Without turning this into a car forum, I'm thinking of getting a new Vauxhall Corsa later this year (downsizing). I've read lots of on line reviews but wondered whether anyone in Forumland has one and what do you think of it please? If replying as an owner please detail your model, fuel consumption etc as this would be a great help. Many thanks. NN
Quote from: newportnobby on January 10, 2013, 08:49:13 PM
Without turning this into a car forum, I'm thinking of getting a new Vauxhall Corsa later this year (downsizing). I've read lots of on line reviews but wondered whether anyone in Forumland has one and what do you think of it please? If replying as an owner please detail your model, fuel consumption etc as this would be a great help. Many thanks. NN
As a big Ford fan i feel it's my duty to point out the error of your ways... :smiley-laughing: (ps i drive an Audi ! :o)
The Corsa has come on in leaps and bounds in recent years, but the good old Fiesta still is the car to beat in this class.
For my money though, i'd probably look at Skoda - They've got some great deals at the moment, and the cars have long lost their dodgy image. VW build quality has fired them way up the car rankings and Skoda's ability to share bits of other cars but still have their own personality, makes them a popular choice.
As for the Corsa, i've not owned one but i have driven a 60 plate one as a hire car - it is very good to drive, the little diesel one i drove is surprisingly nippy. The only bad points i found was that it was a little uncomfortable for me as i struggled to get the seat right, and i thought the interior was a bit bland - but that could just be me !
Being another Ford fan I'll avoid launching into the full anti-Vauxhall thing :D
All I will say is I hope they've improved the gearbox, trying to find gears in the old models was like stirring lumpy porridge :worried:
Paul
As i didn't pay for the hire i couldn't choose... :(
To be honest though the gearbox seemed ok, not as good as a Ford though ! :D
Fords Rule! :claphappy: :D :thumbsup:
Quote from: Sprintex on January 10, 2013, 09:54:02 PM
All I will say is I hope they've improved the gearbox, trying to find gears in the old models was like stirring lumpy porridge
Why you'd want a manual box on anything you're *not* going to take to track days or similar is beyond me. Firmly an auto convert these days. The DSG on my Golf Plus is wonderful...
Mick,before you contemplate buying a Corsa and I'm not sure if its the current shape you are interested in,there is a new model about to be unveiled some time this year.Apparently it is going to be a shrunken Astra GTC according to Auto Express,although no images are available at this time.If I was in the market for one(which I'm not) I would wait because once the new model hits the dealer forecourts,the current model will devalue quite rapidly.
As a Skoda convert of eight years now I would mirror what 4x2 has said.Buy a Skoda Fabia.They have an excellent range of engines and are very well put together and being a Skoda,if buying a used example,the likelihood of buying a shed is almost nonexistent,unlike Corsa's which are used quite widely by hire companies and driving schools as well as young drivers who have just passed their tests.
Fabia's are usually driven by more mature folk.I have an Octavia 1.9TDI and never,not one minute have I regretted buying mine,it has been the best car I have ever owned and has been owned by me since 2004.It is totally reliable even though it is now nudging 14 years old.
When I get round to changing my car it will be for another Skoda,this will be either an Octavia vRS TDI or a Yeti TDI 2WD.Don't need 4WD.
Our company has a Corsa 1.3dti as a pool car and have driven it recently.It drives like a bag of nails but I reckon the 167k on the clock and the fact it has been driven by almost everyone at our depot(which numbers 375 employees) might have something to do with that.
Just my opinion,hope it helps.
Pete
:Class31: :Class37: :NGaugersRule:
Skoda Labia it is then. Sounds a bit fishy to me though. :hmmm:
This is beginning to get into a sort of 'What Car'.
Sometimes there are other things to consider with cars, like where is the nearest approved garage, is the garage reliable etc (particularly for someone like me who knows nowt about car engines etc). I used to have a Ford but the quality of service at the garage I used was awful so changed.
I have not had a Corsa but I do know of people that have them and are pleased with them and they are loads better than when they first came out - I can get more details if you like. I expect you have considered the Honda Jazz. It is not the prettiest car on the road but very practical, spacious and holds it's value well. It is a bit like Kato track - a bit more expensive but tough as old boots, well thought out and makes life easier. I only changed because I was running two cars (which was fun but no longer necessary) and also had a VW garage 5 mins walk from where I live. Also the Honda garage (who were superb) got taken over by the same chain where I bought my Ford.
