer cars tend to be a lot cheaper to insure. I had a shock the other week getting a quote for a fiesta St.
 
Last edited:
andyred said:
Just been out to double check and theirs is a 5 door :)
Click to expand...

Thanks. So Nissan CVT are quite reliable then. Micra should also be okay?

andy0306 said:
Avoid the 'ishift' version it's horrible, we test drove one and ended up buying a manual version. Can't comment on the CVT version, although I read it is better.
Click to expand...

Yes, I had been reading this. The iShift versions are the horrible automated manuals.

Chipper said:
Love my Eco Yaris...
Click to expand...

Could you let me know what power train has it got? what type of transmission? Servicing costs?

andy0306 said:
1.2Tsi Ibiza DSG :D
Click to expand...

Ok, VAG Polo/Ibiza/Fabia with DSG are also worth considering. How are DSG's, any known problems I need to check for and service history I need to take note?
 
All I can say about the automatic manuals is that they take a little getting used to. We have a 52 plate 1.2l Clio with one of those gearboxes and as long as we remember to select the right gear as we approach a junction/roundabout, it works just fine! Not so much fun if you forget and it decides to change down just as you're trying to pull out a bit swiftish... IMO, for smaller engines, they work better than traditional torque converter autos in that when they're in gear, the ratio is locked in rather than the TC absorbing some of the power. Have to admit that we're both far happier in our bigger enginned autos though!
 
Power transmission? It's automatic... I paid for a service package but it's economic if you take the time to work out how to get the best from it. If you want to floor it, don't get one of these.
 
wuyanxu said:
Thanks. So Nissan CVT are quite reliable then. Micra should also be okay
Click to expand...

Can't say from personal experience, but they had a Micra and the reason they changed up to a Note was a slightly larger / taller / bit more room in the boot for the dogs - boxers.

As far as I know, they've not had any issues at all and I do know they've had excellent customer service from the local Nissan - and this is where / why they've bought all 3 from there.

Hope that helps.
 
VW Polo DSG should be about right. Or same in a Skoda Yeti.

DSG has a little bit of a character but once you get used to I would never ever go back to owning a manual as main car.
 
wuyanxu said:
Ok, VAG Polo/Ibiza/Fabia with DSG are also worth considering. How are DSG's, any known problems I need to check for and service history I need to take note?
Click to expand...

DSG oil change every 40k. You are risking a lot if not done... If it is not dead on purchase and you change it asap it might be fine but I'd nock the price right down for that reason.

Many service centres won't even suggest that as a part of service unless specifically requested. It is very naughty of them. Car wouldn't ask for one either.
 
wuyanxu said:
With our Fiat Panda's automated manual gearbox occasionally throw a hissy fit, we've decided to get rid of it before it gets expensive. :exit:

So my wife is looking for a small, automatic 5 door car. It as to be reliable where the car won't stop working in the middle of the road. :eek: Has to be cheap to insure for a just-passed driver. We would plan to keep the car for as long as possible, I'm thinking £8000 is reasonable for a 3 year old city car.

There seems to be many types of automatic transmission. It seems the automated manuals are the cheapest, least reliable version and the one to avoid. Ideally she'll want one that creeps forward when lift off the brakes.

Not in a hurry to buy at the moment, just looking for car models to look out for, or to avoid.

How about Toyota Yaris hybrid? It uses power train similar to Prius, so should be ultra reliable?
Wife also likes idea of driving a Mini, how are their automatic versions? Are they as good as 3 series autos?
Nissan Micro CVT? or Honda Jazz CVT?

Your input is much appreciated. :clap:
Click to expand...

The HONDA JAZZ is a great little car, 5 STAR Ncap and our old one is 5 year old now and not an issue yet M/T though, but we are looking at an auto Jazz for the Mrs mum who has our old M/T Jazz....They are a great car and good mpg too!
 
Thanks all. With regard to CVT, how do I find out if it's chain driven or belt driven? Would belt need replacing every 80k or so?

How about Ford Fiasta? Powershift is a dual-clutch transmission isn't it? Anyone have any experience with those?

I'm leaning heavily towards on waiting for a suitable Yaris Hybrid as first choice. Prius are known for their reliability, and if Taxi choose them, surely they know the power train can last the full length of their abuse.



rjbell said:
You could almost get a new swift for that money. Very reliable car.
Click to expand...

