My First Car - Should I Buy Brand New or Used?

nick111 on 21/05/2015 - 20:38
Last edited 22/05/2015 - 17:15

Hi all

I want to buy my first car but not sure if I should buy new or used. I have no knowledge about what to look for in used cars hence not sure how to go about it and what to check for so I get value for my money.

Alternatively I can buy a new car may be a Kia Rio/Cerato or Hyundai Elantro(reading from past posts). Open to other suggestions as well. I have saved about 15k and can borrow the rest about another 5k from family. Reading from past threads there are mixed opinions on which one is better value i.e used or brand new.

If I decide to buy new, was planning to pay cash to get a good bargain and some extras. Any advice on how much I can bargain for would really help.

Update: Almost sold on buying second hand, looking through 2005 model on-wards with low kms but not sure if to go with a dealer or private sale ?

Thanks

Automotive

Comments

  • liquid metal on 21/05/2015 - 21:11
    +13

    Buy 2nd hand. Something old. So it doesn't matter if you crash it. Seriously, it's most likely that you have an accident. Not talking about a bad accident but something will most likely happen. You rather want an older car that it happens to. Wait a couple of years, then buy a new car if you really want to spend that much money.

    • rodinthink on 23/05/2015 - 01:29

      Something to add:

      If you buy old car, some stuff will be broken.
      From that bad experience you will learn practical basic knowledge for car (Main / Aircon Belt, Flat Battery, Aircon Freon empty)

      This is the part where if you buy mainstream car like Toyota Corolla /Camry 1998 model for example, you can get the advantage by going to car wrecker and pay really low price for spare part (Sometimes you get free stuff too if the Customer Service is easy-going)
      Otherwise if you buy new/almost-fresh car and use it, if something bad haapen (Which is very unlikely), you can manage & know with what're you doing

  • djones145 on 21/05/2015 - 21:15

    How will u use the car?
    Are u a uni student
    Worker so it's station car
    Where will you park it
    Do you drive far

    If it's a station car, parking on the street u might as well get a old car

    If you drive to work or uni, and drive alot, maybe get a new car

    • nick111 on 21/05/2015 - 21:32

      Not a student. Work in the city so will take a train. Car will be basically used for weekends, planning to do some short n long road trips in the future and daily chores like shopping etc.

      • This Guy on 23/05/2015 - 01:34

        Old cars are good for trips because you don't care if you damage them with luggage/equipment and you don't care if you dirty them (like from camping or an isolated beach).

        New cars are good because most are far more comfortable on long trips. You can get a 5* safety rated car which makes many people feel safer at speed. Many come with everything so you're not going to be tempted to blow $1000 rims or a sat nav head unit with usb, bluetooth and apple dock.

  • NancyCat on 21/05/2015 - 21:25
    +8

    Second hand. No more than 5 yrs old. From a dearler (possibly slightly more expensive, but you'll get better warranty, and much much easier than dealing with private sellers)
    If possible, get features such as bluetooth, GPS and reverse camera….yes, that's a lot of extras, but these features are actually very helpful/useful, especially for new/young drivers (assuming you are)

    • nick111 on 21/05/2015 - 21:36
      +1

      Thanks heaps and yes I'm a new driver. If I get it from a dealer do I need to check for anything like the car's history or take it to mechanic etc to know that's it's worth it. What should I be aware of if I'm buying from a private seller? Thanks again

      • NancyCat on 21/05/2015 - 22:29

        You have to pay more for dealer used cars, because you are paying for peace of mind and convenience. The car dealer should provide you with the car's history (ownership, maintenance), the car will have a clear title (i.e not stolen / has money owing on it) and more importantly, the used car should already been checked by mechanic. Because you are buying from a licensed business, they are very unlikely to lie/rip you off (as oppose to, say, a seller on Gumtree) Also,should problem arise after purchase, you can contact them easily. However, it is a little more difficult to negotiate the price with a dealer. Most dealers also have finance options.

        • zeomega on 23/05/2015 - 00:09
          +6

          buying from a licensed business, they are very unlikely likely to lie/rip you off.