It also depends on what you have now. Downsizing is not the same as downgrading, but moving from a Volvo to, say, a Renault may be a move you would regret!
Stans by for the flack! :D
I am an Audi driver too but my wife has a new VW Polo (this is her third). This one is a 100BHP 1.2TFSI (petrol) SEL model and it is fantastic. Her previous Polos were good little cars but this new model just oozes quality and feels much larger than it is. You could be fooled in to thinking the interior is Audi - lots of lovely detail etc. The car is also great to drive, handles well and looks great in metallic blue. In terms of fuel economy she gets 50+mpg.
Hope this helps.
Paddy
Nah, forget Vauxhall, Ford, Audi etc, too many wheels! What you need is to get a decent motorbike, fast, fun, cheap on fuel, free parking in most car parks, no congestion charge should you be mad enough to go into London, and the ability to filter up the outside of traffic jams (legally!) Just the thing for a man of your age! :laugh3:
Here's a review of the Corsa (in case you have not seen it)
http://www.topgear.com/uk/vauxhall/corsa (http://www.topgear.com/uk/vauxhall/corsa)
Mick,
My missus has an 09 plate Corsa 1.4 and she likes it, but I must admit when I drive it it just doesn't feel right. My Company car is a VW Golf 1.6 diesel Estate Bluemotion, which I absolutely love and do not want to change, my new choices will be either a Focus or Astra.
But back to the Corsa, I think that because it has low profile tyres on it, it seems to be a bit skittish. Also because it's a 1.4 petrol, it revs very high compared to my Golf Diesel, i.e. at 70mph on the motorway it's revving at about 3.5k, whereas the Golf Diesel at the same speed is just about 2k.
Around town it's not bad, you can get into 5th gear at about 30mph and it doesn't struggle, inside it's reasonably comfortable but I woudln't want to drive it on a long drive, although my daughter used to drive it to Germany and back ;D but I find the driving seat uncomfortable for long journeys, and being 6' I have the seat pushed back meaning no leg room in the rear behind my seat, unless you're about 3'6" with short legs ;)
Hope this helps.
Cheers
Neal.
Hi Mick, have a look at the Toyota range. The smaller hybrids work well as long as you don't need lots of space in the boot. In addition, low road tax and when I took the Auris for a test drive, I got 70+ mpg.
I drive an Avensis, but will be looking seriously at the Auris when I go for my next car.
Malc
Thanks to everyone who has replied so far :thumbsup:
My current car is a Mondeo 1.8 petrol - a car I have always loved (have had 4 of 'em + 1 x Focus), but with retirement looming (a) I need better fuel consumption than 35mpg (b) less road tax (c) cheaper insurance (d) I want to buy new as this will probably be the car to last me out and the Corsa carries a 100,000 mile warranty (e) purchase cost
Despite the better reputation of the Skoda, I don't like them and don't consider myself mature :-X. Likewise I don't like the styling of the new Siesta. I certainly don't want a motorbike as I spent 13 years riding them in my yoof then had a prang in a car which has limited my ability to ride them. The death rate among born again bikers is something I don't want to add to :no:
Keep the info coming - even if it doesn't help me it interesting to see what people are thinking/using :thankyousign:
Not a Vauxhall person myself last 7 cars have all been Japanese but what I would consider doing is looking at the insurance comparison websites and getting idea's of what different models cost before making up your mind.
Of the European manufacturers I think VW group(VW, Skoda, Seat) are all reliable and share the same drivetrains.
One other thought consider the boot size, because if you want to get timber etc for baseboards etc in your retirement.
I can just get a 1.8m length of timber in my car(It is a city car) but it does mean only 1 passenger and they have to sit behind me.
Quote from: Oldman on January 11, 2013, 12:35:07 PM
Not a Vauxhall person myself last 7 cars have all been Japanese but what I would consider doing is looking at the insurance comparison websites and getting idea's of what different models cost before making up your mind.
