Can overlooked small cars save you thousands instead of buying a new one?
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As the world slowly returns to normal post-COVID, one of the unexpected benefits for savvy shoppers is the stabilisation of second-hand car prices.
For those who remember the days when a handshake could seal a deal on a used Holden or Ford, the current market might seem daunting.
But fear not, because bargains are still to be had, especially if you're willing to look beyond the most popular models.
One father, Roland Brain, brought up a common scenario: his son was on the hunt for a replacement for his Toyota Yaris sedan, with a budget of $16,000-$18,000.
‘He wants another auto sedan with a reversing camera and affordable servicing and insurance,’ Roland said.
‘It’ll do low annual kilometres to the station and picking up his kids.’
The current car market might favour the more in-demand hatches and SUVs, but that's exactly where your opportunity lies.
Sedans, particularly the smaller ones, are often overlooked, which means they can offer better value for money.
And let's be honest, there's a certain charm to a sedan that the younger crowd just doesn't appreciate.
When shopping for a used car, it's wise to look for one-owner vehicles sold by private sellers.
Perfect service history is a must, and since sedans are often the choice of an older demographic, you can find some that have been meticulously cared for with low kilometres.
Let's dive into some choices that might just tick all the boxes for Roland's son or for any of you considering a similar purchase:
2018/19 Mazda 3 Touring: About $17,000
The Mazda 3 is a well-built and reliable car that's a pleasure to drive.
The Touring grade offers luxury with 16-inch alloys, black leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control.
It's equipped with a 7-inch screen, and while you might need to pay an extra $500 for CarPlay/Android Auto, the safety features are comprehensive.
The rear seats and boot space might be a bit snug compared to larger sedans, but it's a step up from the Yaris.
2018/19 Kia Cerato Sport+: About $18,000
The Kia Cerato comes with the peace of mind of a seven-year factory warranty, which is a huge plus.
It's safe and roomy, and while the engine might not win any races, and a fuel economy of 7.6L/100km, it's more than adequate for city driving and occasional longer trips.
The Sport+ trim includes some nice perks, like heated seats, dual-zone climate, keyless entry, and an 8-inch screen with CarPlay and Android Auto.
Keep in mind, though, that service costs can be a bit higher.
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 118TSI Comfortline: About $15,000
The Jetta is a hidden gem that its hatchback sibling, the Golf, often overshadows.
It offers a sophisticated cabin, plenty of space for passengers and cargo, and a turbocharged engine that provides a good balance of performance and fuel economy of 6.2L/100km.
The main problem is there isn't much safety technology like automatic emergency braking, but there is a camera to help you reverse.
On the bright side, the back seats are great for passengers because there's plenty of room to stretch out, vents to keep them cool, and an armrest. Plus, the trunk is a bit larger than the Cerato's.
But be aware that active safety features are limited, and servicing costs can be on the higher side.
Wildcard: 2019 Skoda Octavia 110TSI: About $18,000
The Skoda Octavia is a clever choice that combines the practicality of a hatch with the look of a sedan.
It's spacious, efficient, and comes with a decent level of standard equipment. The turbocharged engine is lively, and while the dual-clutch gearbox might take some getting used to, it's generally smooth.
The trunk is huge, and passengers will love how much room there is in the back.
While the safety features are minimal, there is automatic emergency braking, a rear camera, and adaptive cruise control.
Plus, there are some nice extras like 17-inch alloy wheels, an 8-inch infotainment system compatible with CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, and even an umbrella in the door. It also has a fuel economy of 5.2L/100km.
Some models might still have a portion of the factory warranty left, which is a bonus.
Verdict
Considering all factors, the Kia Cerato Sport+ emerges as the top pick.
It offers a balance of warranty, safety, and luxury features that are hard to beat. And while it may not be the most fuel-efficient for low-mileage drivers, this is a compromise worth making.
But if you have extra money and want to splurge, you can try Toyota Corolla’s hybrid car.
This is an upgrade from the best-selling Toyota Corolla, making it a more engaging choice than its previous versions. You can read more about it here.
What are your car-buying experiences, and what tips can you give us when buying a car? Share them with us in the comments below!
