$10 - $15k for First Car

LNoFingIdea on 10/12/2024 - 07:25
Last edited 11/12/2024 - 19:00

Long time listener, first time caller.
Daughter is looking to purchase her first car, I am looking for some advice on what makes and models to look out for.
Budget is $10 - $13k, which I thought was a healthy first car budget, but slim pickings <100k klms (Brisbane based) if I am honest.
Without going into details, dealer purchase preferred.
Auto or manual doesn't matter, the lower the klms the better.
I've made a poll, happy to add anything I've possibly missed, TYIA.

EDIT:
Thank you to everyone for your advice, very much appreciated.
In the end we went with a 2021 Picanto GT Manual for $14,500 with 68k klms.
I think we were lucky to find this one, most were well above the budget.
It came down to having warranty until 2029 (first registered Feb 2022).
Insurance cost was surprisingly by far the lowest ~$500 cheaper than any of the other cars.

Happy to answer any questions.

Poll Options

  • 154
    Toyota Corolla (2013ish) 100k klms +
  • 5
    Toyota Yaris (2013ish) 100k klms +
  • 59
    Honda Jazz (2015ish) <100k klms
  • 8
    Honda Accord Euro (2011ish) 150k klms +
  • 73
    Mazda 3 (2013ish) 100 - 120k klms
  • 20
    Kia Picanto (2018ish) 100k Klms
  • 13
    Suzuki Swift (2013 - 2017) 70 - 120k klms
Automotive Car Honda Kia Mazda Suzuki Toyota

Comments

  • beltdrive on 10/12/2024 - 07:40
    +19

    I’d go with a Jazz or Picanto. Both are good, reliable cars.

    IMO it isn’t worthwhile getting a bigger car, nor is it worth paying Toyota tax for a Yaris

    • NoFingIdea on 10/12/2024 - 08:15

      Thanks for your thoughts

      • pwnd on 10/12/2024 - 17:10
        -2

        Suzuki Jimny? Bris based, low kms and has great resale value. Slightly over budget tho
        https://www.ironchefimports.com/cars-available/1999-suzuki-j…
        Otherwise, low km Toytoa Carina. Bit on the ugly side, but AWD, air con and low kms
        https://www.ironchefimports.com/cars-available/1996-toyota-c…

        • Euphemistic on 10/12/2024 - 18:01
          -1

          Friends dont recommend imports to their friends unless their friends arent the type to ask what type of car to buy on a bargain forum.

          That is, don't buy an import unless you know cars.

          • pwnd on 10/12/2024 - 18:12
            -3

            @Euphemistic: ImPoRt BaD!!!
            Every single car listed up there, bar the Kia, is a Japanese car, which is what I recommended.
            Jimny was sold locally, with plenty of parts available.
            The carina is esentially a Toyota Corolla SR5 4WD which was sold locally, with a smaller sized engine. Engine was used here in Camrys, celicas and corollas.
            What you should have said is "friends don't let their friend comment on car posts if the friend knows nothing about cars"

            • Euphemistic on 10/12/2024 - 19:36
              +5

              @pwnd: Ok. Dont let non car people buy non AUDM models.

              Not 'import bad', but that grey imports need to be purchased with good knowledge of cars because they are harder to insure and may be harder to get parts for'. Sure, some models are exactly same as local, but some are just different enough that getting local parts isnt as easy as a local model.

              • SanguinarySeraph on 10/12/2024 - 23:13

                @Euphemistic: Absolutely, grey import as a first car is a terrible idea for the insurance alone. I’ve had one, was a great car, would not recommend the ownership experience to the average person at all.

                • ayum1 on 11/12/2024 - 08:18

                  @SanguinarySeraph: What is exactly the experience like for getting insurance on an imported car? Currently have an audm s2000 and pay 2k a yr for 45k agreed value. If this was on a JDM model would this be alot more? Thinking about buying another s2000, however JDM import. Would insurance be relatively the same as they're the same car or something more absurd. Thanks in advance for your knowledge

                  • SanguinarySeraph on 11/12/2024 - 12:34
                    +1

                    @ayum1: Not sure for a JDM that was also sold in Aus tbh, might be no different. Admittedly a while ago, but my experience was with a V35 Skyline that were never sold here, so any of the automated stuff with drop down models never worked, had to wait to speak to a person for anything (Rego, Insurance etc). And not every insurer would even go near it. Also a near 100% markup on premium as well as a separate ‘Grey Import excess’ on top. Fortunately never made a claim, but the EXTRA $1000 a year on a (at the time) ~$17000 car did not make for a sound economic choice.

