Advice please.

[Tony R]

I'm about to change car on a budget, so it's a used car. I'm looking at either the VW lupo, 1.0 or 1.4 petrol model or Peugeot/Citroen 107/C1 . All seem to have issues if engine servicing hasn't been regular, so I  will have to be looking at that. Valve failure seems a lupo problem, how often does that crop up? Finally boot space, I'd like to be able to fold the back seats either dead flat or in upright behind me mode without loosing my legspace, I'm 6'1". Any practical advice welcomed.

[Rich]

I wouldn't worry about height and versatility of space in a lupo.

I'd also suggest an sdi lupo, the cost of fuel and tax will more than balance out the little more you'll have to pay. 

[mk2]

Little Toyotas are also good from what I've heard... I have SDIs.

Can't say that I've seen any valve failures. Usually it's the rings on the 1.0L. And gearboxes. But any Lupo that's been serviced regularly is usually pretty good. Milage is not really relevant.

Do as @Rich suggests 👍🏻

 

[Tony R]

I'll actually be using the car in France as LHD, but trying to do research here in french and miles from anywhere isn't that easy. You can go a long way to discover it's a dud. So I thought "ask some questions here".  We haven't paid vingnette/ roadtax since about 2001 so that doesn't affect costs. Diesel servicing here is a bit pricey and base models on petrol still going for 2-2,500euros unless there's a real problem. Do take point of SDI models, didn't know about rings issue, thanks. Prefer a cambelt change to a chain really. I don't mind winding my own window, which is only an issue at barrier's.After my current car the lesser of gizmo's the better. Any future observation's would be gratefully appreciated.