Car choice; Ford Fiesta or Fiat 500 for some lively performance?

Colin Lewin has mistakenly (he now realises) sold his Fiat Panda 100 HP and desperately needs a small and lively replacement

(Ford)

A car for the head

Colin though the small Fiat was fun to drive and for that very reason he ought to consider a Ford Fiesta. Buyers don’t have to go for the ST, even the lowest powered examples, just like the Panda 100 HP, are a laugh to drive enthusiastically. Colin did not have a specific budget, but suggested a reasonable £4,000. This would buy a 2009 1.4 Titanium, which means that it has a enthusiastic petrol engine and a very high specification which would include cruise control, automatic wipers and headlamps, all for £3,890 including a dealer warranty.

(Fiat (Fiat)

A car for the heart

So Colin likes his Fiats, plus we have already recommended he go for a Ford. How about a vehicle, which is two halves of those famous marques? Below the surface of a modern Fiat 500 is a Ford Ka and both are built in the same factory in Poland. The most obvious thing to point out is that a 500 is a bit less practical than the slightly more versatile Panda. The quick Abarth is stylish, but around £6,000. Instead, I think a 500 1.2 Sport will do, as it looks the part and a 2008 model with 60,000 miles is around £3,400.

If you would like James Ruppert to help with your car choice, email james@freecarmag.com. For more motoring views visit freecarmag.com