                    More specific but also localisation of infotainment/controls was a pita.

    • EFC94 on 10/12/2024 - 14:15
      +2

      This is poor advice. OP should consider what sort of driving their daughter will be doing before considering size of car. If daughter is going to be just driving around the suburbs then fair enough a small car should be fine, but if they'll be doing road trips with friends or driving up or down the coasts for beach trips then something bigger might be a smarter idea.

      • beltdrive on 11/12/2024 - 17:27
        +2

        you can drive subcompact cars long distances comfortably without issue.

        • EFC94 on 12/12/2024 - 09:29
          -1

          Just because you "can" do something, doesn't mean you should do it.

    • Cyphar on 10/12/2024 - 15:02
      +4

      Yep just bought a 2008 Honda Jazz for my son's 18th bday. Took it to our mechanic who's been servicing our cars for 10 years. Did a bit of servicing on it and gave it the thumbs up. He's getting it for Xmas. I've taken it for a spin a few times and it's quite a good car. Never really gave them much though but it's small on the outside but nice and roomy on the inside.

    • drprox on 10/12/2024 - 15:45
      +5

      Jazz is the goat, totally unloved and forever underrated!
      edit - oh and grab a manual one if you can, they're rather fun with the 1.5

      • Ade99 on 11/12/2024 - 08:15

        Ideal in the city, but also great for beach trips

      • fratzhaus on 11/12/2024 - 13:51

        Can 100% vouch for the Honda Jazz.

        I bought one at a friends recommendation, and have gone so far as to attend Honda Jazz exclusive car meets in Victoria (50+ attendees), the Jazz community are self aware that the car meets are a bit of silly fun, but the cars themselves are solid and its at the very least a show that the car is popular enough that people will go out of their way to show it off and help each other out.

        They are simple cars, but extremely reliable and confusingly spacious on the inside.
        I've seen people fit a 3 seater couch into their Jazz without much issue - the Magic Seats are super handy.

        I wouldn't really recommend a Mazda, the Corolla is a decent choice, but if you're choosing between a Corolla and a Jazz, the Jazz wins every time. The GE series sell pretty cheap, but if you're going 2013+ then you'd be getting the GK series which are just nice in every way.

        • fratzhaus on 11/12/2024 - 13:58

          I'll just add, for the L15A/B engines, they stay strong for a long while.
          keeping to ~150k on the clock when searching is much more reasonable, and if you're willing to go for the GE series (the car that solved all of the GD issues) - you wont have much issue finding a car around the $8k mark.

          Its always best to buy a first car with the expectation that you're going to write it off in an accident, going all in price wise, and getting the lowest kms possible isn't going to serve you much imo. The Jazz can comfortably pass the 400k mark with no issues (assuming regular servicing) - so keep that in mind.

          It will also be a much easier sale come time to upgrade, knowing the car market, and specifically the Jazz market in VIC, there's a good chance it'll hold value if kept in good nic.

        • sumyungguy on 11/12/2024 - 14:04

          Are there many JDM Honda Fit in the Jazz club?

          • fratzhaus on 11/12/2024 - 14:32

            @sumyungguy: To my understanding the JDM and AUDM Jazz/Fit are literally the same except for the badge.

            The US Fit does have a different body, at least for the GD.

            There are a few with the fit badge but you cant really tell if its an import, or if they just rebadged. I do know a couple have the RS Fit which is just a ridiculous flex

            • sumyungguy on 11/12/2024 - 15:34

              @fratzhaus: There seem to be more of the hybrids being imported. I'm wondering how their owners have been going.

