First Time Buyer: Help in Buying an Used Car (SUV/Sedan) in NSW - Budget ~15-18k

Apra on 12/11/2022 - 19:18

Hello Folks,

Hope you are all enjoying your day. First time car buyer here, need an advice before buying an used car.
I am planning to buy an auto mode used car(SUV/Sedan), budget is max ~15-18k AUD. We are three members in my family. Me, my wife and my 5 years kid. I am holding a red P license. Me and my wife stay near to our individual work places, so car will be used mostly for weekend travelling/kids extra classes. I am based out of Sydney, NSW. Please pour in suggestion/recommendation on what all things should I do before finalizing any car. Currently, looking in carsales website private buyers.

Plan is to buy this one now and sell it 2/3 years down the line and buy an EV.

Thank you everyone

Automotive Car

Comments

  • Muzeeb on 12/11/2022 - 19:28
    +4

    Toyota Camry - choose best one within budget
    PPSR - to ensure no finance owing or written off
    PPI - to inspect for mechanical issues

    Something like this

    Pay cash.
    Winning

    • Apra on 12/11/2022 - 19:33

      Thanks Muzeeb. Was looking in carsales and got some Toyota Camry 2015/16 model with ~80K in odometer. Will check again for this.

    • kerfuffle on 12/11/2022 - 19:34
      +1

      Or Corolla if Camry is a bit too big

      • Muzeeb on 12/11/2022 - 19:35
        +2

        Agree. OP mentioned SUV so must need some storage for kids gear etc. Corolla sedan yes but definitely not a hatch.

        • kerfuffle on 12/11/2022 - 19:36
          +4

          Or could be like the millions of people who want a SUV FoR tHe HeIgHt and don't really need a SUV …

          • Muzeeb on 12/11/2022 - 19:37
            +2

            @kerfuffle: True.

            Also Apra - don't forget comprehensive insurance and a dashcam. Thank me later.

      • Apra on 12/11/2022 - 19:40

        That is also in my mind corolla sedan/camry. Don't need a SUV as such, just trying out different options.

  • amzinguserman on 12/11/2022 - 19:37
    +2

    Rav4 is a good option.
    CRV 3rd gen is good

    • Apra on 12/11/2022 - 19:42

      Thanks mate, how much km should I be ok(should be trouble free) with if I am going for RAV4/CRV?

      • amzinguserman on 12/11/2022 - 20:19

        give it like 20k km every year.

        but it really does depends on a lot of factors, the best thing to do its get it checked out my a mechanic before purchase.

        • Apra on 12/11/2022 - 20:31

          Thank you, definitely I will be doing a NRMA pre purchase check and it is really costly. So wanted to narrow down my search to how much KM should I be ok with or how old should be the vehicle without any issue. Then only, I can proceed with only selected vehicles for pre purchase check.

          • Euphemistic on 12/11/2022 - 21:57
            +1

            @Apra: Pick anything with under 15000km per year on it. unless you can fix bits and pieces yourself 200,000 is about the limit. IMO around that mark is where little nightly thing often start to occur more regularly. Well maintained engine and drivetrain will do plenty more, but seats will be worn, plastics become brittle etc.

  • Euphemistic on 12/11/2022 - 19:51
    +3

    Pretty much take your pick of Japanese or Hyundai or Kia, with the exception of avoiding anything with a CVT transmission. Other thing to do is make sure there are plenty around on the roads. More common means more likely to be decent plus spares available and mechanics more likely to be familiar.

    • amzinguserman on 12/11/2022 - 20:18
      +2

      More common means more likely to be decent plus spares available and mechanics more likely to be familiar.

      yes this is important , dont get anything that is special edition rare blah blah.

    • Apra on 12/11/2022 - 20:33

      Sure, Thank you. Currently I am looking at CX5/Mazda-3 Sedan/Toyota Corolla Sedan/Toyota Camry/Hyundai Tucson/Kia Cerato Sedan.
      Any specific model(year/build) to avoid from the above?

      • Euphemistic on 12/11/2022 - 21:58

        No idea, if you find one you like the look of, go look at some used car reviews for that model. That’s what I do when buying a car. Decide what I’m keen on, then go looking for model specific issues then decide whether to keep going or look elsewhere.

        Your range is pretty big, narrow it down to up to three if you want worthwhile feedback on a forum like this otherwise it’s too many variables.

  • thatonethere on 13/11/2022 - 08:16
    +2

    If you are a young driver (can't really tell from the red P comment) do some insurance quotes BEFORE you buy the car in case its super expensive.

  • BrettSh on 13/11/2022 - 08:42
    +1

    If Kia Cerato is on your list, maybe also consider a Hyundai Elantra (aka i30 sedan) as I believe they share platforms and drivetrains with the Cerato.

    My better half drives a 2016 Elantra and it's been a good car for us.

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