Family car in the 10-15k ballpark?

firexbug on 08/04/2020 - 10:27

Gday Ozbargainers,

Our daily car recently decided to blow a head gasket and it's now gone to god so looking for a second-hand car. Had a commodore before (no judgement haha).
We have a 2-year-old little fella and go on plenty of drives over an hour and day trips, well not anymore thanks Corona… but we will be.

Anyway have about 10-15k to splash on a car that is comfortable, decent enough interior and big enough to fit the pram and gear etc.

So far looking like will be looking at a 2010ish model based on price range, which seems kind of old to us but as long as KM's are reasonable I guess it's what we have to do.
Found a heap of Audi A4's/Q3's in that range and series 3/X1 bimmers but guess they will be super costly in the long run. Liking the look of the Subaru Foresters if can manage to find one in the price bracket.

Just looking to bounce ideas!

Automotive

Comments

  • Muzeeb on 08/04/2020 - 10:29
    +6

    Toyota Camry

    /thread

    • spackbace on 08/04/2020 - 10:30
      +6

      Aurion
      Camry Hybrid

      /thread

      • wiipantz on 08/04/2020 - 11:06

        +1 to Camry Hybrid. My 2010 cost me less than 5k with on roads and I love it, triple or double that budget could even get the newer shape and probs the moon roof!

        • spackbace on 08/04/2020 - 11:07

          There's no moon roofs on Camry hybrids ;) too much weight

          • wiipantz on 08/04/2020 - 11:12

            @spackbace: Sorry, Sunroof. my bad.

            • spackbace on 08/04/2020 - 14:39

              @wiipantz: Sorry, right terminology actually, my head went to panoramic sunroof for some reason

              • wiipantz on 08/04/2020 - 14:44

                @spackbace: With my model it's only a sunroof. I think later got the upgrades. They are all the same thing but not (window on top). Once again Camry ftw.

                • spackbace on 08/04/2020 - 14:46

                  @wiipantz: Moonroof and sunroof are actually the same thing. It's all to do with marketing. "Sunroof" implies you'll get hot and burnt, "moonroof" doesn't ;)

    • elgrande on 08/04/2020 - 12:22
      +1

      Its sad that I came here to say the exact same thing, even including the /thread

  • modsec802 on 08/04/2020 - 10:42
    +7

    Mazda6 wagon? Good family car

    • Oofy Doofy on 08/04/2020 - 10:59
      +2

      Hyundai i30 or i40 wagon.

      A few i30 Active diesels around, bloody good car, gf bought one 6 months ago. 2014-2015 model. Super practical and economical

      • Oofy Doofy on 08/04/2020 - 14:24
        +1

        Why would people down vote a perfectly good suggestion?

      • The mikky on 08/04/2020 - 17:22

        I have the 2011 i30 wagon is still going with over 270,000 km on it.

        Am pondering weather to replace it or just the injectors.

        • Oofy Doofy on 08/04/2020 - 17:25
          +1

          offload it and grab a 2015-16 model i30 wagon? They dropped the wagon from the 2016 facelifted model range. i40 a bit more practical, can find the 7 speed DCT with the 1.7TD in a wagon no problem, little harder to find as their new drive away price is quite high.

          • The mikky on 08/04/2020 - 20:09

            @Oofy Doofy: Does the i40 have more legroom for driver ?

            • Oofy Doofy on 08/04/2020 - 20:12
              +1

              @The mikky: i40 is considered mid size, basically just a size up from the i30 all-round. I can't say I have any problems in the drivers seat of an i30 at 6ft in height. i40 feels more roomy. That's about as good as I could explain it. I think youtube or online car reviews would probably say something similar.

              • The mikky on 08/04/2020 - 20:20
                +1

                @Oofy Doofy: No worries just thought I would ask
                I am 6 foot 2, but have long legs and would prefer a bit more legroom. Guess i just have to go sit in one and see. Cheers.

    • jacross on 10/04/2020 - 07:50
      +1

      Solid suggestion indeed.

  • Wumpus on 08/04/2020 - 10:59
    +1

    I bought my 2011 Honda CRV last year at around $15000. only 50000km on the clock.

    The size is decent and never had any issue with it.

    • John on 08/04/2020 - 11:41
      +1

      +1 for CRV. We've had three generations of CRV and Civics. Always a great car to drive, reliable and affordable. Honda FTW :)

  • jimbobaus on 08/04/2020 - 11:00
    +2

    Mazda and Honda def give you better value
    You would overpay for a Toyota, their resale tends to be higher than other Jap options so you would probably get more car for your 15K if you looked at Honda, Mazda etc

    Avoid older Korean cars… Hyundai, Kia etc
    As someone who has worked in the mechanical trade until very recently….all i will say is avoid!

