Wanting Small Second Car $10-15k, Does It Have to Be a Corolla?

Gandalf the Thrifty on 06/02/2020 - 17:37

Household Treasury said $10-15k was the price range, so looking at second hand on car sales plenty of Corollas which seem to be the default choice in other OzBargain forum posts.

I had early 2000s Corolla previously but was fairly bland base model and not overly fun to drive. Not that I'll drive new car all that much, mainly to train and possibly pick up kids.

Is there a reason why Mazdas eg 3 never come up as an option?

Kia Cerato also falls into the price range for 2-3 year old models, which would still have many years of warranty left.

Hyundai i30 does too but friend had a older Hyundai that seemed to have odd failures like drivers door not unlocking, which makes me hesitant.

Originally I thought Corolla Hybrid would be a good choice, but second hand there was only handful and mostly around $25k and they start at around $30k new. I'll hit up salary packaging provider to see if that worthwhile option also.

Automotive Car

Comments

  • spackbace on 06/02/2020 - 17:52

    Depending on the age of the kids, you could consider the Prius C. Like a Yaris in size, with the hybrid 1.5L engine

  • Diji1 on 06/02/2020 - 18:15
    +18

    It has to be a Corolla, that's the rule.

    • RockyRaccoon on 06/02/2020 - 18:18

      Hope thats not a Laberal rule, otherwise we never hear the end of it.

    • spackbace on 06/02/2020 - 18:33
      +4

      This is the way

  • toomuchdogfur on 06/02/2020 - 18:18

    Is there a reason why Mazdas eg 3 never come up as an option?

    Why not? I had two used Mazdas and they were great cars, more interesting to drive while still being reasonably cheap to maintain.

    Or do you mean the Mazdas don't show up in the $10-15k range?

    • Gandalf the Thrifty on 06/02/2020 - 21:37

      Thanks, meant recommendations on OzBargain. They come up in car sales in price range with similar ages/km to Corollas

  • Godric on 06/02/2020 - 18:19

    I'd be curious to know why people don't recommend Mazda's either, i believe they are popular & reliable.

    Imo they look like the better family car than others too.

  • Drakesy on 06/02/2020 - 19:29

    Golf GTI.
    Get some "German reliability"

    No, but seriously fun, even if things break

    • Hybroid on 06/02/2020 - 22:23

      It's really weird for me seeing these comments here because Golfs are considered extremely reliable option in UK/Europe. Guess it depends what you're comparing to (French cars there vs Japanese here).

      • pegaxs on 06/02/2020 - 22:28

        The Golf and VW range isn’t bad… They make ok cars… until they break… Then it’s just the sale of arms, legs, kidneys, first born child to get them repaired.

        Then there is dealing with VW as a company. They are morally bankrupt. They don’t give a shit about their customers and treat Australian consumer law as if it’s a “suggestion”.

        Would I own a Gold, yeah, sure, so long as someone else bought it and pays for it. I certainly wouldn’t spend my own money on one.

        • Hybroid on 06/02/2020 - 22:32
          +1

          That's probably the key difference, VWs are considered reasonably cheap to maintain & repair in UK/Europe.

          https://www.volkswagen.co.uk/owners/servicing/fixed-price-se…

          If you can afford it, Golf default sensible option. If you can't quite afford a Golf, it's a Ford Focus. If you can't afford those then go Korean.

          • pegaxs on 06/02/2020 - 22:36

            @Hybroid: I think that has to do with parts availability. Japan and Korea are a lot closer to us than Germany. And yes, if I lived in Europe, I would happily own a VW and would baulk at owning something made half a globe away.

        • brendanm on 07/02/2020 - 07:46

          I think you actually love VW deep down.

          • pegaxs on 07/02/2020 - 08:12

            @brendanm: The truth of it is, I have a love/hate relationship with VW. If I had to buy A VW group scheißewagen, it would be an BMW Audi.

            One day, when I have paid off all my debts and win Power Ball’s cool $63 million, I’m going to buy an Audi R8. And that $63 million should just about cover buying and servicing with a few bucks left over for some fuel and insurance.

            But sure, VW’s are “ok”. Certainly not my first… or second, or fifth pick, but yeah, people could certainly do worse than buying a VW… I’m looking you, you filthy French car makers.

  • rover on 06/02/2020 - 19:44
    +3

    Q> Does It Have to Be a Corolla?
    A> Yes

  • Cheeper on 06/02/2020 - 20:15

    Odd failures or reliable ?
    I hate walking… +1 Corolla.

    • pegaxs on 06/02/2020 - 22:17
      +3

      I don’t mind walking… +1 Peugeot.
      I really like walking… +1 Renault
      All I ever do is walk… +1 Citroen

  • crentist on 06/02/2020 - 21:12
    +2

    A big part of why Corollas are recommended so much is that old Japanese cars can last forever without causing trouble. Which means if you are looking for the good feeling and safety of a nice new model and not planning to keep it too long, you could treat yourself to something a bit nicer like a Golf.
    But if you are just looking for a budget second car as an occasional hassle-free runabout, then you can get away with something much cheaper, even if there's no warranty or whatever.

    I used to have a 15yo Toyota Echo, not the nicest car but decent fun to drive, and basically bulletproof reliability. I sold it to a lawyer for $3k because he wanted a spare runabout to go to the train station.
    Dude turned up for a test drive in a near new Range Rover.

    • SlavOz on 15/02/2020 - 09:26
      -1

      Haha, I do the same thing. I drive a $60k sports car and I just never bothered selling my previous car (06 Honda Accord). It's my daily shit kicker, shopping centre cruiser, car park banger, traffic fighter, coffee-while-you-drive, and so much more. It feels so good to drive without a care in the world.

