WTB + advice: smaller vehicle for 70's lady

[akapjay 51]

Long story short, mum's car was written off and I'm sourcing some options.
Mum's a 5 foot Filipina in her early 70s, so something smaller that she can see over the bonnet is ideal.
Eg, I wouldn't put her in an X5 unless there was a Zombie Apocalypse.

 

- Budget is $5 - 6k
- I'd love to get her in a smaller diesel, eg: 123d, but she's dead set on a smaller petrol
- Low maintenance and running costs prioritised over performance
- Lower kms prioritised over higher kms, though evidence of regular maintenance is a trump card
- Easy to drive and good visibility is a preference also.

 

The only BMW options I see fitting this criteria are:
- 1 series, 116i or 118i. 
- X1 - 2L 100k kms for $5k ish (zero experience with the X1 so on the fence)

^ any feedback on these models? Years to avoid, maintenance to keep on top of, what to look out for on inspection?
Anything available in your fleet that you'd consider moving on? Located Auckland, but will travel for the right vehicle.
Any other brands/models I should take a look at, bang for buck for a mature lady driver?

Eg, any hybrid or more modern smaller vehicles I should consider to ma's comfort first?

 

Pic attached - I'm 176cm for reference.

[E30 325i Rag-Top 3028]

2 Series Active Tourer, often scorned by BMW enthusiasts as it’s not a very “sporty” model. However, very popular with the older customers.

Avaialble as petrol, diesel or hybrid used or hybrid new. Comfortable, good interior space without being a massive car, good height to get in and out of.

FWIW my 80+ year old folks have a 218d and mum is 5 foot nothing.

[Vass 1056]

Hope you're not dead set on a BMW. I'd be real hesitant recommending any small BMW petrol engines that aren't 20+ years old, which probably is a no go in this case. Most modern 4-cylinders are riddled with problems, which is manageable if you don't mind some DIY, but not something I'd go for if your main goal is trouble free motoring. And the ones that aren't will be well beyond that budget.

Honestly, I'd probably look at something small and Japanese, a Honda Fit, Suzuki Swift or similar. Should be plenty to choose from in that price range.

[Neil McCauley 454]

Used Toyota and buy a 3 year dealer warranty.

[akapjay 51]

1 hour ago, Vass said:

Hope you're not dead set on a BMW. I'd be real hesitant recommending any small BMW petrol engines that aren't 20+ years old, which probably is a no go in this case. Most modern 4-cylinders are riddled with problems, which is manageable if you don't mind some DIY, but not something I'd go for if your main goal is trouble free motoring. And the ones that aren't will be well beyond that budget.

Honestly, I'd probably look at something small and Japanese, a Honda Fit, Suzuki Swift or similar. Should be plenty to choose from in that price range.

 

Funny you mention that!

 

Just got home from taking mum to a yard so she could sit in a few vehicles to get a feel and first impression.

2012+ Honda Fit is what we're targeting now.
She liked that the seat could adjust highest amongst those she sat in, and the option for hybrid.