Really need an advice on buying used car from $7000-$8000

ntt on 22/05/2014 - 01:22
Last edited 24/05/2014 - 22:10

Hi Ozbargainers,

I've just got full driver licence and seeking a used car.

I'm looking for a Toyota Camry from 2005 and with low KM as possible, because the Japanese car seems reliable for me (at this price, I can't find any Honda suite my need). I have a budget at 7000 to 8000, and the other reason why I pick it because we have a baby, so need something safe.

Can you guys give us advice that:

  • Toyota suit for us?
  • what fee I need to cover (stamp duty, insurance,etc…)
  • We found some deal at dealers (we live in SA), one is Camry 2006 old shape with 130,000km, he offers me 7K and another one is Camry Altise 2006 with 100K KM which looks newer and new shape, the only thing is dealer offers me with 9,000 bucks. I tried to bargain the price because the model is old enough and of course exceed our budget….so generally what do you think?

I'm international student and don't know too much thing in here. Thank you very much.

EDIT: I just deposited money to get Camry 2006, but I'm so afraid of getting into trouble with that car because I didn't check much things

Automotive

Comments

  • Adz81 on 22/05/2014 - 06:30
    +5

    First up, are you sure about those kilometers? I have a feeling you may be missing a zero, (IE: 130,000 km's and 100,000km's)… Noting this isn't necessarily an indication of the car's condition… As for stamp duty, in your price range, it will be this:
    $60 plus $4 for every $100 or part of $100 over $3000 (from the motor reg website), a calculator can be found here: http://www.revenuesa.sa.gov.au/taxes-and-duties/stamp-duties…

    Don't forget, you'll probably need to register it as well, or at least check that before you buy ($200-500ish, depending on the length you choose).

    From my experience, Toyota's are well reliable, I've seen some that get totally abused and still live on… I drive a 2007 Toyota which has done about 70k km's and haven't had any issues thus far (although I've only had it for a couple of years). You should be able to bargain them down a little, take it for a test drive, then try to bargain about price, and most importantly, if you're not comfortable with it— Don't buy it :)

    Edit: Insurance wise, well that's up to you, the registration will cover compulsory third party, but you may want to look into getting comprehensive— pretty good idea, most sites will allow you to get an online quote with no hassles, I use RAA— i'd expect a car of that value would be around $400/year but I could be miles off— best check it yourself.

    • ntt on 22/05/2014 - 11:55
      +1

      Thanks adz81, you're right, I missed 0

  • ESEMCE on 22/05/2014 - 08:23
    +1

    Don't be scared to look at Mitsubishi 380, Commodore and Falcon (Look specifically for LPG models for lower running costs). Despite all the hype about Toyota being reliable, the difference is marginal especially for these mid-age models.
    Generally the lower the K's the better, but if they've come from the country, you can expect them to have higher K's (at a lower cost) and still run very reliably for many years.
    Be cautious of whether the timing belt has been changed in the Japanese 4 cylinders.

    I'd tend to go with the older shape mid-end of model (provided it comes at a price reduction) as they're usually more reliable after the manufacturer has worked out all the kinks in the manufacturing process.

    You can probably save yourself $1000 by going private sale as well. In that Km range they'll be reliable cars provided they have had regular servicing.

    • ntt on 22/05/2014 - 12:05

      Hi I did look at Mitsubishi and cars you suggest above, but it seem doesn't fit my need, excel Mitsubishi, but 380 they stop produce anymore, don't they?

      The things that I love and prefer dealer used are they already fix something, washed before sell it, and come with 3 months warranty. Also have n this case the newer shape one already certified by RAA, so I don't need to pay money to check it again

      But you have a strong opinion about the older shape due to Experience manufacturer procedure, that thoughtful

      • ESEMCE on 22/05/2014 - 16:28
        +4

        Toyota no longer make 2006 model Camry's either! What's the difference?
        The good thing about Magna and 380 is that they have low resale value, yet are a very decent car..
        http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Mitsubishi-380-200…
        $9000 and done only 75,000Km

        • ntt on 22/05/2014 - 18:02

          I don't understand. According to wiki, "These updates failed to lift sales, and with production still unprofitable MMAL ceased manufacture of the 380 in March 2008." It means Miss Subi-she hadn't produced this model anymore. However, Toyota still making Camry count to now.

