Single Mum Needing Reliable Car Advice – Budget Around $25k, Tall Teen, Need Space & Warranty

Hi everyone,

I'm a single mum with two pre-teen boys (one already 5'10" tall at 12!), and I’m in urgent need of a reliable, long-term vehicle that can accommodate growing kids. I’ve been driving a 14-year-old car that's now costing $2–3k every year in repairs, and it's due for another job I just can’t justify anymore.

I’ve saved up and can ideally spend around $20,000, but I’m willing to stretch up to $25,000–$30,000 if it truly means long-term reliability with a warranty, because I really can’t afford major repair costs down the line. Not working at the moment but managing expenses carefully with savings and support.

I'd love your thoughts on:

  • Best value new or demo cars for families with tall kids and long trips
  • Hybrid or electric cars – are they really more cost-effective long-term?
  • Where to sell my current car (for the best price) – it's old but still running
  • Any dealers or trusted brands with good aftercare service and warranties

Also – if anyone here works in the car industry, or knows someone trustworthy who deals with buying/selling used cars, I’d love some guidance. Just want to make sure I don’t get taken advantage of and can get a fair price for my current car. I’m in Melbourne and happy to share details via DM if that helps.

I’m a high DV survivor and currently dealing with a tough ex in court – I don’t need sympathy, just kindness and practical advice as I’m juggling a lot emotionally and financially. I feel a bit fragile right now due to a recent situation, so please be gentle if replying.

Thanks in advance to anyone who can help. I really appreciate your time and any suggestions 🙏

Comments

  • +43

    Actually, all cars need to be taken care of and serviced on time to ensure reliability. I know a single mom who had a new RAV4 but didn't get it serviced for 3 years because she couldn't afford it. She complained that the car wasn't handling well. I suggested she visit a local independent mechanic who could service her car, change the oil, and perform a basic check-up. Even her tire pressure was under 26 psi.

    I want to emphasise that even the best vehicles can break down and incur huge repair costs if you don't pay attention to maintenance and perform periodic checks.

    • +19

      All your comment proves is how reliable and bullet proof Toyota Rav4s are.

    • +43

      Are we turning American here ,
      MOM ⁉️

        • +15

          We used to call them four wheel drives when they actually had four wheel drive.

          The term SUV specifically came about because vehicles were being made in the expected body shape that were only 2WD or part time AWD.

          • +7

            @SanguinarySeraph: The term SUV is a bit misleading. There's nothing sporty about them. As for utility they're smaller than a wagon and only really good at hauling an ego. I'm sure they could have come up with a better term for them.

            • +4

              @JIMB0: 100% agree - it’s an atrocious term cooked up in a marketing department that has little bearing on reality.

            • -1

              @JIMB0:

              "only really good at hauling an ego"

              Lol - Can I use this please?
              - Thanks, wagon owner after test driving every damn "SUV" on the market in my price range and wondering why

      • +8

        And "tire"

      • +3

        Our language may as well match the country who owns our arse ass.

        • +1

          Can't argue with two foreign military bases parked in OZ , of course everyone is worried what china and Russia are doing ⁉️
          According to plan .

          • @Murkymerv: 2 targets on our back + AUKUS +Pine Gap +thousands more Yanks AUKUS bases planned in the next few years.Thousands to,NT ,WA & QLD .What housing crisis.
            According to the secret plan the public was left out of, but shackled to in perpetuity.

        • -2

          Chinese?

      • Chat gpt answer

      • +1

        Stay on topic please.

        Do you correct the spelling/grammar of strangers in person also? Or just online??

    • Thanks, I totally agree that regular servicing is essential and I’ve always stayed on top of that. The issues I’m facing now are really just the result of having a 14-year-old car that’s been through a lot over the years. It was used quite heavily in the past for family and business (including deliveries), so even with proper care, some major parts are just wearing out.

      I’m not looking to cut corners, just trying to make a smart long-term decision now, ideally something with warranty so I’m not hit with big repair bills I can’t plan for. I really appreciate helpful suggestions from those with experience in reliable hybrids or affordable EVs, especially options that suit taller teens and family needs.

      • +14

        Toyota is your friend here. It will be the most reliable and have readily available parts to service.

