Aixam cars

[Deleted member 2636]

Has anyone had the use of an Aixam car? I am thinking of one to tow on a trailer behind the Motorhome.

I know that they are not very fast and have taken one out for a test drive but if you have owned one or used one for a decent period of time I'd like to hear your views

 

[winchman]

I havent but I did have a Fiat Chinquchento sporting, bought for £150 used for 2 years sold for £500, its was very fast but economical dosnt weigh much more than a Axim I think, £500 get you a good one, Carry a spare clutch cable (£10) thgats the only inherant problem I know of.
Nice to see you are using a trailer and not an Aframe, much safer

 

[Nosha]

For goodness sake have a long test drive in one first!!!

I had to report on one for Motability many years ago (so they may have improved... but I doubt it!). An industrial two cylinder diesel is NEVER going to be smooth, but I couldn't even use the mirrors due to the vibration!!! Then couple this 700c engine using DAF 55 type transmission and you get a 0 - 60 time of NEVER!!! I think I got 45mph from memory, it was diabolical - hence you don't see many of them!!!!!!!

 

[winchman]

For goodness sake have a long test drive in one first!!!

QUOTE]

Now thats a very good point, too many people drive them around the block and buy them.
I assume Smarts are too expensive?

 

[Deleted member 2636]

I have thought about a Smart but knowing what Merc service costs are like I am a bit reluctant to get involved with them.
2nd hand Smarts? If I could be sure that they had not been towed on an "A" frame then I might be tempted. I do like them and I know that they're pretty good.
Fiat Cinquitcento? Now that is a good idea as long it has not been owned by Mrs and Mrs Pitbull's Chav kid(s)
I can't really think of any other small cars. The Ford Ka is very much bigger, relatively speaking, than the Smart or the Cinquicento.
I have looked at M/bikes, Scooters, Mopeds and even a Velosolex. The only thing wrong with them is that one needs to dress up in protective gear every time you take one on the road.
When I saw the Aixam I thought that it was the answer. I did take it for a test drive around the block and came back laughing my bits off; having seen Nosha's comments it's made me think twice. I have also read that the spares are both difficult to find and very expensive.
So any other suggestions for a little car are welcome.

 

[winchman]

What about the little Dawoo is it a Matiz?
Suzuki Alto
I think the trailer may cost more than the car, some bargains to be had

 

[Deleted member 2636]

Went and had a look at a Smart car today. I never realised that they had different sized wheels front and back; therefore, no spare!
It seemed a nice thing and was a lot better than the Aixam. At least, it felt like it had been properly screwed together.
Now to find a trailer at sensible money...

 

[Nosha]

I'm glad you've moved away from the Aixim as I'm sure we would see it in the 'For Sale' section the following week!

Chap at work has chaged his scooter for a Smart for the very reasons you've stated!! He has it on a Brian James trailer (Sopwith Way, Daventry. If that helps). He said the later Smarts have a smoother gear change than the early ones - again have a test drive and see what you think, also the early ones have NO sump plug so you'll need an electric suction oil changer as sold by boat chandlers so you can suck it out of the dipstick hole!!

My only thought is they are a very expensive little car, but a bit like a Mini... you pay out a lot, but get a lot back when you sell it!