boys here is a question that is in my mind the last months. I'm looking for a small car, a city car to replace my clio that is very very old. What do you think is the best car of this segment? (it doesn't have to be german )

The reason i need this car (and i have the Clio) is because i need a small and agile car to go to work, drive though downtown, find easily the appropriate parking space anywhere and go to the supermarket and carry everything i buy. It must also be safe enough (in case someone crashes into me) and kind of fast, since it may be used for short trips (no more than 200km). There are some times that i need to travel with people that i wouldn't even let them touch the S60.
The most important criteria is to be cheap enough to buy, but not completely junk like most city cars and also cheap to maintain, since the maintainance costs are killing me.

The reason why i'm looking into buying a car like this is because the clio i'm using now is very old, i mean very very old, and i'm tired of it. And not only this it doesn't have power steering, it's engine has less HP than a horse carriage and it's old enough that i don't trust it out of the city borders. Oh, and because it's old it costs me much, since many things need replacement and the engine drinks too much gasoline...

I'm considering the new clio, or a 206, which is not that good in terms of built quality. As for the Polo, it think that's the best choise, but i think that it costs a little more than the others.

So guys, what do you think???

I think that you should buy the new Toyota Yaris, its a very good car and extremly reliable. It does look pretty good to.

Luw. do you read my mind? This is my third choise. But i'm very sceptic about it since i don't like its look at all. Both the interior and the exterior design. Looks cute but not my style... But it is very reliable and this is a strong point...
I was thinking of the new Lancia Ypsilon, but i think it has a very feminine design that doesn't suit me....

^^
I'm on your side Giannis, the looks of the Yaris don't exactly give me goose bumps abut form an objective point of view it's a perfect car if you are willing to ignore the looks. The Lancia Ypsilon isn't that hot either. It is kind of metrosexuall looking and I that it would age pretty fast. Though I have to say that the renault wouldn't be a bad choise, the brand is pretty good when it comes to safety.

Yeah, the Toyota Yaris is one of the two best in segment over here. I like the looks enough, it's not bad for a small/light car. But that's IMO

The other 'best in segment' is the Suzuki Swift. I'm pretty keen on it as well.

Otherwise, a new Clio? It looks ok, though it's probably starting to get a bit big. The Polo is probably getting a tad old for my liking, but not too bad I guess. Mini is probably too expensive? I'd stay away from the 206 and the Citroen equivalent, for reliability reasons. I don't want to tempt fate, especially since you want it as a vehicle for work.

thanks for your replies Luw. and Snake. I don't consider the 206/C2/C3, too! But on the other hand i won't like the Swift at all. Actually i never liked the looks of the Japaneze city cars. It's true that the Polo is getting a bit all, but by far it's a good looking car. And the Mini, even though it is for me the best, i don't even think of it, since i don't want to spend much on this.

As for the Clio being big, it is something that i like. The Clio that i have is the MY 1991, purchaced by dad in December 1990. He gave it too me when i finished school and started my studies. Even though it looks small, it's very spacious compared to the current models of most brands.

Another thing that i keep in mind, is the fact that the car NEEDS to suit my style. Since when at work i look like all those smartly dressed employees, wearing a suit, light shirt and most times a tie. I don't want to look like a wealthy person who drives a Matiz! (who wants it actually?)

what about seat ibiza? looks great.i love it!

Honda Jazz/Fit? Mazda 2? Mitsubishi Colt? Or are they not exceptions to your "don't like Japanese city cars"?

I'm not sure what other European city cars there are. There will be a new Opel/Vauxhall Corsa soon; and there's the Ford Fiesta? Or are you still keen on getting the brand new Clio? It looks quite ok, especially if you get the Sport version.

The Matiz certainly isn't a particularly aspirational car.. but these are city cars, after all. You can't look particularly 'impressive' getting out of any of these, but some are still better than others.

What do you think about a Fiat GP or 207 or new clio ??

shonguiz, i said no 207, and probably not Fiat. I'm not a fun of the new Pundo.

Sam, i think about the Ibiza. I have seen the car, quite like the car, but i don't trust the brand and i don't like the name much!

Snake, you are true about the Jazz, e.t.c. I don't like these cars, mainly their look. But i think about Corsa, as well as Polo, as i said. The new Fiesta is also nice, but i wouldn't pic it over the Polo/Corsa. And two friends of mine have also Fiestas. As for the Clio, i'm still thinking of it, cause i like it, it's bigger than the others and also i guess more comfortable. And i'm not going to buy the sport version. I'm trying to keep the cost as down as possible.
I'm not certain about the corsa though. I think it's plastics are way worse than the other car.

Finally, i guess, i'm gonna stick to my first desicion - Clio. I liked it from the first time i saw it, and i guess it will make a good city car. And not every car has to be german. They are not the best in all classes.