        A Rav4 would likely be best based on your requirements.
        Here's where it gets tricky. $25-30k won't get you one with a warranty or it will have very little left (and a used car dealer warranty is useless).
        Its the same story with other brands too tbh, $25k doesn't go very far for a near new non-chinese car.
        Now given its a Toyota, imo id look for one thats well maintained example sold by an older/rural private seller, and pay for a mechanical inspection (may need 2-3x done before you find the right car) and then bite the bullet and gamble (not really coz its a Toyota) from there.

        Buying from a dealer will give you an illusion of warranty/reliability, but they include GST and profit, and you have no idea who the old owner was, whether they cared for their car nor why they traded it in. A private seller cannot hide these things nearly as easy, and you buy the car equally on condition, as you do an assessment of the seller.

        • +11

          just to add to this, if you are overly cautious and dont want to buy privately, look at pickles/mannheim govt vehicle or near new hybrid auctions. should be able to get a council/water/gov dept car there that will be properly maintained

          • +15

            @JDMcarfan: Plus one to this, bought about x 6 cars from Pickles Sydney branch in the past decade never had an issue, best part is they don't go around asking you to buy it. Inspect read the report know which department organization it came from. Never had a problem. Just avoid the Police and anything that screams out used in a high speed chase or an ex ambo (obvious signs) if you can look for under 70 000km

            1. Community health transport, used to take patients to and fro from cancer treatments (Camry)
            2. NSW Mental Health Car (toyota Corolla)
            3. EPA (Hilux)
            4. Ministry of Health (Lexus ES300h)) <- this i guess was mistake purchase by the gov during covid when they needed cars
            5. Land environment council (Hilux)
            6. Multicultural NSW car (toyota Corolla)

            The service book is stamp damages as stated. Spend the rest on servicing and upkeep of the car.
            I sold them most to my niece and nephews for their first car. Hilux used for business

            • +1

              @George Washington:

              Inspect read the report know which department organization it came from.

              do you have example of a report and what to look for when reading?
              how do you know which department organization it came from based on the report?
              what do you look at when physically inspecting the car and do they allow you to turn on the engine?

              can you buy directly from the auctioneer (e.g. pickles) days prior to the start of the actual auction and get a good price or always buy at the auction?
              how do you know what is the car price worth so that you don't overspend?

              • +6

                @pinkybrain: do you have example of a report and what to look for when reading?

                The report + log book shows the company it use to belong to
                The log book again shows who the servicer is mostly the car dealer it was sold to

                What do you look at when physically inspecting the car and do they allow you to turn on the engine?

                • They allow you turn on the engine on
                • Check the battery if its still the original battery should be as most jap model batteries last 7 years. No funny sounds when turned on.
                • Check panel gaps scratches etc. check the bonnet for screws that are missing paint, front end collision,
                • Check rear tyre if its still brand new has the red lines on the tread, Means the spare never got used.
                • 4 same Tyres used. no different miss match brands.
                • Google what the original tyres brand size etc for that year model is and if the car still has that with tread that reflects the kms means it hasnt been doing burn outs
                • Give the car a quick look underneath to see if the plastic front and rear splash trays aint too badly scraped, high centered over driveways etc.
                • Check all car doors close with the same force and clunk sound, compare to other models in the yard too

                can you buy directly from the auctioneer (e.g. pickles) days prior to the start of the actual auction and get a good price or always buy at the auction?

                So usually the for sale price if it includes gst is what normally it sells for in auction, remember in auction you will need to pay a % on top like 2-5% depends on the car. Yes you can score a bargain but not guaranteed, the car must meet reserve so take the car price - 5k is often the reserve. There are plenty of cars so never have FOMO… if you miss it ah well record the price and have a look next week if the car doesnt hit reserve, the car will be sent through the ring again next week.

                how do you know what is the car price worth so that you don't overspend?

                Check cars guide have km guides to model research is key. Find the car you want have a between price 10 000 to 15 000 guide in your notes. Remember you cant negotiate like a car dealer or private and go i will take it -5k.. these cars go based on what the market value is today….

                Remember there is no FOMO, thousands of cars!!!

                • +1

                  @George Washington: Also remember, there is a bidder fee added to the purchase price. Check what the bidder fee is before you decide what you want you spend on the car.