          FTFY

        • cashews on 23/05/2015 - 19:47
          +1

          Yep. Used car salesmen are about as dodgy as salespeople go.

    • Herp on 22/05/2015 - 10:54
      +3

      No more than 5 yrs old

      Why so? A 5 year old car can be riddled with problems due to abuse/neglect/it's just a crap car while a 10 year old model can be flawless.

      If possible, get features such as bluetooth, GPS and reverse camera….yes, that's a lot of extras, but these features are actually very helpful/useful, especially for new/young drivers (assuming you are)

      However don't fall into the trap of becoming reliant on features found in newer cars if you do go that way e.g. someone who uses a reverse camera all the time will probably suck at reversing without it if they never learnt how to do it properly in the first place.

      • FutureTech on 22/05/2015 - 18:11

        I agree. Being used to reverse radars last time I drove a rental car without it I was so scared that I had to get out and check 3 times before I reversed it fully into the spot.

    • andyfc on 24/05/2015 - 21:42

      Agree with this, something second hand a few years old is the 'sweet spot' in car buying.

      OP take a look at a C12 Pulsar, I have seen 2013/4 for $12,000 with less that 10,000 km on the clock. Ff you are in the market for an inoffensive cheap run around that will be reliable, cheap to service and avoids mazda and toyota tax (e.g corolla / 3).

      Just thought I would mention as I looked them up today and couldn't believe my eyes.

  • trex on 21/05/2015 - 21:37
    +7

    +1 for second hand. Get something below 3 years old with low mileage (less than 50,000km) and it will feel like a new car.

    • nick111 on 21/05/2015 - 21:41
      +1

      Thanks trex. Do you suggest private sellers like on gumtree or may be car sales.com etc ?

      • trex on 21/05/2015 - 22:08
        +3

        Either one would do. With carsales.com, there would be listings by new car dealers selling traded-in used cars. These traded-in cars would usually be inspected, serviced and warrantied so it's quite ideal. I bought a used 2 year old Corolla from a Toyota dealer at a very good price and with its original new car warranty extended.

        Just be careful in buying from private sellers. Bring a torchlight (preferably LED with white light) and inspect the car from the bottom up. Do a viewing on a clear sunny day and never at night and be prepared to get dirty. Since most accidents are either on the front or back, check the engine compartment and boot thoroughly. Look from below the car and wheel wells. Peel back the carpet in the boot. Open up the plastic panels to inspect the car's body underneath.

        Indications of a previous accident includes signs of rust, minute colour differences between panels, one side/part newer than the other matching side/part, misshapen panel/chassis, body paint that look simply too brand new for its mileage, mismatching tyre brands/threads etc.

  • nocure on 21/05/2015 - 22:49
    +10

    I would steer clear of gumtree ,stick with carsales there are plenty of bargains, my suggestion would be a Mazda 3 maybe couple of years old ..do your homework,get to know the models and inclusions and check the Redbook value and use that to bargain a price.

    • Inshinshishimop on 22/05/2015 - 16:55

      Honest question. What's wrong with gumtree?

      • nocure on 22/05/2015 - 17:10
        +8

        What's right with it…fraud ,crooks,stolen goods, basically it's for people that eBay reject.imo and yes I know it's owned by eBay but run separately.

  • gotcha on 21/05/2015 - 23:33

    definitely 2nd hand for your 1st car,especially when you do not drive much, unless you have money to burn or can get it through leasing.

    in fact I know someone who bought a brand new car almost a year ago, guess the mileage they have done? <400km. I am not joking. I bet they have not had a single service yet, wonder whether its warranty is void?

  • GnarlyKnuckles on 22/05/2015 - 02:17
    +1

    As others have advised above, of course go 2nd-hand for your first car. The blunt truth is that you most likely will crash it, at least "a little bit", in the first year or two. Not too badly is the hope. But anyways, given that statistical reality, get something not too old; i.e., sommat with decent air-bags for the driver and front-passenger seats, at least.

