Should I swap my Golf for a Toyota Aygo or Auris?

I'm driving a 2004 Volkswagen Golf Comfortline 1.4 petrol. I want to either get a new smaller car (e.g. Toyota Aygo petrol 1.0-litre) or a diesel Auris (e.g. 2008). Which would be cheaper to run as everything has got more expensive and my journeys not as long and frequent, plus I travel alone mostly. Which would be cheaper to run?

Breda Whelton (Leap)

Aug 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

---

Expert answer

Hi Breda,

Well, on the one hand, both the Aygo and the Auris are very well built and reliable so both will minimise any potential for expensive maintenance costs, and both are very frugal and economical, so either would be a fine choice. The Auris might be a bit more of a painless switch if you've been used to a Golf, as it's similar in size and comfort levels.

But, as you say that your journeys have decreased in length, switching cars may not actually save you any money. Changing cars is usually more expensive than maintaining and running an older car, and you need to sit down and do your sums very, very carefully. Work out what the actual cost of change is for you (the price of either car you are considering minus the trade-in value of your Golf, but including the cost of finance) and balance that against the cost of continuing to run and fuel your existing car, factoring in some cash for a good service and a new set of tyres (often the best way to improve your fuel economy).

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser
@neilmbriscoe