                • @George Washington: Thank you, this is useful. How reliable is the car history? I'd prefer not getting one that's been repaired after a major collision. Also, is every car on-site also listed online? Just checking if we need to visit every few weeks to get an idea what's on sale

                  • +1

                    @soan papdi: I cant comment on that. I suggest if you are serious from buying from an auction house to go and check it out for a few weeks. Also sign up via the simucast? the virtual bidding so you can watch it a home or at work. I bought all mine at the buy it now price after watching the auctions the differences + fees was about 1-2k difference. Just remember the cars also have a reserve.. just cause u think u are getting a bargin chances are it didnt hit reserve.

                    The auction house is on the hook for selling u a written off car. The state of the car is defined as is…
                    Like if its been in a minor prang and fixxed like bumper cracked easy fix.. it wont show up on the history only if its been a repairable writeoff state. Have a google or use chat GPT to learn more….

                    I am only posting here from my experience

          • +2

            @JDMcarfan: Be very careful what you car you buy from an auction, and I wouldn't suggest that someone short on cash with little to no mechanical experience buy one from there.

            Second hand dealers that get stuck with a dud will shift it through grays or similar to try and get their money back.

            Vehicles bought at auction have no recourse whatsoever on a dud, even if they've had the odometer wound back, been stolen or worse.

            I appreciate that your advice is for an ex-government car or similar, which is a safer bet, but the same lack of recourse applies.

            • +1

              @Big L: Not having a go here but I think your last paragraph probably should’ve come first.
              Sound advice from yourself, but one of the safest ways to get a quality used car is via a government auction (of which Pickles/Mannheim are the primary sellers).

              • @JDMcarfan: You're right, sorry - blame my ADHD.

                You still need more time and ability even for ex-government auction cars from reputable auctioneers. Even dealers get caught out occasionally. It's one of the few ways I'd buy a car from an auction, but like I said, you need a bit of time and experience.

        • +1

          Rav4 could he reliable but not so sure about tall teans tbh… i’m around the mark op’s son is and recently driven a rav4 during a trip and did not at all felt comfortable with internal space.

    • +1

      Even her tire pressure was under 26 psi.

      I am upset that my 2025 rav4 does not have tire pressure sensors :(

      • when you top it up you will see what is the current tyre pressure

    • -2

      100% correct
      Reliability is all about regular servicing

      But rule of thumb is to stick with Japanese cars or Hyundai.

      However in OPs situation price ($20K-$25K) becomes a factor in which case there is little choice.

      Kia Picanto is the 1st choice (MG3 is actually cheaper) if a small car suits OP.
      Otherwise the MG ZS is the cheapest and best selling small SUV and comes with 10 year warranty for around $24K drive away.
      The MG ZS is incredibly popular with OPs demographic!

      • She wanted reliable - not Chinese garbage!!!!

        • -1

          America was reliable once. Now they are just psycho drop kicks.Maybe she should give Chi-a-na a go?

    • +17

      those car above are not within OP's price range

      • +5

        well look like OP need to increase the budget or get a used japanese or korean car around $25K

    • +20

      Oh ChatJV…

      • -3

        The irony is, OP's post is 100% ai written, too.

        • +6

          Doesn't look like AI to me. If it is, AI has improved a lot in sounding natural.

        • +2

          GPTZero predicts there is a 100% chance it is 100% AI

          • +1

            @Doyen: Maybe the AI was trained on text that sounds like the OP hence the OP now sounds like AI which actually just sounds like her.

            <Please read this in Mr Brady's voice>

          • +1

            @Doyen: …and ChatGPT comes up with -

            This message appears to be written by a human. Several aspects strongly suggest human authorship:
            1.Emotional nuance and vulnerability:
            2.Contextual and specific details
            3.Tone and structure:
            4.Appeal for kindness
            While it's technically possible for an AI to generate this with a very detailed prompt, it's far more likely to be written by a real person.

            • @Grunntt: Sounds exaclty like what an AI would say if it wanted to make you think that the text was written by a human

          • @Doyen: GPTZero predicts 100% chance due to the OP using the words "urgent need" together and not much else.

          • @Doyen: I'm an academic and we and our students use GenAI. There are plenty of false positives and false negatives, so we prefer to discuss people's process to understand if or how they have used it.

        • -2

          The irony is, OP's post is 100% ai written, too.

          Your comment appears to be AI generated.

          • @jv: Incorrect, but honoured to have a response from the (in)famous JV.

  • +6

    Toyota Camry, Honda CRV

  • +1

    I would recommend demo Haval Jolion Hybrid 30k mark

    Long warranty and low fuel consumption

  • +5

    Don't get a petrol powered MG.

