Good value car <$5k ?

ChurchMouth on 19/02/2017 - 13:28

Hi guys,

Thanks in advance for your assistance, it will really help cut down the time I spend researching this stuff.

I am looking for a second hand car. In the past I have owned a 1992 Nissan Pulsar hatch (Was a great car to get me by, I spent about 1k for it and ran it into the ground after 1.5yrs with no paid service), and then have just driven my (now-ex) girlfriends Toyota corolla hatch 2002 which we bought from her parents (probably out of pocket around 5k).

Now I am looking for my own car but really don't want to spend more than 5k as:

  • I don't drive too often living close to the city in Perth (maybe 2 short trips to the shops and a few trips to go to the beach on the weekend for example).
  • Although I have generous savings I don't want a significant portion tied up in a car.
  • If it is less value I can worry about it losing value less due to wear and tear.

My preferences:

  • I like hatches for being able to chuck bulky things in the back occasionally.
  • I also like the car quiet as I hate loud noises (this is at odds with having a hatch back, what to do?).
  • Wouldn't mind adding roof racks for even more versatility (like carrying a surfboard someday).
  • Auto as I have never tried manual and don't have license for that (WA).

One car that has taken my interest is the 2008 Ford Focus Hatch (I like the looks and it is a hatch). I can see them around the $5k pricepoint on gumtree between 100-150k kms. However I have no idea if this year and model is getting me bang for my buck.

Thanks

Automotive

Comments

  • altomic on 19/02/2017 - 14:00
    +2

    2005 daihatsu charade 1lt 3 cylinder

    119,000 kms, $3921

    Don't be fooled by the 1 ltr 3 cylinder specs as being under powered. this thing will sit on 120km an hour. it will carry 4 grown adults at the same time with no problems.

    super fuel efficient.

    2003 daihatsu 1ltr $2000 with 144,000kms
    1994 daihatsu charade 1ltr $1000 with 144,000kms

    i like the daihatsus as they are easy to work on, bloody reliable and inexpensive.

    • ChurchMouth on 19/02/2017 - 15:25

      Thanks - certainly seems like good value however it seems a little boxy and small for my liking. If it looks appealing it is a huge bonus.

      • altomic on 19/02/2017 - 15:31
        +1

        I had a 94 charade and am 185 cms and it was surprisingly roomy

        • scotty on 19/02/2017 - 20:48
          +2

          Yeah I used to have a charade in the mid-90's. Drove between Gold Coast and Sydney a few times, and used to carry my brother's 5 piece drum kit at the back (with rear seats folded). Nice little car :)

        • Cleremy on 22/02/2017 - 09:37

          @scotty: I drove the G100 2nd gen?) model for a few years, great value for money and I still miss it sometimes but the OP is already driving a "fairly new" Corolla in my opinion and why he needs to get rid of a perfectly good car that's probably better than a Charade has not been explained.

        • Steptoe on 22/02/2017 - 13:16
          +1

          @Cleremy:

          You missed:

          (now-ex) girlfriends

        • Cleremy on 22/02/2017 - 21:33

          @Steptoe: Thanks.

      • goodcopbadcop on 20/02/2017 - 18:07

        This was my company car for a short while - and it is like a sardine can. Sure you can fit people in it - but the doors are tinnie and the seats are covered in one layer of foam so they are hard and not comfortable at all. The car was given to a guy who was in a new job with this firm (passing on the company car!) who had a bad back - and he refused to drive it as he said that it provides no lumbur support. When they said that's all there is - he refused the job! The cheapie cars are cheap because of the cheap components in them…

        • Indomietable on 23/02/2017 - 08:59

          The whinger whinge because thats what they do.
          Not many cheap cars have seat with lumbar support. All 4 doors hatch door's are tiny.

      • UncleMurphy on 22/02/2017 - 16:30
        +1

        At your price point/budget styling is the least of your concerns. You should be after a car that is reliable, one that has been regularly serviced, roadworthy and has more than 6 months of rego is what should be a priority.

    • smartazz104 on 20/02/2017 - 18:46
      +7

      Don't be fooled by the 1 ltr 3 cylinder specs as being under powered. this thing will sit on 120km an hour.

      At what rpm?

      • [Deactivated] on 20/02/2017 - 20:27
        +37

        all of it

      • stephendt on 23/02/2017 - 00:45

        Have driven one of these at this speed. They don't have a tacho, but I would guess it was sitting around 4.5-5k RPM. It was noisy and the engine sounded upset that I was in a rush. This was the 3-speed auto version though…

    • btst7000 on 21/02/2017 - 12:08
      +3

      Terrible safety rating, steer clear OP!