          Thank you for finding Mitsubishi link, that car looks like new and good looking though…hmmmm

        • ESEMCE on 22/05/2014 - 20:48
          +1

          Correct, Mitsubishi shut down manufacturing in Australia hence why the 380 ceased manufacture, but why does it matter that it's no longer produced? Just cause Toyota make a car that they call a Camry today doesn't change the fact that it's completely different to the 2006 vehicle that they also called a Camry.

          Mistubishi are required by law to supply new parts for at least 10 years after ceasing production/sale (just like Toyota are for the 2006 model Camry after they transitioned to the next body shape) and there's a big reconditioned/ market too. Spare parts availability is the same for a 2006 Camry as for a 2006 380.. repairability is the same, except you just get the advantage of a cheaper/less worn out car.

        • altomic on 22/05/2014 - 21:15

          that 380 you linked looks pretty good. it has had the timing chain done already! -that's usually done at 100,000kms and costs at least $500. there is a savings on future cost!

        • Eeples on 23/05/2014 - 17:29

          If you buy a 380 check the paintwork.

        • ntt on 24/05/2014 - 09:24
          -1

          why?

      • StewBalls on 24/05/2014 - 09:12
        +2

        The things that I love and prefer dealer used are they already fix something, washed before sell it, and come with 3 months warranty.

        Used car dealers rarely 'fix' anything but the most blatant issues with cars prior to selling them. IME they mostly dodgy it up just good enough for sale purposes & hope it doesn't come back before the warranty expires.

        But yeah, it should be nicely washed & detailed, for whatever that is worth to you monetarily…

        • ntt on 24/05/2014 - 09:26

          make sense, still looking for a car, guys in here suggest me a Mitsubishi 380 and some hatchback. Now I need to research more :(

        • StewBalls on 24/05/2014 - 09:36

          I feel for you, it's a tough choice, but the good thing is that you have numerous good options to choose from.

          Toyota is great reliability/service wise, but IME the higher resale value often means for your budget you often have to sacrifice a couple more years in vehicle age compared to other manufacturers.

          I wouldn't rule out the Ford Falcons, I've had a few over the years & you get a whole lot of car for your budget…plus that 4L 6cyl engine is better on fuel than you might think.

          IMHO, try to steer clear of anything that might involve costly parts/servicing…this includes anything European, Korean, Honda & Subaru…try to stick with the other Jap/Aussie marques.

        • ntt on 24/05/2014 - 10:09

          ooops, Honda and Subaru parts and servicing are high? I'm intending to find Honda too

        • altomic on 24/05/2014 - 18:07

          hyundai is pretty cheap for repairs and pretty damn reliable. my last car was a 2007 hyundai tucson. never skipped a beat. never any problems -except an exhaust part that cost $25 to replace. sold it last year to my father-in-law. 125,000 kms. would still be driving it but family is growing and needed a 7 seater.

        • StewBalls on 24/05/2014 - 21:39

          hyundai is pretty expensive for parts and pretty damn reliable.

          Fixed! :)

          I had a Sonata a few years back, I loved it, but every time something broke it was anywhere from 2-4x the price of a jap equivalent. To wit: $600 clutch kit.

          Choice magazine flagged this as a major concern a few years ago, IIRC when they added up the cost of enough spares to completely rebuild an Excel & they came up with a figure well in the hundreds of thousands!

  • ExtraSalt on 22/05/2014 - 09:00
    +1

    go to www.redbook.com.au find the model and make of the car they are offering, It will tell you the average KM's and buy price. then print it and haggle if its too much.

    i just checked a basic Camry Altise, and on average they should have done 120,000km - 200,000km and will set you back about $8500+ from a dealership ($7500 private). If its genuinely only 10,000km, $9000 is such a good price.

    http://www.redbook.com.au/cars/research/used/details/2006-to…

    • ntt on 22/05/2014 - 11:58
      +6

      Seriously, I have no idea what you're saying

      • pascal03 on 22/05/2014 - 13:30
        -7

        My apologies, I'll try and make it clearer and shorter.