Of the European manufacturers I think VW group(VW, Skoda, Seat) are all reliable and share the same drivetrains.
One other thought consider the boot size, because if you want to get timber etc for baseboards etc in your retirement.
I can just get a 1.8m length of timber in my car(It is a city car) but it does mean only 1 passenger and they have to sit behind me.
Baseboards all built so no issue there :thumbsup:
I also prefer 4/5 door to 2/3 door as, I am led to believe, insurance is cheaper because in case of an accident the rear passengers can get out. Can anyone confirm this through experience? (Not an accident, the insurance ::))
Also look out for fixed price servicing - my wife got 3 years on her Polo for £250. Also consider petrol vs. diesel carefully. If you are doing a low mileage then petrol is likely to be cheaper.
Paddy
I've always found white ones to be good although some blue ones drive quite well. :-* ::)
:laughabovepost: :smiley-laughing:
Paul
Quote from: whiteswan on January 11, 2013, 02:15:18 PM
I've always found white ones to be good although some blue ones drive quite well as well. :-* ::)
I think you're right, I drive a blue car and it's pretty good whereas one of my colleagues has a white one and thats not quite as good. :D :D
Cheers
Neal.
Quote from: whiteswan on January 11, 2013, 02:15:18 PM
I've always found white ones to be good although some blue ones drive quite well. :-* ::)
Think I may have to lock this topic as I was thinking white :hmmm: :-[ :laugh:
Quote from: Calnefoxile on January 11, 2013, 02:46:36 PM
Quote from: whiteswan on January 11, 2013, 02:15:18 PM
I've always found white ones to be good although some blue ones drive quite well as well. :-* ::)
I think you're right, I drive a blue car and it's pretty good whereas one of my colleagues has a white one and thats not quite as good. :D :D
Cheers
Neal.
... and you can't find them after it's snowed! :P
Quote from: daveg on January 11, 2013, 03:10:13 PM
... and you can't find them after it's snowed! :P
At least it doesn't show up when those evil seagulls and pigeons have had their way....... :no: :D
I lug a lot of stuff around, including layouts etc. I have had my 1998 Volvo V70 (the exhibitor's friend!) for 10 years now, with no plans to change it. When it does finally die, it'll probably be another one!
The only Corsa I ever drove was an old 4 gear one so can't really comment but I would strongly recommend the website Honest John. I would generally take what he says as read.
Were considering a similar change and for me, the Honda Jazz is favourite. I have a 55 Civic that Ive had from new (last of the old shape) fantastic car, cant fault it in any area.
Driven many 12 plate Vauxhalls (Astra and Corsa), VWs (Polo), Skodas (Fabia, Roomster), Hyundai (i20, i30), Kia's (Cee'd) and a couple of Peugeots (208 and 207 CC!!) at work this year.
Done many many motorway miles and lots of in town commuting in them all and for my money the Vauxhalls were the best of the lot.
I am a big fan of the blue oval (got one of the blue special edition Fiestas, don't like the new shape ones) but the new Vauxhalls were a real nice surprise in terms of fit, finish and toys. They were all rentals so I got just about every trim level you could imagine, but I would choose a bogo Corsa over a Polo all day long.
The Astra's were my fav, but not the small petrol engines as they just had no poke at all. Big engine Diesels (2.0 liter) with auto box and cruise control make 180 mile drives fly by.
Big surprise of the lot were the Kia. Second only to the Vauxhalls in terms of the fit, feel and finish inside and if you can live with the image, they have some incredible warranties these days.
I personally would avoid the 208 like the plague. Silly interior and a steering wheel so small I nearly lost it!
Very sorry if anybody has a 208
Skyline2uk
Quote from: michael on January 11, 2013, 06:36:08 PM
The only Corsa I ever drove was an old 4 gear one so can't really comment but I would strongly recommend the website Honest John. I would generally take what he says as read.
Were considering a similar change and for me, the Honda Jazz is favourite. I have a 55 Civic that Ive had from new (last of the old shape) fantastic car, cant fault it in any area.
Good suggestion using HJ as a sounding board. You can look at the reviews, many are videos and then if you want you can email a question and get a brief but honest answer.