    • OzzyOzbourne on 21/02/2017 - 12:43
      +4

      And considering the super low speed limits in Australia, you could probably get away with just 2 cylinders

    • Hasbulla on 22/02/2017 - 21:50
      +1

      life is too short for a charade when you can get a Starlet. The real thing.

  • Obey on 19/02/2017 - 14:40
    +6

    Honda Jazz

  • gmail92 on 19/02/2017 - 14:54
    +14

    Have a look at the Mitsubishi 380.
    This 2006 Sports model was 37k new, now 3.5k

    https://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Mitsubishi-380-2…
    http://www.redbook.com.au/cars/research/used/details/2006-mi…

    It was the newer model of the Magna, but failed because it had no demand (so resale price is low). So for the car it is, it is underrated and really good value (similar to Aurion).

    If you have a look at it against redbook statistics, this guy is selling on par with trade in value and under average KMs, so as long as the car is in good cond its a bargain. Redbook is your standard "guide" to whether a car is good value or not.

    Not as fuel efficient, but completely different to above cars. Would much rather drive this than a old Charade or Jazz lol.

    • ChurchMouth on 19/02/2017 - 15:27

      Does it mean that parts will be hard to come by? Unfortunately I find the sedan quite restrictive.

      • altomic on 19/02/2017 - 17:42
        +5

        parts will be fine. . even though this model failed (in terms of sales like the predecessor) mitsubishi were required to supply excess spare parts for the future. it's part of the statutory regulation can car manufacturers and suppliers in Australia. plus as it is 2006 you will see them at wreckers if you need panels etc as people get the "it's 10 years old so I better buy a new car mentality".

        if it is as reliable as the magna then you could easily get another 100,000 kms on the clock.

      • IamEzza on 21/02/2017 - 15:35

        The boot is cavernous, it probably has more cargo space than a small hatch.

        It's also quiet and very comfortable cruising car, the engine never has to work hard.

        • ChurchMouth on 22/02/2017 - 15:11

          Throwing something like a bike in there with front wheel off though?

        • Euphemistic on 23/02/2017 - 11:08

          @ChurchMouth: might need two wheels off in the boot.

      • Illian on 21/02/2017 - 20:10

        I can confirm on reliability as I have a Magna myself, the 380 is ugly compared to a TJ magna but they're almost the same car mechanically. I've had mine 5 years, I haven't had the money to take care of it, never serviced, changed the oil once myself and the brake pads, but it's still a reliable daily driver and cruising on the highway is a breeze, I did a 1200km trip with a 1.5Tonne trailer on the back.

    • JimB on 21/02/2017 - 21:22

      Great choice.

      I wouldn't own one personally, but it's perfect for your needs.

      Cheap to maintain.

      Fuel is more than a small car but you're not driving it much.

    • Wallyt99 on 21/02/2017 - 23:35

      Great find! Would buy if in WA!

    • Gracey on 23/02/2017 - 12:55

      Another vote for the Mitsubishi. Even look at one of the later model Magna's before they changed to 380. You can get them in a wagon and the boot space is HUGE.
      Something like this https://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Mitsubishi-Magna…. $2000 with 2 months rego.

  • captobvious on 19/02/2017 - 15:07
    +5

    Subaru Forester or Impreza if you like hatchs with room for junk, roof rack and quiet
    The Subarus have AWD and you can drive it a little on sand to access surf spots without getting bogged.

    Here this Forester is in WA. Its actually the turboed model too and under $5k. This represents good value imo

    https://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Subaru-Forester-…

    • ChurchMouth on 19/02/2017 - 15:23
      +2

      Suburu's are typically expensive to maintain? I used to drive my mum's imprezza and loved it.

      • captobvious on 19/02/2017 - 15:36

        They can be. depends what state they are in when you buy them. You can stretch the timing belt change to 150,000km/10yrs depending when it was last done Check there is no leak in the rear and front main seal and bobs your uncle. The rest is just regular maintenance like any other car.

        • ChurchMouth on 26/02/2017 - 16:18

          I would love an imprezza I just can't see them being as good bang for buck when you are getting the suburu brand and AWD (which isn't really required).

        • captobvious on 26/02/2017 - 16:19

          @ChurchMouth: if you want bang for buck. Hyundai getz. Cheap as shit, parts plenty and runs on an oily rag.

