Recommended Secondhand Hatchbacks for budget of $12,500

Hi all

I'm looking at getting a hatchback as my general all purpose vehicle, I usually take public transport to work so it would see light use mostly on weekends, for shopping, going to the gym and for visting friends/relatives.

Budget is around $12,500. Looking for something which will last, has rear cameras and sensors as standard and is just all-round reliable and cheap to run. Preferably an MY from 2013 or later.

Have been leaning towards a Hyundai i30 MY2013/2014 or a Honda Civic VTi-S MY 2013 but generally open to suggestions.

Comments

  • Kia Cerato?
    Might even get a more recent model v Honda & Hyundai with the balance of the 7 year warranty.

  • Mazda 3 or Toyota Corolla would be solid picks - cheap to run, low cost of insurance, cheap repairs if requried, and both reliable cars.

    Mazda 3 would be my pick, but Corolla will have a better resale value (i.e. you'll pay more for it now, but possibly again in the future if you sell it comparably). I dislike the Corolla purely based on where the arm rest is on the drivers door.

    Look at the base models without the cameras and sensors and have them installed aftermarket - You'll get a far better price on a "generic" base model than a more scarce higher end model, and today's aftermarket additions will be much better quality than the factory standard of 2013.

  • I would be looking for a Toyota with as low mileage as possible. Something like these (not sure of your exact location). Make sure that any car you buy has relatively low mileage and a full service history. Obviously negotiate on price to get closer to your $12.5k figure.

    https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2017-Toyota-Yaris-A…
    https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2013-Toyota-Corolla…
    https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2015-Toyota-Corolla…

    • with as low mileage as possible.

      Why? Lack of use and short trips is the worst thing for engines.

  • Hyundai likely a better option than the Honda from a servicing costs point of view.

    Consider as others have said either a Kia Cerato (very similar to i30) or a corolla.

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