Hi All,
Based on some suggestions I have decided to go with a used petrol hatchback automatic.
Could you please provide me some tips.
I found a hatchback Volks Wagon Golf petrol with odometer 95k , sunroof, seat heating, leather seats and front and rear parking sensor but the dealer is not budging less that $ 10200 (Actual price they told was 10995). Is this good.
updated more details
Year 2012 manufactured
2012 Volkswagen Golf 118TSI DSG Comfortline VI MY12.5
+1 our had Golf had those issues. Scary AF when the car won't go into fourth.
OP should just get a Camry.
I haven't seen a camry which is less than $10k so farCamry
95k very closed to 100k major service?
I would say $9800 is achievable
What year?
Post a link to it. Some VWs had gearbox issues and an extended warranty would be a good idea.
People on here will tell you to get a corolla.
Or a Mazda. Which is very sensible advise.
yes! rx8 to be exact.
Subtract 5 from both the first letter and the number and you'd have some decent advice here.
People on here will tell you to get a corolla.
For very good reason over an old Golf
Have both golf and a corolla.
Love the golf, but cost alot more to run than a corolla. Just the other day, both cars needed a replacement wipers.
Corolla - 18 dollars as the wiper rubber can be bought separate to the blades at REPCO. Easy change out
Golf - 200 dollars as they dont sell the rubber separate to the blades
Golf definitely more enjoyable to drive, but be prepared to pay. especially when it has 90k mileage.
PS: I think the transmission fluid is due for a change during its 100k service. That will be >1k to service.
Jesus is it a closed unit that they have to change over the whole trans or something? That seems ludicrous for a fluid change.
Which exact model???
Could you draw a picture of what it looks like?
Do you have someone experienced helping you? This is probably the best option. Look at a few cars, ten is a good number, don't get stuck on one. This is difficult. The big warning is that you could still go pay 10k at a dealer and the car could be a lemon. Unless you or someone independent checks the car out, you are taking the dealer's word.
no experienced person help at the moment. I have decided to get it checked personally through private garage before I purchase any car.
no experienced person on here is going to pat you on the back for purchasing trouble.
who gave you the suggestion to buy it? the guy selling it?
standard answer for a golf out of factory warranty is let some other sucker buy it unless you have money to burn.
if you want advice on how to make a wise purchase of a 2nd hand car worth 10k you will have heaps of advice on here but that is not what you asked for.
no experienced person help at the moment
OP, you have a few experienced car people on here. Spackbace is one, he currently works in a Toyota dealership. I myself have worked in many different dealerships over the years (mechanic by trade), my last stint at a Toyota/Mazda dealer as a Business Manager/Salesperson/All-rounder.
Avoid the Golf, you'll regret it. Speaking from personal experience here as I have owned one, plus I've seen plenty of them traded in and get flogged off very quickly to wholesalers instead on going to the used car yard. They are great new, but once they get age on them, everything goes downhill, fast.
If you're looking at an hatchback with an auto, you can't go wrong with a Corolla. Your budget will get you a decent ZRE152R (2007-2012), or an early ZRE182R (2012-2018) with high km. If looking at a ZRE152R, go for anything with a September 2010 build date onwards (not compliance date). This was when Toyota made all the safety standard in all Corolla variants (stability control, 7 airbags). The only thing that was a factory option on Ascents for that era was the cruise pack (cruise control, audio controls, leather wheel) and is a bonus if you find one with it.
Low km 2011 Ascent here. This has the cruise pack. Dealer used vehicle, wave 10K cash in their face.
Other Corollas here and here. Check build dates for aforementioned safety.
I haven't seen a camry which is less than $10k so farCamry
For Camry, look at mid 2009 onwards. This was when they facelifted the 40 series (2006-2011) and made safety standard across the board also, along with better fuel economy from the 2AZ-FE 2.4 litre engine. Good example here.
Best thing about the Toyotas, they are easily upgradeable with the stereo to bring it up 2018 standard. Fit a Kenwood DDX918WS and you'll have Apple CarPlay/Android Auto goodness.
A second person will help in negotiations, the dealer has to consider two people at the same time. Sometimes the other can pick out things you cannot see, lol. It's good if they have bought a few cars as well. Golf used to have a good reputation, but they have had to cut costs over the years. Another thing about cars is you need to consider maintenance costs. $200 for wiper blades? Wow. You can also put that model in a search for recalls to see if VW has recalled anything on that model. Certain "performance" cars have higher insurance premiums for young or first time drivers. People usually get a basic car to avoid this.
This Golf could have been used for a few years and then offloaded after it developed problems. The accessories you have mentioned make it sound like a typical car that a dealer will flog. I'd check that the sunroof opens and closes (press all the buttons), check for rust and if it holds water.
There have been recalls for the starter motor and DSG gearbox. People also get engine troubles: Engine recall Whirlpool Engine blowing up
Post the link to the car please.
It's only a car, after the 1st scratch you won't care less. 2014+ Mazda 3.
avoid DSG auto transmissions! VW Ford, Audi all have this problems and you will regret it! Repair costs will make you weep!
Petrol over diesel for sure
auto 5/6+ speed over manual (in cities more so)
stop start is nice, saves fuel in traffic
4cl over 6+. rego is cheaper
turbo can make up for a smaller engine for pep
single occupant, parked all day at work and then drive home?
kids school run, groceries?
traveling lots of k's
need some usage context
I think a Mazdas 3 is an excellent choice for first car.
They are reliable, cheap to run, maintain and insure. The second-hand ones hold their value reasonably well. The only known vice is that the cabin is not very insulated from road noise, which is particularly noticeable at high speeds.
I would not be consider buying anything European because they are expensive to service, parts prices are eye-watering, they are not as reliable as the japanese brands and the resale price is terrible.
Coming to the party late…
I am in my mid-50s and recall that everyone, including me 35 years ago, wants a nice shiny first car.
What I have told my sons is; Save your money for your second car, or a trip, or for booze or the opposite sex.
Stay away from the Euros. I love Volkswagens, but I will never own one again. Get something that is cheap to run and repair, because there are nearly always repairs.
I second the votes for Corolla and Maz3. Plenty of cars around, big dealer networks for both brands and plenty of second-hand bits are available.
I would also suggest the Koreans. Reliable, safe, great warranties. Mrs B loves her Hyundai, and her previous ride was a 3-Series BMW.
Petrol and tyres cost about the same for every car, so don't stress out on those things and look at insurance and service costs.
And even if you find a car you really like, if you can't afford it, walk away. There's always another car out there…
MY and variant might help.
FYI Golf's have/had bad gearboxes and engine issues…