    Do get a Haval H6/Jolion, Chery, secondhand Atto 3,

  • +2

    Hybrid Toyota.

      • +3

        No they aren't. But they are more expensive to insure.

        • -8

          No they aren't.

          Yes they are.

      • +1

        How do you know, have you ever owned one??

          • +7

            @jv: Just admit it, new technology scares you. Hybrids, electric cars, self-checkouts, smart TVs, you're probably still waiting for your dial-up modem to connect before replying here.

            • -1

              @JIMB0: JV is my mom?

            • -2

              @JIMB0: When you start deflecting, it shows you lost the argument.

              Electric cars have been around since the 1830's. They are certainly not 'new technology'. 🤣🤣🤣

  • +1

    Personally I wouldn't get a second hand hybrid unless you intend going new and keeping for a while.
    It's highly there are ethical dealers who would be aligned with reputable govt or the bigger NFP DV support orgs. You should try there as a first port of call.And it may also pay to ask your local political member the same question you have here.Or contact a legal aid office for any support avenues they have in this space. I know some unions have a service that seeks out cars for members, so you could follow that up indirectly.

    Car wise most average medium sized cars (even others) are designed to have head room for tall people too.Otherwise that be cutting themselves off at the knees, and lose potential sales. (no pun intended)

    I get why you want help & advice. There will be plenty of shonks out there, so good luck.

    • +4

      I wouldn't get a second hand hybrid unless you intend going new

      Hitting the beers early?

  • +8

    Get a demo 2024 Honda HR-V 1.8 under $30k, not powerful by any means but the engine is proven and reliable. Dealer servicing is very cheap and warranty is long.

    Easy to sell these cars secondhand once done because new immigrants know the brand and want something affordable.

    • https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/?q=%28And.%28C.Make.Honda..Model.HR-V.%29.Year.range%282024..%29.%29&sort=~Price

      Some of those prob got 7 years wty from when they were registered. Seems like the 2024 built 2025 new with delivery KMs are better. Given the used one will attract stamp duty.

      Magic seats is a plus

  • +6

    mazda cx5 not a diesel tho

  • +3

    How many kids? What is your current vehicle?

    While its nice to get a bigger more comfortable car, unless you are regularly doing long drives with 4 kids you might get away with a slightly smaller car and a bit of discomfort. Itll save good $ in fuel, tyres, insurance etc. If you travel once or twice a year a smaller car wirh some roof racks and a roof pod might end up costing less. And dont forget that as the kids age (and grow) and become more independent there will be less whole family trips

    As for suggestions, dont break the $20k barrier to get 'more reliable'unless it comes with a factory warranty. Look for a lower km used Japanese or Korean vehicle. Narrow it down to 2-3 models toy think you like then come back and ask for more specific experience with those particular models.

    Dont buy diesel.

  • +1

    How many kids?

    First sentence.

    "I'm a single mum with two pre-teen boys"

    • +4

      Best place to hide all the info is in the post.

    • Missed that despite pretending to read it a couple of times.

  • +3

    @magicalyogi - hope you're doing ok.

    It's a tricky time in the market to buy a "long term" used car as EVs are starting to go mainstream - and diesel passenger cars are on the decline (apart from trucks/utes/ute based SUVs etc).

    I found this article that covers new/expensive cars, but the Subaru Forester stands out as one that might fit your budget. Headroom is over 1000mm in the back, and even more in the front. Reliability wise, they're not bad - decent warranty service, just don't expect to tow with its CVTransmission (the older models - 2014-2018 ish - had issues with these, but apparently they're much better now). Being all wheel drive though, it'll use more fuel but they do have a Hybrid model as well

    Otherwise, the advice of "pick a Japanese or Korean car that you like" is solid - and just google the model name along with the term "headroom height". This will help

    Good luck

    • @barge-in hunter Thank you for asking. I appreciate yours and everyone's time and help here. I am doing just fine, it's a difficult journey atm but being strong.

    • +1 agree the outback is a solid choice and to stick to Japanese or Korean

  • +24

    Op has cracked the mystery…. how to get commentators on ozbargain to be on their best behaviour. Well done.

    • +1

      Thank you, Joka. I am just sensitive at the moment. Your comment also assists to highlight the need of it - for people like me. So thank you again.

      • +6

        Joka's advice is the best here.

        And hang in there lady - in just a few years time you'll be able to look in admiration at the two wonderful big sons you brought up and know it was all really worth it.