Happy hunting let us know what you decide. I'm a sad old petrol head who now drives a Peugeot - (it's OK -ish) Jags are my first love - had 4 and ran them till you needed a 2nd mortgage to fill up.
Dave G
Hi
Maybe slightly at odd with previous posters. I got a L reg Astra in 1996. Great car, only one breakdown whislt I was driving it (water pump). It had 100k miles on it in 2003 when my Father was diagnosed with cancer and I put another 10k on it over the next few months as it was a round trip of 100 miles to see him then use it as a a removal 'van' when we cleared the house.
I fell heir to his car, an N reg 1.6 Ford Escort Ghia with 21k on the clock (he only used it to get his weekly shopping plus a few other short trips!). My partner was looking for a runabout so she took the Astra (or Asterix as she called it) and I took the Ford. OK 40 mpg if you were lucky in Urban driving but after a few years it developed elecrtrical faults which meant the battery would go flat overnight, or even if you left it sitting for 30/40 mins while shopping (yes, I went through around 3 new batteries before I found out if was the car!). Also it got the the stage you couldn't start it without strapping a booster pack across the battery then when you turned off the ignition the engine would keep running, even with the key in my hand!
Astrix keep plodding until last summer when he failed the MOT due to corrosion on vital areas of the bodywork.
118k on the clock, one major breakdown, engine still good.
I now have an '05' 1 litre Corsa - no problems apart from a recent water leak which floods the rear passenger footwell! Probably just a seal so my local garage should sort it. 45 to 50 mpg on local trips, around 55 plus on longer journeys.
The 'other half' bought a Vauxhall Agila in the Summer last year, seems a good car so far.
My vote would be Vauxhall...
Quote from: newportnobby on January 11, 2013, 03:08:43 PM
Quote from: whiteswan on January 11, 2013, 02:15:18 PM
I've always found white ones to be good although some blue ones drive quite well. :-* ::)
Think I may have to lock this topic as I was thinking white :hmmm: :-[ :laugh:
:no: :no: Never get a white one, or black for that matter - unless you like washing it every other day! Those two colours are the worst for showing dirt.
Had two courtesy cars in the past 6 months (warranty recall for under-seal renewal & a service - not a breakdown :no:).
First one I got a Kia c'eed to replace my Sportage ... horrible motor, felt squashed in & too low. And earlier this week, a Honda Jazz - what an eye-opener ! Felt bigger than it was and it handled very well. So much so, SWMBO fancies one as & when we replace the Sportage !
Mike
Quote from: Jack9465 on January 11, 2013, 09:02:47 PM
:no: :no: Never get a white one, or black for that matter - unless you like washing it every other day! Those two colours are the worst for showing dirt.
Black is a nightmare. Dirt shows, bird **** is as bad. The Toyota Carbon Quartz was the best dark colour for a dark car I had.
Sad as I may be the best colour car I had that you can get away with letting it get dirty was Silver.
The other thing I have found is Metalic paints are a pain as touch up paints never do a good job on scratches.
I've driven Corsas for six years now as work transport and never had any dramas. Got a new one a few weeks ago and it's a really good car which feels well put together and drives well. I will lose my allocated car in a few months due to a change in location and have had to buy a personal car. The Corsa was a serious contender but I bought a Skoda Citigo in the end - free servicing, zero road tax and a really good spec.
Quote from: Skyline2uk on January 11, 2013, 06:58:17 PM
Driven many 12 plate Vauxhalls (Astra and Corsa), VWs (Polo), Skodas (Fabia, Roomster), Hyundai (i20, i30), Kia's (Cee'd) and a couple of Peugeots (208 and 207 CC!!) at work this year.
Done many many motorway miles and lots of in town commuting in them all and for my money the Vauxhalls were the best of the lot.
I am a big fan of the blue oval (got one of the blue special edition Fiestas, don't like the new shape ones) but the new Vauxhalls were a real nice surprise in terms of fit, finish and toys. They were all rentals so I got just about every trim level you could imagine, but I would choose a bogo Corsa over a Polo all day long.
The Astra's were my fav, but not the small petrol engines as they just had no poke at all. Big engine Diesels (2.0 liter) with auto box and cruise control make 180 mile drives fly by.
