Which of These 3 Used Car Makes Would You Go for? (Hyundai/Kia/Toyota)

wmxc on 19/07/2020 - 14:51
Last edited 19/07/2020 - 16:40 by 1 other user

Hello all,

In the market to buy a used car for not more than $ 15k driveaway. At least 2016 or newer and prefer to have less than 60k on the odometer. Also only looking for Automatic.

I have done some searching on Carsales website and seen that these are the most common cars:

Car Name Year Avg. Cost Avg. Odometer
Hyundai Accent Sport Auto 2018 $ 14,089 41,940
Toyota Yaris Ascent Auto 2016 $ 14,745 35,338
Toyota Yaris Ascent Auto 2017 $ 13,742 46,342
Toyota Yaris Ascent Auto 2018 $ 14,147 27,470
Kia Rio S Auto 2018 $ 14,590 44,386
Kia Cerato S 2017 $ 14,857 39,924

I know nothing about what to look in used cars - other than "Sticking with Toyota"

Questions:

1) Which of the above cars would you go for?

2) Should I stick with dealer sellers or is it okay to go with private seller if I opt to hire a pre-purchase inspection? Should I also hire pre-purchase inspection for dealer cars?

3) Which make usually has a fair priced servicing?

4) There were some Honda Jazz VTi Auto 2017/ 2018 cars too in the data set - are they any good? Avg. odometer = 35,635 and Average cost = $ 14200

Automotive

Comments

  • sugarfree on 19/07/2020 - 15:05

    Why is a newer yaris with less km’s cheaper?

    • wmxc on 19/07/2020 - 15:26

      Because of one outlier. Priced at $ 12,950. Others are 14.5 to 15k

      • Kangal on 19/07/2020 - 16:28

        I think you should search a little harder. A Toyota Corolla (Japan?) is noticeably high-quality compared to the budget Yaris (Thailand?). There's also Australia's favourite the Mazda 3 to consider, and Honda Civics aren't too bad. And I do generally recommend getting these "midsized hatchbacks" instead of the "compact hatchbacks".

        But if these are your only options, I'd agree with tshow and recommend the Kia Rio. It's not a lemon, doesn't look too disgusting, and I would wager you could find one that's younger, less kms, and in a better condition than the others. Plus, the parts and servicing are cheaper too.

        • spackbace on 19/07/2020 - 17:48
          +2

          Yaris (Thailand?)

          Japanese

          Only Thai made Toyotas are the Hilux and Fortuner

          • Ozbargainite on 19/07/2020 - 22:49
            +1

            @spackbace: Correct me if I'm wrong but aren't the Corolla sedans Australia gets from Thailand.

            Edit. I am wrong 55555
            That changed a few years ago.

  • [Deactivated] on 19/07/2020 - 15:06
    +2

    I know believe nothing about what to look in used cars - other than "Sticking with Toyota"

    The above list doesn't have anyone that screams "lemon". Personally, I'd go the Rio cause of looks.

  • Euphemistic on 19/07/2020 - 15:19
    +4

    If those, pick the one you like the best, comfort looks, features are all suitable criteria for you to use to pick your favourite.

    They are all new enough to be reliable. Kia and Hyundai are from the same parent company and have really lifted their game in the last decade to be almost as reliable as a Toyota, at least for the first 10years of ownership.

    Which one would I pick? None, because they don’t suit my needs, but if I wanted a compact hatchback id pick the most comfortable, best looks or best features depending on my mood.

    • cameldownunder on 21/07/2020 - 13:43
      +2

      My Kia Sportage ( I know not on the list ) is still holding it after 12+ years.
      I am surprised the Hyundai i30 is not on the list, similar to Accent but a notch better, around same price.

    • Drakesy on 21/07/2020 - 18:35

      Have a Kia sportage from 2007 and i swear this thing is indestructible, 1 year service intervals, never had a breakdown, warning light, fault etc.

      Personal bias would say cerato because of the looks, but at the end of the day its a nippy city cruiser so it's going to be the same no matter what.

      My old work did have the yaris' and they were a tad underpowered though.

  • [Deactivated] on 19/07/2020 - 15:29
    -6

    Those are some ugly cars

    • wmxc on 19/07/2020 - 15:38
      +5

      not really fussed about it.

    • cameldownunder on 21/07/2020 - 13:43

      De gustibus non est disputandum

  • garetz on 19/07/2020 - 15:33
    +2

    Goto a 2nd hand dealer and take em out for a spin, see which you like best.

