I am thinking about gifting my wife a small car for birthday. She just have to use it for picking and dropping off kid to school as well as going for some shopping nearby. Please suggest a good car ideally within 25k. I would prefer a car with some features like reverse camera, navigation included.
I have heard some good stories about Toyota Yaris, Suzuki Swift, Mazda 3, Kia Cerato.
Thanks
Why not take her to see those cars or ask her what she wants? The mister knows by now no point buying me something I might not like, especially something like a car where his tastes are vastly different to mine.
Hard to say depending on her preferences, what you currently drive, how much space you need for a 2nd (I assume) car, how confident a driver she is, if you care about maintenance costs etc. When we owned a suzuki or mazda it had to get serviced every 6 months. Sure it might make it more reliable but it really adds up twice a year!
Do you want us to buy it for you too or do you want to show some initiative?
I think others would have more experience and information so asked for their knowledge.
Would you buy a car based off what someone said online? Regardless of how it suited you
Spackle Backer is right. Your question is too vague.
"What car should I buy" is wayyyyyyy too broad.
You should be going to each of those dealerships, having a thorough look, and a test drive of each. Nothing anyone on here can say should influence your decision before you've at least test driven some of the vehicles and narrowed it down. Then come back with a top 2 or 3 and ask for opinions.
Also you need to identify what SIZE car.
Yaris and Swift I believe are in the 'micro' segment which are very small cars, where as Cerato and Mazda 3 are 'small' cars. How tall is your wife? How old is your child? They are quite different in terms of fitting a child in the back regularly. Go and have a look and see for yourself. Then come to the forum and ask for some help narrowing it down.
I have heard some good stories about Toyota Yaris, Suzuki Swift, Mazda 3, Kia Cerato.
There are good and bad stories to every car. The basic truth is that all of the brands you've mentioned - Toyota, Mazda, Suzuki, Kia (and others too) make their bread and butter on reliable, hassle-free cars. Most of their cars are low margin and they rely on volume, unreliable cars and they're out of business real quick. You can't go wrong with any of them.
My advice is that with $25K, you could move up to a Corolla or similar which is a much better car than something like a Yaris. We don't live in Europe or Asia where streets are narrow and being nimble is important. I'm an average-sized bloke and sitting in the back of a Yaris is worse than Jetstar economy class, so it's basically a 2 seater for all I care.
If you're fine with a car the size of a Yaris, I'd go for a Toyota 86. Your wife will love driving around in one. Maybe not now, but she will in time. They also keep their value like crazy. Look at how much a Corolla/Yaris depreciates in % terms compared to an 86 on Carsales.
She wants it for ferrying around the kids. I've done the 2 door with kids thing and it's a prize pain.
Can’t go wrong with a Mitsubishi ASX.
Great value, feature packed and perfect for what you describe.
I agree. I've had a couple as hire cars and despite being an 8 year(??) old platform they are a competent all-rounder. Cheap to buy too.
I would call myself a professional rental car driver. Having driven all of the above cars many times as rentals with the exception of the Mazda 3 (which I regularly have as a loan can while my 2 other Mazdas are being serviced) I would say they are all inferior to the Honda Jazz - if you are looking in that class of car.
If you can stretch yourself into Corolloa, i30 or (waits for flaming) Golf segment of vehicle you'll be much happier long term.
PS: The Swift in my opinion is the crappiest car on the market currently, trying to maintain a constant speed in that buzz box takes serious effort, once the cool "I'm driving a $20,000 mini" effect wears off, you'll realise the car is pure cheapness.
EDIT: Should note the 2 Honda Jazz's we have for business use cost $16k each drive away - so in terms of price they were/are unbeatable.
I've never driven a Corolloa. Sounds interesting!
Yaris is very reliable.
Can't go wrong with a Cerato. Cheap, reliable, good looking, 7 year warranty.
Hyundai Kona/Venue.
If you buy her anything less than an SUV to take the kids to school in, she will never be happy.
Hi, I am your wife, please buy me Mazda 3 Astina. Thank you!!
hun where have you been?
Lurking here to see what my other half planning to give me for my birthday xoxoxo.
Brand New Toyota Corolla Hatch $26K
Free mats, Full Tank, and White plates.
Pretty good deal, but you could probably get it lower with some negotiations.
https://chatswoodtoyota.dealer.toyota.com.au/new-vehicles/co…
The Kia Cerato is a good car if you get past badge prejudice.
It has all the comfort and safety features you need, and is sharply priced - always look at the final on road price when comparing with other cars.
If you can bracket creep $7000, the Cerato GT is an excellent car, and will feel more 'special'.
I'm sure there'll be naysayers, but most will not have actually test driven the Cerato GT.
Thank you very much everyone
Have you considered a cargo ebike for school drop off and local shopping?
corolla