Help Me with a Shortlist of 1st Cars for My Son

CantonasKungFuKick on 13/02/2024 - 11:58

My son has been saving to buy his first car, we (I) do not know anything about cars so trying to get some help other than Google.

Budget is 8k
must be Automatic and based in SA
I'd rather he drove something smaller like a hatchback, but we have a list of several types

any thoughts, and if these are all terrible ideas, what should we be looking for?

He seems to like this one:

2004 Mitsubishi Lancer ES CH Auto - https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2004-mitsubishi-lan…

but this is our shortlist so far:

2009 Holden Cruze CDX JG Auto - https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2009-holden-cruze-c…
2008 Volkswagen Golf Pacific V Auto MY08 - https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2008-volkswagen-gol…
2007 Volkswagen Polo Match 9N Auto MY08 - https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2007-volkswagen-pol…
2009 Holden Cruze CDX JG Auto - https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2009-holden-cruze-c…
2009 Hyundai Getz SX Auto MY09 - https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2009-hyundai-getz-s…
2010 Holden Barina TK Auto MY10 - https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2010-holden-barina-…
2003 Toyota Camry Sportivo Auto - https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2003-toyota-camry-s…
2013 Holden Cruze SRi-V JH Series II Auto MY14 - https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2013-holden-cruze-s…
2011 Hyundai i30 SX Auto MY11 - https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2011-hyundai-i30-sx…

The plan would be to get a mechanic inspection done, but I hear stories where you pay for this and then the seller sells the car to someone else in the meantime, are there any tips/advice on how best to avoid this?

Is it better to go to a dealer and pay for a warranty, rather than Private?

any help appreciated.

Automotive Car Holden Hyundai Motors Toyota Volkswagen Volkswagen Polo

Comments

  • Cave Fire on 15/02/2024 - 15:25

    Civic > accord. Was looking to get an 2004~ accord and kept noticing the same problems pop up in ads. LP ll Needs timing chain service 75ks + bunch of weird elec and trans issues. 8th gen 2009 + newer shape is better as they solved those issues

  • foursaken on 15/02/2024 - 16:13

    Camry is the only car there likely to be good for the Km's on it. Cheap to service too.

  • idonotknowwhy on 15/02/2024 - 16:41

    I don't know, but I keep reading again and again (and have done for a good 5 years), that the best car to get in a situation like this would be the newest Corolla or Camry the budget allows.

    Personally I'd be thinking, what about a Yaris then? This would be cheaper, similar reliability, and since it's cheaper, it could be newer, hence have more modern safety features.

  • Fake News on 15/02/2024 - 21:50

    I’d second a Mazda3, they’re a fantastic car. We’ve got 2 Mazda 3s, an 04 or 05 Maxx Sport that’s done 250k (had it since 2010) and a 2010
    SP25 (owned since 2016) that’s done 140k. The only money I’ve spent on both cars (apart from replacing tyres, bulbs and a battery in each) was doing one engine mount in the newer car and it was under $200 including installation.

    Highly recommend getting a set of “quieter” tyres if you do go down that path - it was a nice car before, but better tyres have made a huge difference for road noise.

  • Penican on 16/02/2024 - 07:34

    2012 Fiat Punto with 19" rims

  • Nirmitha on 16/02/2024 - 10:38

    Try to go Japanese made. 15 year old Holdens, Volkswagen will definitely give costly trouble. Made different.

    • ReaperX22 on 16/02/2024 - 11:09
      +1

      Redriven is a great resource for used cars. Gives a good rundown of what to expect to look out for, what might go wrong, what probably has already gone wrong. Ha.

    • CantonasKungFuKick on 17/02/2024 - 10:58

      Thanks for the response, especially those YouTube links, they were a good watch

  • chris172 on 16/02/2024 - 11:44
    +1

    What about a BK model Holden Astra - Built really well, the R has enough torque to be enjoyable.
    Used cars arent selling and prices are slowly falling so if you can find something at 11-12K and offer them a hassle free 8k they may well take it.

    Interstate purchase can be a pain but if the sums work out it could be an option.
    You are up for 12 months registration once you bring it back and either Flights or Transport (500-800ish) to get it to you but alot more supply on the east coast.
    Personally i've bought cars from SA and WA and driven them back to NSW and the roadtrip with a family member was one of the highlights of each vehicle.

  • yokel on 16/02/2024 - 14:17

    Anything Honda lowest km for lowest $. The exception is do not get anything with a CVT automatic.

  • Mysterious Laptop on 16/02/2024 - 15:31

    I would go for a Mazda Mx5. Reliable, fun and cheap-ish to maintain.