    • HeWhoKnows on 11/12/2024 - 16:59
      -6

      "I’d go with a Jazz or Picanto. Both are good, reliable cars"
      You cannot generalise like that

      All cars are good cars when maintained properly

      All cars on OPs list are fine

      Rules of thumb

      1. Look for regular service record and check invoices.
        Make sure the auto transmission has been serviced (if applicable)

      2. Any kms under 120,000 km is good HOWEVER……
        Many cars require a MAJOR SERVICE around 100km which requires changing the timing belt.
        That major service would cost around $1,000+ so ensure it has been carried out (if applicable)

      3. Check overall condition of the car and tyres and and how much registration is left

      4. Check REVs for (consistent) km record and possible repairable write off

      5. Dealer purchase in NSW requires the dealer to provide a statutory 3 month warranty (similar to new car warranty) when the car is LESS than 10 years old and travelled LESS than 160,000km.
        With this in mind you may wish to purchase a 2015 model (under 10 years old) that has travelled less than 160,000km.
        And buy from a reputable dealer!
        i.e One that sells NEW cars and chooses which traded cars to resell.
        New car dealers usually wholesale off anything suspect or too old, which the dodgy used car dealers buy
        If not, the dealer owes you nothing if anything goes wrong so no point going to the extra expense of buying from a dealer.
        Those optional warranties they SELL you are totally useless!

      Just worth noting..
      Its not on your list but for your budget you can buy…
      2 or 3 year old MG3 with VERY LOW KMs and plenty of new car 7 year warranty remaining.
      And they have great looks and VERY POPULAR with young girls.
      Point to note: the MG3 has skyrocketed, and it is the best-selling light car in Australia.
      In 2021, the brand moved more than 13,000 MG3s - meaning it is averaging 250 cars sold per week.
      They are may not be Japanese but for a near new car with very low kms, plenty of manufacturer's warranty remaining and all the latest technology they are worth a look

      See here what you get for your hard earnt cash … You will be amazed!

      https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/?q=(And.(C.Make.MG..Model.MG3.).Price.range(..13000).)

      eg 2021 MG3 auto with 30,000km and 4 years manufacturer warranty remaining for only $11,500

      here is what is available in Brisbane today

      https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/?q=(And.(C.State.Queensland..Region.Brisbane.).(C.Make.MG..Model.MG3.).Price.range(..13000).)

      There is a 2022 MG3 automatic (just 2 years old with 5 years manufacturers warranty remaining) travelled only 34,000km asking $12,990

      • Randolph Duke on 11/12/2024 - 18:09
        +2

        All cars are good cars when maintained properly

        Lol

  • Murkymerv on 10/12/2024 - 07:43
    +3

    What about a Suzuki Swift or baleno ? Too small ?

    • Benoffie on 10/12/2024 - 08:09
      +5

      Came to say Swift. 10 year old cars are sub $10k, they run at under 5L/100km and are everything a first car needs. Cheap and small.

      • NoFingIdea on 10/12/2024 - 08:15

        Thanks for the mention, she really does need a 4/5 door.
        She often has passengers, dogs and is a sparky apprentice so needs some room for tools etc (boot usually isn't quite enough, easily accessible backseat is high on the priority).

        • beltdrive on 10/12/2024 - 08:18
          +6

          Swift and Baleno are five door. Good alternatives to the Jazz and Picanto.

          • NoFingIdea on 10/12/2024 - 08:19
            +1

            @beltdrive: My mistake I thought swifts were only 2 door (and know nothing on the Baleno, researching now), thank you will add it to the list and the poll!

        • Euphemistic on 10/12/2024 - 08:54
          +12

          I thought apprentices needed a lifted GQ patrol?

        • Jimothy Wongingtons on 10/12/2024 - 10:03

          fwiw i know quite a few sparky apprentices that get around in small hatches like mazda 2 lol
          purely for picking up the random bits and pieces though obviously cant even fit a step ladder haha

        • Benoffie on 10/12/2024 - 10:42
          +2

          Have 2 Swifts - things are a tardis. Dog, no problems (tested with a fat Staffy), trades, easy (we lug around all the reno gear, easily get 3 15L paint tubs across, seats up), Street Bounty - have successfully achieved 2 fireside chairs and a table (seats down).