  • gooddealmate on 06/02/2020 - 21:26

    I recommend a 1973 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow

    Under $15k

    • spackbace on 06/02/2020 - 21:29

      Have your own Top Gear episode

    • Gandalf the Thrifty on 06/02/2020 - 21:52
      +2

      It's a bargain! Description says used to be $27k

  • Euphemistic on 06/02/2020 - 21:31

    Corolla, Mazda 3, Lancer, i30. Keep it under $10k, closer to $5 if you can and save the rest for just in case.

  • SydStrand on 06/02/2020 - 21:43

    The Corolla gets recommended because of momentum. Toyota sells the most cars, has the largest dealer network, and has a reputation for reliability - which in turn translates to fairly decent resale value. But all the other cars you mentioned are also reliable workhorses,

  • pegaxs on 06/02/2020 - 22:13
    +16

    Does it have to be a Corolla

    Yes. Under Aus. Road Rule 408: Ownership of second and subsequent vehicles

    (1) An owner of two or more vehicles, where by one is a small to medium size, must own at least one Toyota Corolla.
    (a) Unless the main vehicle is a Camry, then this rule does not apply.
    (b) Prior ownership does not qualify as current ownership, as this rule is not retrospective.

    (2) Vehicles are grouped by household and owner is considered as the collective household.
    (a) A person may own 2 or more vehicles, providing that another household member, that normally resides at that address, is the registered owner of a Toyota Corolla.

    (3) The only suitable substitution accepted would be through the ownership of a Camry
    (a) No other vehicles to be considered.
    (b) Ownership of any French made vehicle will need to be counter balanced with the ownership of not less than two Corolla or two Camry vehicles, or a combination of both a Corolla and a Camry

    • spackbace on 06/02/2020 - 22:40
      +1

      Good to see you abiding by the law

  • tebbybabes on 06/02/2020 - 22:21
    +1

    Just to interject, I was in your shoes 2 years ago. Picked up a 2 year old Kia Rio and the damn thing hasn't skipped a beat. Only spent 8k on it. Prior to this particular car, I would never have considered a Kia myself. Now, if in need of another small car, my first consideration would be the current gen rio.

    Don't get me wrong, it's not the most dynamic drive. But since I was able to search for a stick shift, I'm still pretty satisfied, especially since it really is just used as a runabout.

  • Some Human on 07/02/2020 - 00:47

    I had early 2000s Corolla previously but was fairly bland base model and not overly fun to drive.

    Is that because you got an automatic?

    • Euphemistic on 07/02/2020 - 06:52

      Probably. I had a 91 corolla manual. It was a hoot to drive.

    • spackbace on 07/02/2020 - 11:30

      All the cool kids drive it in semi-auto mode

      • SlavOz on 15/02/2020 - 09:28

        So the do the soccer mums

  • Bid Sniper on 07/02/2020 - 08:10
    +3

    Go Kia Cerato, I have a KIA and really surprised how good of a car it is.

    • bert-lifts on 07/02/2020 - 15:16
      +1

      Yeah Kia is killing it atm. One of the few car manufacturers actually posting sales increases in Australia.

      Good budget options in the cerato, and great (somewhat higher end) options too with the stinger.

      • Bid Sniper on 07/02/2020 - 20:55
        +1

        They're what Japanese manufactures were in 80s and 90s. KIA is trying really hard and make some quality well throughout and well built cars. I have a proceed GT and its better than a Polo GTI, just an amamzing well designed well built car. Handles great pretty quick and just fun to drive. Dont know how they nailed it first try.

        Love the Stinger just a great all rounder but stylish car. Ex BMW M sport designer.

  • ctungq on 07/02/2020 - 09:07

    I just discussed same topic with my engineering friend in Ford Motor. He has worked with multiple car manufacturers on mechanical design for cars. What he said:
    - When a Japanese car breaks down, the Japaneses feel shame, regardless of how you use (or abuse) the car.
    - When a German car breaks down, the Germans would blame you for not servicing the car; pretty much like if you could afford the car, you must have $$ to service it, or else it was your fault.

  • wiipantz on 07/02/2020 - 09:17

    If you think a Corolla(totally is btw) is bland, get ready to yawn with a Mazda! Some people tend to love them but I find they normally haven't owned much else, but each to their own. If it's just a run about and your firm on your budget why not get the newest most reliable potentially under warranty vehicle despite the badge? Hybrid is good idea just target running costs? It's been an age since I've bought an A to B car, I normally buy on design, wants and features now despite age or type but that's just my story.

  • Cain0z on 15/02/2020 - 00:45

    I have had a few corollas and they have been quite boring. I also do not enjoy the last couple of mazda 3's that my friends have let me drive. I got
    a 2012 Skoda Superb for the Girl and the 2017 Fabia for myself. Both were under your budge. Over Christmas, a friend looked at a Skoda MY19 Rapid and drove it away for 16k with 5 years warranty. Auto, Andriod Auto decent on fuel and choice of colour.

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 17/02/2020 - 17:32

    In same situation but buying it for my missus to drive herself and 1month old bub in so safety is key. In light of this, is there a huge practical difference in safety between a 10k camry and a 15k camry?

    And is there anything really to look out for? Most 15k camrys i can find are around 201, sub 100k on clock with most having full service history.

    • Brodo Faggins on 23/09/2020 - 01:14

      I'd keep an eye open for ex-taxi / ex-rental camry's for that price with very high kms on it too - they would'v been trashed mechanically and in the interiors

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