8 Bulletproof Automatic Cars Under £10,000

Summary

In this video, the presenter explores the best automatic cars available for under £10,000, focusing on reliability, smooth driving experience, and value for money. The selection covers various categories, from small hatchbacks like the Toyota Yaris and Honda Jazz to larger family cars like the Mazda 6 and Mercedes ML SUV. The video highlights the importance of avoiding unreliable gearboxes like DCTs and offers recommendations based on years of experience in the used car business. With options for every preference, including sporty models like the Nissan 370Z and luxury cars like the Lexus CT 200H, there's something for everyone in this comprehensive guide.

Takeaways

• 😀 £10,000 is a solid budget for finding reliable, smooth-driving automatic cars without compromising on quality or enjoyment.
• 😀 When choosing a small car, the Honda Jazz and Toyota Yaris are two of the most reliable options, especially the Yaris hybrid, which offers great fuel efficiency and low road tax.
• 😀 The Toyota Yaris hybrid is especially attractive for its 65 mpg, low maintenance, and no road tax if it's pre-2017.
• 😀 The Honda Jazz is a practical choice with great reliability, often available around 60,000-70,000 miles for £10,000.
• 😀 For those looking for a medium-sized car, avoid the Ford Focus and VW Golf with dual-clutch gearboxes, opting instead for the reliable Toyota Prius or Mazda 3 (petrol).
• 😀 The Toyota Prius, while not loved by petrolheads, is a dependable family car with low running costs and a spacious interior, making it a great value for £10,000.
• 😀 The Mazda 3 petrol is a more sporty option with fun driving dynamics, good looks, and high-spec features like a Bose sound system.
• 😀 The Mazda 6, particularly in petrol form, is a reliable, spacious, and stylish choice for those needing a larger car, available for £10,000 in models from 2018-2020.
• 😀 For a small luxury SUV, the BMW X3 (F-25) is a solid option with reliable gearboxes, good build quality, and a smooth ride, though it has higher road tax than smaller cars.
• 😀 For larger SUVs, the Mercedes ML (166) offers spaciousness and a smooth 7G automatic gearbox. It's important to service the gearbox at 80-90k miles for longevity.
• 😀 The Nissan 370Z is a rare, sporty automatic car that offers great performance and practicality, available for £10,000, though you'll have to search for one in good condition.
• 😀 If you're looking for a compact luxury car, the Mercedes C-Class (204) is a great choice for £10,000, with low mileage, good reliability, and a smooth 7G auto gearbox.
• 😀 The Lexus CT 200H, based on the Toyota Prius, is an efficient and reliable compact luxury hatchback that offers low running costs and a high-spec interior.

Q & A

What is the main focus of this video?

The video focuses on providing a list of the best automatic cars you can buy for £10,000 or less, offering reliable and enjoyable options across various categories.

Why is the presenter avoiding semi-automatics, automated gearboxes, and DCTs in the recommendations?

The presenter avoids these types of gearboxes because they are often unreliable, expensive to repair, and not as smooth or enjoyable to drive compared to traditional automatics.

What are the two main small car recommendations under £10,000?

The two main recommendations for small, reliable cars are the Honda Jazz and the Toyota Yaris, both of which are known for their reliability and practicality.

What makes the Toyota Yaris Hybrid a good choice?

The Toyota Yaris Hybrid is highly recommended due to its proven hybrid technology, which has been in use for nearly 30 years. It's fuel-efficient, with a potential 65 mpg, and the maintenance costs are relatively low.

Why is the Mazda 3 recommended over the Ford Focus or VW Golf?

The Mazda 3 is recommended because it offers a reliable, fun-to-drive experience, whereas the Ford Focus and VW Golf are often equipped with unreliable twin-clutch gearboxes like the DSG or PowerShift.

How does the Toyota Prius compare to other options in the medium-sized car category?

The Toyota Prius stands out in the medium-sized car category due to its excellent reliability, fuel economy (up to 65 mpg), and low running costs. It is a sensible choice for a family car, while also being cheap to tax and maintain.

What advice does the presenter give for buying a Mazda 6?

The presenter advises avoiding the diesel variants of the Mazda 6 due to potential reliability issues with the 2.2 Skyactive engines. Instead, opt for a petrol model, which is known for being reliable and enjoyable to drive.

What is the best choice for a small luxury SUV under £10,000?

The best small luxury SUV under £10,000 is the BMW X3 (F25), which offers reliability, spaciousness, and a good driving experience. The 2.0L diesel is affordable to run, but the six-cylinder diesel offers better performance.

Why is the Mercedes ML (166) recommended as a large SUV option?

The Mercedes ML (166) is recommended for its spaciousness, practicality, and reliability. It uses the smooth and reliable 7G automatic gearbox, which enhances its driving experience. The V6 turbo diesel variant is particularly powerful, though it comes with higher running costs.

What makes the Nissan 370Z a good sporty automatic car option?

The Nissan 370Z is recommended for its rarity, powerful performance, and reliability. The automatic version is equipped with a traditional torque converter, making it smooth and reliable. It's a great option for those seeking a sporty car with an automatic gearbox.