          • Hangryuman on 10/12/2024 - 16:35

            @Benoffie: I could carry a large wooden armrest armchair in the hatch of my 1985 Suzuki Swift - it was amazing capacity - and Swifts used to win Bathurst races back in the day

            as an ex-motorbiker I used to say driving the Swift was the closest thing to motorbike fun on four wheels

            newer models I dunno

        • banana365 on 10/12/2024 - 16:37

          The trouble with easily accessible back seats is that they're also easily accessible by anyone who sees something they want, like sparkie's tools, on the back seat. A windows is nothing to many. A boot or a wagon with a pull over cover can hide a lot.

  • Joshminey on 10/12/2024 - 07:50
    +7

    i30s are really good I have a 2013 tourer diesel and it's super reliable and good on fuel probably get one with 150,000 km or less for under 12k

    • NoFingIdea on 10/12/2024 - 08:18

      I had excluded these as my mechanic said they can become troublesome once they get past the 150k klm mark.
      I have only his words on this so whether this is his experience or more general I am not sure.

      • Joshminey on 10/12/2024 - 08:45

        My sample size is only one car I guess but I’ve had little issues with it only thing that was major was the master brake cylinder failed but that isn’t a common thing to happen.

    • bazingaa on 10/12/2024 - 08:54

      what is the engine? is it a Hyundai - R series (D4HA/B) one or a different one ?

      • Joshminey on 10/12/2024 - 12:20
        +1

        It’s the 1.6L CRDi turbo diesel

        • bazingaa on 10/12/2024 - 16:38

          ah different engine then, Hyundai - U series D4FB

    • Ade99 on 11/12/2024 - 08:16

      A lot unloved but keep on going and going……

  • holdenmg on 10/12/2024 - 08:10
    +1

    I ran those parameters into Carsales and it came down to 72 cars.
    Once you exclude the Holden Cruze there isn't much there.

    Look at a Kia Cerato if you can find one with low Km below $13K.

    • NoFingIdea on 10/12/2024 - 08:16

      Thank you, yes it really is slim pickings out there.
      Long gone are the days of $500 cars…

      • beltdrive on 10/12/2024 - 08:36
        +5

        A lot of people are selling their cars on Facebook Marketplace these days, so it might be worth setting up some search alerts there, too

        I appreciate that $15k is a lot of money already, but I have noticed that once you go up to around the $17-18k mark, cars like the Picanto will sometimes go on sale with dramatically fewer kilometres. I'm looking at a couple of younger models on Carsales atm for around $17k (before negotiation) with less than 20,000 km on the odometer.

        • EFC94 on 10/12/2024 - 14:18
          +6

          Careful with the cars on marketplace, a lot of the cheaper ones with "dramatically fewer kilometres" are on the WOVR and can cause more trouble than they're worth for the sake of saving $2/3k.

          • Ade99 on 11/12/2024 - 08:18
            +1

            @EFC94: as with any car site, "caveat emptor"

    • Smol Cat on 10/12/2024 - 11:15

      Do not use Carsales to sell your car. Their response rate was terrible, cost around $100, and I had way more hits on FB marketplace which was free.

    • coffeeinmyveins on 10/12/2024 - 10:54
      +5

      Doubling the budget is not a "stretch"

      Also lol at an electric car at $10k

      • Randolph Duke on 10/12/2024 - 11:20
        +2

        ForkSnorter went from $10k to $40k pretty quickly lol

        "What advantages does this car have over say, a train, which I could also afford"

        • ForkSnorter on 10/12/2024 - 11:48
          -1

          You can get a new MG electric for $33k, and you can probably get a used hybrid for less than $20k.

          • Brick Tamland on 10/12/2024 - 12:14
            +3

            @ForkSnorter: Those prices are numbers but not in the correct sequence the OP is look at

          • Ade99 on 11/12/2024 - 08:19

            @ForkSnorter: caveat emptor re used hybrids. A set of replacement batteries plus fitting could be up to $10K assuming they all need to be replaced.

    • Brianqpr on 10/12/2024 - 11:42
      +2

      I bought a 2011 Mazda 3 four years ago with around 79k on it and paid $8,500. We still have it (my daughter drives it) and its been great.

      While used prices obviously jumped in lockdown they are settling down again now. You certainly don't need to spend more than $10-13k to get something that will work well as a first car.