  • gezza90 on 16/02/2024 - 16:14
    +2

    Highly recommend Suzuki swift. Preferably the newer shape (2010+). We were looking for a cheap first car for my wife and had a look at Hyundai Getz, Hyundai i30, toyota corolla, Mitsu Lancer etc. Our budget was $6k. We found that most Hyundai, Toyota and Mitsubishis were out of our price range so we were looking at Suzuki swift and Getz/Yaris. For some reason these cars were too expensive for what you were getting. I don't know if it's because demand is high for food delivery or some other reason. We found a 2011 Suzuki Swift for $7.9k (300,000km) and managed to get it for $5.1k. She's been driving for 2 years and touchwood never missed a beat. If the seller has all service papers and knows what was done and when, including past history, that tells you they are not careless. Our car was a single female owner with long distance driving so it was an honest car. We found the older shape (2006/7) with lower km but the engine felt weak and the body had more damage. I recommend going for a newer/safer vehicle even if it has higher km. Just make sure you do your due diligence and research on common faults and check to see if they have been addressed by previous owner. good luck

    • TotalCombustion on 16/02/2024 - 18:02
      +2

      Yep, Swift is excellent. The models after 2011 with the 1.4 K14B 4sp auto, are particularly good. Very little to go wrong, no timing belt to worry about, cheap tyres and servicing. If a Suzuki Baleno (post 2016) fits into the budget (doubt it but maybe higher kilometers) has the same engine/trans combo but a bit larger and often cheaper than equivalent Swift's. Insurance is cheap as well, something you probably want to check on any of the cars you are comparing.

    • Baychee23 on 16/02/2024 - 20:08
      +2

      Can't agree with this more. I learnt to drive on a Suzuki swift sport 2007 manual and it was such a reliable car. Cheap on fuel and never had any issues with it mechanically.

      I sold it for $6k in 2018 with 120k kms and still see it driving about in our suburb.

    • CantonasKungFuKick on 17/02/2024 - 10:57

      Thanks for this, how did you get the price down so much??

      • Monad on 17/02/2024 - 22:51

        Pre-covid19 prices.

      • gezza90 on 22/02/2024 - 00:28

        Look for faults and don't be afraid to negotiate.
        When we inspected the vehicle there were a few items that I raised.
        1. Bonnet had a decent amount of stone chips - not uncommon for a high km car
        2. Front shock absorbers were almost gone - costs $800 to replace them (I replaced them myself for $200-300 part only)
        3. Front brakes had squeaking sound - I replaced the pads myself.
        4. Tyres were around 70-80% tread

        With all this considered, I offered $5k cash. Seller was female but she had her fiancé talking on her behalf. He said, "you've gotta do a bit better than that like $5.5k". I said the best I can offer $5.1k cash and you'll have this done and dusted now. He thought about it and eventually accepted.

  • May4th on 16/02/2024 - 19:57
    +2

    The Lancer will be a reliable and easy to service car as long as you are sure about the history, but drives like a ton of bricks.

    Golf/polo will have more engaging drives but will cost you a fortune in repairs and trips to the mechanic, I would avoid unless you are mechanically minded

    Camry is the only thing on that list I would touch, or anything Japanese eg. Honda, Swift

    Dealer warranty is worthless, would not pay a cent extra for it

  • Trying2SaveABuck on 17/02/2024 - 08:51
    +1

    get a Japanese car with as low KMs as you can get within your budget

  • MementoMori on 17/02/2024 - 09:27

    I would get the newest and lowest KM Korean or Japanese car you can afford

  • Zondor on 17/02/2024 - 11:16

    My Kia Rio 2012 has been rock solid and can fit an incredible amount of stuff with the seats down. Honestly compared to the same year mazda 2 it drives like a limo also.

  • SupeNintendoChalmers on 17/02/2024 - 11:39
    +1

    Nissan Tiida. Dull as dishwater, but according to my dad (Nissan Technician for 25+ years) very reliable drivetrain. Things rattle, but nothing ever truly breaks down.

    https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2010-nissan-tiida-t…

    • lachhelix on 17/02/2024 - 18:52
      +1

      I've always admired car owners, and I hope to be one myself - as soon as I finish paying off Mother.
      She insists I pay her retroactively for the food I ate as a child.

      Not all of us make superintendent money…

      • pizzip on 18/02/2024 - 14:39

        Tell her to pound sand. Part of the job of being a mother is feeding your children. You don't owe her for providing the absolute minimum. Hell, even deadbeat drug addicts manage to feed their children usually, she's acting like she paid to send you to Harvard instead of doing something that is literally required by law as a parent.

    • kerfuffle on 18/02/2024 - 09:46

      Worst car I've ever driven. The rearview mirror fell off once in my rental one when I went to adjust it

      • SupeNintendoChalmers on 18/02/2024 - 10:52

        clearly not looked after. Tiidas, and the Pulsar after it, and bland ecoboxes, but legit solid cars

        • kerfuffle on 18/02/2024 - 10:53
          -2

          If they were solid, the Tiida and Pulsar would still be sold today in the Australian market

        • brendanm on 20/02/2024 - 18:21
          -1

          No they are not, late model pulsars can be purchased for next to nothing, as their CVT is renowned for self destructing.

  • payless69 on 18/02/2024 - 07:45
    -1

    Mercedes tray back?

  • D0OMZDAYZ on 27/02/2024 - 10:52
    +1

    Still driving my 1999 Toyota Corolla Conquest. 25 years old but still runs great.

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