Need to purchase a car... Which one?

kimba88 on 13/09/2011 - 20:27
Last edited 13/09/2011 - 22:59 by 1 other user

Hi guys,

I need a new car. I've been looking at new and used.. but i seriously cant decide what i want! So i need some suggestions.. maybe even the best quote you managed to get on a car too so i know what to haggle to.

Basically, I need:

  • Automatic
  • Hatchback
  • Preferably $15,000 or less
  • 5 star ANCAP rating
  • Fuel efficient
  • Reliable and easy/cheap to get parts for
  • Possibly one that holds its value well too

I've had a test drive of the Kia Rio, it was ok but i think its not so good reputation is ruining my decision. Anyone know if the Kia reputation has improved and how reliable they are and how cheap/easy it is to get parts? I have also been looking at the Hyundai i20, Hyundai i30 and Mazda 2. I haven't test driven those but they look alright.. price is just an issue.

I know Toyota is really reliable. My car (Hyundai excel) was written off on Friday.. i ran up the back of a Toyota Altise. The Toyota barely had a scratch on it!

Anyways, all links and suggestions are welcome! I need a car ASAP. I'd prefer to steer clear from BMW, Peugeot, Citroen, etc, as parts are hard to get.

Thanks in adavance

Automotive

Comments

  • andy19363 on 13/09/2011 - 20:44

    Hyundai are running out the Getz at the moment…. My local dealer is doing the basic 3 door manual for 11990 drive away…. didn't look at the 5 door auto, but I reckon it would be about 13/14000.

  • samfisher5986 on 13/09/2011 - 20:49
    +3

    IMO new cars aren't worth it unless you make a lot of money per year.

    For 15k I would get a 2008 or newer car with low km.

    Also remember that while there is nothing wrong with Hyundai, its cheaper for a reason. A lot of their recent cars have gotten a lot better, but their history shows their cars are not to the same standard as other companies.

    • andy19363 on 13/09/2011 - 21:28
      +2

      history shows their cars are not to the same standard as other companies.

      some recent history…. for what it's worth….

      http://www.canstarblue.com.au/vehicles/cars/2010/

      Hyundai was awarded first place for overall satisfaction in the cars category and also in the value for money, point of sale, service and after sale service supporting categories.
      Hyundai came second in reliability and performance, just behind Nissan.
      The company achieved the best rating of nine car makers in Canstar Blue’s independent survey by market research professionals, Colmar Brunton.

      I guess they must have some confidence in their product as they give a 5 yr unlimited mileage warranty…..

      • samfisher5986 on 13/09/2011 - 22:21

        I did mention they have gotten a lot better…..

        Also their award really doesn't say a whole lot for my point, that 10 years down the track what condition will your car be in?

        I have no idea, but their older cars often do very badly 10 years down the track…

        I'm not saying don't buy one, I just think its silly to assume Hyundai and Toyota are the same therefore you should never buy a Toyota because Hyundai is cheaper.

        Every brand has its own reason to buy.

        • andy19363 on 13/09/2011 - 23:05

          I don't know much about the Getz…. never owned one, but on paper…… for what the OP is looking for…. it looks the part. It's currently cheap to buy (on runout), cheap to run and maintain, (won some award last year i think for all round cheapest to own), gets a 5 yr warranty, reliable, etc etc.

          The thing about buying new is…. theoretically anyways…. there is no history with the car. Whenever you buy second hand, you really don't know what's happened to the car previously. Unless you're a mechanic, you might not be able to judge a dodgy engine, suspension, etc etc.

          I understand about depreciation….. which is a factor in considering a more expensive car….. but for 12/13 grand…. you really aren't going to be losing a great deal.

          just my 2c :)

        • ESEMCE on 14/09/2011 - 09:39
          +1

          You'll still lose $2000-3000 just driving your new car off the lot, so yes, that equates to losing 25% of your money in a few seconds..
          Buying a used car with less than 50,000 on the clock means someone else has lost that immediate depreciation for you and the risks of something terrible are very very low! Plus these days, cars under 50,000 and 5 years age are still covered by manufacturer warranty.

        • andy19363 on 14/09/2011 - 16:21

          You'll still lose $2000-3000 just driving your new car off the lot

          If you plan to sell it a week later, then yes…. that's an issue. But…. if you're planning on keeping it until at least when the warranty runs out, ie 5 years, then it's not really much of a drama.
          The red book for 5 yr old above mentioned basic getz now is $5,900 - $7,300, which would be a drop of around 45% on the above price. Bad if you sold the day after you bought it, but $5000 over 5 years isn't too horrible.

          As I said….. a more expensive car would take more consideration…..

          Buying a used car with less than 50,000 on the clock

          means finding an appropriate one…. either on foot or online. The OP says "I need a car ASAP"…..

        • massari on 15/09/2011 - 10:05

          lol I have had my Hyundai Elantra since 2005 new (19000k or something. Have had 0 problems. Done my service every 15k (now up to 120k km) lol

          Same Could be said about my mums nissan pulsar. 2004 model, 150000 km and no problems at all. Just regular services. It all comes down to how you treat your car / if you got a lemon :)

    • Cheeper on 15/09/2011 - 02:25

      I dont agree with your opinion on Hyundai Sam but what you say about buying a good 2 y/o car is spot on. Avoid the big depreciation dip and still get new car warranty!

      • samfisher5986 on 15/09/2011 - 11:03

        What I'm saying is that you get what you pay for.

        Hyundai is cheaper then Toyota

        TEAC is cheaper then Sony

        There are reasons to buy both brands, you shouldn't assume the cheaper brand is as good as the more expensive brand.

        • Cheeper on 15/09/2011 - 19:42

          Hyundai have lifted their game immensely in the last couple of years Sam.
          Current fit and finish is exceeding Toyota and reliability & endurance is now right up at the top. They are now considered to be setting the market standard rather than following it. Kia is another one making major inroads as well with big improvements all round in there current vechicles.

          Sure are some nice cars around… would be nice to be able to afford one!! LOL

  • [Deactivated] on 13/09/2011 - 21:39

    Sorry to hear about your prang.

    Anything jap sounds like the best advice for you.

    Rola, yaris, maz2/3 Honda jazz etc even subie

    I'd then probably look at the new focus or Cruz. But you'll find the usual rants of quality, although the Cruz is now locally built and not Korea.

    Would you consider used golf/jetta tdi?

    • ESEMCE on 14/09/2011 - 09:40

      most of the above listed are made in Thailand, not Japan anymore..

  • zxcv on 13/09/2011 - 21:41

    I would recommend a getz if you want a small, practical and cheap car to run and new. Obviously a lot less to worry about with a new car. If you can afford the i20 new i would also go with that otherwise a second hand yaris would be a great choice too i think.
    good luck!

  • Cheeper on 13/09/2011 - 22:30

    If you have the time to attend an auction something like this may be the best value for your money…
    http://www.pickles.com.au/cars/-/listing/searchItems?fromCon…

    Pay no notice to the prices shown for an off the floor purchase as at auction they should be well inside your budget.

    Find one with 6 months new car warranty remaining and you will have more than you have asked for in your list and a bit more durable than the cars you have been looking at.

    • kimba88 on 13/09/2011 - 22:46

      Hmm.. how much do cars generally go for during an auction compared to their buy it now price?

      • Cheeper on 15/09/2011 - 02:33

        Kimba it varies as you can imagine. I have seen off the floor @ 18k go for under 15k.
        A lot of dealers buy stock there.
        Watch online and learn the process then go and snap up a good deal.

        I got a car for the missus from another auction for $14k and a friend got one almost identical just afterwards from a dealer and paid over $20k for it. Mind you they paid the asking price, could not be bothered to try for a bit lower. They did get floor mats and a weathershield thrown in.. :-(

        You loose a lot of money on cars but with a little effort you can reduce that loss.

        • rygle on 24/09/2011 - 23:07

          The trick with auctions where there are dealers is to wait until they stop bidding, which means they don't think they can get a decent markup/profit in the car yard, but it will still be a bargain for you. Don't bid until they've done their dash otherwise you can push things up too early. Keep it low key when you do bid late - sometimes it spooks people and they give up earlier. You can also bid online if you know the car you want.

          Always go the day before and start the cars. You can get the keys from the desk in lots of cases. You can't drive them, but you can start them and look.

          Also remember that there is always next week. Know what you want to spend and don't get pushed over by the adrenaline. Just go back next week.

          Much of this applies to any auction.

  • scotty on 13/09/2011 - 23:13

    I drive a KIA :) A 2010 Rondo 7, and I haven't had any problem so far.

    KIA Rio is due for an upgrade though so expect to pick up some cheap ones. Size wise it's also a bit larger than Getz, as Rio shares the same platform as Hyundai Accent. Korean cars have really picked up their quality over the last couple of years, and are way ahead of Hyundai Excel from the 90's.

    Anyway. $15k — new and automatic would not give you many to choose from. So do what @samfisher5986 and @xywolap have suggested and have a look at late model used cars.

  • [Deactivated] on 13/09/2011 - 23:24
    +3

    I would recommend getting a Toyota for its overall reliability. Many people drive Toyota so there is a big market for parts.

  • Franky23 on 14/09/2011 - 18:45

    A recall or two doesn't mean a great deal in the grand scheme of things.

    I'd be inclined to buy a corolla with that sort of money.

  • pootyboy on 14/09/2011 - 20:21
    +1

    i believe there are deals that give a 5dr getz for a 3dr price. I own a kia cerato and the reliability is better than what people conceive, but re-sale value wise, do go for japanese cars. Your budget could get you used honda jazz, ford fiesta, vw polos. go for those.

    • pauly on 14/09/2011 - 21:17

      re-sale value wise, do go for japanese cars.

      Agreed.

      And if you intend to service your car at the dealer, I'd go for one with capped price service as well, e.g.:

      Toyota
      Mitsubishi

  • scrimshaw on 15/09/2011 - 02:44
    +1

    Go to the Pickles car auction and get yourself a fleet Toyota Corolla.
    http://www.pickles.com.au/cars/-/listing/searchItems?fromCon…

    The next auction is on 19 of Sept (NSW) for passenger vehicles. However if you don't feel like going to the auction, you can also buy the cars outright before the auction starts.

    Last year I went there and bidded on a 1 year old model (2009) hatchback, from what I can tell it was previously owned by No Birds and they frequently dispose of their old cars via car auctions. Fleet cars tend to be kept in good condition and since they are only used around the city have fairly low mileage.

  • freemoneyhunter on 15/09/2011 - 21:26

    Goto ebay motors, lots of cheap cars there. Do you have the cash for do you need to get credit to buy your new car?

    Also when buying secondhand cars, look for LPG gas conversion or perhaps a diesel, with diesel you can make your own fuel for it.

    Try this car

    http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/2005-Smart-Car-great-condition-/3…

    It is a smart car, they are also very cheap and fuel efficient.

    • samfisher5986 on 15/09/2011 - 21:34
      +1

      Smart cars are awesome! I call them suicide machines!

      Feel like your legs are useless? Drive a smart car!

    • kimba88 on 15/09/2011 - 21:36

      I have the cash to buy a car. so im hoping that will help with haggling. Although, i am considering taking out a small loan. I probably wont though.
      Yeah, not too keen on one of those smart cars. lol

      • samfisher5986 on 15/09/2011 - 21:40

        Don't get a loan for a car in that price range…

        The only time you should be borrowing money is if you can do it on your credit card and pay it back within the 30-55 days you get.

        Also the car you buy will likely need servicing and possibly rego after you buy it.

      • Cheeper on 16/09/2011 - 01:41

        Kimba, having cash is no benefit when buying a car from a dealer. They prefer finance as they get a comission from it.
        Once you decide on the car you want research what others have got theirs for and take a little more of the best price you find.
        During the last week of a month you will be more likely to succeed with a low offer.
        Not having a trade in is also a bonus to you.

  • Cheeper on 16/09/2011 - 01:44

    Kimba.. have a look around in here for some info on cars and deals etc..
    http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum/133

  • kimba88 on 18/09/2011 - 21:53

    Hmmm.. I'm still trying to look for a car. I thinking im starting to love the features and extras in a hyundai i30. I was thinking if maybe i buy a used 2010 model so the depreciation has already been taken by the original owner, and i still get 4yrs warranty left over.. but i need something with low km's. I was hoping for around the $15,000 mark.
    Whats the best price people have got for their i30?

    • samfisher5986 on 18/09/2011 - 22:52

      I think that's a good idea.

      Also for 15k get something under 50k km's

      • kimba88 on 19/09/2011 - 06:47

        Oh yeah definitely! I was hoping for under 30,000km's. I also still like the Mazda 2 neo.

        • samfisher5986 on 19/09/2011 - 12:37

          I prefer Mazda myself, but price is more important so just go with the best deal you find with low km's etc.

  • kimba88 on 21/09/2011 - 20:01

    So, i've seen a 2010 Hyundai i30 for $15,990. Ideally, what price would i be able to negotiate down to? The car has between 30,000-40,000km's on it (which is quite a lot for one year)

    • samfisher5986 on 21/09/2011 - 20:31

      Whats the exact model?

      Find it on redbook.com.au

      that car has a lot of km's on it considering the age but the value of the car really depends on the model.

    • samfisher5986 on 21/09/2011 - 20:31

      double post

      • kimba88 on 21/09/2011 - 20:59

        2010 HYUNDAI i30 FD MY11 SX. What does the 'MY11' mean? I thought that was meant to be the year.. but its a 2010 model. Anyone know?

        • samfisher5986 on 21/09/2011 - 21:27

          Is this your car?

          http://goo.gl/E8saS

          Basically if you get it cheaper then the lowest private price then it will make the km's worth it.

          Not sure how much cheaper though…

        • kimba88 on 21/09/2011 - 21:37

          Im not sure if thats the one? How did you search for the June model to come up? I can only get these ones..
          http://redbook.com.au/used-cars/results.aspx?N=2994%204294955265%204294843399%204294783556&Nne=15&Ns=p_Make_String|0||p_ClassificationType_String|0||p_Family_String|0||p_Year_String|1||p_SequenceNum_Int32|0&No=0

        • samfisher5986 on 21/09/2011 - 21:47

          second page.

        • kimba88 on 21/09/2011 - 21:55

          Ahuh! That makes sense! But what does the MY11 or MY10 mean?

        • samfisher5986 on 21/09/2011 - 22:04

          I think its like version 1, version 2… not sure.

  • kimba88 on 24/09/2011 - 17:16

    Just bought a car!! Hyundai i30 2011 MY11 auto 2.0L for $16,800 excluding stamp duty. Had just over 4000km's on it. So it's used but with log books and what not. Now i've got 4.5yrs warranty left!

    • samfisher5986 on 24/09/2011 - 17:26

      nice!

      I would be very happy with that.

      • kimba88 on 24/09/2011 - 17:32

        Yeah i think im reasonably happy with that. He really wouldnt budge with the price though. Although i compare it to say a brand new car, and i only saved about 2k i think. Unless there are better prices out there? I'm not sure. I just really hope i dont have problems with the car since it is slightly used.. makes you wonder why they traded it in after only a few months of use?

        • samfisher5986 on 24/09/2011 - 17:59

          Thats always a risk… but you have warranty.

    • scotty on 24/09/2011 - 21:51

      Nice bargain. That was almost-new being only 4000km.

      One of my friends have an early 2010 i30 wagon with auto-transmission. I drove it once and it's a pretty solid car. He hasn't had any issue but then again it's not even 2 years old…

      • kimba88 on 24/09/2011 - 23:13

        Yeah, i don't think there is a better price out there really. Think i may've got really lucky.

        Yeah a lot of people have high raps about driving the wagon. I got a hatchback. I'm hoping its a solid car and doesn't have any hidden problems. I didn't get a mechanic to check it.. i just trusted the dealer.. do many people bring their own mechanic to a dealer (especially if the car only has 4000km's)? With 4.5yrs warranty, i should be ok. I also have rego until May 2012 :-D

        • zxcv on 27/09/2011 - 21:37
          +1

          as long as the log books have all the services its meant to have had done stamped you should be fine! with that much warranty left I wouldn't worry too much.
          Come to think of it, with only 4000km i doubt its even have a service due (unless it was due every 6 months in which case maybe?)
          Just make sure you stick to the service schedule it's usually every x000 km's OR xx months so which ever comes first. So you might have one due now even if you haven't done the kms.
          good luck!

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