Second Hand Car Buy for ~$10 - $12K

Jimothy Wongingtons on 14/09/2017 - 07:48

Hi guys,

Need options for great value second hand buys in cars around ~10-12k. Initial googling suggests either a mazda 3 or a hyundai i30. But the mazda 3 especially has so many variants.

Can anyone give more input into either of the above, or throw in another suggestion I should look for.

I'm located in QLD if that makes a difference and do 90% city, 10% highway driving. Not fussed on looks.

Automotive

Comments

  • dasher86 on 14/09/2017 - 08:10
    +9

    'rolla.

  • pao2x on 14/09/2017 - 08:38
    +2

    https://www.pickles.com.au/cars/auctions/search/-/listing/se…

    https://www.pickles.com.au/cars/fixed-price#!/search-result?q=(And.FixedPriceFlag.True..State.QLD..ProductType.Vehicles.)&sort=FixedPrice

    • iforgotmysocks on 14/09/2017 - 08:40
      +3

      You also get a free pickle

      • [Deactivated] on 14/09/2017 - 19:15

        please tickle my pickle

  • King Tightarse on 14/09/2017 - 08:42
    +3

    They are both rock solid choices, as is a corolla.
    Hyundais are amazingly reliable cars, they just go and go. One thing to consider in Qld though is that the Hyundais are not generally known for great aircon - it's one point of weakness they have. Heater yes, but aircon no. (its freezing in Korean winter) so you might want to test that out and see if it suits your needs.

    • Ryanek on 14/09/2017 - 09:52
      +2

      You're spot on when it comes to the aircon. Everything else seems to be great though.

  • pantsparty on 14/09/2017 - 09:04
    +2

    Any small reliable hatchback should be good - Corolla, i30, Mazda 3. Try to get as low kms as you can. Have a look on Carsales.

    • Marcsie on 14/09/2017 - 11:33
      +1

      Totally agree, good advice :)

  • thetrain on 14/09/2017 - 10:24
    +1

    @pao2x makes a great point.

    If you're willing to spend some time, Pickles ex fleet/government car auctions are great value.

    eg. Can pick up a ~2014 Toyota Camry at the auctions for $12k

  • ToTheMoon on 14/09/2017 - 14:56
    +1

    Nissan tiida/pulsar could be an option.

    Mine is MY09 4AT, solid, cheap to maintain, spacious.
    fuel consumption is a drawback since 1.8L plus 4AT makes it ~10L/100km.
    but new models come with better ATs so may cost less.

    I didn't choose 'rolla was because having the same performance Tiida is cheaper.

    • spackbace on 14/09/2017 - 15:16
      +2

      10L/100 out of a Pulsar…? Ouch. I'd expect that out of an AWD, but not a FWD

      • King Tightarse on 14/09/2017 - 15:27
        +1

        Yeah that seems too high although agree that the Tiida is good value as a second hand car due to terrible marketing campaign when new (used old moll from Sex In The City thus pretty much ensuring that no males bought the car and no fathers bought them for their daughters)

        • spackbace on 14/09/2017 - 15:29

          Yeah but also pretty average cars, very bland and featureless. And although it's already worn some bad depreciation, I doubt it's gonna get any better!

        • King Tightarse on 14/09/2017 - 15:30

          @Spackbace:
          Sure agree but for budget transport, they are good value

      • ToTheMoon on 14/09/2017 - 16:59

        for city/urban roads yes it's like ~10L/100.

        I think that's because the car is 1.8L and 4AT so not fuel economy.
        do you think that's because of the car age? MY09, done 130KM already.

        • Ametric on 15/09/2017 - 15:08

          it is for city driving? then it's a good result. I love these stories about someone's car doing 7l/100 km. It really depends on the route (let's say average speed) and conditions of driving. Let's say ones are driving 70% on freeways and getting those 7l/100km and the others are 80% in CBD traffic and getting 12L/100km in average.
          So, 10L/100 is just an average result. Don't expect a magic from this (any other) car.

          Manufacturer's specs are:
          Fuel Consumption Combined Official test cycle fuel use for combined fuel consumption 7.8 (L/100km)
          Fuel Consumption Extra Urban Official test cycle fuel consumption for country driving conditions. 6.2 (L/100km)
          Fuel Consumption Urban Official test cycle fuel consumption in city driving conditions 10.6 (L/100km)

    • Jimothy Wongingtons on 14/09/2017 - 16:30

      nice, a little left field but have added to my car sales saved search :) Anything is better than my 2000 CRV at the moment.

  • spackbace on 14/09/2017 - 15:15

    For an extra few grand you could look at a new/nearly new car with warranty/cps etc, that doesn't need tyres/brakes replaced, or is close to needing a timing belt replaced or whatever.

    • Jimothy Wongingtons on 14/09/2017 - 16:29

      Yeah I did consider that - 15-16 is mazda 2 territory, or equiv in everyone else I understand. But Even 12k is a bit of a stretch.

  • AusGP on 14/09/2017 - 23:55

    The Honda Accord Euro (newer chassis) is a good buy. My 2012 Accord Euro seems to be almost at the 12k price range now (sad face). 6.7L or so per 100km on the freeways. Average about 9.9L/100km with a mix. Awesome speakers and features.

    • dasher86 on 15/09/2017 - 08:22

      what's the extra cost in running 95 octane? mazda 3, i30 and corolla car run at 91.

      • AusGP on 15/09/2017 - 09:45

        Yeah fuel costs a bit extra. Depending on where you fuel up I think up to 10% extra. But it does depend how much you drive (I don't drive that much recently).

        • Euphemistic on 15/09/2017 - 10:51

          There is the number one tip for reducing fuel costs: Don't drive as much!

    • Halo375 on 15/09/2017 - 10:59

      It's a great car (I had a 2008 I loved) but the running costs might be a bit too high for the OP. For me servicing was quite expensive and it had to have 95 octane. When I tried a lower grade of petrol, the cars engine made a different noise. The Euro was always nice to drive, but in this case I'd recommend something a bit more cost-effective.

  • bradsmrbetty on 15/09/2017 - 11:54

    Kia Cerato shares many of the same parts as the Hyundai i30, they're just as reliable but you get a 7 year warrenty.
    My wife has a Hyundai i30 GD so this is around your price range. I also own a older Corolla. The new Corolla i have driven are reliable but objectively not as well equip.
    Keep in mind a couple of things, the Corolla warranty is only three years, vs five and seven for Hyundai and Kia.
    Mazdas are great, i have had two of those in the family in recent years.
    Watch out for the rust issues, with Mazda 3 and 6.
    https://www.productsafety.gov.au/recall/mazda-australia-pty-…
    Try and get the SP25 as the bigger 2.5L engine makes it much nicer to drive and makes it feel more complete in my opinion. Although for city driving obviously it consumes more fuel.
    Test drive them back to back and to see what i mean.

    Suburu if you can afford one, probably an XV.

    Mitsubishi lancer is solid for a cheaper option around the $6000-$8000 mark, feature wise they're aren't as good as mazda, kia,hyundai,toyota but 2013 upgraded the interior to a touch screen and few a few minor changes.

    Nissan are not what they where 10 years ago, the quality has dropped a lot but are still worth a look.

    If you want to dance with the devil,then Holden Cruze and Ford Focus

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