        • +2

          Thank you so much, with joined hands! Yes I hope the same too. You all are just making mother's day special for me. Praise to all single parents for a being dad and a mum at the same time.

      • +1

        Any chance that the person that gave this specific post a neg could comment on exactly why they thought it was justified.

  • +2

    Good on you OP for making smart financial decisions for your families' future! Hope you're doing ok and can get some useful info from here.

    FWIW, we recently got a 5ish year old Mitsubishi outlander. Lots of them around, and many around that age, with about 50k km on them, but still under warranty. Ours cost about $26k. More than I wanted to pay, less that the wife would've paid 😅

    Honda CR-V of similar age was our second pick but liked the outlander more. Someone above mentioned foresters which are also good. All have pretty good cabin room. I'm just shy of 6ft, and while it sounds like your lads are well on the way to beating that, I have plenty of room in the outlander, even in the back seats.

    With just the 3 of you, one of those sort of options should meet your needs, gives you space to take a friend or two as well if needed, and be within budget. You can get a car that's a few years old, but still under warranty to give you peace of mind for mechanical issues while also letting someone else take the new car depreciation hit.

    • +2

      Thank you @moar bargains

  • +8

    To be honest, 14yo isn't very old for a car.

    Unless it's breaking down and leaving you stranded, spending $2-3k a year on repairs isn't too bad.

    You'll lose $2-3k a year on depreciation on a $25k car.

    What needs to be fixed on the car now?

    If you insist in a car around the $20k mark that will be reliable, I saw a dealer selling a 2022 Suzuki Vitara with 62,000km for $21k.

    2 years NEW car warranty left, not that you should need it as Suzuki's are generally very reliable.

    Also cheap to service.

    I was going to recommend a Hybrid Camry (due to lots of space and low running costs) but that is above your budget if you want warranty.

    • Thank you, Jim. My car broke down and had to be towed last year, as parts needed to be changed for the age of it. Same thing is happening again and I have been quoted around $2k. The fuel consumption is 13.2 l at the moment.

    • -2

      what are you talking about!?!? A 14-year old car is old. On average should be around 200k+ KMs which is near engine rebuild territory.

      • +1

        Toyotas and Subarus both work great up to 300,000. I have never had a car less than 20 years old and they have been reliable. Just need to buy well by getting them mechanically inspected before purchase.

        • maybe you are mechanically sound and do your own maintenance but for the average person, other components will start to give trouble and fail before the 20-year mark as well and it can be a real inconvenience.

          • @mrvaluepack: All I do is keep the fluids filled up and get things fixed when necessary. I rarely do services and just get it checked by mechanic before a long trip. It's not really the age of the car but whether it has been maintained (replace timing belt etc) and/or not driven as much.

            • +1

              @Enterz: "Get things fixed when necessary" - exactly the inconvenience of driving an old car. I don't want my air con failing on me when I am about to do a road trip.

              • @mrvaluepack: 50% of new cars get something fixed in first two years. Fixing stuff is part of owning cars

                • @Enterz: Probability of them failing increases with age and wear. At 14 years, probability of them failing near term is very high. I value my time and prefer to avoid dealing with frequent issues.

                  • @mrvaluepack: Just the usual. Bushes, fuel filter, engine mount, brakes, suspension and gasket (getting there for minor leaks).

                    A Toyota will prob be fine, can't imagine the cost of European car at that age.

                  • +1

                    @mrvaluepack: I think you are talking about my situation. Things started failing for me after 10 years with my xtrail:
                    1. Engine misfiring.
                    2. Lower front arm bushings
                    3. Cracked radiator.
                    4. Air con compressor solenoid
                    and 'm pretty sure there'll be more to come.

                    • -1

                      @love2buy: That's because Xtrails are a poorly made garbage car & always have been.

                      Toyota's on the hand hitting 300K km's is just getting to the mid-life of the car.

                      • +1

                        @infinite: We traded in a Camry with 460,000 klm on it a few years ago.

                        Dealer commented that it was "gently worn in".

      • Disagree. A reasonably reliable brand shouldn't need a rebuild anywhere near 200k, however there will be things that need to be replaced as wear and tear.

        Then again, some people are afraid to drive a car that has reached 100k.

  • +4

    Why would the options be different for a mum that is still married?

    • +6

      She is asking us to behave without asking us to behave

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