  • knightslay2 on 19/07/2020 - 15:36
    +1

    Have you decided on what the car is being used for?

    • wmxc on 19/07/2020 - 15:38
      +1

      For groceries, park in train station to go to work by train (when we eventually get back to work), going to friend's houses on weekends (after restrictions are lifted)

      • Goldenwarrior on 20/07/2020 - 09:53

        I had a Yaris from 2004 to 2019. I only sold it since we went to a one car daily (kept the Corolla).

        The Yaris has been the cheapest to run and most reliable car I have owned. In that period I did not even have to change the brakes (light car).

        I live 5km from Sydney CBD so it was perfect for urban driving.

        If you are looking for a car that is cheap to service the answer every mechanic has told me is always Toyota.

        I recommend a Corolla as well if you want a bit more power and space.

  • pantsparty on 19/07/2020 - 15:46
    +8

    I would buy a Corolla privately. Something like these perhaps? Obviously negotiate the price down to around $15k cash.

    https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2017-Toyota-Corolla…
    https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2017-Toyota-Corolla…

    • wmxc on 19/07/2020 - 15:54
      +1

      ohhhh interesting! Thank you for that. I had restricted the price to 15,000 in the filters. These cars are newer and lower kms too!

      With private sellers, would you know how it would work with regards to pre-purchase inspections? Like do I get to take their car and go to the mechanic? Do I have to give a deposit before I take it to the mechanic?

      • pantsparty on 19/07/2020 - 16:13
        +4

        Once you have decided on a car and are certain you want it I would ask the buyer to take it for a prepurchase inspection, perhaps at one of these (you would pay for the inspection - no deposit is required on the car at this stage):

        https://www.racv.com.au/on-the-road/buying-a-car/vehicle-ins…

        • wmxc on 19/07/2020 - 17:10

          oh, so usually sellers will be willing to come to a mechanic?

          For some reason I had assumed, I would have to get a mechanic to their house, but in this situation they would not be able to check under the car.

          • pantsparty on 19/07/2020 - 18:44
            +1

            @wmxc: It will be a mixed bag, some buyers may be willing to and some won’t. I personally would be fine with it - I look after my cars and hearing a mechanic confirm that it’s in great condition would work in my favour come price negotiation! I’m sure there are mechanics you can get to their house but as you mentioned it won’t be as comprehensive a check.

          • SnoozeAndLose on 19/07/2020 - 18:54
            +3

            @wmxc: Mobile mechanic is around $300
            You drive to mechanic is around $100-$160

            • wmxc on 19/07/2020 - 20:57

              @SnoozeAndLose: Thank you for the figures. Good to know when shopping around

      • tomsco on 21/07/2020 - 15:30

        Poor Pam.

      • Indomietable on 21/07/2020 - 15:32

        no, Michael's.

    • Peck on 20/07/2020 - 10:53
      +1

      Great prices for a couple of low K Corollas. I don't know if 2017 sedans were made in Thailand, but I prefer a Corolla Hatch which is definitely made in Japan. You can't go past a Corolla for 'quality for price'.

  • pegaxs on 19/07/2020 - 16:58
    +4

    I would cut the Rio and Accent from that list. The Cerato isn’t a bad vehicle and I would replace the Accent with maybe an i30.

    Like others have said, why no Toyota Corolla or Mazda 3?

    1: If I had to pick from that list, the ‘18 Yaris is the best value. Low price, newest with least km.

    2: Private sale would be ok at this end of the market as all these vehicles would be covered by factory warranty, but make sure to check the service history is up to date and completed. I would also be looking at knocking off at least 10% off a private sale vehicle.

    3: All pretty much the same. Most would probably still be covered by the fixed price servicing, so have a look at the manufacturers website.

    4: It’s a Honda. The Jazz is t a bad vehicle. I would certainly buy a Jazz over an Accent or a Rio, but perhaps not over a Yaris.

    • wmxc on 19/07/2020 - 17:09

      Thanks! Toyota Corolla or Mazda 3 didn't come up in my filters.

      If I were to knock 10% off private sale vehicle, what about dealer vehicles?

      • pegaxs on 19/07/2020 - 18:49
        +8

        What I meant was, whatever price you can get from a dealer, a private seller would have to be at least 10% less owing to the fact that they don't have to pay GST, added to that, they don't have to make the car saleable in any way. Dealers tend to have more overheads, such as preparing the vehicle, making sure it's roadworthy, detailing the car and then paying sales commissions and GST on top of all that (also not including things like statutory warranty obligations that private sellers dont offer.)

