Looking for a Car

smith1286 on 11/03/2017 - 06:23
Last edited 11/03/2017 - 06:24

Hello Everyone,

I am new to this forum and don't know much about cars and to make it worse last year I end up buying Holden Cruze 2009 from Gumtree ($6700 , 1,60,000 KM). I got many problems with this car and spent approx $3000 on it. Mechanic has advice to trade-in this car and I would like to take your opinion before I make my next move ( I wish I would have done it last year)

  1. I am planning to trade-in my Holden cruze ( It has yellow engine light on odometer , Can I trade in with yellow light on it or do I need to get it fixed first?)
  2. Can I go for finance option (0% interest for 4 years) If I buy dealer used car with Trade-in option.
  3. I am looking for a new car around $18-20k with 6k-8k down payment and rest of amount on 2 years installment (I can afford $500 per month for next 2 years). I am looking for a car which is good enough for next 5-6 years and I did some research found 'Kia Cerato' and 'Toyota Prius' are good one in this range. Looking for something with manufacturer warranty.
  4. If I buy a demo car or dealer used car then do i need to get it checked\inspected by mechanic or RACV.

Thanks a lot for taking out time to read this post and your valuable suggestions.

Regards,

Automotive

Comments

  • PJC on 11/03/2017 - 08:25
    +1

    Having invested so much in the Cruze, you may as well get your money's worth.

  • oscargamer on 11/03/2017 - 08:45
    +1

    2014 Mazda 3. Pick one with full history and low km. You can pick from sedan or hatch, 2 or 2.5 L engines, auto or manual.

    Depending on why the engine light is on, could be a $100 or $5000 fix.

  • captobvious on 11/03/2017 - 10:51
    +1

    if you get a hybrid make sure its not more than 4-5years old. Battery packs start to go at 8-10years and that is an expensive exercise if you want to keep the car for more than 5-6years. Buy you car outright in cash. Get a holden commodore.

  • doctordv8 on 11/03/2017 - 11:06
    +1

    Not touching the fiscal stuff, that is between you, the dealer and the banks.

    The Dash Warning light may or may not be Roadworthy concern(Air Bag is for eg), but that in itself is only your primary concern if you get a Roadworthy and sell it privately.

    As a trade-in, it will for sure decrease the value, so you need to get those proper quotes and fault list we advised you about last month. Then you can & only then you can make informed decisions on repairs to improve your trade-in valuation, or not.

    Any second hand or even a demo model, should be checked by an independent specialist in the field. Dealer vehicles will come with warranty etc but for how long or k's are pending price and dealer policy. Mechanical faults are easy fixes for the dealer and are good for you, but accident damaged/repaired vehicles can be scary and need to be the main priority for your pre-purchase inspection. Still with your record, do not take any chances - go RACV.

    Demos….eg…. under 5000k and 6mths are excellent value as they usually are fully tweaked and usually highly optioned at a very attractive price with a lower tax value.
    Bargain, but still, shop around and use your heard…… not your heart. Oh, yes it is ok, you can phone a friend.

    Oh, stay away from anything like the lemon you already have. They are evil….all of them.

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