Hi All
I need a car to get me back and forth to the train station each morning, which is a short drive.
I have 2-4k budget, so its not going to be anything flash. In fact i fully expect it to be old, have alot on the clock, have a few dents etc.
But - there are makes and models that are known for being reliable and not dying. Ideally cheap-ish parts. etc etc.
So looking for tips ideally with age if poss. E.g Toyota Model X from 20xx
Thanks in advance :)
Good luck finding a ute in reliable condition for $4k.
Also, people love stealing utes. They're loaded with trade quality gear.
Have you considered walking or riding a bike. How far is it?
Definately - its the dandenong ranges, not really practical or safe. I used to ride to work so i'm gutted this isnt really an option.
any toyota (from the early 2000's eg; camry, corolla, echo) really IMO.. parts are pretty cheap, reliable
Thanks for that. Gives me a starting point :)
Seconded. Heck, you see Corollas from the 90s still going strong on the road these days. OP: Just make sure you get it checked out by a mechanic.
any toyota
Even a Toyota Lexcen?
They were the worst Toyota ever. About the only thing that didn't fall off was the badges.
Those are rebadged Holden Commodores. No wonder they're POSs.
2002-2003 Mazda 3 SP20.
Ohh - cheers!
I think Ryanek means a Mazda 323, not Mazda 3.
I have a Mazda 323 2003 Astina shades, good reliable car.
Yeah thanks, I did mean the 323.
Better off looking for what you CAN find with some sort of history and RWC for that budget and narrowing it down from there.
Good point - after all maybe i'm dreaming with that budget of getting something half decent?
2002-2007 BA/BF Falcon
2004-2006 VZ Commodore
1999-2004 Corolla/Camry
1998-2002 AU Falcon (ugly jokes aside, these things just do not die)
If you're a broader or taller guy, the Falcon's might do you better. I've found my shoulder hits the B pillar in a Toyota whilst driving - can be quite uncomfortable. No doubt they're cheap and reliable, however.
Nice one!
Love the AU, Series two in particular. Pity most of them are developing the dreaded Smart lock /Smart shield.
BF doesn't have the fuel economy that AU does but it doesn't have the smart lock issues.
Actually a really reliable practical vehicle which people often overlook is the 2006-2011 Nissan Tiida. Bulletproof MR18 motor and 4 speed automatic means the car is incredibly cheap to maintain. If you can get past how it looks since its not the prettiest looking car and if sparse equipment doesn't bother you (they were still selling these with windup windows in 2011!) then its an excellent buy. I've bought 2007-2009 models wholesale with about 120,000km and auto for 2500 so don't spend more than 4k privately or at a dealer. At 3-4k its an excellent buy and makes for cheap motoring.
Absolutely, this! The car was developed before the GFC, so this is back when Nissan was a by word for quality, their transmissions are awful these days. Japco the company that makes them are mostly Nissan owned as well.
$2-$4k car? Forget brands / models etc at that price. Look for something that has rego, decent tyres and wont need a few K spent on it in the near future to keep it on the road and usable.
Another one nobody has mentioned, Mitsubishi Magna TJ. Beautiful looks better than any other comparable car at the time, capable and very reliable. There is a reason there are still so many around.
Oil burner, guzzler, leaks oil like no tomorrow.
Magnas have inbuilt weather forecasting. You know its a hot day when you see Magnas broken down on the side of the road.
Hyundai Getz. They are worth nothing, great on fuel, nothing really goes wrong with them. Noone will steal it.
Or even an older Hyundai Accent. Small, decent engineering cheap. If it breaks, buy a new one.
Some great comments and advice in here - thanks guys.
It sounds like it maybe worth getting any 'new' used car checked out by a mobile mechanic and a RWC?
Could this be an airtasker jobby? If so what would you say is a fair price?
(granted there are variables, distance to travel, just the one car) etc etc
I just bought a Honda Accord 2002- 25 Anniversary edition, for a $1000 plus a few hundred more to get the timing belt done.
Airbags, ABS, cruise control, aircon, leather seats, 6 speakers. Paint was crap but the inside was good. 200000km
sounds like you need something that people won't want to steal too
hi-lux
.