        So, at a minimum, a private sale should be at least 10% off owing to not having to fork out for GST. It should be closer to 15~20% off on private sales due to there being no other overhead costs private sellers incur compared to a dealership.

        And don't fall for the "well mine is $15,000 because the dealers have them for $15,000." Well, when a private seller offers to pay GST and fully detail the vehicle and make sure it's road worthy and then offer me a statutory warranty, then I might consider paying them the same as I would a dealer.

        So, anyone asking retail value for their private sale vehicle, tell them they are dreaming. If private sales vehicles are being offered at "dealer" prices, you are better shopping for dealer cars, not private cars. Private sale prices should fall somewhere between wholesale/trade in value and full bore retail prices.

        • wmxc on 19/07/2020 - 20:44

          Thanks for the tip!

    • malich on 21/07/2020 - 19:20

      I would buy a Japanese built Honda over those brands in a heartbeat. Unfortunately most Honda's in Aus are built in Thailand and suffer from build quality issues.

  • dasher86 on 19/07/2020 - 16:59
    +1

    I think the Kia and Hyundais might still have warranties so check that out;
    also fixed priced servicing

  • randomusername2017 on 19/07/2020 - 18:22
    +2

    No love for the swift…?

    • wmxc on 19/07/2020 - 20:43

      Is suzuki reliable?

      • [Deactivated] on 20/07/2020 - 01:04
        +3

        Extremely reliable.

  • SnoozeAndLose on 19/07/2020 - 18:55

    No Mazda 2? VW Golf?

    • wmxc on 19/07/2020 - 20:42
      +2

      heard it is better to stay away from VW golf as it is european. Mazda 2 did come up in my search, but these were the most common ones

      • Lukas on 21/07/2020 - 15:58

        Yeah you need to actually want a VW golf or polo to justify it. Parts cost is higher, warranty usually shorter, the automatics are mostly the DSG's which are far from bulletproof - but their cabins and dash are usually a whole lot nicer and they depreciate to your price range quickly.

  • YRT on 19/07/2020 - 19:25
    -6

    For $15k I'd get the new MG3 as it comes with 7 years warranty, means no unexpected spending for 7 years. You'll realise how nice a long warranty is once you've had a lemon car, lol.

    Or, find a cheap 2019 Kia, Hyundai, Honda etc with 6 years+ warranty left. Think about when you sell - with some warranty left to go, your car will look more credible to the next owner than another car that is out of warranty.

    • [Deactivated] on 19/07/2020 - 19:26
      +12

      If you're seriously recommending an MG, you should refrain from giving car advice.

      • YRT on 19/07/2020 - 19:40
        -2

        https://www.caradvice.com.au/731365/2019-mg-3-review/

        Mate, if you're seriously not reading reviews, you should refrain from giving car advice.

        ;)

        • [Deactivated] on 19/07/2020 - 19:57
          +3

          Oh car advice. It must be true.

          It’s junk buddy.

          • YRT on 19/07/2020 - 20:16

            @[Deactivated]: You're certainly on a winner. :)

            For me, a car is now a tool from A - B. I like long warranty, and brand loyalty is no issue for me.

            FYI, carsguide has this MG3 review. I don't think you'll like it much though. lol
            https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-reviews/mg-3-79427

            I'd suggest OP to test drive a few. Certain things such as ergonomics are best left to individual to decide.

            • [Deactivated] on 19/07/2020 - 21:03
              +1

              @YRT: Yes, so by your own admission, you know absolutely nothing about cars. That's fine, just don't give advice on them.

      • Lukas on 21/07/2020 - 15:43
        -2

        I think the MG is an excellent recommendation compared to the vehicles OP is looking at, and it should be able to be negotiated to 15k driveway for a brand new car with a 7 year warranty.

        Pros:
        -Looks better than most of the cars OP is viewing
        -Decent AV system
        -Engine is based on a old proven design, so should be reliable even past the 7 year warranty (I suspect other things will fall apart first)
        -Parts cost should be similar to Jap and Korean brands

        Concerns
        - Low output engine, but then so are most of the other options OP is looking at
        - Four speed automatic gearbox, I know nothing about this but the reviewers haven't complained much and I didn't complain to much driving old 90's and 00's hatchbacks with them

        Cons
        -Fuel economy and safety is only average for a 2020 car, seems almost like buying an economy car from 2005 with modern tech and styling.