Thanks, another car added to the list. Which version is preferred? CVT version or the 4 speed automatic version?

LongLensPhotography said:
DSG oil change every 40k. You are risking a lot if not done... If it is not dead on purchase and you change it asap it might be fine but I'd nock the price right down for that reason.

Many service centres won't even suggest that as a part of service unless specifically requested. It is very naughty of them. Car wouldn't ask for one either.
Click to expand...

Thank you, it's the exact information I need. (y)(y)

Nod said:
All I can say about the automatic manuals is that they take a little getting used to. We have a 52 plate 1.2l Clio with one of those gearboxes and as long as we remember to select the right gear as we approach a junction/roundabout, it works just fine! Not so much fun if you forget and it decides to change down just as you're trying to pull out a bit swiftish... IMO, for smaller engines, they work better than traditional torque converter autos in that when they're in gear, the ratio is locked in rather than the TC absorbing some of the power. Have to admit that we're both far happier in our bigger enginned autos though!
Click to expand...

Let's just say the car we just got rid of was not safe to drive in traffic and may require mid-road restart. Local trusted garages recommend getting rid of it and one dealer even said he'll never touch Fiat automated manual as soon as he saw the gear stick. So I, too, would not touch automated manual again.
 
wuyanxu said:
Thanks all

How about Ford Fiasta? Powershift is a dual-clutch transmission isn't it? Anyone have any experience with those?.
Click to expand...

Not with that transmission, but wife used to have a Fiesta (manual box) and absolutely loved it.

Would recommend you get Zetec spec upwards.
 
wuyanxu said:
Thanks all. With regard to CVT, how do I find out if it's chain driven or belt driven? Would belt need replacing every 80k or so?

How about Ford Fiasta? Powershift is a dual-clutch transmission isn't it? Anyone have any experience with those?

I'm leaning heavily towards on waiting for a suitable Yaris Hybrid as first choice. Prius are known for their reliability, and if Taxi choose them, surely they know the power train can last the full length of their abuse.





Thanks, another car added to the list. Which version is preferred? CVT version or the 4 speed automatic version?



Thank you, it's the exact information I need. (y)(y)



Let's just say the car we just got rid of was not safe to drive in traffic and may require mid-road restart. Local trusted garages recommend getting rid of it and one dealer even said he'll never touch Fiat automated manual as soon as he saw the gear stick. So I, too, would not touch automated manual again.
Click to expand...
Sorry I know nothing about the auto transmission option. I've never had it or want it. It's not on my radar.
 
Thanks again! So my current list of candidates are:
- Toyota Yaris hybrid e-CVT
- Honda Jazz CVT
- Nissan Micra CVT
- VAG Polo/Fabia/Ibiza DSG
- Ford Fiasta Powershift

Is there a website where I can look up the car's servicing requirements over its life time? eg. whether the car has timing chain or belt, and when it needs changing, when does the transmission oil need changing. Vital information like that when looking at car's service history.

I don't want to buy a car and be landed with £500 bill a year after owning it because I had not known timing belt needed replacing (for example).
 
Last edited:
wuyanxu said:
I don't want to buy a car and be landed with £500 bill a year after owning it because I had not known timing belt needed replacing (for example).
Click to expand...
If you're not buying new you may be able to use this sort of thing to haggle down the price. e.g. cam belt due at 40k, car on forecourt done 43k, no record of cam belt change, I'll take the car if you knock £500 off for new cam belt.

(40k , £500, example figures only.)
 
wuyanxu said:
Thanks again! So my current list of candidates are:
- Toyota Yaris hybrid e-CTV
- Honda Jazz CTV
- Nissan Micra CTV
- VAG Polo/Fabia/Ibiza DSG
- Ford Fiasta Powershift

Is there a website where I can look up the car's servicing requirements over its life time? eg. whether the car has timing chain or belt, and when it needs changing, when does the transmission oil need changing. Vital information like that when looking at car's service history.

