Car Choice: Don't let a rubbish local dealer narrow your options
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Shirley Moffat has a three-year-old diesel Fiat Multipla and wonders whether to replace it, but the family still needs enormous amounts of space. Shirley and her husband have daily 50-mile commutes on rural roads. Another Multipla is a possibility, but she does not like the local Fiat dealer. Her budget is £14,000.
A car for the head
Firstly, there is an argument for saving £14,000 by sticking with what they know and, as the manufacturer's warranty is almost up, purchasing another independent one. It's a shame that Shirley does not like the garage, but that always is a crucial relationship. Surely there must be a small independent dealer who can provide an efficient and cheaper service option? Just because you have a Fiat it doesn't mean that you must use them. Fiat now has a new compact MPV called the Qubo which starts at £9,750 and it has rear sliding doors and a huge boot. Not sure that three large offspring would be comfy in the back. I have a lot of time for the adapted vans such as the Peugeot Partner, which can be ordered with three individual rear seats. It has sliding rear doors and a massive boot. The driving position is comfy and the all-round visibility is excellent. Economy from the diesel engines returns just under 50mpg. Prices start at £12,000 for a new model.
A car for the heart
Maybe Shirley should consider a slightly used car and get a bit more for her money. The Ford S-Max is worth considering even though they may not make any use of the extra seats in the boot. At least that means more room for luggage. The S-Max is a good car to drive and feels like a small hatch rather than an MPV. Even better, it provides a very comfortable ride and there is ample room for five adults. There are three diesel options which deliver about 45mpg overall. One drawback could be a slightly lower driving position than is usual in an MPV. The larger Ford Galaxy may not be the answer, but it is just as good to drive as the S-Max. For £14,000 Shirley can get a 2006 1.8 TDCi Zetec S-Max with 56,000 miles or a 2007 Galaxy to the same spec and 12,000 miles from a Ford garage.
LOOKING TO BUY?
Please write to Car Choice, Features, Independent House, 191 Marsh Wall, London E14 9RS, or email James Ruppert at carchoice@independent.co.uk, giving your age, address and phone number, details of the type of vehicle in which you are interested and your budget.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments