I'm in my early thirties and have never driven before since I never felt the need to own a car or for that matter drive. But after covid and social distancing in place now I feel like it's time to get one.
I do not know anything about cars and have an upper limit of around 50k for a new car.
I am looking into getting a car which can last me at least 5 years and have decent space, small SUV perhaps preferably with good safety ratings.
Buying a New Car, Need Advice and Suggestions
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Interesting the amount of people suggesting getting a cheaper or unlovable car because op is likely to get bumps and scrapes on it. Just what is the op gonna be bumping and scraping? Presumably not other people's property and vehicles right?
It's just bizarre that bumping and scraping appears almost inevitable and acceptable when you first start driving. It isn't. Op should not be going in with the attitude that it's acceptable, then thinking how to get away with damaging other people's property.100% agree. I did not cause any damage to my first car aside from a minor scrape on the lower bumper barely visible due to a kerb. Body and paint was immaculate. Drive with care always, and get a dashcam with parking mode.
why on earth are so many people spending $50k+ on a car?? That is not a need, that is a want. I see no reason for OP to spend any more than $10k given the requirements.
I don't see why it's a problem when you can buy a good car that will last and have a warranty, capped servicing costs and look/drive better than any used car. Resale value in 5 years as well?
The thing is, some people don't scrape their cars in their whole lifetime, it's not the hardest thing in the world to do.
I am not suggesting that the OP should buy a cheaper car because it will just get scratched up (it shouldn't). I am suggesting it because anything above $10k (maybe at a stretch $20k) is surplus to requirements. Depreciation cost on a $50k car will FAR outweigh any savings due to warranty, capped price servicing etc.
For most people, a car is just a means of getting from A to B, and I am continually staggered that so many people spend way more than they need to, to fulfil this need.
I agree, $50K is a stretch, but $35K on a larger car isn't bad.
…a car is just a means of getting from A to B, and I am continually staggered that so many people spend way more than they need to…
Some people, like myself, actually enjoy driving. I'm sure there's a lot of people out there that would be staggered by the stuff you spend your money on too.
As I always say… when people say they can't afford something, it's often not because they can't. It's often because it's not high enough on their priority list.@bobbified: Yeh, me too. Love driving, never owned anything other than a manual and intend to keep that up. A couple of years ago I "splashed out" and treated myself to a 3 year old sporty hatch for $22k. I didn't need it, a $10k car would have been fine, and took a lot of convincing myself about it!
I'm not talking about people like me though. I'm talking about the very many families that don't particularly care for driving but way overspend compared with requirements. And then tighten the purse strings in other areas. It makes no sense. Maybe a ridiculous sense of keeping up with the Joneses.
I paid under 15k for my used car, and it still looks and feels like new. 2015 model, great features and quality. Depreciation doesn't even factor in for me, I got a great car for a low price, beats spending 30k+ on a new one!
To the amazement of the vast majority on OzBargain, not everyone is broke.
if buyng new get a simple corolla hybrid sedan. It is cheap to run, with cheap fixed price servicing for 5 years and easy on fuel. Its got good safety rating and it will allow you to build your no claim bonus rating cheaply. It will have good resale value when it comes time to upgrade and if you don't it will last for ages with simple maintenance. They are the fridge equivalent of cars. The hybrid battery lasts longer than 8 years before you need to change. There are many hassles in life, a corolla sedan hybrid minimises hassles. Use a car broker to get the best deal if buying new.
You're bound to ding/scratch it especially since you'll be new to driving. Just get a used corolla/yaris/mazda/hyundai, for around 7k. U can resell it later for not much less. I personally prefer hatches, less awkward to reverse more functional rear storage. If I was you I'd get a corolla hatch. Drive that around for a year and if you still want more aesthetic then look at a 50k car.
Dont buy a new car or spend huge amounts unless you get some experience in driving, and you plan on keeping the car forever.
I'm in my early thirties and have never driven before
Don't get a new car, get a reliable car and most important is to get comprehensive insurance because you are going to need it.
Get a Kia Cerrato for around 22k. 7 year warranty. Great tech and safety. Saves you a heap of your 50k. ( Not an SUV though)
when in doubt, go toyota, go for the range topping rav4 hybrid, ticks all the boxes
That’s what I did - fantastic car.
If your budget can stretch another 5-10K. You can import a nice mostly stock R32 GTR.
If you want a brand new first car I say MG MS3 Kia Rio Hyundai I30 are perfect. If you really want an SUV though Hyundai venue maybe Kia Seltos. My first car I bought brand new was a Yaris and til now since 2012 I have had no trouble so there's an option. Don't just go for the best looking or expensive car because it's available. My friend bought a BMW X3 more than 10 years ago now worth 6k or so but already did about more than a grand worth of repairs on it in the last few years. Think about the depreciation.
..I say MG MS3..
I think OP wants car that he can actually drive…
My advice is to research! Not just the brand but the model, year and engine/transmission of said car. Forums are a good way of identifying cars with unhappy owners and potentially saving you the trouble later on.
In terms of origin, Japanese is always safe and reliable and the parts are cheap and more readily avaliable. Mazda, Honda, Toyota and Subaru are the best options and South Korean models are not far behind. Drive a corolla/mazda 3 and if its too small try a Rav4/CX5. Whatever car you want make sure you drive it! If you know nothing about cars bring a parent or friend that does.
European cars are nice to drive but im not convinced they are worth the hassle. Maybe in the city, but they are a rare commodity in regional areas as they are unreliable. Adding to that, expect servicing/parts to be 3-4 times more expensive and long delays if they need to source a part from overseas.
Good luck, buying a car is always stressful, but I actually enjoy it much more than selling one.
Hey Ashfield man. Walk to Toyota in Croydon and just buy the SUV you like.
FOrget about the 2nd hand people in this thread. You're probably a crazy rich asian from Ashfield so go b1g. Land Rover company in Concord sells really nice Jaguars and Range Rovers!
You sound like you work at the Toyota Croydon Dealership xD
No, but it's a nice dealership because it was rebuilt 2 years ago.
Don't by a Rav4. Toyota are rip off artists who trade on their reliability reputation to sell vehicles with downgraded interiors and abysmil infotainment systems several generations behind the rest. Having said that I usually rent a Camry when travelling because it will do most thing well enough and the interior is simple and easy to get used to. Klugers are fun to rent as well but the fuel economy is really bad.
downgraded interiors and abysmil infotainment systems
What do you need other than bluetooth?
You probably don't want to spend too much money on this car if you're only using it for 5 years. Maybe think about buying a used car.
As your first car, just buy a small car as many suggested, Mazda3, Corolla, e.g. Servicing is cheap as well. You don't need to spend all $50k
Take it from me you're very likely to get into a few accidents or mishaps the first couple of years, don't worry it happens to all of us. I'd seriously be considering a second hand vehicle for your first purchase. You can thank me on this later.
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Unless you absolutely want a new car warranty go second hand.
Second hand is good for a first car as you will make little mistakes and rub up the wheels or scratch the paint on something. Get something that Is small to midsize as they are easier to drive.
Saying that maybe a second hand corolla or Mazda 3