    If you buy new, it will cost you a fortune to ensure it comprehensively (well over $1000 per year, because you are newly licensed and under 25 years old), but if you get sommat about 3 or 4 years old and insure it for "agreed value" (i.e., whatever you paid for it or a bit less), that situation will be way different. So that's something else to think about/ factor in to your decision re new or 2nd-hand; the massive difference in insurance costs, at least in the first year or two.

    • nick111 on 22/05/2015 - 10:46

      Do the new cars sometime come with free comprehensive insurance ? If that's possible does it change the equation a bit ? Can you pls suggest how much should be the maximum I should spend on used car with the low kms n safety etc just to get an idea. Thanks

      • Randxyz123 on 23/05/2015 - 01:40

        No new cars don't come free comprehensive insurance lol…. However the few times I've been with friends or family when they've bought and picked up a new car - the dealer made sure they had organised insurance before they did the hand over. In fact last time my friend called the dealer before hand to find out the rego before hand so she could have everything sorted and be in and out of the dealer in 10 minutes

    • Thenarrator on 25/05/2015 - 15:34

      what about old cars, were you implying that old cars dont need comprehensive insurance?

      • theguyrules on 25/05/2015 - 16:58

        I don't think he was at all.

  • BenK-Oz on 22/05/2015 - 07:59
    +2

    buy second hand, get a Japanese or cheaper korean car
    pay a bit more for a car with a service history and low kms

    • bargainy on 25/05/2015 - 14:12

      I second Japanese car. Cheap for parts. Nissan Pulsars are a good example of a car that hardly changed over many years so heaps of people familiar with working on them.

    • Thenarrator on 25/05/2015 - 15:35

      what is considered 'a bit more' and what is considered 'low kms'?

  • gotcha on 22/05/2015 - 08:25

    actually I will be offloading my current car in end of Oct or early Nov.
    It will be 3 year old with around 48000 km on it then. Honda Civic VTI-L MY12 series2 sedan with rear parking sensors, serviced every 6 months by Honda dealers. Wonder will I be able to sell at around $16000?

    • GnarlyKnuckles on 24/05/2015 - 03:10

      I suppose anything's possible, but I don't reckon you'll get that 6 months from now, because the price of new cars is continuing to drop, taking the price/value of 2nd-hand cars with it.

      • gotcha on 24/05/2015 - 10:54

        thanks for your reply, all make sense, I will keep an eye on carsales till then.

  • Speckled Jim on 22/05/2015 - 09:23

    Yep, I'm with nearly everyone else. Save your money and buy second-hand for a first car.

    I recently bought an 02 Elantra with lowish kms. It was the sellers first car, so it had scrapes on the passenger side. I fixed most of them. It also had patchy service history, so I had to get a few things sorted.

    But still, $800 for the car + same again to bring it up to scratch = cheap motoring.

  • Heizenberg on 22/05/2015 - 10:22
    +1

    i would buy second hand, way better value. And unless you absolutely must, don't borrow money from family it can easily lead to problems and you don't want to wreck relationships over a few dollars.

    • nick111 on 22/05/2015 - 10:40
      +1

      Thanks all. I'm almost sold on buying a second hand car. I looked at some of ads on car sales website with low kms and a 2012 model. Everything seems to be around 14k? Is that how much I would have to pay to buy a decent second hand car ? Can you guys pls suggest how much should I spend on second car that has low Kms, safety features, good service history etc. coz if I have to pay over 10k for a good used car then isn't it worth it to pay more for a new one. And if insurance is going to be expensive for a new car is it possible to get it included when buying from the showroom?

      Really appreciate all your time with this guys, thanks a lot

  • macrocephalic on 22/05/2015 - 11:21
    +1

    It's your first car. You don't rely on it every day so you don't need the "reliability" of buying a new, or even near new, car. You probably won't be driving it heaps, so insurance and rego are more important than per km costs.

    What you probably need is something that's cheap to register (no point paying $1000pa to register a car that mostly sits in the garage), and cheap to repair (common and simple).

    You could buy something like a hyundai getz for about $5k in good condition. They're cheap on fuel, reliable, cheap to register, easy to find parts for if you need it. Third party insurance will be a couple of hundred dollars a year (no point spending $1k/year with a $800 excess on a $5k car). My wife's Getz is 10 years old, has done 175k now, and has probably needed less than $1500 of replacement parts over it's life (outside regular services - which are cheap on a Getz).