        • ChurchMouth on 26/02/2017 - 16:25

          @captobvious:
          Thanks I'll add it to the list.. initial searches show good value (can get recent model at least, for ~5k). A small superficial issue is it looks a little femanim for me (I am recently single so this is now on my mind).

    • goodcopbadcop on 23/02/2017 - 14:46

      The Forester is no longer available.

      • captobvious on 25/02/2017 - 17:34

        It was a decent price.

  • Freitag on 19/02/2017 - 15:08
    +8

    Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3 or Hyundai i30 would all be good cars that fit your criteria.
    Any of them could take aftermarket roof racks, roughly $350 when bought new.
    Generally speaking servicing your new car will help it retain its value, last longer and be more affordable over the long term.

    • ChurchMouth on 19/02/2017 - 15:24

      How to chose between them? If I get something of reasonable quality I would get some professional servicing for sure.

      • Freitag on 19/02/2017 - 17:09
        +1

        It's probably just a case of the best deal at the time, (e.g. condition, kms, log book, features, age, history, etc.).

        Best to keep your options open rather than just looking for 1 car, then when one of these comes up check it out. Any of these would be a safe bet, maybe go look at a few and see what you prefer.

        And be sure to get it checked by a mechanic prior to buying if its a private sale, preferably at their shop.

    • Al Kider on 20/02/2017 - 19:17
      +4

      +1 Civic and corolla. Legendary reliability.

      • nickj on 22/02/2017 - 11:48

        I've got a Hyundai i30, 2010 model, it's been pretty reliable, has never broken down on me. Has had a few minor things corrected through the dealer (2 recalls + 1 service recall, all same-day no-cost jobs), and it had a A/C hose that failed and needed replacing (the A/C specialist guy had seen lots of these, so sounds like a product fault, $650 to fix, and the dealer was utterly useless when I told them the A/C was losing gas and it was still under warranty), and it's original battery needed replacing after 6 years (I just googled and that's a pretty standard life expectancy for a car battery). All the other maintenance costs & work has been bog standard oils/perishable parts/labour for the annual service & rego.

  • abear on 19/02/2017 - 15:54
    +2

    Ford Focus tend to have automatic transmission issues at around 120,000klms

  • Blue Cat on 19/02/2017 - 17:00
    +24

    Toyota Corolla all the way.
    Never breaks down, even if it does it is cheap to repair, good on fuel, it is a perfect car for ozbargainers in my opinion.
    I have a manual 2000 Corolla with 230k kilometers on it and abuse the hell out of it and it is not complaining at all.

    • pjetson on 19/02/2017 - 17:21
      +2

      Toyota Corolla all the way

      +1, definitely.

    • blackmanshade on 20/02/2017 - 09:41
      +2

      servicing these cars are a breeze. plenty of DIY's on Youtube as well and hella cheap.

    • Al Kider on 20/02/2017 - 19:20
      +4

      My driving instructor told me his last corolla did 1mil kilometres. Eventually the drive train and suspension gave out despite the engine being still good.

      • lubos on 20/02/2017 - 22:07
        +4

        I bought my Corolla 8 years ago for $4,500 (1998 model). I'm at 260,000 km now and honestly the car runs so good, I'm really curious what will eventually break first. My next car is probably going to be Corolla again. It's value for money.

        • ItsMeAgro on 21/02/2017 - 13:48
          +1

          The old '98 Corolla!

          I ran mine into the ground. At a bit over 350,000 kms I finally procrastinated getting the oil light checked for enough weeks that the engine died on the way to Canberra.

          If not I might still be driving it today…

      • psyclone1982 on 21/02/2017 - 14:43
        +1

        When I got my first car (2003) my Instructor said any old Carolla from early mid 90's is what he would recommend at the time as long as it was a fuel injected engine (i'm no car person but from memory that was what he said).

        Ended up buying a '95 Carolla for $6500 at the time, lasted me all the way until 2014 when it was still working perfectly but bought a new Carolla, had around 450,000km's on it in the end.

        In the 11 years I had it, it had one new clutch was all that went wrong.

    • Brianqpr on 21/02/2017 - 15:44

      Picked up a 1998 one a couple of years ago as our spare/station car with around 170,000km. Has good air con, power windows and mirrors and drives really well, no problems with it so far. The guy who I take it to for service reckon these are some of the best cars Toyota ever built.

  • [Deactivated] on 19/02/2017 - 17:03
    +3

    Charade are awesome cars +1
    Best car I ever owned
    1.3L and it went hard, trashed day in day out / good on fuel and cheap to run / work on

  • Hoju on 20/02/2017 - 07:26
    +1

    Getz?

