Looking for a Sedan with Auto, Leather, Rear Camera - Budget $15,000

Hey guys. I'm looking to buy a car. The features I'm looking for are:

  • leather interior
  • rear camera
  • sedan
  • good fuel economy
  • automatic
  • <$15000

Right now I'm looking at the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer which ticks all those boxes. Just wondering if there are any other cars out there that would meet all those requirements. Also I've basically just been looking at carsales.com. Could you guys recommend other ways to buy used cars?

Comments

  • +4

    Without even looking at the criteria I know you need a Batmobile… ;)

    • Perhaps not.

  • +3

    If you can stretch the budget to ~18k then I'd definitely go for a Mazda 3 Maxx 2014 instead.
    2014 was the new body type and Maxx is the minimum spec for their MZD Connect Infotainment system.

    While it doesn't have leather seats, it has a much more refined engine that will use less petrol.
    The Lancers haven't had a substantial change for many years (apart from adding LED day lights).

    On the other hand if you really want to keep it under $15k, Toyota Camry https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/results?sortby=~Odometer&offset=0&setype=sort&q=%28And.Service.Carsales..Price.range%289900..15150%29..Year.range%282014..%29..GenericGearType.Automatic..%28C.Make.Toyota._.Model.Camry.%29%29&limit=12

    or Corolla's are good offerings depending on what size you want
    https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/results?q=%28And.Service.Carsales..Price.range%289900..15150%29..Year.range%282014..%29..GenericGearType.Automatic..%28C.Make.Toyota._.Model.Corolla.%29%29&sortby=~Odometer&limit=12

  • +1

    Go to the dealer? Even though it might be more expensive but most will offer warranty and also you could see in person and test drive more than 1 car in one go. Also, why Sedan if I might ask?

    • it's mainly an aesthetic thing for me. Yeh I might go to a dealership and have a look around. Never been involved with the purchase of a car before so don't really know what i'm looking for or where to go. thanks for the help

  • Gen 5 Subaru Liberty Premium or G4 Impreza 2.0i-S

    • +1

      I have the the G4 impreza with CVT. Would not get a CVT again. Extra servicing and not particularly nice anyway.

      • I have a gen 5 liberty with CVT and I love it. Each to their own

  • +2

    A few points:
    - If you're looking at 2nd hand cars, I'd give up on the idea of a factory rear camera. You can get an after-market one installed for ~$300.
    - You didn't mention car/engine size - assuming you want something like a lancer, look at comparable cars: toyota corolla, hyundai elantra, ford focus, etc Monst manufacturers have something this size
    - If you're set on leather, look for the higher trim levels

    • this

      if you're going for a car that is a few years old then the camera + software will be old and probably proprietary = not upgradable.

      buy a new head unit which has a camera input and install a camera yourself. it is pretty straightforward

      • There's also camera displays that fit over the rearview mirror. Might be less hassle that the new head unit.

        There's lots of youtube videos on how to DIY install them, but looking on gumtree fully installed options seem reasonable too.

        • Don't get a wireless one though…interference & dropouts will drive you nuts…it seems like they work fine 95% of the time, but that 5% when they choose not to is always just when you're backing into a tight/precarious spot.

        • @StewBalls:

          I have a wirless unit and it seems to work fine, based on a bluetooth secure pairing system though not 2.4ghz
          in this day and age with wireless congestion and problems you are better off going with 5ghz / Bluetooth systems over cheapy 2.4ghz units which get lots of interference between reciever and the camera.

          Saves the dramas you mentioned above

          Cabled units have their fair share of issues trying to get the cable to the back depending on the car, but 9/10 cars should be able to come apart pretty easy and should be easy enough for someone to DIY

          I would certainly buy a seperate unit, integrated cameras suck on most cars today and with the resolution of a potato you might as well not bother with them, good of a day, useless of a night especially when you can't see the low bollard due to the grainy picture

          Definately a +1 for a seperate unit, under 400 bucks for a decent headunit with camera included now days + fitting if you can't DIY

  • I wouldn't be going for leather, they are a biotch in warm weather - you will need to put a cover on them.

    • On the other hand, leather is great if you have kids. Stuff just wipes off.

  • +1

    Check Nissan Maxima

  • +1

    I choose 2012 honda accord euro luxury
    all things you mentioned plus front and rear sensor,heated electric front seats with memory for drivers,sunroof,one touch auto windows for all,electric anti glare rear view mirrors,electric folded and heated mirrors,cooled glove box,auto wiper,auto headlights with HID,if tou buy MY13 and up it's bi xenon headlights,you WILL love it if you do night driving.

  • There is the 9th gen Honda Civic. Got a used Civic VTI-LN for ~16k last year with reverse camera, sensors, gps, push button start and keyless entry.

    If you really want the leather seats you can get the Sport model that has the above and a bigger engine, sunroof and larger wheels for a bit more money depending on the condition of the car.

  • Go for the Lancer…it ticks all the boxes.

  • Hi there, I'm also looking for a sedan, (for me, a car for a young guy but can also be used by my folks and brother) in about the same ball park. Nower days there seem to be many more types, I wouldn't be against a hatchback/outlander hybrid shape if you guys think it's the same functionality.

    Wouldn't mind bringing it down to $10K if I could only sacrifice the small extras without sacrificing comfort, year made and similar kms. Is this possible?

    Lastly, carsale.com or government car auctions? The latter to someone who doesn't know better seems like a better deal..

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