Justifying a Car 3 Years Newer for $3k More

Unorthodox on 06/07/2015 - 16:11
Last edited 07/07/2015 - 18:28

Hi everyone, going on from my previous post: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/201447

I've had a few responses stating that spending a few more thousand could nab me a better deal.

Overall, I'd like a general opinion on whether spending a few more thousand for a newer car is worth it?

My scenario is as follows:

I'm a 20 old male looking at Toyota Corollas (sedan, auto and 2007 or newer).

I've done research and concluded:

2007/8 model averages around the $10,000 mark
2010/11 model averages around the $13,000 mark.

Toyotas do not have a fast progression in terms of technological and interior looks, meaning there aren't that many new features in between the two.

Any advice would be helpful and anyone with experience with Toyota Corollas in this year range would be amazing!

Main difference:
2007-2010 $9-$13k
-power windows FRONT only
-factory tinted windows

2011+ $14.5k to $15k
-power windows front and rear
-Bluetooth and USB
-more safety features
-lower km's(?)

Automotive

Comments

  • Scorpiogirl on 06/07/2015 - 16:30

    That's just it. The difference between these years would also vary completely differently with a different brand of car. If there isn't much difference between these Toyota Corollas then you answered the question yourself.

  • pao2x on 06/07/2015 - 16:52
    +1

    There is a difference. The difference is 3 years which is usually 40% devaluation of a car in the first years.. 3k for a 4 yr old car vs a 7yr old car is worth it.

  • spackbace on 06/07/2015 - 16:56
    +3

    2010/2011 could be serviced better, as a 2011 model (for example) has only recently come out of factory warranty. With the older one, owners may have been less willing to do proper services. Also for a 2007 there's more chance it's already onto the 2nd owner.

    Only $3k for 3 years newer is worth it imo.

  • Scorpiogirl on 06/07/2015 - 17:10
    +2

    Did you find out the difference for insurance? The newer the car, the better the security features, the less you may pay and the more your car will be valued at. Something you might want to think about. It sounds like you have your mind on a 2007 model. As i said i wouldn't pay $10000 for a 2007 model. I would prefer the newer the car the better. It is what you can afford also. What do you prefer?

  • spackbace on 06/07/2015 - 17:17
    -1

    You're right in that they haven't changed from 2007-2011 in a great deal, but the 2011 is newer (obviously), and has USB and Bluetooth. So again, for a bit more you're getting a lot more for your money (a lot of people would consider $3k more for 3yrs newer being a good deal)

  • Scorpiogirl on 06/07/2015 - 17:21

    Well that seems like a difference!

  • BartholemewH on 06/07/2015 - 18:18

    3 years newer for 3k is a no brainer imo.

  • goose25 on 06/07/2015 - 18:20
    +3

    What is the difference between the 2 in regards to mileage?

    What is the service like history on both vehicles and is it being done at a reputable workshop?

    Are they both the same trim level, or is one a higher spec'd model (and can you justify the differences, whether it be sat nav, leather seats, sunroof etc)?

    Does one have any after-market additions (reverse sensors/camera, alloy wheels, body styling, upgraded sound system etc)?

    Are there any new features on the newer model (as posted above, bluetooth, USB, heated seats, dual zone climate control, lower fuel consumption etc)?

    Is there any damage to either vehicle you'd need to have repaired?

  • Colombian on 06/07/2015 - 18:45

    It also depends on the odometer reading. I bought a Yaris 2006 with 24000 or so kms. Checked the car beforehand, it was spotless, and serviced regularly according to the log book and invoices.

    I think there are many different variables at the moment of buying a second car that justifies or not paying $3000 more for a newer model.

  • djones145 on 06/07/2015 - 21:25

    http://www.toyota.com.au/news/toyota-australia-recalls-vehic…

    Corolla ZZE122 (JTD)

    Passenger airbag

    23 May 2003 to 1 March 2007

    the 2007/08 is not this model is it?

  • Unorthodox on 06/07/2015 - 21:59

    Thanks everyone!

    Main feature difference is:
    2010 has power windows in the rear.
    USB and Bluetooth.

    I'll definitely look at insurance on both too :)

    • ammark19xx on 06/07/2015 - 22:06

      I think from 2010 the model got the facelift from the 2007. Internally the engine, transmission and chassis is the same.

      BUT: the 2010 and newers have electronic stability control even on the basic trims which the pre facelift model does not.

      Tbh, if your budget allows for it, go for the newer one. What matters most is: if you like the car, and if what is important to you is met.

      • Unorthodox on 06/07/2015 - 23:14

        Yeah, and the main difference from 2011 to 2012 is the speed shifts

  • AMLagonda on 06/07/2015 - 23:29

    What do you want?

  • Filbert on 07/07/2015 - 09:25

    Just reposted about airbag recall already mentioned so i deleted

  • WT on 07/07/2015 - 17:12

    If the mileage is the same i would go the cheaper and put the 3k to something that will appreciate

  • Charity on 07/07/2015 - 17:32
    -2

    Go for the cheapest one. (if at all)

    Why? You are 20 and you will soon outgrow the car.. + they are a teenage girl's or grandma's car.

    The only thing Corolla's have going for them is the ease of maintenance. If you don't plan on doing the maintenance yourself, the only person benefiting from your purchase is your mechanic.

    Get something exciting! You only live once.

    Don't worry about the sky-is-falling hipsters that are paranoid about the passenger airbag unlikely not working, in an unlikely accident event, that is big enough to trigger the airbag, in a seat you are not sitting in, that Toyota has very unlikely not fixed already, that is free to fix anyway.

    • Unorthodox on 07/07/2015 - 18:26

      Well I'll be looking to sell it later on when I do get another car more suited for my lifestyle.

      And in terms of it being a girl's car or for seniors, that's not an issue I'm really concerned about.

      Haha I'm not really the Nissan GT Skyline etc kind of guy :)

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