    • ade on 20/02/2017 - 09:28

      The later the model the better as their quality improved through its production lifecycle. My Niece had one as a first car and only died when it was "totalled" by another car driving into it.

  • inherentchoice on 20/02/2017 - 12:12

    Hyundai Accent or older model Kia Rio. They are quite roomy hatchbacks, being much longer than a Charade or Getz. They will fit an 8' surfboard without any roof racks… you will just have to give up the front passenger seat. I've had one for 7 years and don't want to replace it. It's my first car and I still like driving it. I've chucked heaps of bulky things in the back. I get about 500km on a 35L tank, so 7L per 100km.

    You can get a 2004 model for about $2500 - http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/midland/cars-vans-utes/2004-h…

    Also try this search to get an idea of some different options.

    • ShirokaZe on 21/02/2017 - 14:17
      -4

      Avoid buying Korean. Particularly the older ones which are in no way comparable in reliability or quality to their year-for-year Japanese counterparts.

      • inherentchoice on 21/02/2017 - 14:26

        I'm speaking from experience. Car is 12 years old and everything is working and running smoothly without hiccups, just scheduled maintenance. I'm confident it can go another 10 if cared for.

        I still see those old Hyundai Excels from 1995 on the road today. The Accent is the next generation Excel.

        • ShirokaZe on 21/02/2017 - 16:07
          +4

          Hey ChurchMouth,
          Just be wary that when asking a large community of people, most probably won't have any sort of automotive background which can often result in undesirable advice like "My __________ is running, so they must all be good." Afterall a running engine is just a single factor of a reliable and safe vehicle. The sum of the life of shock absorbers, constant velocity shafts, wheel bearings, synchros, mounts and bushings which are often inferior in older Korean vehicles, is something that should not be discounted. Listening to the advice of someone still on their first car, telling you to buy a Hyundai Accent, is an inherently poor choice.

        • inherentchoice on 21/02/2017 - 17:01
          -1

          @ShirokaZe: I've provided some empirical evidence and you've made an unsupported claim about not buying Korean. Ok.

          Well here's some more empirical evidence based on hard data:

          Hyundai and Kia are in the top 10 most reliable car brands. And climbing. Source: http://www.consumerreports.org/car-reliability/car-brands-re…

        • ShirokaZe on 21/02/2017 - 20:06

          @incoherentchoice:

          For starters, your 2016 reliability data from AMERICA has no relevance at all to the Australian market, OR the old cars you are recommending to ChurchMouth for less than $5000. Everyone in the industry can attest to the improvements that Korean cars have made recently, but that isn't really up for debate here as OP isn't buying a new car.

          Empirical is defined as "based on, concerned with, or verifiable by observation or experience rather than theory". From my EXPERIENCE in working on cars for much longer than you've even been driving, I have OBSERVED things that have lead me to make the comments above. My experience is no more or less relevant than your experience. I'm glad you had such a good one that you'd be offended by someone's opinion to the contrary, but please be more open to the possibility that your experience does not necessarily apply to the majority.

        • Steptoe on 22/02/2017 - 13:35
          +1

          @ShirokaZe:

          Yes, reliability improvements aren't retrospective.

        • ChurchMouth on 22/02/2017 - 15:09

          @ShirokaZe: Agree, thanks I'll be weary.

        • [Deactivated] on 22/02/2017 - 20:33
          -2

          @ShirokaZe:

          you literally have no idea what you are talking about.

        • ShirokaZe on 22/02/2017 - 23:08

          @murphy84:
          I'm sorry you feel that way. All your experience in finance must've prepared you well to make that assessment.

        • [Deactivated] on 23/02/2017 - 01:42

          @ShirokaZe:

          actually it was the years of selling cars before I did finance and insurance that help me make that assessment.

        • ShirokaZe on 23/02/2017 - 09:04
          +1

          @murphy84:
          Ohhhhh car salesman AND financier, that explains it all. Good day to you sir :)

  • Out24q on 20/02/2017 - 12:40
    +2

    A few good suggestions above..
    I just want to add, is I hope you intend on getting Insurance on whatever car you buy. Seen too many posts here of people have had an accident, which is their fault, and have no Insurance what so ever.

  • HeWhoKnows on 20/02/2017 - 16:04
    -7

    Firstly DO NOT BUY Ford Focus.
    They are European shit boxes made by el-cleapo german maker Opel and cheap for good reason. Opel also made the notorious "stay-away" Holden Astra and Vectra to give you an idea.