    • knasty on 08/04/2020 - 11:42
      +2

      Interested why you say that - what goes wrong? Must cost them a fortune if this is true with a 7 year warranty. I've found Kia to be rock solid through 7 years+. Had far more issues with previous Honda as an example but small sample size. Could pick up a 2015/16 Kia Optima in this price range with 2 years factory warranty remaining.

      • jimbobaus on 08/04/2020 - 11:45
        +4

        100% i would have no issues with a korean car under warranty, as long as a reasonable amount of time remains.
        I saw so many Hyundais/Kias come in with major failures and warranties had ended within 1-2 years.
        Big $$$ in repairs, saying that most people just offloaded them rather than keep them due to very low resale value on them.

        Where as we see 20 year old Jap cars come in only needing standard wear and tear repairs.
        I am just one workshop but the numbers really speak for themselves.

        Saying that i would also struggle to recommend Land Rover/Range Rover, Jag and Volvo these days too

        I guess its a value for money prop for me.. if you spend 15K are you ok with major failures in 1-2 years?

      • Karlos101 on 09/04/2020 - 07:46
        +1

        Any of the korean cars prior to 2013, the engines are shite. From that point onwards, Hyundai were using old manufacturing hardware from toyota and lo and behold their engines for hyundai and Kia took a steep increase in reliability.

  • brendanm on 08/04/2020 - 11:03
    +3

    Diesel passat if you like diesel. Otherwise an Aurion.

  • pantsparty on 08/04/2020 - 11:34
    +1

    Camry. Something like this - not too high kms, not too old. Negotiate them down to $14k.

    https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2015-Toyota-Camry-A…

  • pegaxs on 08/04/2020 - 11:46
    +2

    Found a heap of Audi A4's/Q3's in that range and series 3/X1 bimmers

    hahahaha… Please do. There is a reason why used BMW's and Audi's are the same price as a used Camry but cost 3x the amount to buy new…

    • casho on 08/04/2020 - 21:17
      -1

      Yeah luxury car tax

  • Euphemistic on 08/04/2020 - 11:55
    +1

    Don’t buy a Euro in that budget.

  • Bid Sniper on 08/04/2020 - 12:21
    +2

    Kia cerato

    • scatman00 on 08/04/2020 - 18:31
      +3

      2016/17 with under 50k's and 3-4 years new car warranty left, is easily doable in that range.

  • branners on 08/04/2020 - 12:49
    +6

    Don't laugh; a Suzuki Kizashi.
    Almost the size of an A4, built like a brick dunny and just as reliable. The car was never a big seller here but was in countries like Pakistan, which is not noted for its smooth roads and first world car servicing, because it is so tough.
    There a few around with low to medium mileage.
    I have one, 2012, AWD, leather and a stereo that would blow anything this side of Lexus into the weeds. It was under $15K, never a moment's trouble, there is not a car this side of $25K I would swap it for.

    • Muzeeb on 08/04/2020 - 16:55
      +2

      And look awesome too. Never understood why they didn't sell more.

      • spackbace on 08/04/2020 - 18:26
        +3

        Overpriced, underpowered, used way too much fuel for a 2.4L, and were up against the Camry

        But yes, used to sell them and the Sport was an awesome car to drive. Good fit n finish and looked good.

        Just sounds like a sneeze when you say the name lol

        • branners on 10/04/2020 - 08:23
          +2

          Yep, agreed on all that, is not the most economical car because it is a bit weighty. But if you do not drive high KMs, not a problem, and with the current fuel prices, not one even if you do!
          And yes, overpriced when new but can be good buying now.

      • SnoozeAndLose on 08/04/2020 - 20:16
        +1

        Mechanic told me after 5 years Suzuki tend to have so much minor issue here and there.

        • Muzeeb on 08/04/2020 - 22:14
          +2

          I find that hard to believe

        • Euphemistic on 09/04/2020 - 05:59
          +2

          If you say that for Suzuki, you can say it for any vehicle.

