Buying a Second Hand Car Less than $15k

Tech and cars on 30/08/2016 - 12:05
Last edited 30/08/2016 - 12:56

Buying a Second Hand Car Less than $15k. Any help would be appreciated.

Purpose:

  • Weekdays: Car will spend a large portion of time in sun, waiting in bus stop while I work in City.
  • Weekend: It will get driven around. Possibly drives over 100km's.

Mandatory Requirements:

  • Reliable, out of warranty affordable spare parts. This rules out VAG group cars - as out of warranty, a DSG box can make the entire car worth diddly squat.

Secondary Requirements:

  • Engaging to drive [rules out base model corolla, lancer, etc]
  • Looks nice (this is subjective, I know)

Other requirements:
NO CVT, DSG gearboxes. Only standard torque converter auto's please.

What I've come up with as the best fit in this category is the Mazda 3 SP25.

Any help would be appreciated.

Automotive

Comments

    • Tech and cars on 30/08/2016 - 12:51

      Perfect - will have a read. Thank you.

  • inherentchoice on 30/08/2016 - 12:13
    +8

    Are autos engaging to drive?

    • Tech and cars on 30/08/2016 - 12:49
      -2

      I would argue can be - depending on if you have a DCT system or a 8 speed ZF Auto with 200hp+, 300Nm+.

  • spackbace on 30/08/2016 - 12:15
    +5

    What I've come up with as the best fit in this category is the Mazda 3 SP25.

    Wants fun to drive, narrows down to Mazda 3…

    You need educating on what an 'engaging to drive' car is!

    • Tech and cars on 30/08/2016 - 12:50
      +2

      I should have clarified. Car needs to be auto - Already have an 'engaging' weekend car.

      https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/96108568/DSC05305.jpg

      • spackbace on 30/08/2016 - 13:02

        Why the need for another car when you have the evo?

        • Tech and cars on 30/08/2016 - 13:16

          Purpose:
          -Weekdays: Car will spend a large portion of time in sun, waiting in bus stop while I work in City. Prefer to not do that to the 'weekend' car.

        • Nugs on 30/08/2016 - 13:18

          @khonfahm:

          & thief target

        • spackbace on 30/08/2016 - 13:19
          +1

          @khonfahm:

          How long is the commute from home to bus station?

        • Tech and cars on 30/08/2016 - 13:25

          @Spackbace:

          10 minutes. I know I can probably get away with a $10k corolla/camry that can easily do this reliably every day- but if the 'weekend' car is out of action for a couple of months, this will be my primary car.

          I liked the SP25 because it wasn't just the basic mazda 3 with a bolted on body kit. It actually had an upgraded motor. I just am stumped and can't think of a car that would compete with it, in this 'warm reliable' hatch(can be sedan actually) category.

        • spackbace on 30/08/2016 - 13:26

          @khonfahm:

          Fitting kids, or just you and the Mrs, or what?

        • Tech and cars on 30/08/2016 - 13:27

          @Spackbace:

          I have no issues if it is 2 seats.

        • spackbace on 30/08/2016 - 13:31
          +2

          @khonfahm:

          Ok :) Sorry, part of my job, fact finding!

          Ok so your budget appears to get you at best a 2012 model SP25

          If I could also suggest driving a Swift Sport as well?

          Yes, the auto is CVT, but don't let that fool you ;) Plus HID's, bluetooth, usb, sports seats etc. Might not have the go of the evo (obviously) but they're fun cars and love hills roads.

          Cheap and easy to maintain, timing chain not belt, reliable as all hell! Plus strong resale when you go to sell it later.

          $15k should get you about a 2012 model auto.

        • Tech and cars on 30/08/2016 - 13:39
          +1

          @Spackbace: Thanks mate, appreciate the suggestion. I'm not a big fan of the overall shape, but I'll give it a test drive at my local dealer.

          Thanks for taking the time to ask all the questions! :)

        • spackbace on 30/08/2016 - 13:46
          +1

          @khonfahm:

          Don't drive it in suburban traffic, make sure you get to take it somewhere with corners

        • pjcook on 31/08/2016 - 10:12

          @khonfahm:buy a bike

    • Tech and cars on 30/08/2016 - 12:54

      Also - Mazda 3 SP25 - is a 'warm hatch'. I'm just struggling to think of any other competitor warm hatch/sedans that are reliable and fit into this category.

  • Ryanek on 30/08/2016 - 13:24

    Honda Integra Type R DC2

  • Paul Atreides on 30/08/2016 - 13:57
    +1

    OP, i drive a worked wrx as my weekend

    2009 Corolla Conquest (not base model) as a commuter to the station. I prolly wouldn't bother with anything more tbh if I was given the chance again. All the corolla does is get me up to the speed limit, then sits on cruise control. stops a few times for traffic lights, makes a few corners, and reverses.

    keep in mind, you need to be emotionally detached from this car enough so you dont mind thats its sitting in the station for half the day, and the eventual ding from your parked neighbour swinging his door out too wide.

  • apple2016 on 30/08/2016 - 16:23

    It looks like you have chosen "Mazda 3 SP25" and built the requirements around it.
    If you like the car get the car. Its quite reliable.
    Every one has different perspectives and preferences.
    For me an engaging car would have to be RWD & Manual.

  • diazepam on 31/08/2016 - 12:37
    +2

    lancer aspire?
    upgraded engine from the lancer ES (like Mazda 3 SP25)
    body kit and all the good features. friend got a 2009 one for 12k or so
    although one could argue Mitsubishi's aren't as reliable the other Japanese car brands
    not sure since you already have the evo

    • Tech and cars on 31/08/2016 - 14:39
      +1

      Thanks! this is the sort of suggestion I was looking for!

      Thank you so much - will look into it!

      • diazepam on 01/09/2016 - 03:32

        My apologies
        this is a CVT car … I'm not aware if you get standard torque converter auto on that.
        Do have a bit of research, naturally. Although might be worth getting CVT? it's quite fast (0-100 in 7.9 or something)

  • UserNameCheckIn on 31/08/2016 - 17:37
    -1

    Holden Malibu

  • bradsmrbetty on 31/08/2016 - 22:48
    +1

    What about the Ford Mondeo Diesel?, Yeah it is a diesel, but it has 320nm from a 2lt
    Stay away from the slightly newer versions with the duel clutch transmission.
    Or XR5?
    Parts arn't as cheap as a Japanese car but plenty of them, so not anywhere near as expensive as some of the European brands.

  • bradsmrbetty on 04/09/2016 - 17:01

    OP what did you decided on?

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join