    BEST VALUE car close to your budget is ……

    wait for it…….

    Mitsubishi Mirage 2013-2015…yep thats right.

    Correct! 2 to 3 years old and in hatch version.
    They sell between $6,000 and $8,000 with very low kms (20,000-50,000) come with $250 capped servicing and 5 year warranty so all still have 2 to 3 years warranty on them.

    • bradsmrbetty on 20/02/2017 - 18:09

      They're good except the paint, it can be a bit too thin.
      Good suggestion.

    • smartazz104 on 20/02/2017 - 18:47
      +8

      Firstly DO NOT BUY Ford Focus. They are European shit boxes made by el-cleapo german maker Opel and cheap for good reason.

      Ey, Opel makes the Ford Focus?

      • smpantsonfire on 20/02/2017 - 19:31
        +1

        Must be thinking of the Astra lel

      • kokomo1978 on 23/02/2017 - 21:01

        Agreed - I had so many issues with my 2005 ford focus, and would never recommend it to anyone.

    • huntress_love on 20/02/2017 - 22:56

      Where do you find these? Check cars website and no cars in Vic fit that price range?

    • BartholemewH on 21/02/2017 - 02:06
      +8

      The Ford Focus is made by Ford, unsurprisingly. The recommendation of the recent Mirage is also a doozy.

    • WhatWouldBiggieDo on 21/02/2017 - 11:36
      +1

      Please do not listen to this guy. The focus is a well made good quality car. Everybody I know who has owned one has been very happy.

      Instead, he's recommending a Thai-made 3-cylinder sh1tbox which they literally can not sell new!

      • WhatWouldBiggieDo on 21/02/2017 - 11:39
        +4

        And Opel and Ford could not be more different companies.

        Opel - General Motors/Vauxhall/Holden etc

        Ford = Ford

        Not sure why people feel the need to give advice on topics they know nothing about

        • HeWhoKnows on 26/02/2017 - 10:24
          -2

          Its made in Germany under contract by a budget car manufacturer. Now who might that be?

        • WhatWouldBiggieDo on 27/02/2017 - 10:18

          @Amayzingone: Still wrong.

          Opel are NOT a "budget" car manufacturer. Not sure whether you were implying that they were, but in any event they are not.

          The focus was made in Germany from 1998 to 2012 and since 2012 has been manufactured for the Australian market from Ford's purpose built plant in Thailand. The performance versions (ST and RS) are still manufactured in Europe IIRC.

    • OzzyOzbourne on 21/02/2017 - 12:45
      +6

      Probably best not to take advice from someone who thinks Fords are made by Opel!

    • ChurchMouth on 22/02/2017 - 15:08

      This post is a good reminder to not trust a single person's opinion here.

  • bradsmrbetty on 20/02/2017 - 16:05
    +1

    The Ford Focus has a higher serving cost because they're a European design therefore parts and servicing can cost a lot more.
    I second the comment about the Mitsubishi 380 ticking most of the boxes.
    Otherwise a falcon or commodore wagon would allow for a lot of bulky items try to get one on gas.

  • goodcopbadcop on 20/02/2017 - 18:24
    +2

    I was on the look out for a small hatch as a runabout. My research was based on:

    1. Less than 10 years old.
    2. Up to $150K kms
    3. Service log books - prefer a service record
    4. Prefer automatic
    5. No previous accidents - and not on the records as a Repairable Write Off (if it way cheaper this is the reason. Although sometimes they think that you won't look it up so offer it a top price)
    6. 4 doors hatch
    7. Not thrashed by a young male P plater and not left in the garaged for months not driven
    8. No obvious smells - cigarette; vomit; animal/human urine; or wet doggy
    9. How long has it been on the market… if it's too long - then what's wrong with it?

    A hard list I know but sometimes people need to sell a good car quickly - need the cash for overseas travel; returning to overseas; already bought new car and the old one gathering dust and need it sold. My question is - Do you go with a private seller? Or do you put some trust in the used car sales people - and see what they have on offer?

    Use all of the online car sites and bring your list to a top 3 with a top 1 brand. Then know what these are selling for and either use the car salesman to offer to you and keep looking and test driving. With only a $5k budget and to hit all the above is a big ask. Be a bit flexible knowing what you will trade off.

    • smpantsonfire on 20/02/2017 - 19:34
      +6

      You never trust a Used car Dealer. Period.

      They get the car cheap, fix any issues on the cheap, dodgy af repairs. This makes for maximum profit on a flipped car.