    If you buy a $20k car then you're losing a few thousand as soon as you buy it, and then it's depreciating at least ~$1k/year every year. You're paying $1000+pa on insurance (and probably that much again excess if you crash it). You're losing the opportunity cost of the extra $15k (that's another $500pa if you just had the money in a savings account).

    • nick111 on 22/05/2015 - 12:58

      Thanks. What year model would you suggest and how many kms ? The thing i am concerned with second hand cars is what if i don't check for everything as i am not knowledgeable about cars and get ripped off and eventually would have to fork out moremoney to repair it every time it breaks down.

      • nick111 on 22/05/2015 - 13:24

        Looked up a few cars bases on low kms, would help if i get some opinions on it :

        http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Ford-Laser-2001/S…

        http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Honda-Civic-1990/…

        http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Mitsubishi-Magna-2…

        Which one is more significant - low kms or year made ?

        • [Deactivated] on 22/05/2015 - 13:34

          More about how old/how many km's done. 10-15 000/year is the norm in Australia, so it shouldn't really have done more than that.

        • macrocephalic on 22/05/2015 - 13:49

          Normally, less kilometres is better - as long as it's continued to be serviced regularly even if not driven much.

          I'd avoid the Magna, personally. They're a reliable car afaik, but the V6 will cost you a few hundred more in rego+insurance every year.

          The other two, it really depends on condition (and maybe safety/features).

          I'd suggest finding someone around you who knows a bit more and taking them to look. Got any friends who are mechanics or car nuts?

        • nick111 on 22/05/2015 - 13:55

          @macrocephalic: Thanks. I have friends who sure have more knowledge about cars than me but i don't think they are car nuts. A couple of my friends suggested to buy new because of the peace of mind and some suggest to buy second hand. How to check if the are car is serviced regularly and i believe there are some websites i can check for some info on used cars? Could you please help me with that ?

        • nick111 on 22/05/2015 - 13:56

          @woolfenstein: Thanks. So if i want to buy a 2000 year car its normal for the car to have done 115 kms ?

        • nick111 on 22/05/2015 - 14:01

          @woolfenstein: In an instance where a car is an old model but only has done less kms, what does that generally indicate ?

          Like this : http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Nissan-Maxima-199…

        • [Deactivated] on 22/05/2015 - 14:40

          @nick111: Usually someone who doesn't drive very much, and has been using the car as a run about, an older person etc. For your budget cars built in the 90's are way too old. Don't even bother thinking about that car. Try to get something that is at least a 2010 model.

        • nick111 on 22/05/2015 - 14:49

          @woolfenstein: My budget was 15k for a new one, if i am going to buy a second hand one, i would be looking at $7500 or less. Tried to search with a 2010 model at that budget only two cars came up. For 5k-7k, would an older model with less kms do the job ?

        • [Deactivated] on 22/05/2015 - 15:21

          @nick111: I recently purchased 2007 Getz, 3 door for $3200, 73 000km on a new motor. I'll have a look, are you from Sydney?

        • nick111 on 22/05/2015 - 16:15

          @woolfenstein: Yes

        • cashews on 23/05/2015 - 19:54

          Ask to take a look at the vehicles logbook. It will have the service history in it.

          You can check a cars history with its VIN number at http://www.ppsr.gov.au/Pages/ppsr.aspx. It will tell you if the car has been a repairable write-off or not. It does cost a few bucks to do this check though.

        • nick111 on 23/05/2015 - 19:56

          @cashews: Thanks. Was wondering if the pre-purchase inspections are any good ? From NRMA etc

        • GnarlyKnuckles on 24/05/2015 - 03:17
          +2

          @nick111:
          I don't know why you would halve your budget for a 2nd-hand car; it seems maybe you're "missing the point" a bit there… A big part of the reason to buy 2nd-hand, is that you get a whole lot more car for your money. Not if you halve the budget though.