Big surprise of the lot were the Kia. Second only to the Vauxhalls in terms of the fit, feel and finish inside and if you can live with the image, they have some incredible warranties these days.
I personally would avoid the 208 like the plague. Silly interior and a steering wheel so small I nearly lost it!
Very sorry if anybody has a 208
Skyline2uk
I have owned and driven VWs for about 25 years and run every one to high miles (Between the six cars about 600,000 miles) with very few problems.
I recently had a new shape Polo Match as a courtesy car for a couple of days and have to say I was very impressed by the build quality and quality of the interior trim. it was also pretty well equipped and drove very nicely. Quite roomy too for a small hatch and I'd certainly consider one very seriously as my next car.
It is a very personal thing a car, I have driven many different makes and models of car over the years, but for me VWs have always been in a different league in terms of durability and build quality, and I'd be very unlikely to change to any other make.
Each to their own though :)
Roy
Final comment from me is to suggest you also use the Whatcar website where you can compare up to 3 cars for tech spec, dimensions and running costs.
Be careful though as I think it adds some strange price factor is you mention white!! :D
Dave G
My wife has a Corsa, an old model though.
I drive Ford Transit's, a JCB 3CX, and I'm saving my pennies for this eco friendly beauty.....
(http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc229/okdoky/Odds%20and%20sodds/SaxonAPC.jpg)
I obtained copyright. ;)
ME WANT !!! :o :drool:
I learnt to drive in a Fiat 500. (The new ones, I'm too young for the originals!)
Easy enough to drive but it had no 'poke' when you put your foot down. Not that I drive fast!
Whilst its a good wee small car, economical etc... I found the windscreen 'posts' blocked some of your line of sight.
So I'd avoid them personally.
Only car I've owned was a Mercedes 190E. Big car, easy to drive, very comfy and the silvery blue paintwork hid the dirt nicely.
Got 30 mpg out of it - not bad for a 20 year old!
For anyone looking for a cheap classic car to buy I'd recommend one. You can get them quite cheaply now and don't let a high milage put you off. 100,000 is considered 'run in'!
Parts aren't cheap (are they ever?) but there's plenty of them. After all, 5 million were built between 1983 and 1993.
But, as its a new motor you want, I'd avoid Mercedes!
I have had some experience with a Vauxhall.
Drove a 12 plate Corsa for 10 days a few months back as a hire car.
Automatic, small engine (1.3 I think) and pretty comfortable to drive.
Pretty nippy too yet providing you don't drive like a boy racer was pretty economical with the petrol.
Did 1500 miles in the 10 days I had it between Chester and Dufftown. (Thats in Morayshire, Scotland if you were wondering...) in all weathers on all types of road, even some up in the mountains. It took them all in its stride!
So a good car I'd say, but don't get a black one. The hire one was black to start with but acquired various shades of brown camouflage very quickly!
One advantage of buying a new Vauxhall is that they are made in the U.K so it helps the economy.
Sorry to bump this, but just in case anyone is interested/curious I ended up getting a new EcoBoost Fiesta. I really like it but the Stop/Start feature will take some getting used to :hmmm:
Quote from: newportnobby on April 30, 2013, 09:18:15 PM
but the Stop/Start feature will take some getting used to :hmmm:
Is that where the engine stops when you stop at traffic lights etc? ???
Quote from: scotsoft on April 30, 2013, 09:28:18 PM
Quote from: newportnobby on April 30, 2013, 09:18:15 PM
but the Stop/Start feature will take some getting used to :hmmm:
Is that where the engine stops when you stop at traffic lights etc? ???
Spot on, John. If you're at lights or stuck in traffic and you're in neutral, the engine cuts out.
As soon as you depress the clutch it starts again. You can turn the feature off but I guess it comes in handy especially if you're on the car park called the M6 ::)
Hi MIck :wave:
Glad you like the new car :thumbsup:
The start/stop feature does take some getting used to :-\
It still catches me out in our new car :-[ And we have had it 5 Months :worried:
dave :thumbsup:
All these mention of various modern cars.
I just wish Oxford Diecast would produce them in N Gauge!
I wish we had as much choice for models as we do for cars !