  • Euphemistic on 10/12/2024 - 08:50
    +6

    Why does it need to be under 100k km? Sure, thats ideal, but a serviced car should easily run up over 200k. Plus, if you get one just past 100k it will probably have had its 'major service' at that interval.

    I think people getting hung up on 100k are thinking of 80s cars. IMO 200k is the new 100k.

    If you cant get a half decent car for $10k you probably expecting too much for the price. You still can get a good reliable car for that price, just might have some minor issues.

  • bazingaa on 10/12/2024 - 08:52

    You can even get a Sorento, IX35/Tucson etc for that price. Don't buy petrol as they got engine issues.

  • wannagrababargain on 10/12/2024 - 09:04
    +2

    I second the i30 (hatch). The Korean offerings really came into their own post 2010. I think they look, drive and handle better than corollas and Mazda 3s of the same era. Super popular too so shouldn't lose much money on them.

    You should decide what class of car then cross compare. Swift, Jazz, Yaris are the super compact class - while generally good runabout cars they were built to a price and probably run to a price too. Lots available in the second hand market. The Corolla, Mazda3 and i30s are bigger cars aimed at young families so are generally better equipped and overall "nicer". I feel this is the better value segment for second hand cars if you can swing it, despite the premium, as they offer a much better driving experience and with their wide appeal you can get out of it easier than a super compact.

    PS. Just read the comment about the dog, tools etc. This should rule out the super compacts. Definitely a hatchback model from the small family car segment should be considered, that form factor offers great usability and flexibility especially for aspiring tradies. A hatchback from mid 2010s has over 1000L of boot space with the seats folded down. I've been known to transport 2.4 m lengths of timber in a hatchback by folding the back seats and laying the front passenger set flat. There are also small wagons but a bit pricier again (e.g. i30 CW) so might be beyond the budget - hatch is a good compromise.

    • beltdrive on 10/12/2024 - 09:25
      +1

      imo many Australians are a bit infatuated with cars that are bigger than what they actually need.

      The other day we drove with two adults, a child, a dog, a pram, and a heap of cargo in a subcompact. you can easily make it work, you just need to think about how everything is placed.

      you could fit 2.4m lengths in something like a Honda jazz.

      Interior niceness, looks, driving experience, etc. - all overrated when you're a teenager. It's a first car. A subcompact is fine.

      • wannagrababargain on 10/12/2024 - 09:29

        I take your point. It's also true cars have gotten bigger over time to such that a lot of entry level compact cars these days are actually the same size or bigger than small/mid hatches from 12-15 years ago.

        • beltdrive on 10/12/2024 - 09:30

          that's very true. I used to drive a 1990s Civic. It looked tiny compared to the modern Civics lol

      • Ade99 on 11/12/2024 - 08:20

        got a Queen Mattress into a Jazz with the seats put down….

  • cashless on 10/12/2024 - 09:09
    +5

    Given that Kia Picanto is a touch over $21k drive away with 7 years warranty, I'd be looking to get near new - or maybe even extend and get brand new

  • MS Paint on 10/12/2024 - 09:17
    +1

    Don't be hellbent on low kilometers. Take everything into account. 100k mostly highway kms is way better than a city car with 60k kms that has performed a gazillion short trips. Modern engines are designed to be running and warm, not short trips on a cold engine.

    • pegaxs on 10/12/2024 - 11:32
      +1

      Wooo… That's a bold play, mentioning a Chinese car alternative on a Toyota forum…

        • Boioioioi on 10/12/2024 - 12:35

          Even new MG3 only has a 3/5 safety rating…. It is not a very good car.

          Chinese make good cars, this is not one of them.

  • cashless on 10/12/2024 - 09:23
    +3

    Someone has to say this:
    Have you considered a Camry?

    • rimwar on 11/12/2024 - 23:37

      yep I would second the recommendation Camry are a good reliable safe car bit more vehicle around them I would go around the 8k mark as they are likely to have a bingle during those early years. Then upgrade to something a bit newer after 2-3 years without incident. Just my 2c. Good luck.