        • nick111 on 24/05/2015 - 09:04

          @GnarlyKnuckles: well the way I'm thinking is why spend so much money on a used car when I can get a reasonable one in less than 10k. Of course I can get a better used car if I spend extra 5-10k but is it worth it for me in my situation where it will be my first car. On other hand if it's new I'm thinking it is worth it to pay extra for obvious reasons but the minus point being insurance n likeliness of getting scratches n bumping it to something etc. but as u said i may be missing the point.

        • GnarlyKnuckles on 24/05/2015 - 10:46

          @nick111:
          OK that makes sense I guess. I reckon you should spend about 10k. For that amount you will get something really nice, with reasonably low kms, not too old, and good safety features. Down around the 7k mark you will get something substantially worse. I.e., older, more kms, more likely to require new parts in a pretty short time. Re the insurance, I advise insuring it for "agreed value" (not what the insurance company has on their books as the value of it, which will be on the high side); and insure it for however much it cost you. Or that amount plus your excess, depending on how lucky you feel :)

        • nick111 on 24/05/2015 - 10:54

          @GnarlyKnuckles: yea 10k is the max I want to spend on a used car provided it ticks all those boxes.

        • JH100 on 25/05/2015 - 16:58
          +1

          @nick111:

          Go to a local mechanic who is recommended by someone you know. Tell him your situation and that you will want him to look after it for you, and you want to start cheap but reliable - being a new driver you will damage it in first year - dents and such. And ask for a minimum 3 month warranty. And if it doesn't feel right go to someone else.

  • [Deactivated] on 22/05/2015 - 13:33
    +4

    Second hand, let someone else take the hit with depreciation - the car loses A LOT of value as soon as you drive it off the lot.

    Personally I would stay away from Kia. Go for the latest model, lowest km's in your price range. I like: Toyota Corolla/Yaris, Mazda 2/3, Hyundai i20/30 (it seems you are looking for a smaller car).

    You'll pay way more if you buy your car from a dealer (they make more from 2nd hand cars than new), if you're going this way for peace of mind make sure you really understand the warranty and what it covers.

    I am no mechanic but as a starting point: Check the cars oil level with dipstick, take off oil cap, inspect, smell - oil shouldn't smell burnt and shouldn't be black (golden is good), check the coolant/water levels, inspect the amount of tread left on tyres, look for any dents/scratches/rust, test all the electronics etc. inside to be sure they work.

    Also MAKE SURE YOU TEST DRIVE! If buying manual the 2/3 change and back is usually where gears will slip/show issues.

    Good luck! Let us know what you end up with.

  • Davros on 22/05/2015 - 14:08

    Really?

    • nick111 on 22/05/2015 - 14:10
      +3

      ??

      • GnarlyKnuckles on 24/05/2015 - 03:20
        -3

        Allow me to translate nickers… I suspect that Davo is perhaps suggesting that "the wolf's" 'advice' could be considered somewhat… abstract. To put a polite spin on it.

        IHTH.

        • [Deactivated] on 27/05/2015 - 17:24

          First point: relevant AND true.

          Second point: KIA's often develop problems and will be more expensive to repair.

          Third point: relevant AND true.

          Fourth point: These are things everyone should be doing/checking if they are purchasing a used car privately.

          Fifth point: You would be surprised by the amount of people who buy a used car from a private seller without test driving.

          So, really, what's your issue? That you had nothing to contribute?

        • GnarlyKnuckles on 27/05/2015 - 21:07
          -3

          @woolfenstein:
          Well, someone's got a bit of sand in their hoo-ha… ;P

        • [Deactivated] on 28/05/2015 - 09:58

          @GnarlyKnuckles: I just don't like people spewing fountains of faeces unchecked on my posts.

        • GnarlyKnuckles on 28/05/2015 - 11:34
          -3

          @woolfenstein:
          Awww, I'll tell you what; I'll organise a wee OzBargain 'pity party' for ya. :) I'm making the 'pass-the-parcel' now, it's a single AAA Eneloop wrapped in 58 layers of newspaper.