I don't want to buy a car and be landed with £500 bill a year after owning it because I had not known timing belt needed replacing (for example).
Click to expand...
Don't know about other manufacturers but if you can find the registration of a Fiesta in an advert, so long as it is the car's original registration, personal registrations don't work, enter the registration into the relative box > https://www.etis.ford.com/vehicleRe...id=52B6A40D893B38EB15E31F7A3D3C8A67.eccvas506 , not only will it give registration and build details of the car you will also find a link which will generate a service schedule. Just type in the year and/or mileage for next service and it will let you know what is required. You can also check what was required on previous services, from there you can hope the garage that serviced the vehicle has kept records of what has been done and is willing to pass on the information to you.
 
LongLensPhotography said:
Many service centres won't even suggest that as a part of service unless specifically requested. It is very naughty of them. Car wouldn't ask for one either.
Click to expand...
my local VAG specialist i use seems to mention DSG interval ("•• DSG Gear box Oil & Filter changes are recommended at 40,000 miles or 4 years which ever comes first."). but they are pretty belt and braces kind of place. not the cheapest but you know its right. £149.
 
wuyanxu said:
Thanks again! So my current list of candidates are:
- Toyota Yaris hybrid e-CTV
- Honda Jazz CTV
- Nissan Micra CTV
- VAG Polo/Fabia/Ibiza DSG
- Ford Fiasta Powershift

Is there a website where I can look up the car's servicing requirements over its life time? eg. whether the car has timing chain or belt, and when it needs changing, when does the transmission oil need changing. Vital information like that when looking at car's service history.

I don't want to buy a car and be landed with £500 bill a year after owning it because I had not known timing belt needed replacing (for example).
Click to expand...

the reliability index gives you there reliably ranking and average repair bills and what mostly goes wrong with a particular car. Its doesn't go into detail about particular engines and transmissions though. Jazz is number one.

http://www.reliabilityindex.com/top-100
 
DorsetDude said:
If you're not buying new you may be able to use this sort of thing to haggle down the price. e.g. cam belt due at 40k, car on forecourt done 43k, no record of cam belt change, I'll take the car if you knock £500 off for new cam belt.

(40k , £500, example figures only.)
Click to expand...

Exactly, hence trying to find as much information on each of the car as possible.

nilagin said:
Don't know about other manufacturers but if you can find the registration of a Fiesta in an advert, so long as it is the car's original registration, personal registrations don't work, enter the registration into the relative box > https://www.etis.ford.com/vehicleRe...id=52B6A40D893B38EB15E31F7A3D3C8A67.eccvas506 , not only will it give registration and build details of the car you will also find a link which will generate a service schedule. Just type in the year and/or mileage for next service and it will let you know what is required. You can also check what was required on previous services, from there you can hope the garage that serviced the vehicle has kept records of what has been done and is willing to pass on the information to you.
Click to expand...

Thanks, this looks very similar to the Mercedes one I've used before, but with even more details.

Anything similar for Toyota/Honda/Nissan/VAG cars?
 
Interestingly, when my in-warranty VW reached 40k miles and needed it's DSG gearbox lubricating VW charged me about £350 but reassured me it would be "cheaper the next time"!, ie when the car is out of warranty and I don't have to use a VAG garage. :(

neil_g said:
my local VAG specialist i use seems to mention DSG interval ("•• DSG Gear box Oil & Filter changes are recommended at 40,000 miles or 4 years which ever comes first."). but they are pretty belt and braces kind of place. not the cheapest but you know its right. £149.
Click to expand...
 
Cartus said:
Interestingly, when my in-warranty VW reached 40k miles and needed it's DSG gearbox lubricating VW charged me about £350 but reassured me it would be "cheaper the next time"!, ie when the car is out of warranty and I don't have to use a VAG garage. :(
Click to expand...
Mines on 43k and they never mentioned it at its last service, less than 1000 miles ago. Gits. Believe cam belt is due next time as well so its going to be small fortune that service. Gonads. :sulk:
 
wuyanxu said:
With our Fiat Panda's automated manual gearbox occasionally throw a hissy fit, we've decided to get rid of it before it gets expensive. :exit:

So my wife is looking for a small, automatic 5 door car. It as to be reliable where the car won't stop working in the middle of the road. :eek: Has to be cheap to insure for a just-passed driver. We would plan to keep the car for as long as possible, I'm thinking £8000 is reasonable for a 3 year old city car.