  • netjock on 10/12/2024 - 09:30
    -4

    Daughter is looking to purchase her first car, I am looking for some advice on what makes and models to look out for. Budget is $10 - $13k

    I'd suggest up the budget and get her a new Kia Piccanto for $20k or near (car with a warranty) plus roadside assist. Last thing you want is your daughter to be on side of the road with a broken down car in the middle of the night freaking out because you were not able to pick up your phone for 5 minutes.

    • Euphemistic on 10/12/2024 - 11:23
      +2

      Any well serviced amd maintained car in OPs budget should be just as reliable as a new car. Warranty doesnt prevent breakdowns completely.

      • netjock on 10/12/2024 - 12:09
        -2

        Any well serviced amd maintained car in OPs budget

        You just have to rely on the kindness of strangers with a financial interest to take your money. No thanks. You might trust your kids to some old person who knows better (sarcasm) but I won't.

        Whoever you are buying it from has not moral duty to sell you a good car, follow the money.

        • Euphemistic on 10/12/2024 - 14:38
          +1

          And what if $13k is already stretching the budget? Not everyone has an extra $7k lying around to 'invest' in a car.

          Theres hundreds of thousands of cars on the roads. The AVERAGE age of them is over 10 years. That also means a lot of cars last to 20 years old. Ive bought quite a few old cars in private sales. Never had anyrhing catastrophic happen.

          Whoever you are buying it from has not moral duty to sell you a good car

          Sure, you need to be cautious and dont buy from anyone who seems dodgy. You can often tell a lot about the condition of a private sale vehicle from the owners house and appearance.

          follow the money

          What does that even mean?

          • netjock on 10/12/2024 - 14:38
            -2

            @Euphemistic: Last line means you don't get it.

            Conversation over.

            • Euphemistic on 10/12/2024 - 14:54
              +2

              @netjock: Thats a shame. "Follow the money" is usually a warning about a conspiracy. Peolple sell cars all the time for a variety of reasons, many of them are legitimate and they are selling a perfectly reliable vehicle.

              I literally dont get what you mean by "follow the money" in this case. Of course they are getting money, doesnt mean the little old lady selling her beloved corolla has stuffed the engine full of stop leak and the transmission is full of sawdust. Of course the rough looking bloke with 2 half stripped cars in the driveway and a lawn that is waist deep probably shouldn't be trusted.

        • SanguinarySeraph on 10/12/2024 - 23:20

          Depends on the individual but I’ve had far better experiences buying privately than from dealers (used or new). Especially when you say ‘follow the money’ private sellers could be selling for any number reasons, dealers are ONLY selling for profit.

          As far as being stranded, there’s any number of ways of getting roadside assist for basically nothing which gives you that safety net without having to buy new.

      • Ade99 on 11/12/2024 - 08:22

        All about risk appetite. If serviced then issues will be addressed early before they become $$$$$ black holes.

  • May4th on 10/12/2024 - 09:37
    +1

    ozb favourite used corolla/yaris/camry
    or anything KIA that's 3-5yrs old still under warranty

  • pharkurnell on 10/12/2024 - 09:52

    Rav 4
    Will have room for the dogs, and tools in the back.

    • mapax on 10/12/2024 - 10:15
      +2

      A rav4 with <100k km for <$15k sounds like it would be hard to find?

    • pegaxs on 11/12/2024 - 08:47
      +1

      Yeah, but what’s it like with kayaks on the roof?

  • Boioioioi on 10/12/2024 - 09:53

    Check out facebook marketplace, carsales has people expecting more money as they paid for an ad.

    Keep an eye out, good deals sell within the day. Corolla is a good choice. Mazda 3, i30 also solid.

    Jazz is not bad, but I personally think larger car is better. I'd only go for something with a 5 star ancap rating, but larger car does add a bit of extra safety too. Accidents happen you can't avoid that, no matter how safely you drive there are idiots on the road. Best to have your loved ones as safe as possible.

    If you have to be patient for a better deal, do so, maybe save a couple extra thousand in the mean time too. Better to do that and get a solid car than get a moneypit.