        • [Deactivated] on 28/05/2015 - 11:40

          @GnarlyKnuckles: Cheers, I think I'm the only person on here who doesn't hoard rechargeable batteries. I'll think of it as an initiation gift, thank you SO much, I don't know what I would have done had you and Davros not been snarky about my post, many points of which are repeated by others* INCLUDING YOURSELF (does: "worse car = older make + more kms" sound familiar?). Obviously you both work in the industry and know much more than me, who mustn't ;)

  • lysp on 22/05/2015 - 14:41

    Used.

    Most people on average will have some sort of accident within their first 1-2 years of driving. So better for it to happen to a used car than a brand new one.

  • twoface41face on 22/05/2015 - 19:24
    +1

    I'm not sure on what you've decided to but I'll share my experience. After using my parents car until last year at some point, I decided to buy my own car. Spent 2k on it, 175000 km on it. Still runs a like a gem. Minus the new touches (dints) I've made on the car.

    I recommend not limiting yourself to a new car under 50k but go for something that represents value!

    • nick111 on 22/05/2015 - 19:51

      I'm still quite indecisive about how to go about it. I did narrow down my search to 2005 model as a minimum and nothing more than 70-80kms. Really interesting to know your car had 175 kms when you bought it n still doing well. Do you think if I go down the same way n broaden my search is it more likely to find a decent car or it's very rare to find one like you did. If I can get one for 2k with no obvious problem I will be super happy :)

      • Speckled Jim on 22/05/2015 - 21:05

        That's nothing! The 2002 model I bought for $800 had 210,000km on it. A basic servicing and few minor niggles I sorted myself. Approx $500 for the trickier work (timing belt, water pump etc).

        It's a nice, basic car that would be suitable for a learner. Only downside I can see is it's only 2-star safety rated. Which is fine by me, my long-term car is 0-star and my previous "temporary" car was 1-star.

      • twoface41face on 23/05/2015 - 23:51
        +1

        KM's does not matter too much when it comes to Japanese cars. Personally, dad and I took it for a drive in a suburban area and also on the highway. We listened for strange sounds and checked oil levels/water levels. That was an indicator of how well the car had been looked after. That's what my dad and I did anyway.

      • lenlynn on 24/05/2015 - 15:04
        +1

        I think it's more the brand of car. Toyota cars tend to retain their value well if it's well maintained (if you want to sell it after). I bought a 1994 toyota for about 6k with 175,000km and sold it two years later for 4k with nearly 300,000km.

        Get an old toyota!

  • Billy Herrington on 22/05/2015 - 19:28
    +1

    Hi nick111, thanks for the thread!

    I was actually going to post on the forums about this exact subject myself, as I'm also looking into a first car :) Since you've done all the heavy lifting, I figured that I would share what cars that I've been looking at after months of research! Here are my two main picks:

    • Mazda 3
      Years: 2004-2009
      Models: Neo, Neo Sports, Maxx, Maxx Sports & SP23
      Fuel Economy: 8.4l - 9.3l per 100 kms
      Kilometers: 50,000 - 100,000
      Pricing: $6,500 - $10,0000

    The best ever example I saw was a 2005 Black Mica coloured Neo Sports sedan model with approximately 65,000 kms and 3 months registration off memory. It also had customized leather seats and was driven by a lady who only did short trips to and from work for the most part. The car was listed at $8,200 and was sold the following day that I had found it. I personally like everything about the vehicle and I haven't been able to find much in the way of faults or negative stigma's surrounding this particular model. I also learnt how to drive in a Mazda 3 Hatch and found it incredibly easy to drive and park.

    Here is an example that's somewhat similar to what I wrote above: http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Mazda-3-2006/SSE-…

    • Mitsubishi Lancer
      Years: 2007-2011
      Models: CJ ES, CJ VR
      Fuel Economy: 8.2l per 100 kms
      Kilometers: 50,000 - 100,000
      Pricing: $7,500 - $10,0000

    The best example I came across was a 2011 Vulcan Red coloured CJ ES sedan model with about 53,000 kms and 9 months registration. All the parts appeared to be stock and the vehicle was apparently in, and I quote, "good conditions". There was a little ambiguity around this one due to a language barrier so I can't really say if the integrity of the vehicle was really up to par. The car was listed at $9,900. Like the Mazda 3, the Mitsubishi Lancer appears to be a well regarded vehicle and ticks most of the boxes and I don't believe there is many who object to the model by saying it's rubbish.

