Thought I should keep this separate from my insurance question. Our car is totaled and we are looking for a replacement for around 23K, what should we get? After an automatic family sedan.
The only criteria is NO Toyota or Mazda and it must be a sedan. We're thinking a Honda Civic.
For a compact car, you're definitely in a great category because a LOT of manufacturers offers cars in that category. Strange you don't like the Mazda 3 or Toyota Corolla as they are generally well recommended (yes I know about the recalls surrounding Toyota).
Keep this in mind, dealers are doing better deals for cash rather than trade in and here's why. Currently people aren't willing to fork out for the whole car in cash so they are going with part exchange (trading in + paying the difference in cash or finance).
Dealers love finance as it brings them cash. Currently they hate trade ins and will give a lower price for them because everyone is trying to trade their older car in for a newer one especially given the fact that manufacturers are trying to get rid of 09 plate models (basically 09 stock, but still brand new).
What this means is there's generally a strong supply of used cars which means that market is very competitive and harder to make a quid on. Rather than sell your car at a loss, they would rather deal with cash itself.
Either way, if you are buying, new or used, it's generally quite a good time.
In regards to the car, it really depends on your tastes and requirements. A friend bought a Kia Cerato. He drives a lot and was impressed by the features it offered for the price as well as the warranty (5 years). Given the fact that he isn't going to sell the car soon, he isn't worried about the depreciation (because the brand isn't strong, depreciation is a factor).
Another friend went the opposite route and wanted something similar to what the KIA had. He bought a Lancer instead costed a lot more though but he will generally get less depreciation. He had to spec up the car to get the full safety options though (costed more but included a drivers knee airbag).
Either way, best of luck, try all the compact cars out there you fancy and hope you find something that fits your needs :)
Thanks for the great info! The reason why we were not looking to get a Toyota is fairly obvious, but ruling out the mazda is because the car we totaled was a mazda 6 and another family member thinks there are a number of things wrong with it. I personally didn't have a problem, infact we will probably be getting a second hand 6 now.
Brand and depreciation was certainly thought about, and after reading Inherentchoice's website suggestion I was quite surprised the Hyundai came out on top. They tend to depreciate very very quickly which is a real issue, especially if we have a serious accident in the future and write the car off again, we would be given 'market value' as compensation by the insurer.
In your opinion, given there is a strong supply of 2nd hand cars, where are the best deal at? Private sale or dealership? What are some strategies to getting the cheapest price at the caryard?
Its a lot cheaper to get it from a private dealership but becareful when selecting cars. Always check up with REVS and buy their certificate, but be wary that it is not 100% correct (therefore buying the certificate will insure u against any finance)
Also sus out the buyer and make sure you write up a contract with them, making sure they sign it (with a witness for each party), declaring that if the car is found to have been previously written off or involved in any major accidents then they will refund the amount of which you paid. This should scare off any potential scammers who buy written off cars and resell it (generally at cheaper than other sellers)
So just sus out your seller and you'll end up saving a couple of grand. I'm not trying to sound racist, but these people are generally of the lebanese community (as i've gathered from a lot of heresay) due to the fact that they have a lot of contacts in the automobile industry.
Another consideration is ex-government caryards (very safe option) or those auctions that happen on the weekends. Just be wary and you'll be right ;D
Personally myself, and for my friends, I rarely recommend buying a new car. I normally let someone take the hit and I then buy it second hand.
Because of the current market, the over supply of used/second hand cars, you shouldn't find it hard to get a good deal due to the competition. If you don't get a good deal, then go to someone else.
People are generally desperate to sell some cars if they need quick cash.
If you're buying new, you have to understand and deal with depreciation. Although people dislike Hyundai-KIA (it's actually the same brand), they make decent cars now and have a good warranty period. Because the brand name is much weaker than Japanese rivals they chuck a lot of equipment in for the same price and offer better value for money.
You need to list what features you want in a car and physically test drive it to see if there's anything that annoys you.
The family ended up getting a Honda Civic Accord Euro, 05 model for 16K. Didn't think it was such a hot deal for a second hand car, didn't understand the haste in buying it. I personally would use the fact that there is an oversupply of used cars to sweat a few sellers out but hey, nothing I could do.
@fungi79: Honda Civic Accord Euro? You're either talking about the Accord Euro, or the Honda Civic, both are different models. Honestly, I rate the Accord Euro quite well if it's the higher spec'd model. It all depends on location and how many KMs but generally the premium trim level Accord Euro is a nice car.
Personally myself, and for my friends, I rarely recommend buying a new car.
For me it's the kids. Had my daughter vomited on the car on Thursday and it still stinks today (+ a lot of cleaning up work). I just cannot bring myself to buy a new car at the moment knowing my two rough kids are going to make it a mess from day one. Not to mention I hate to wash cars or spend more than needed time to maintain it :P
Although people dislike Hyundai-KIA (it’s actually the same brand), they make decent cars now and have a good warranty period.
Indeed. One of our friends got their Subaru written off due to flood in Sydney a couple of weeks ago. Replacing it with a Hyndai i30 wagon. Looks like a great choice and good value for money.
@scotty: Samsung and LG are emerging as more reputable brands, and I think it's the same story with their Korean counterparts in the auto industry with Hyundai and KIA. Got to drive a nice Cerrato the other day and I was quite impressed.
get a pulsar SSS and spend the rest of the 18k on rims!
jokes.
This is OzBargain. Not OzBogon…
=P
Haha. Unfortunately I can't spell :P
http://www.australiasbestcars.com.au/2009/mid_under.htm - more of a wagon than a sedan but still might be worth considering.
Also have a look at the scoring sheet: http://www.australiasbestcars.com.au/2009/2009_midsize_under…