There seems to be many types of automatic transmission. It seems the automated manuals are the cheapest, least reliable version and the one to avoid. Ideally she'll want one that creeps forward when lift off the brakes.

Not in a hurry to buy at the moment, just looking for car models to look out for, or to avoid.

How about Toyota Yaris hybrid? It uses power train similar to Prius, so should be ultra reliable?
Wife also likes idea of driving a Mini, how are their automatic versions? Are they as good as 3 series autos?
Nissan Micro CVT? or Honda Jazz CVT?

Your input is much appreciated. :clap:
Click to expand...
Go for a full auto or a double clutch semi auto, cvt gearboxes are horrid to drive.
 
Ricardodaforce said:
Citroen C4 Cactus.
Click to expand...

No, just no. I despise all SUV's. Either go with a capable off-roader like a Land rover, or estate for internal space. SUV is a pointless attempt to look big and aggressive on a crowded road.

Also Cactus is sooooo ugly.

testbloke said:
Go for a full auto or a double clutch semi auto, cvt gearboxes are horrid to drive.
Click to expand...

'ts true for a petrol head. But for someone who never plans to go above 50 mph in the car and never pressed the accelerator more than half way, I think CVT is going to be okay. This car is more about cheap running costs over 5+ years of driving in stop-start traffic rather than fun to drive on the country road. I've got my coupe for that :p
 
wuyanxu said:
'ts true for a petrol head. But for someone who never plans to go above 50 mph in the car and never pressed the accelerator more than half way, I think CVT is going to be okay. This car is more about cheap running costs over 5+ years of driving in stop-start traffic rather than fun to drive on the country road. I've got my coupe for that :p
Click to expand...

CVT will be fine for that. I've got CVT in my Lexus RX and it's perfect for cruising around and suits the nature of the RX. For people who aren't used to a CVT the way the engine revs on hard acceleration sounds a bit weird but mine gets down the road pretty sharpish when required. 270bhp inc elec motor and 0-60 in 7.6secs if thats important to you.

I'd consider myself a petrolhead and wouldn't consider a cvt in a sports car but otherwise it's perfectly acceptable.
 
I've had a CVT Jazz for 7 years now with no problems. I could have had the short lived ishift at the time but knowing that type of gearbox opted for the CVT which was still available. I'm glad I did because the Jazz soon reverted to the CVT which I've found to be just the job.
 
Gupster said:
CVT will be fine for that. I've got CVT in my Lexus RX and it's perfect for cruising around and suits the nature of the RX. For people who aren't used to a CVT the way the engine revs on hard acceleration sounds a bit weird but mine gets down the road pretty sharpish when required. 270bhp inc elec motor and 0-60 in 7.6secs if thats important to you.
Click to expand...

I had a test drive in an RX several years ago & was pleasantly surprised how quick it was for a big car. :cool:
 
velocette said:
I've had a CVT Jazz for 7 years now with no problems. I could have had the short lived ishift at the time but knowing that type of gearbox opted for the CVT which was still available. I'm glad I did because the Jazz soon reverted to the CVT which I've found to be just the job.
Click to expand...
My old company developed and manufactured this system, it is in my humble opinion as someone who enjoys driving, utter s***e. Why you would pick that over a manual if you have two legs that work ...
The whole concept failed, it is supposed to be constantly variable but in reality became a seven speed.
Lexus RX is a different thing altogether and has way more torque to utilise such a system.
 
testbloke said:
My old company developed and manufactured this system, it is in my humble opinion as someone who enjoys driving, utter s***e. Why you would pick that over a manual if you have two legs that work ...
The whole concept failed, it is supposed to be constantly variable but in reality became a seven speed.
Lexus RX is a different thing altogether and has way more torque to utilise such a system.
Click to expand...

Is there any known reliability problems with it? Any reason not to consider it apart from the fact it's boring to drive?

velocette said:
I've had a CVT Jazz for 7 years now with no problems. I could have had the short lived ishift at the time but knowing that type of gearbox opted for the CVT which was still available. I'm glad I did because the Jazz soon reverted to the CVT which I've found to be just the job.
Click to expand...

What servicing does the CVT need? Apart from the normal engine oil and many filters change, any special servicing needed for your Honda Jazz CVT over the 7 years?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top