So you’ve decided to get a tiny house situated on an idyllic plot. You don’t want a cumbersome SUV or gas-guzzling vintage sedan. All you need is a ‘tiny’ car to make it complete. So what’s out there to suit your new lifestyle?
New or used, if you want a car with personality, then you can’t go past the Fiat 500 (or the Abarth which is the top model Fiat 500) or the Mini Cooper. Both cars have been reinvented and modernized from their original ancestors. However, they still have plenty of unique features and quirky touches, and both come with a multitude of variations – whether in color, engine size, whole body or convertible, or body kit. Both cars are now being offered in electric versions if that’s your preference, but with any electric car, you have to do your homework as to where you can charge it if you haven’t got your own setup.
Speaking of electric cars, the Nissan Leaf has been around for 10 years now and the second generation (2017 onwards) has a better range reaching up to 226 miles (364km’s) thanks to a larger battery pack. The BMW i3 has lots of features and recycled materials have been used for the interior panels. If a Renault Zoe appeals to you, then one made from 2016 onwards will get you up to 250 miles (400km’s) driving distance which isn’t bad for a supermini car!
If you’re after a ‘Hot Hatch’, you may need deeper pockets of money if you want to explore the Volkswagen Scirocco, the Ford Focus RS500, or the new 2021 Toyota GR Yaris. You could also check out the turbo-charged variants on cars like the Ford Fiesta ST, Fiat 500, Volkswagen Polo, or the Audi A1 Sportback. Often, you will find that these cars have some great interior colors and patterns added to the upholstery for that special touch.
The Volkswagen Golf, Chevrolet Spark, Mazda MX-5 Miata, and Chevrolet Sonic are also worthy contenders when it comes to any small addition to your ‘Tiny Home’ family. And why wouldn’t they? Purchasing a smaller car means less fuel costs (no fuel costs if electric), easier parking, less clutter, easier-to-clean, and cheaper to buy and maintain (although we’ve yet to see electric cars come down in price). Today’s ‘tiny cars’ also come fully equipped with the latest technology – everything from dashboard satellite navigation and hard drive entertainment systems, to smartphone integration and active park assist. Hard to believe how simple cars were last century when you had to actually wind the windows down or up individually, in-car satellite navigation was a fold out road map, and mobile phones didn’t connect to your car.
If you’re serious about buying one of these little beauties, do your research, take one for a test drive, and read online reviews before taking the plunge.
For more information and research on buying a car, and great reviews on the Fiat 500, Volkswagen Golf, and BMW i3, head over to https://rearviewreview.com/review/