    • kerfuffle on 10/12/2024 - 10:29
      +1

      Jazz has Magic Seats though

      • Boioioioi on 10/12/2024 - 10:30
        +1

        Agree I quite like the Jazz myself. My favourite of that size segment. Drives great too. But if you can I still prefer something a bit bigger

  • TurboTortoise on 10/12/2024 - 10:24

    I've had a lot of good experiences with honda civic up 2012/2013 as first cars. After 2013 and body shape change apparently they are not as good. One on carsales for $13.8k with dealer and under 100k. One son bought one with 180k on the clock and has been faultless. So agree with others not to focus on sub 100k.

  • sumyungguy on 10/12/2024 - 10:31
    +1

    Mazda 2 DJ or DL Series; otherwise there's dealership in Holland Park with a yard full of low km JDM Toyota Vitz/Yaris, worth a look IMO but perhaps over budget?

  • Ryanek on 10/12/2024 - 10:47
    +2

    Don't get hung up on a dealer car. You can get a good bargain with private sales, as long as you do your due diligence.

  • Duckie2hh on 10/12/2024 - 10:51
    +1

    I bought a nice Kia Cerato <50k km in that price range before.

  • coffeeinmyveins on 10/12/2024 - 10:54

    Mazda 3 all the way

  • Brick Tamland on 10/12/2024 - 11:12
    +3

    If manual doesn't matter that does open up the opportunity of picking up a rare bargain as most people wont consider a manual.

    You could go even look at something like a Skoda for something fairly new with low KM like
    https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2020-skoda-fabia-70…

    or Mazda with low KM at 60,000 KM ish and 2014 model
    https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2014-mazda-3-neo-bm…

    or this would be great Honda Jazz 2017 with only 70K km ish
    https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2017-honda-jazz-vti…

  • Trying2SaveABuck on 10/12/2024 - 11:19
    +2

    Everyone here bends over for Toyota but the Jazz is by far the best and most reliable car on that list - if you dont care about looks Jazz

    • drprox on 10/12/2024 - 15:44
      +1

      they are basically a Mary Poppin's bag in car form too, nothing doesn't fit!

  • apple2016 on 10/12/2024 - 11:28

    Carsales prices are very unrealistic these days. Not sure if anyone is paying these prices.
    Eg Honda Jazz (2015ish) when new was about $20k drive away. Now expecting >$10 after 10 yrs and close to 90K kms is rubbish. It should be priced about $7k -$8k if in very good nick.

    • Brick Tamland on 10/12/2024 - 12:05

      Market demand. Cheap cars simply won't depreciate as much as more expensive cars

  • sneijder on 10/12/2024 - 11:30

    there are some Mazda 3 SP25 around $15K if you can find one in a reasonable condition it will be the best
    Otherwise Jazz is a very efficient car, it's much more spacious than you thought.
    i30 drives well but i found a lot of them of that age have peeling window frame

    And if you are considering Jazz, Yaris and Swift, why not Mazda 2?

  • pegaxs on 10/12/2024 - 11:37

    4+ hours in and no one has suggested a used MG4 or Tesla 3 and justified the price difference with "but the savings…" Gotta say, I'm a bit disappointed…

    My vote is the Daihatsu Charade or Mira and pocket the change…

    • BartholemewH on 10/12/2024 - 21:13

      The late Charades were a blast in manual.

  • cbastien on 10/12/2024 - 11:56
    +2

    My recommendations, Skoda, good value
    2019-2020, under 80kkm
    https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2019-skoda-octavia-…
    https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2020-skoda-fabia-70…

    • cbastien on 10/12/2024 - 11:57
      +1

      @Brick Tamland just beat me on the second Skoda 🤣

      • Brick Tamland on 10/12/2024 - 12:04
        +1

        haha, hard to be the value for a 2020 model with low KM. If its in good nick like the ad say it could be a great buy, even better if you get the seller down in price too, could be an incredible deal at closer to $10k

    • SanguinarySeraph on 10/12/2024 - 23:10
      +1

      I’d also add the Yeti.

      All the poll options are solid choices. Škoda worth a look if space is a priority (hard to beat an Octavia or Yeti) but service history is key as they are a lot less tolerant of abuse or missed servicing than a Corolla for example, but quite reliable if maintained.

  • jv on 10/12/2024 - 11:58
    -1

    Tesla

    • Ade99 on 11/12/2024 - 08:23

      Some people seem to live life on the edge :-)

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