    Here is a good current example: http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Mitsubishi-Lancer…

    Hopefully these suggestions help you out. I should also give an honorable mention to Honda Accord Euros (and Euro Luxury) from 2003 onwards if you're looking for something with a little more class and appeal. I'll be monitoring this thread very closely myself given that I'm no genius when it comes to cars! Best of luck Nick!

    • nick111 on 22/05/2015 - 19:56
      +1

      Thanks for the that. I'm not an expert too hence relying heavily on advice here. I don't want to spend anything more than $7.5k on a used car but also want to get something that won't just break down and allows me to do the occasional short n long trips. I guess I also have to consider the rego, insurance and road aside assistance will be key as I don't know what to do if it breaks down :)

      • Billy Herrington on 22/05/2015 - 20:08

        The issue with the Mazda 3 in particular is that it holds it's value very well and you can't really buy one with less than 100,000 kms for under $7,500. When you do take into account 12 months registration for example it does make a huge difference, as does the condition of the car itself if it has been serviced regularly. I myself am still deciding on whether or not I want to spend around $5,000 - $6,000 or if I do want to spend that bit extra. The issue with us new drivers is coming to the realization that we are inexperienced, and as a result the likelihood of the odd dent and scrap are quite high. The last thing we want is to buy something awesome and expensive to begin with only to have it damaged a few weeks later! I firmly believe that you should steer clear of buying a new car. If there is anything that I'm absolutely certain about it's that as new drivers we shouldn't be looking into new vehicles. There are far better things for us to spend/save money on in the foreseeable future.

        • nick111 on 22/05/2015 - 20:16

          I agree, I was suggested to buy a new one because of the extras like the warranty and the road side assistance and one of my friends said he spent a lot of money buying used cars n realised later on that he could have just bought a new one with all that money. But reading from the above posts insurance n rego won't be cheap for a new car. I thought it will be all gud once I get my license, well buying a first car isn't easy is it ;)

  • Randxyz123 on 22/05/2015 - 19:32

    I think you should get a high model of something like a Mazda 3 perhaps with sat nav and bluetooth… Nothing older than 2011.

    In my opinion telling a new driver to buy a Toyota Echo is a very bad idea. Spend a bit more and get something safer.

    • nick111 on 22/05/2015 - 20:01

      Thanks. I don't mind spending a bit more for safety but everytime I looked for high end second hand car it's almost gonna cost me the same as a brand new car. Hence I started looking more around a 2005 model with around 60k kms. If you know a 2011 model with low kms around 10k I would really be interested.

      • Randxyz123 on 22/05/2015 - 20:10

        Alright I'll have quick look for you. -Are you still in Sydney?

        • nick111 on 22/05/2015 - 20:17

          Yes

        • Randxyz123 on 22/05/2015 - 20:48

          @nick111: Hmm just had a look shame you can't drive a manual!!

          I agree with your friends about the benefits of buying new.

          Something like this would fit the bill well

          http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Mazda-3-2011/SSE-…

          Otherwise a Mazda 2 auto base model is around $15K new….

          You could probably do better than that with EOFY coming up.

        • nick111 on 22/05/2015 - 20:53

          @knick007: thanks. Is it going to be expensive though when it comes to rego n insurance if bought new ?

        • Randxyz123 on 22/05/2015 - 23:50

          @nick111: Depends on the car. If you buy a car that is frequented by hoons then yes.

          If you buy something like a new Mazda 2 I wouldn't think so but it will be more expensive till you are off your P's and/or over 25.

          That being said make sure you get full compressive insurance and a back and front dash cam. 2 essential things.

    • theguyrules on 23/05/2015 - 10:37

      I agree, but I disagree with the satnav part. It's not really a big deal for most people, having smart phones with it built in and much more up to date.
      Still, it comes with the Mazda 3 Maxx and higher, which also has some other nice features, so no sense complaining if you get one with it!

