Seeking Reliable Used Car $20k

Ecivon on 06/02/2025 - 14:34
Last edited 06/02/2025 - 15:05 by 1 other user

Hi everyone, I'm on the hunt for a dependable used car and would really appreciate your recommendations.

Here’s what I'm looking for:

  • **Budget: Under $20K (no car loans involved)
  • **Age: Approximately 5-7 years old
  • **Usage: Primarily for commuting—about a 100km round trip daily, mostly cruising around 110km/h on highways

Reliable enough to keep running well for another 4-5 years with minimal surprises

What are your top suggestions, and are there any models of year I should steer clear of?

Thanks for your help!

Automotive Car

Comments

  • kekw on 06/02/2025 - 14:36
    +5

    Suzuki Swift. You can even get the sport trim if you look hard enough.

    • jv on 06/02/2025 - 14:51
      +4

      if you look hard enough

      are they hard to notice?

      • Baysew on 06/02/2025 - 15:06
        +7

        Yes, they're Swift.

        • jv on 06/02/2025 - 15:15

          Good deal for Taylor then…

      • Murkymerv on 06/02/2025 - 16:20
        -1

        JV , "you've done it again".

    • AustriaBargain on 06/02/2025 - 15:23

      You'd want it to be as recent as possible, but yeah compared to Rav4 the prices and features are good.

  • Gdsamp on 06/02/2025 - 14:46
    +8

    Toyota Corolla

  • mapax on 06/02/2025 - 14:48
    +1

    If you can stretch the budget to $22k you should be able to get a brand new Kia Picanto.

    • JIMB0 on 06/02/2025 - 19:30
      +1

      mostly cruising around 110km/h on highways

      Not the most suitable vehicle for the task.

    • bazingaa on 06/02/2025 - 21:54

      even a Sorrento

  • jv on 06/02/2025 - 14:50
    -2

    Tesla

    • ihbh on 06/02/2025 - 14:52
      +1

      Make sure you flag your store rep status.

      • jv on 06/02/2025 - 15:17
        -1

        Did I mention the new 2025 Model Y is now available to order?

    • JIMB0 on 06/02/2025 - 19:31

      Don't they catch on fire?

      • Euphemistic on 07/02/2025 - 08:28
        +1

        Been known to form groups and randpmly head for Poland.

  • brokie on 06/02/2025 - 15:02
    +6

    Mazda 3 / Honda Civic / Hyundai i30

    Just avoid diesel engines for the Mazda.

    Get any of these with a perfect maintenance record and it should not give you any headaches.

  • Euphemistic on 06/02/2025 - 15:27
    +2

    Japanese or Korean. The smallest your ego will allow.

    Youre doing a few kms, but mostly highway so its probably not going to be a lot of benefit to go hybrid.

  • Gunnar on 06/02/2025 - 17:52
    +3

    Alfa Romeo Stelvio

  • 6079 Smith on 06/02/2025 - 17:55
    +1

    Just sold my 2021 Hyundai Venue for $18k, I've owned 2 and they're amazing little cars.

  • iDroid on 06/02/2025 - 18:05

    It's just over $20k but brand new: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/892237

  • pao2x on 06/02/2025 - 19:38
    +2

    Camry corolla

  • LanceVance on 06/02/2025 - 21:49
    +2

    Honda Accord Euro or a Camry/Aurion. If you're mostly on the highway you could even get a car with a larger engine and not use much more fuel than a smaller car but you'll be much more comfortable. My Aurion averages just over 10 around town but on the highway easily sits around 7L/100.

  • bazingaa on 06/02/2025 - 21:54

    Diesel Tuscon/Sportage or SantaFE/Sorrento. Don't touch petrol versions

  • JIMB0 on 06/02/2025 - 22:42

    You could get a well maintained Lexus LS430 and have change left over. They're one of the best cars for highway cruising. Don't worry about the KMs, just find one that's been looked after.

  • meong on 06/02/2025 - 23:00

    well i just sold a Subaru Outback 2016 with about 62000km for $21000

  • Euphemistic on 07/02/2025 - 08:33

    Based on the wide variations on suggestions we need a little more info on what OP would prefer in terms of style, space, features etc.

    If you put 5-7yo and $20k into carsales youll get a whole bunch of cars of no interest. I see a few above that would likely be too thirsty for someone budget concious doing a lot of kms. Then a Picanto probably a bit small for regular highway travel and a sorrento too big unless OP has need for 7 seats or carting lots of gear.

  • Ecivon on 09/02/2025 - 17:38

    Thanks guys! Unfortunately I haven't decided my mind yet, but really appreciate all your insights

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