Recommendations for Used/New Car < $15k

anonymoususer on 07/08/2016 - 23:50
Last edited 08/08/2016 - 00:02 by 1 other user

Looking to buy a secondary car in family within 15k budget. Any specific recommendations for 'used' or new (i doubt i can find one) automatic mid size car? Nothing fancy about features but just something which is reliable, fuel efficient, relatively new on low kms family car.

Automotive

Comments

  • Kangal on 08/08/2016 - 00:58
    +11

    My quick suggestions would be:
    2010 Honda Accord Euro
    2013 Holden Evoke
    2012 Toyota Aurion
    2012 Ford Mondeo
    2008 Subaru Liberty
    (Each car is asking ~$17K, but I'm sure they could be bargained/had for $15K)

    .
    Number 1 - Do not buy new
    2 - Don't buy from Car Yards (you'll get a lesser car, for a higher price)
    3 - If a deal looks too good to be true, it usually is (car might have some hidden fees)
    4 - Buy a common car (Japanese, Holden, Ford, Hyundai, Kia), stay away from American and European models if possible
    5 - Get a car in decent condition, ie;
    (<100,000km)
    (<10 years old)
    (imho, also look for…. 2.0-3.5L, 4-6 cylinder, +140kW… for a sustained performance)

    6 - Look at the available cars (brand, model, year) from carsales.com.au to establish which choices are in your budget:
    http://www.carsales.com.au/cars/results?sortby=~Odometer&off…

    7 - Narrow the list of cars into a shortlist of 3-4 choices.
    8 - Look for your shortlist cars off gumtree:
    http://www.gumtree.com.au/cars-advanced

    9 - Contact the seller
    10 - Test drive the car, and inspect it with your mechanic or local car-guru
    11 - Bargain for a good a price, pay cash if it helps
    12 - Enjoy!

    • Hoolio on 08/08/2016 - 01:38

      Good advice thx

      • hmac on 08/08/2016 - 02:30

        camry is probably a better alternative to aurion as they are technically the same except for the engine and front & back. If you want more power, then go for aurion, but i doubt you will get a 2012 for <$20k, you can get a 2013 camry for less than 15k at toyota

    • anonymoususer on 08/08/2016 - 07:11

      Thanks Kangal.

      My problem is:
      —-Test drive the car, and inspect it with your mechanic or local car-guru.

      I don't have any mechanic or car guru friend. Not sure how it works if i had to ask the local mechanic, they might be charging heaps to come onsite and test car each time with me.

    • chumlee on 08/08/2016 - 07:17

      What about checking to make sure the car has no finance owing on it???

      • Kangal on 08/08/2016 - 16:16

        D'oh!

        I was thinking about it when I was typing this all out.
        But I forgot to put it in when I was doing a quick search on some cars for the list.

        It's too late to edit the post, but that would be Step 10.5 since you need the VIN, and you won't (usually) get the VIN until you go for inspection.
        You can check REVS/PPSR/finance from your phone, put the VIN in, costs about $30 iirc.

        • Kangal on 08/08/2016 - 16:21

          @Spackbace:

          Cheers!
          I remember when I did it years ago, it cost me around $20-30 for a complete/comprehensive check for insurance, finance owing, and accident history etc etc. I'm guessing that price is for finance owing only (?), which really is the most important one to check.

        • spackbace on 08/08/2016 - 16:23
          +2

          @Kangal:

          Nope, that's what you're up for if you go through 1 of the many companies that offer the check, that's the extra they charge

          The PPSR is the single, Australian register where details of security interests in personal property can be registered and searched.

          It is an online noticeboard, on which:

          • you can register a notice to show that you have rights over personal property which secure a debt or obligation that someone owes you
          • you can check to see if someone has registered an interest over personal property you want to buy or lease.
        • PVA on 27/08/2016 - 21:07
          +1

          @Kangal:
          look up TheCheckout , they had an episode showing how all the $20 an up sites were a rip off and they just use the data from the PPSR site.

  • Euphemistic on 08/08/2016 - 08:55

    How many passengers do you carry regularly? How big are the kids? Do you want to be able to haul stuff?

    Mazda 3 or Corolla might be a suitable option, they are often bigger on the inside than you expect, but at a sacrifice of boot space.

    With $15k and no mechanical aptitude a car yard might be a better option as you can get a warranty to go with it. You still need to be aware that you will pay a bit more for the same car than you would privately.

  • hashtagbargain on 08/08/2016 - 11:23

    Great thread, useful responses. I have a question … Does anyone have any experience finding the best (cheapest) place to finance a car? A friend of mine has just started his full time work and wants a great car for under $500 a month repayment.

    • spackbace on 08/08/2016 - 11:26
      +1

      Needs to be in the job minimum 3 months for many finance companies to consider him. Otherwise expect higher interest rates due to just starting full time

      • hashtagbargain on 08/08/2016 - 11:28

        Good stuff, he's already interned for 3 months so I thing he's good there. Nevertheless in the worst case scenario, he's willing to wait for 3 more months…

        • spackbace on 08/08/2016 - 11:29
          +1

          He can always try putting an application in, if he gets knocked back he just waits the 3 months needed.

          ~$115pw is maybe around $20k spend.

          Get him to find a car first, then the finance company. Don't put the horse before the cart.

  • spackbace on 08/08/2016 - 11:25

    Ex-fleet/rental Toyota Camry - Yes it's boring, a fridge on wheels etc, but it's roomy enough for what you want it for and shouldn't give you any grief.

    Quick search on Carsales - $14,990 gets you a 2014 with 52,000kms

  • Stewardo on 08/08/2016 - 11:29
    +1

    I would say Japanese car make
    Make sure it auto and not cvt
    Camry aurion Corolla

  • robertbruce on 08/08/2016 - 11:52
    +1

    yerrr, Camry, boorrrring… we just bought another toyota, yerrr, is a camry, is an '03 model done 120K's an; paid 3200 for it…good unpretentious car

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