      • Randxyz123 on 23/05/2015 - 12:12
        +1

        Yes but thanks to the stupid laws in Victoria (not sure about NSW) you cannot use the hands free function or navigation function on your phone.

        • theguyrules on 23/05/2015 - 17:28
          +1

          Very fair point. The laws are ridiculously outdated.

  • subydooby on 22/05/2015 - 20:54
    +3

    I saw a recent article that young/new drivers should have the best car because they are more likely to crash and therefore they are better protected. Most people think give the new driver a shitty car because they are more likely to crash it. I can see where they are coming from if you value their life.

    • nick111 on 22/05/2015 - 21:02

      I can see benefits of buying new n also used. It's hard though to weigh up.

      • muncan on 23/05/2015 - 08:27

        I'm pretty sure Charles Murphy's theory of car evolution says we should protect good drivers as they will go on to reproduce more good drivers, and the bad drivers will eventually disappear. Something like that anyway.

  • ozb-442 on 22/05/2015 - 21:05
    +2

    Most of the advice here is honestly and brutally, terrible.

    Get a cheap japanese car. Do not buy the first car you buy. Inspect, inspect, and for the love of all that is holy, inspect.

    Take lots of different cars for a test drive, get a feel for it. Do this with a couple of cars, it'll quickly give you a good idea of what a newer/ better maintained car feels like, and an older car. Do you buy the first tv that you glance at in a shop? (profanity) no. You compare it side by side with other tv's, see what looks better. Compare prices, features. If you buy the first tv that catches your eye, frankly, you're an idiot.

    Gumtree is absolutely fine. Like everything, avoid ads that seem dodgy, have a poor description, or just give you a bad gut feeling. The people here that are saying avoid gumtree altogether are quite ignorant, may as well avoid buying a used car altogether, there's always the chance that you're going to get someone dodgy. Gumtree is perfectly fine and in my opinion, is cheaper that other sales websites in general. Just filter out the ad's that you don't like, narrow it down to 5 - 10 or however many, call up some people, go visit a few places in a day and get a feel for what you want to buy

    Also the advice with regards to crashing is spot on. I was way too confident and thought i wouldn't crash, luckily someone swayed me into buying a cheap car. It's now got dings on most sides of it, i've learned many lessons.

    Toyotas, nissans are both very reliable. Pulsars, camry's, corrola's. Don't buy anything european. Good luck.

    I should also add as probably the most important bit of advice, absolutely go with your gut. If it seems to good to be true, it usually is. I've only had bad experiences with Indians. I know that sounds racist, but honestly out of the 2 indians i've happened to deal with when buying cars, they've both been particularly dodgy, i won't go into details on the stories. Might of just been my bad luck, but from personal experience, the bad rapport they've earned is definitely warranted, and again i will emphasise in my personal experience.

    • nick111 on 22/05/2015 - 21:08

      Thanks, will do. Good point about the TVs.

      • ozb-442 on 22/05/2015 - 21:13
        +1

        You're welcome. I spent $2000 on my first car, a nissan nx'r 92. I should add that although it's quite old, the interior feels newer than my mate's 2003 Kia Rio, drives better, had less km's. The age doesn't really matter, it's how well it's been maintained, serviced, and of course the particular model of the car. Another friend has a 99 Micra, feels much older than my car. Age means jack shit. Do not spend more than 3k at most on your first car, save the rest for travelling, or whatever you want to do. A car is there to get you from point a to point b, reliably. That's about it.

        Edit: Ford falcons and Holden commies are cheap, but fairly reliable as well.

        • nick111 on 22/05/2015 - 21:16

          Agree, would want to do some occasional short n long trips as well

    • [Deactivated] on 22/05/2015 - 23:21
      +1

      Reow. I move to strike down your racist tirade with my own anecdotal evidence: I once bought a used '92 Honda Prelude from an Indian guy for $3000 and I accidentally gave him $50 too much, as I was paying in cash, and he rang me to tell me to come back and get my $50. ALSO it was an awesome car and I drove it from Sydney to QLD and back multiple times (19 hours, one way).

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