        • [Deactivated] on 21/07/2020 - 15:47
          -1

          That car has neither modern tech or styling. The interior looks like a 1999 Hyundai Excel with an after market stereo.

          You should also absolutely not be giving car advice if you think that the car is a good choice.

          You would be mad to buy a car that has such an antiqued design. You'd be much better off buying something second hand. I mean 4 speed gearbox, in 2020? LOL.

          • Lukas on 21/07/2020 - 16:41

            @[Deactivated]: No reason to use hyperbole… I've driven 10+ cars more than 20k km each in the last 5 years from a huge range of manufacturers. Only 1 of which was a sub 30k retail price - and this one is half that at 15k.

            Is Apple CarPlay on an 8 inch screen with backup camera and sensors not modern tech?

            I really don't think you've driven a Hyundai of that vintage - they don't even have space for double DINs let alone an 8 inch screen…. The interior in the current model MG3 is much more similar to a VW group 2010 model. Has the same design steering wheel controls and door lock buttons as a MK6 golf and kind've a fattened up flat bottom steering wheel from a GTI. The layout of the AC controls and shifter are very similar to VW group. Weird that is has the euro style round air vents on the sides. it has Carbon fiber and aluminium look trim pieces - it's literally a conglomerate of Euro styling features from the last 10 years.

            A old Hyundai is not a nice place to be, the interior in the 2020 MG3, while not a nice as a MK6 of newer golf, looks passable, maybe even Skoda level. I do not believe it will be better than the current Cerato interior (I was shocked how nice even the the base 2020 Cerato S was), but certainly better than a yaris or accent (Subjective). Exterior, another conglomerate of modern styles - large grill, sharp lines, modern lights and fake lower mesh grills. Has sharp points on the lower bumper like many modern Euros too.

            Yes buying a car with a proven style 4 speed gearbox that should run for 300k kms would be mad, lets buy 6-8 speed DSG's, 8 speed ZF gearboxes with expensive services or CVT's that will need belts replaced at ~200k for our A-B cars instead…..

            You're looking at the current model not the first version they brought to Australia right?

  • randomusername2017 on 19/07/2020 - 19:59
    +1

    Car advice…

    We are currently working with dealers to clear a high volume of new car stock.

  • [Deactivated] on 20/07/2020 - 01:07
    +2

    If you are just looking for a runabout with over 40,000km… and you're looking at Yaris and Accent… and you don't really care about looks… why not halve your budget and just get whatever you can find (Corolla, Mazda 3, Honda Jazz, Hyundai i30/i20), with under 100,000km for more like 5-7k? Save some money. With what you're going to get here, you're already getting a non-new, and really, not even new-ish car, might as well go a couple years older and a few more kms.

    The cars you are looking at have no creature comforts or features that you'll be missing with a slightly older car, and IMO the difference (for a runabout) in issues that will come up between a 40,000km car and an 80,000km car is negligible. The price is very different though!

    • dasher86 on 20/07/2020 - 09:53
      +1

      I think Hyundai only brought in android auto from 2016 if that's a creature comfort.

      • [Deactivated] on 20/07/2020 - 09:55
        +4

        Of course, but any bomb can have a new head unit put in for a couple hundos. Not worth an extra 7.5k!

  • DazMon on 20/07/2020 - 09:56
    -7

    I'd never buy a Korean car.
    They all look like death traps to me.

    • TEER3X on 20/07/2020 - 09:59
      +1

      Yet they have some of the highest safest ratings within their range.

      Makes sense

      • Oz8argain on 21/07/2020 - 10:40
        +1

        boomers amiright

  • TEER3X on 20/07/2020 - 10:00

    When I was looking I was told to avoid the Rio. The Cerrato is supposed to be good, but I was looking at earlier models so not sure if that still holds true.

  • tabitha731 on 20/07/2020 - 10:54

    generally i would always say Toyota.. but given you are chosing a yaris as one of your choices.. i would rather go carless, then get a Yaris! i have no knowledge of how the other cars you have listed perform, so i cant comment on those ones.

    • Indomietable on 21/07/2020 - 15:38
      +1

      So you have a lot of knowledge on Yaris? Whats wrong with them?