        Toyota's are boring.

        Hope that's better.

        I offered some advise with your budget in mind and it's negged?

        • ntt on 22/05/2014 - 13:36

          I don't do negative you. I know Camry is boring but I accept that challenge because I only need reliable car with low expenses. In addition to, im 30 ….so it fits for us

        • pascal03 on 22/05/2014 - 13:58

          Fair enough.

          If you have your mind set on a Camry then you should get what you want.

          Don't rely on buying from a dealer completely though, if you can find a private seller who has looked after the car with regular on-time servicing, this is sometimes better than any short warranty a used car dealer will offer.

          I've personally seen many cases of used car dealers rejecting warranty claims.

  • pinoy on 22/05/2014 - 11:43

    Hmmm interesting.. Camry 2006 old shape with 13,000km, he offers me 7K and another one is Camry Altise 2006 with 10K KM ….

    something fishy about those numbers!

    • ntt on 22/05/2014 - 11:58

      Sorry, it 130k and 100k

  • nephilim on 22/05/2014 - 11:57
    -4

    2000-2003 Alfa romeo

    • ntt on 22/05/2014 - 15:14

      I don't know much about them, is that Europe car? then no, spare parts are expensive

    • LoungeLizard on 23/05/2014 - 13:20
      +3

      He's taking the piss … those are possibly the worst cars you can buy

      • h4zey on 23/05/2014 - 14:18
        +3

        It's not a car, it's an alfa romeo

  • Emilia on 22/05/2014 - 12:37
    +2

    Toyotas are reliable, very easy to fix and get parts for. This is coming from my mechanic who has worked on my Dad's cars for over 15 years. We got his advice for my first car. I have a 2001 Toyota Corolla and it runs perfectly.

    • ntt on 23/05/2014 - 18:50

      that's why I chose them

  • Steptoe on 22/05/2014 - 23:44
    +2

    BF Falcon

    Cheap Parts

    Cheap to run on LPG

    • ntt on 23/05/2014 - 18:47

      it's look powerful, v6 with 4.0 L wow…I can't afford that gasoline

  • adn on 23/05/2014 - 11:54
    -3

    skyline gtst. if you can save more for a gtr

  • [Deactivated] on 23/05/2014 - 16:27
    +1

    Probably you need to ask yourself 'am I absolutely need sedan' first.

    Unless you are planning to alluring girls by driving fancy car (your budget is not really hitting there anywhere), you can probably get 2008-2009 <100,000km hatch for the price. Maybe 60-70k if you are lucky.

    • ntt on 23/05/2014 - 18:49

      I have family so don't need to impress girls. I chose sedan because it's big for family. that's all. Can you give me some example for the price you suggest? thank you

  • timhobart on 23/05/2014 - 22:06
    +1

    Hi,

    I was in similar shoes as yours last week: family with kids/babies, need a reliable car with little bit higher budget than yours.
    Guess what we ended up buying and never regret it down to a single cent.. Honda Jazz! (2008)

    Must say whoever design this car is a genius, bar none.
    Very spacious for family with 2 kids (surprisingly lots of seating space in the rear-seats, even after I moved my driver-seat bit further back), smart-designed car, zippy & fast for great car in this class, very reliable Honda engine, nowadays Honda spare-parts price are not as expensive as it's used to, fuel economy with 1.5L engine, good safety features with 6 air-bags! and modern look/feel interior+exterior.

    Highly recommended and good luck with your decision.

    • ntt on 23/05/2014 - 23:11

      can you tell me more how much is your car with km and where? thank you

      • timhobart on 24/05/2014 - 22:23
        +1

        i got lucky to purchase an immaculate 2008 Honda Jazz (VTI-S GE full options NSW) that only done 32.000 kms for $12k, Honda mechanic friend of mine said most Honda's car engine like Jazz will be good to run up to 300.000 kms (with regular oil change & standard service) before it needs a new engine.. and good to go for another 300.000 kms afterward. Good luck.

    • [Deactivated] on 24/05/2014 - 10:04

      I've owned a Jazz since 2006.

      Incredibly practical car.

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