Opinions on good first car?

LCre8zyzz on 15/11/2015 - 17:23
Last edited 15/11/2015 - 17:26

Looking at picking up a second-hand car from carsales for a first car, budget is approximately 10-15k. I've been looking at something like these: http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Lexus-IS250-2007/…
and
http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Lexus-IS250-2010/… (The owner appears to live a little further out of town, which may be why the km's are there? Also will be extra rego cost and servicing at 165,000km which may be why its listed at 164k)

Anyway I'm really quite clueless when it comes to cars so help would be appreciated, so if anybody would like to share what they think is good value and performance around my budget please do so :). I also quite like the Volkswagen Golf's and similar (GTI would be my choice but VIC roads laws inhibit me on P plates).

Automotive

Comments

  • Brick50 on 15/11/2015 - 19:09
    +1

    Why do you want a Lexus?

    • Randxyz123 on 15/11/2015 - 20:29
      +1

      Why not?

      • Brick50 on 15/11/2015 - 20:51

        I'd have thought there'd be much better value for money cars which are cheaper to repair/maintain considering OP is on P's and likely inexperienced…

        • Randxyz123 on 15/11/2015 - 22:14

          It's a toyota underneath and parts are reasonable.

          It is also safe. I just don't understand the concept that a lot of people think new drivers should buy a $2000 corolla with no airbags, no ABS that won't keep them safe in a crash.

  • [Deactivated] on 15/11/2015 - 19:12
    -2

    Get a new Range Rover Vogue, all the kids are getting them

  • Banana on 15/11/2015 - 20:15

    Are you sure you can't drive a GTI, haven't they change the road rules?

  • Randxyz123 on 15/11/2015 - 20:20

    I also quite like the Volkswagen Golf's and similar (GTI would be my choice but VIC roads laws inhibit me on P plates

    GTI is fine on your Ps

    With the lexus get the sports model.

    It'll have extra features like a reversing camera, sensors, bluetooth etc and better resale value.

    • Cre8zyzz on 15/11/2015 - 21:26

      Do you think the 2007 models are ok? They seem to be the only ones as a majority in my price range. In regards to the IS250's

  • Cre8zyzz on 15/11/2015 - 21:23

    Only most of the 2010 onwards GTI's are approved :( how come not earlier models there is a 2008 model that fits perfectly in my price range.

    • Randxyz123 on 15/11/2015 - 22:07

      Because the employees at Vic Roads know the square route of jack s*** about cars.

      Seriously their logic is turbo = sports car.
      Why some years are banned and some aren't who knows….

      I'd suggest a golf R32 but you won't find one in budget.

      Another option would be a E46 325i.

      Can you drive manual?

      Does your budget take in to consideration rego, insurance etc ?

  • oscargamer on 15/11/2015 - 21:56
    +3

    neither of those cars is a sensible choice as a first car.

    what do you want it to do?

    what sort of driving?

  • cypher67 on 15/11/2015 - 22:19
    +3

    You shouldn't aim to keep your first car for more than 2-3 years. Buy a cheap reliable brand that retains its value, like a Toyota corolla or Mazda 3. It is cheap to run, repair and maintain. The luxury European brands that have done 100+ kms will be due for replacement parts soon enough if they haven't already and will cost you a mint to keep it on the road. I know from experience I thought I was king sh!t as a P plater and I'd never have an accident, but I did being, I learnt from it & never had once since. So I'm glad I only spent $4k on my first car. It wasn't flashy, didn't help with the ladies, but as this is OzBargain and yes I am showing my age, it was the correct financial decision. Save your cash for your second car in 2-3 years.

  • martyn on 15/11/2015 - 22:22
    +1

    If your budget is $15000 I'm guessing you don't have big cash to spend on maintenance, in which case I'd avoid a Lexus with 100k+ mileage. Get a used hatch with warranty remaining, something like a Mazda 2 or Ford Fiesta. If you can find something other than the base models they are surprisingly fun to drive, without big insurance and maintenance bills.

  • chickensaltfrie on 15/11/2015 - 23:27

    High resell price, low maintenance cost, fuel efficient, and a considerable level of safety if budget allows. Something like a swift, Maz3, Corolla etc.. I personally prefer hatchback vs sedan.

    • Cre8zyzz on 15/11/2015 - 23:31

      Yes personally like the hatchbacks, I will be looking more into Mazda 3's they seem like nice vehicles.

      • chickensaltfrie on 15/11/2015 - 23:39

        Personally, i don't prefer Volks as first car. Golf do look good and have decent performance, but its interior is just too small and pricey.. With the Volks scandal, it's not surprising to expect a lower resell value vs before scandal. Though, you should test drive on every vehicle that you're interested before making the final call.

  • Cre8zyzz on 15/11/2015 - 23:30
    +1

    Thoughts on Volkswagen Passat V6 FSI's? For instance this: http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Volkswagen-Passat…

    Seeing an 18yo probably isn't the most eloquent or persuasive I could always get my father to attempt to knock down that price by $1,000 or so LOL xD.

    • cypher67 on 16/11/2015 - 00:05

      Its a buyers market, id offer $10k and go from there. There is thousands of cars out there, find the person desperate for a sale. Should always be able to get at least 20% off asking price. For the car itself, id avoid a v6. First car I found http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Mazda-3-2013/SSE-…
      only 15,000 Km, 2012, auto and has 9 months rego. What are you main requirements? Every car you have linked are not the models I'd even consider for a first car, let alone ever buy.

    • psych23 on 16/11/2015 - 13:45

      I accidentally pressed the positive vote here instead of the reply; please ignore and see my comment

  • psych23 on 16/11/2015 - 13:43
    +1

    Hi mate

    I take it you have saved for a while or been given the cash for your first car as you seem to be looking at cars with some style and performance.

    A couple of suggestions.

    Stay away from 6 cylinders and above, and turbo vehicles. You will get caned by insurance, pressure by your mates to floor it and in my opinion no P plater should be allowed to drive them let alone buy them. So much else going on in your life one less temptation.

    That aside you are also just gaining experience. While you are gaining experience getting used to changing road conditions; numerous people in your vehicle; idiot drivers on the road - the last thing you need is the temptation to be planting your foot. 2 to 2.3 litre 4 cylinder cars (even 1.8) give great performance these days and better value for you dollar.

    As you should be getting a later model it will last you a little while longer. The longer you have your first car the more you will save on your first house and the more you will appreciate your 2nd or 3rd car.

    Make sure it is well built. I got a uni car which was a Festiva. Had a little left on the warranty etc. It did not give me confidence on the road with it's lack of grip and response. I only took it on country trips twice due to getting blown about by trucks etc.

    Try and block out what your mates are getting etc.

    My 2 cents.

    Cudos to you for asking the question though.

  • Peck on 16/11/2015 - 17:50

    Manual VW Beetle. You can't speed, and you will have to really work the gears !! You will certainly know how to drive a car after having one.

  • WD TV andSOUND on 19/11/2015 - 11:11

    There is no P plate limits on Diesel vehicles in Vic or NSW.

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