lf1

We have just returned to the UK and need to buy a car. Does anyone have any recommendations on the best type of car to consider? We would be looking for a car that is:

Safe
Automatic Transmission
Smallish
Fuel efficient
Handles equally well on country lanes and motorways and has good acceleration.
Handles well in winter conditions

Are there any makes that we should avoid?

We tend to keep a car for a long time, so we will be considering both new & used.

I have a link to a fairly good website which does comparisons etc, but there is so much info it is a little overwhelming, especially when you are not familiar with the current brands.

I know my list is pretty broad, but if you have vehicle that you love I would love to hear from you.

Thank you.

chris955

I bought a Toyota Prius and my wife a diesel Astra, both return in excess of 55 to the gallon. The Prius road tax is the £30 a year and the Astra is £100 a year. Also insurance has been cheap for both, around £200 each. Both worth considering.

lf1

Thanks for your reply. I'll check those out. Is the Astra a Vauxhall? OH is too busy watching sports, but I am hoping that as soon as the Olympics are over I can get him to focus on more practical matters, like buying a car.

chris955

No problem. Yes the Astra is a Vauxhall or at least an Opel. There really is a huge choice here and to be honest you can't go wrong with many modern cars. The Ford Focus is also worth looking at.

BritinFLUSA

Peugeot 107 (55mpg to 60mpg UK Petrol) or a Smart Car are options too - heck, im a Brit in Fl and I drive a Smart car! :-) Lucky UK get's the diesel model that does 85mpg...wish that was available in the US!