For those who remember the days when a handshake could seal a deal on a used Holden or Ford, the current market might seem daunting.
But fear not, because bargains are still to be had, especially if you're willing to look beyond the most popular models.
One father, Roland Brain, brought up a common scenario: his son was on the hunt for a replacement for his Toyota Yaris sedan, with a budget of $16,000-$18,000.
‘He wants another auto sedan with a reversing camera and affordable servicing and insurance,’ Roland said.
‘It’ll do low annual kilometres to the station and picking up his kids.’
Do you sport a used Mazda (left) or a Kia (right) sedan? Credit: Mazda / Shutterstock
The current car market might favour the more in-demand hatches and SUVs, but that's exactly where your opportunity lies.
Sedans, particularly the smaller ones, are often overlooked, which means they can offer better value for money.
And let's be honest, there's a certain charm to a sedan that the younger crowd just doesn't appreciate.
When shopping for a used car, it's wise to look for one-owner vehicles sold by private sellers.
Perfect service history is a must, and since sedans are often the choice of an older demographic, you can find some that have been meticulously cared for with low kilometres.
Let's dive into some choices that might just tick all the boxes for Roland's son or for any of you considering a similar purchase:
2018/19 Mazda 3 Touring: About $17,000
The Mazda 3 is a well-built and reliable car that's a pleasure to drive.
The Touring grade offers luxury with 16-inch alloys, black leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control.
It's equipped with a 7-inch screen, and while you might need to pay an extra $500 for CarPlay/Android Auto, the safety features are comprehensive.
The rear seats and boot space might be a bit snug compared to larger sedans, but it's a step up from the Yaris.
2018/19 Kia Cerato Sport+: About $18,000
The Kia Cerato comes with the peace of mind of a seven-year factory warranty, which is a huge plus.
It's safe and roomy, and while the engine might not win any races, and a fuel economy of 7.6L/100km, it's more than adequate for city driving and occasional longer trips.
The Sport+ trim includes some nice perks, like heated seats, dual-zone climate, keyless entry, and an 8-inch screen with CarPlay and Android Auto.
Keep in mind, though, that service costs can be a bit higher.
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 118TSI Comfortline: About $15,000
The Jetta is a hidden gem that its hatchback sibling, the Golf, often overshadows.
It offers a sophisticated cabin, plenty of space for passengers and cargo, and a turbocharged engine that provides a good balance of performance and fuel economy of 6.2L/100km.
The main problem is there isn't much safety technology like automatic emergency braking, but there is a camera to help you reverse.
On the bright side, the back seats are great for passengers because there's plenty of room to stretch out, vents to keep them cool, and an armrest. Plus, the trunk is a bit larger than the Cerato's.
But be aware that active safety features are limited, and servicing costs can be on the higher side.
Wildcard: 2019 Skoda Octavia 110TSI: About $18,000
The Skoda Octavia is a clever choice that combines the practicality of a hatch with the look of a sedan.
It's spacious, efficient, and comes with a decent level of standard equipment. The turbocharged engine is lively, and while the dual-clutch gearbox might take some getting used to, it's generally smooth.
The trunk is huge, and passengers will love how much room there is in the back.
While the safety features are minimal, there is automatic emergency braking, a rear camera, and adaptive cruise control.
Other recommended sedans are from Skoda (left) and Volkswagen (right). Credit: drive.com.au
Plus, there are some nice extras like 17-inch alloy wheels, an 8-inch infotainment system compatible with CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, and even an umbrella in the door. It also has a fuel economy of 5.2L/100km.
Some models might still have a portion of the factory warranty left, which is a bonus.
Verdict
Considering all factors, the Kia Cerato Sport+ emerges as the top pick.
It offers a balance of warranty, safety, and luxury features that are hard to beat. And while it may not be the most fuel-efficient for low-mileage drivers, this is a compromise worth making.
But if you have extra money and want to splurge, you can try Toyota Corolla’s hybrid car.
This is an upgrade from the best-selling Toyota Corolla, making it a more engaging choice than its previous versions. You can read more about it here.
