Looking to Buy My First Car under 8K

• 

  zonra on 18/11/2018 - 13:37

  +2

  I probably sound like a broken record across the car recommendation threads by now but look at a Yaris or Mazda 2.
  Spent 7k on wife’s 2010 Yaris back in 2014 and besides oil and filters change yearly it didn’t need much else.
  Not the most exciting car in the world but not many can beat it in terms of stress free commute.

  P/s:
  If you’re going interstate/regional in any small car it’s definitely worth investing in some roadside assistance.

  • 

    dogboy on 18/11/2018 - 18:25

    Correct me if I am wrong but smaller petrol engine cars are not good for regular long commutes. I.e. They rev higher at higher speeds and therefore use more fuel and it is not a pleasant experience. Wouldn't a 6-cylinder or diesel be more efficient? I have a 4 cyclinder that is great around the city but sucks on the highway. My big 4wd is a lot more efficient when travelling at speed for distance.

    I was thinking something that has some decent road clearance that you can also take offroad. Unfortunately Australia's love of 4wds mean they are all really expensive regardless of their age/kms. Could try get a Jimney or Vitara but again you will be looking at maintenance due to age/kms in your price range.

    • 

      Euphemistic on 18/11/2018 - 19:18

      Small car are fine at highway speeds, but agree a medium sedan or hatch would possibly be more comfortable (but less fuel efficient).

      A jimny woukd suck on the highway regularly, short wheel base and stuffer suspension would be too rough. It is def not made for distance.

      I do agree that a big lazy 6cyl is great on the open road, but you lose a lot of efficiency around town and unless you need the space it isn’t worth the extra cost over a Corolla for example.

      A big 4wd will not be more efficient, might be more comfortable but def use more fuel, tyres etc.

    • 

      zonra on 18/11/2018 - 21:40

      I think you’re right actually, I just looked at OP’s budget and needs for a reliable car and jump straight to Yaris.
      I do take the Yaris on a 100+ km return trip at high way speed weekly with no issues but not sure how regional OP will need to go.
      Getting a reliable big sedan/4x4 under 8k might be tough though.

• 

  justaperson on 18/11/2018 - 14:03

  In that price range an i30 diesel or Honda Insight 2011 or newer would be perfect. Both have enough sound deadening and comfort to be suitable on the highway (the smallest cars, Yaris/Mazda2 etc don't, and usually rev quite high due to their low gearing and small engines) and they are both incredibly efficient on fuel both only using around 5l/100km and have enough power to safely overtake (the insight has a small hybrid engine but the electric motor gives it enough power to overtake.

• 

  oscargamer on 18/11/2018 - 14:59

  +1

  $6k for the car
  $2k for transfer fees, insurance and servicing

• 

  [Deactivated] on 18/11/2018 - 16:19

  Auto or manual?

  • 

    sammyboy599 on 18/11/2018 - 18:37

    Auto preferably

    • 

      [Deactivated] on 18/11/2018 - 18:51

      +1

      Ok. Then a Camry it is.

• 

  PinzVidz on 18/11/2018 - 17:06

  +4

  traveling to regional victoria

  If you're doing long trips frequently, forget about small cars. Look at medium/large for comfort. Stick with Japanese/Korean (except Daewoos with Holden badges). OzB fav Camry will get a lot of recommendation here and ticks your boxes for cruise control etc. but also good safety level as well (later models in 40 series, which fall into your budget, have all bags and VSC standard).

  Example here.

  • 

    sammyboy599 on 18/11/2018 - 18:38

    The only thing about these kind of cars, are their high KM's (I have heard that high KM's are undesirable in a second hand car)

    • 

      p1 ama on 18/11/2018 - 18:51

      165,000km isn't high. If you have a look at the listings, there are plenty of the same car with over 250,000km, so there's plenty of life left in the car. Generally, for a 10 year old car, I'd say that anything below 100,000km is low, anything around 150,000km is okay, anything above 200,000km is high.

• 

  Shiny Mew on 18/11/2018 - 18:25

  8k is too much for a new car. Heck, mine was $150. For $3-4k you can get a fairly safe, economical and reliable used Japanese car (cheaper if manual) and that remaining $4k can be used for investment (or to pay down an interest-bearing debt). Think Suzuki Swift, Toyota Corolla and Yaris, Honda Civic etc.

• 

  p1 ama on 18/11/2018 - 18:49

  +1

  My honest recommendation is to just get a Camry. My first car was a Camry, I never had a single issue with it and couldn't have asked for anything better.

  Learn to change your oil and stock up when there are sales ($20 for oil + $10 for filter = $30 per service) and just change every six months. The tools you need are a set of ramps (or jack + jack stands), a socket set, and cheap stuff like an oil tray, funnel and gloves. Buy once and this stuff lasts forever. I only took my Camry to the mechanic when it needed a big major service (every 3 or 4 years). The Camry was super fuss-free and never gave me any headaches.

  With your budget, you're probably looking at something like a 2006 - 2008 model, you can afford one with low (under 100,000) kms easy, just shop around. Don't go with a car that is too small, you want something comfy for those long rides, lots of room in the back for taking passengers and good boot space. Highway fuel economy is largely the same, I'd only recommend a smaller car if you only ever drive in the city.

• 

  loropy9 on 18/11/2018 - 18:53

  Every mechanic will tell you that corollas go forever. Yaris is a good car, but too small and underpowered. Camry is reliable but for 8k you are looking at high kms.

• 

  aparra on 18/11/2018 - 18:55

  +1

  I will go for a medium size car as a small car is not efficient on long trips. Also, consider extra costs as transfer fee and insurance.

  • Check the insurance cost before to buy the car
  • Pay for a car inspection before buying the car; you can save considerable money. If someone is wrong, you can renegotiate the price. If you buy the car, you make sure to be in perfect condition.
  • I think 8K is reasonable for the first car, check prices here https://www.redbook.com.au before to make an offer. The "Trade In Price" rage is very useful when making offers.

  I will consider the following models: Mazda Mazda3, Hyundai 30, Toyota Corolla, Kia Ceratto, Mitsubishi Lancer.

• 

  Cave Fire on 18/11/2018 - 19:20

  +1

  Also pay attention to the brakes and tyre tread on whatever you get. Those items are invaluable for long drives on country roads. If you don't know much about cars, 100% get someone to go with you and don't rush. The advice I read was to test drive ten cars and write down information about each one before deciding. You can get a lemon from a dealer and great cars from private sales too! You just need to know what to look for. I'd go for a Corolla as they are everywhere and are a good first car. Here is a link for Carsguide reviews, they are comprehensive and written in a down to earth way. Carsguide Corolla review