Car choice: Is a small automatic the best car for a biker?

Rob Evans rides a motorbike, but also needs a small automatic car to get around London. He is not fussy about badges or image…

(Hyundai)

A car for the head

The thing is that Rob has actually already been offered one option at his local Suzuki dealer. On their forecourt is a Y registration Hyundai Amica automatic in metallic blue. It has covered 42,300 miles, with a full service history and the cambelt was replaced at 26,000 miles. It has an MOT and tax until April 2018. They are asking £1,450 for the vehicle. I thought it was pricey, but actually small automatic cars like these are relatively expensive. These little Hyundais are very reliable, but the service history just has to be checked very carefully.

(Vauxhall)

A car for the heart

It is possible to buy some very luxurious vehicles that are automatics, but around twice the size of the Hyundai. Indeed, I did find an exec saloon-sized Audi A8 for £1,200. However, if anything crucial to it should break, then it has to be thrown away. That would be a waste, so how about a Vauxhall Astra instead as a compromise? There’s a sensible, reliable car that is easy to fix. Let’s give it a twist and find a convertible for fun. A 2004 2.2 convertible with 103,000 miles is £1,333. Perfect, surely, for a motorcyclist.

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