    • aranciata-oz on 09/04/2020 - 10:51
      +2

      I have the 2014 Sport Prestige FWD. Agreed - apart from a hard ride at low speeds, it's such well built car and seriously vault like. I've gotten used to the CVT now - the manual shifters are actually very fast in changing gears, much more than a normal planetary tranny and especially a DCT/DSG (even though those dual clutch boxes change quickly on the move). Only problem was my 2014 model lost the Rockford Fosgate audio for a stupid Garmin Navman unit with sound quality that was atrocious (which I fixed with replacement speakers and inline amp).

      • branners on 10/04/2020 - 08:19
        +1

        Agreed about the sound system and the CVT, but interesting about the comments on the ride. Mine goes very well over speed humps compared to my Mrs' Hyundai, which feels like the dampers crash out. Maybe Suzuki changes the spec between model years?

  • BewareOfThe Dog on 08/04/2020 - 17:52

    Toyota Avensis. Slightly old, but easy to service, 8 seats. $5 to $8 grand.

  • jacross on 09/04/2020 - 07:40
    +3

    Commodore's are great cars.

    Get a wagon. Wagons are great family cars, and have more practical space then SUVs (the lack of depth can be quite problematic), and much better handling. Wagons are cool now too. SUVs are the pedestrian choice. Wagons are for the discerning enthusiast.

    I personally have a Liberty, but consider mazda6,i30,i40,Commodore, passat, and Skoda's Octavia and Superb.

    I would have gotten a Skoda but couldn't source what I wanted second hand. They're fantastic value and great features but not a big volume of sales.

    I love my Liberty but the downside of Subaru's is the 6 month servicing. Off you're considering a Forester (lame), dont discount that.

    • saltypete on 09/04/2020 - 08:40
      +2

      Have to support the Commie wagon here. I own a 2012 Berlina and while I have no love for it, it is quiet, cruise, reliable and roomy. I have low kilometres on it and would probably struggle to get much more that $15 for it, if that. Please don’t buy an older Euro. Buy a lottery ticket instead,it’s cheaper and you have about the same chance of winning…

  • Mark1159 on 09/04/2020 - 08:45
    +1

    Don’t buy Euro unless you want heartbreak - for your wallet and pride. No prestige in your Euro on a flatbed (again). You’ve got a baby - how you going to feel when your wife is about and about late with kid, car seat, pram and she phones you late - cos RACV guy says your Euro needs a tow truck again.

    Camry- or any other Toyota

  • Mark1159 on 09/04/2020 - 09:56
    +1

    Kia Cerato excellent value. In your price range should be able to get 2 or 3 year old hatch with reasonable kms, most of the safety gear and still 3 or 4 year new car warranty.

  • Waltervp on 09/04/2020 - 10:02
    +1

    I have had a lot of cars, love the peugeot 407 wagons… But I now drive a 2011 Ford Titanium Mondeo Hatch. Great size, super economy (diesel average 7.1 for me) with Auto high beam, autonomous breaking and adaptive cruise control. It's often under 15k.

  • RedZed998 on 09/04/2020 - 10:14
    +1

    Mitsubishi Lancer, cheap to buy, cheap to run 5.8litres - 6.8litres /100 k and easy on the extra's such as tyres and oil. Many under priced items out there, even from a dealer. I believe they were discontinued last year, don't let it put you off a great family car.

  • ShahAU786 on 09/04/2020 - 13:27
    +2

    Have bought MY 2013 Mazda 3 SP25, 43k kms couple of weeks back. 2.5cc, top of the range. Spacious boot. Drives like a brand new car and looks brand new too. Avg kms for the same model in the market is around 120-200k kms. Paid under $15k. You just have to keep an eye and create your filters based on your location. And of course, negotiate and get professional inspection done.

    Also, helped a friend to buy a Holden Commodore Evoke 2014, 106k kms, very neat car it was. The cost have come down around $12k now, paid $14k in Nov 2019.

    Hope this helps.

    Cheers

  • [Deactivated] on 09/04/2020 - 23:32
    +2

    I'd go for a Subaru Liberty wagon. $10-15k gets you a lot of car, very comfortable, good sound system, all the room in the boot and more, reliable and easy to drive.

    • jacross on 10/04/2020 - 07:48
      +1

      I went through this process in 2018 and ended up with a Liberty wagon. Very happy with it.

      But I would say also check out Skoda Octavia and Superb, Mazda6, Commodore, i40, i30, and Passat.

  • UnknownUser74 on 10/04/2020 - 21:26

    As listed Above Toyota Aurion with 3.5 V6, has a lovely amount of Torque. The Camry with the 2.5 I4 does seem boring though. Reliability and servicing cannot go past Toyota. A second hand European car does seem like a headache in the near future.

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