  • HeWhoKnows on 20/07/2020 - 15:39
    -4

    Stick with what you know OP.
    Stick with Toyota but if you must, Hyundai isnt too bad (Its not good either)
    Stay well away from Cheap and cheerful Kia

    • Dogsrule on 21/07/2020 - 08:41
      +2

      Lol you do realise Hyundai and Kia are basically the same company? They share many engines, gearboxes and some chassis designs. They have essentially identical reliability, similar parts and servicing costs and similar features.

      • xuqi on 21/07/2020 - 14:47

        I see many older Kia's and some Hyundai's with failed/failing paint (clear coat fail, paint peeling, on the road in Perth.

        I hope they've gained enough production experience to address this in their newer models.

        • [Deactivated] on 21/07/2020 - 16:25
          +1

          Bargaincommuter cars, with bad aesthetics after 15-20 years!?! I am shocked. Shocked!

    • [Deactivated] on 21/07/2020 - 13:51
      +1

      This advice is a good 15 years out of date mate.

  • knasty on 21/07/2020 - 11:56
    +1

    I'd get a '16 Cerato for less and still have the balance of 7 year warranty

  • Bid Sniper on 21/07/2020 - 14:05

    Kia Cerato S, fully transferable warranty and good sized car.

  • andresampras on 21/07/2020 - 15:17

    You can save money buying private, but there are a lot of shonky people out there.

    If you're buying your first car and don't know what to check, (and can't take someone knowledgeable with you to every car inspection), I'd recommend spending the extra $ and buying from a decent-looking dealership. At least you'll have the standard statutory warranty.

    The 3rd party car inspection can be good, but it's not a catch-all.

    And no matter what, do an online car check before you place a deposit on any car. I've used carhistory but there are a few options out there, not sure what's recommended/best value these days. It saved me once from losing money on a car that was (from memory) water damaged in QLD before being brought into NSW.

  • NotSureIfSerious on 21/07/2020 - 15:18

    In a similar situation to you a few months ago

    Looked at everything from mazda 2, 3, hyundai i30, kia cerato, rio, toyota yaris, corolla and honda jazz.

    My advice to drive the ones on your radar and let that be the decider. I went a jazz over the yaris because it was nicer to drive but I had previously owned an accord euro and crv which were both incredibly reliable cars.

  • This Guy on 21/07/2020 - 15:45

    1) Which of the above cars would you go for?

    Accent if you want something basic that blends in

    Yaris if you want cheap parts

    Rio if looks matter

    Cerato if you want a large Hatch with moderate power. The S could be optioned with a reversing camera (look for touch screen/little black camera above rear licence plate). '17's still had the huge boot.

    For similar money you might find an '18 KIA Picanto. Slightly smaller than a Rio, but well equipped (similar spec to Cerato, not Rio) and a better drive (newer chassis). Older Picanto's suck (Big fog lights, MY17 and earlier iirc).

    These KIA's also come with 3 to 4 years new car warranty, not that worthless dealer warranty they try to sell you.

    2) Should I stick with dealer sellers or is it okay to go with private seller if I opt to hire a pre-purchase inspection? Should I also hire pre-purchase inspection for dealer cars?

    If you are buying from a dealer ask the fiance guy if it has been in a crash. They can loose their career for lying about that in many states. Private sales would need a report.

    Some dealer cars will be priced drive away, other will have you pay for transfers separately, after. All private sales have you paying for transfers separately, after. You also can't pay more than $10k cash legally, making private sales more risky.

    3) Which make usually has a fair priced servicing?

    All. They should all be under a capped price service scheme. Toyota parts are generally cheaper then the Koreans as they have a larger market and a history of sharing parts with other brands.

    4) There were some Honda Jazz VTi Auto 2017/ 2018 cars too in the data set - are they any good?

    Used to rust in warranty which wasn't covered (this decade….). Very functional and fun to drive otherwise. I have no experience with a Jazz newer than 2015.

  • funnysht on 21/07/2020 - 18:22

    Don't ppl know how to create a poll

    Yes? NO? Please reply to this post.

  • soaringphoenix on 21/07/2020 - 19:18

    You could also consider some more interesting options like a 1.5L MX5 in that budget if you're happy to pick up a 15' model.

  • TransportPosters on 22/07/2020 - 09:25

    From my experience, I say stay away from Kia and Hyundai (Kia and Hyundai use the same platforms and engines). We had a Kia Cerato and it had endless problems. Maybe things have changed bit with the latest models but it was a bad experience and will never go back. Toyota are a bit boring at times but are well known for their reliability.

    • wmxc on 22/07/2020 - 09:37

      What was the year of manufacture of your KIA model?

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