      They don't have time to test the cars properly to see if there are any issues, and they wouldn't care either. They just want to move it ASAP.

      • [Deactivated] on 20/02/2017 - 20:29
        +5

        Pretty much this.

        If you think a car at a dealer is at a good price think again, they have to make money on it…

      • Cleremy on 22/02/2017 - 09:43

        I find it weird that so many people buy and sell all their cars through dealers.
        Never bought a car from one or sold a car to one and I've been driving for 20 years.

      • syousef on 22/02/2017 - 17:03

        When I complained about a broken wheel wrench I took the car back to the yard and watched as the salesman simply swapped it out from another car, putting my broken wrench in that car.

        Horrible design wrench btw. Guaranteed to break with light use. Shouldn't have bothered. Should have just replaced it.
        http://thumbs2.picclick.com/d/l400/pict/121377722481_/Genuin…

    • ChurchMouth on 22/02/2017 - 15:07

      What did you end up getting? Great list.

  • aman00024 on 20/02/2017 - 21:55
    +5

    I am working in car industry and I would recommend Toyota. Second choice is Honda.

    Thank you!

  • Ion on 20/02/2017 - 23:01

    I know mechanic who works for Toyota. He's selling a well maintained Corolla 06 for around $5k in Perth. Let me know if you are interested.

    • User102430 on 21/02/2017 - 12:25

      Interestingly, my previous mechanic, who was servicing ONLY European cars once told me that if he wanted to buy one, reliable car, he would have gone for 4 cylinder Toyota (mentioned either Corolla or Camry)

      • PavloXYZ on 23/02/2017 - 10:42

        yea, i second that.

        my neighbor is a mechanic/test driver for euro cars. often sees VWs, AUDIs, BMWs, Mercs, and sometimes even more high end cars such as Aston Martins and Lambos parked outside.

        he's got two teenage sons and they drive a Toyota Starlet and a Nissan Pulsar, both of which are from the 90's. Think they ended up selling the starlet in favor for a commodore wagon.

        The mum drives an Audi A4 I think. Don't know what the dad drives.

  • Piranha2004 on 21/02/2017 - 06:28

    +1 to Honda civics. Bulletproof I'm terms of reliability.

    • ade on 21/02/2017 - 08:30

      Agree providing the Honda has been serviced. Likes frequent changes of oil or else the oil tracks get filled with sludge which limits the life of the engine.

      • WhatWouldBiggieDo on 21/02/2017 - 11:37

        Like any other car then?

        • ade on 23/02/2017 - 08:42

          Not really….Honda's have a propensity to silt up their oil channels more than others if run too long with dirty oil.

  • Avacardooo Rayy Mee on 21/02/2017 - 10:44
    +1

    I read this and was like " NISSAN PULSAR" then i see you had one, ha.

    But i was in the same situation, had an older nissan pulsar n14, great car

    upgraded too the nissan pulsar n15 sss hatch, you can put roof racks on it, reliable car , cheap to run.

    • Dean29 on 22/02/2017 - 11:52
      +1

      Agree with N15 hatch. Engines are virtually bulletproof and can be picked up quite cheap with less than 200XXX kms. I have a sedan and have not had any problems with it

      • ChurchMouth on 26/02/2017 - 16:19

        Damn I am finding the newer than N14 nissan's ugly though!

  • ShirokaZe on 21/02/2017 - 11:13
    +1

    Stick with something Japanese if you don't want issues.
    Suggest 2007+ Mazda 2 or 2008+ Honda Jazz, both of which should be attainable at 5k with some haggling.
    Anyone that knows cars will tell you to avoid Focus like the plague.

    • ItsMeAgro on 21/02/2017 - 13:51
      +1

      Stick with something Japanese if you don't want issues.

      I'm still waiting for the Korean cars to match them for quality and reliability (like they are doing for TVs now).

    • Wallyt99 on 21/02/2017 - 23:47

      Dreaming on the Jazz pricing.

  • totalgadget on 21/02/2017 - 11:33

    I'm too in similar situation of OP.

    I was told Honda Spares are very expensive compared to Mazda or Toyota. Is it correct?

    I liked Mazda and was looking into old mazda 6 but with range of kms between 120-160k. Are they good if serviced regularly. I might travel less than 10 k in a year and mostly weekend for some day trip or shopping and planning to keep for 3 years and not looking for mechanic to become my good friend after i purchased car.

    How about renault megane hatch? I see lesser priced for 2004-2006 models compared to toyoto or mazda.

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