Car choice: Suzuki Swift or Toyota Yaris?

Janet Magill is looking for a small, simple car and wants power steering. She has a maximum budget of around £2,500

Toyota Yaris: economical, reliable and surprisingly spacious

A car for the head

Janet should seriously think about is the Toyota Yaris. It is a small hatchback but it has a relatively high set, people carrier-like driving position. The Yaris is a great little car that is economical, reliable and despite its exterior dimensions, spacious. The upright seating helps with that but so does the rear seat which slides back and forward giving Janet the flexible option of more passenger, or more luggage space. A very tidy and almost cute-looking 2005 1.0 VVTI T Spirit version of the Yaris with 92,000 miles on the clock should regularly return 50mpg and will cost £1,595 and come with a six-month warranty from a garage.

Suzuki Swift: classy and fun to own (s)

A car for the heart

A more interesting buy might be a Suzuki Swift, which is also small but spacious. It is nicely styled and slightly sporty to drive, plus, being a Suzuki, it has a superb reputation for reliability. A 2006 model Swift 1.5 GLX three door would be fun to own and should still manage 43mpg overall. The specification includes air conditioning, 15 inch alloy wheels and a full service history. So with 46,000 miles and two former keepers, it will cost £2,477 and come with a full years MOT. Janet should be pleased with this classy little car.

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