Got it in one Nick.

Look at the branding on a lot of the components on recent Nissans and you will find Renault stamps.

Along with cheaper suppliers, lower quality steel and thin paint.

Build quick and cheap and stuff reliability, although they are now on a drive to bring 'percieved' quality back.

 

Ka.

As LadyB says.

One of very few cars we still miss ...

Nippy, durable, cool, tough as nails, comfortable, easy to fix.

Get one with aircon, CD, electric windows. I think it was the Ka3 Collection.

 

You can get a nice example Fiat Punto Sporting 2000/2001 for that money. I have had one from new (bought it in Turin) and I've had hardly any problems with it - not what people expect from a Fiat. I know mine is worth about

 

Toyota Yaris

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1199996.htm

 

I had one for a week a few months back and didn't like it much.

The 3 cylinder in the Subaru Justy is much a better lump, almost like a bike engine.

 

Forget the Punto.

Buy a Fabia.

 

KA - sister loves her KA and I loved my Streetka

Cheap to run, repair, service, insure etc etc etc

 

KA or Polo imo.

 

****s drive Kas

Hyundai I10

 

Interesting to see the opinions.

Wouldn't touch a Punto with a bargepole as I've seen how it copes with an accident (it folds like a pussy in a card game)

Ka, Jazz and the toyota thing are front runners so far. I'm taking her car shopping in a week or so.