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…
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.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.
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
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments