Advise.. Want to buy a car with these requirements:

[theStudent]

Hi.

I really need to get a car this year...
Im hoping to find a 1yr old demo car.

I want this to be a sporty looking hatchback.
Price range: R100k-R180k

However I dont want to get a car that depreciates by the minute... rather by the year.. ie. something that doesn't lose its value exponentially as only want to keep the car for as long as the service plan (hopefully 5 yrs)

Any suggestions?
(Im thinking to wait for a demo Honda Civic vTec)

[thedutchman]

can look at a T auris, maybe a polo gti, or fiat bravo.

[Gnome]

I've found that Demo models are universally a rip off. The garages over value their cars, many Demo models have 100 000km's on the clock but you'll see them selling for close to retail.

As for the Car itself Honda is probably the best car around right now in my opinion, but if you think that ANY car is going to keep it's value guess again!

The cheaper the car the less the depreciation (almost universally) even cars that have "good depreciation" like Mercedes lose more than half their value in 3-5 years, at least that was my experience.

[thedutchman]

i agree with Gnome about the value of cars, it really sucks though

[nocilah]

Demo models have 100 000km's on the clock but you'll see them selling for close to retail.

100 000km on the clock? i think you are exagerating or you made a mistake... generally they have 10 -15 000 on the clock.

[SlyFly]

Mazda 2 Indiv...

Won car of the year, but it depresciates by the second, I think

[Gnome]

100 000km on the clock? i think you are exagerating or you made a mistake... generally they have 10 -15 000 on the clock.

Guess it depends on the Demo model, I'm not joking! When I went around 5 years ago to have a look at cars the Demo models I looked at had 100 000km+ on the clock, and they guy was selling them at close to retail, which is why I was like WTF are you smoking?

The Demo models he had were a almost a year old and being driven DAILY by the garage. They clock up a lot of KM a day on those things.

But I guess it depends on who drove it.

[theStudent]

Ye... low mileage cars are normally under 10000km even.
Catch is to get one that isnt a test car which is badly used.

I have been looking at the Mazda2 also... however the back of that looks lousy.

Would have thought that there would be many nice looking brands of sporty hatchbacks at 'affordable' prices.

[SlyFly]

Dont know the price but the Ford Focus is always a nice car to get. Think it might be pushing your price limit tho...

Cars in that price normally has plastic interiors though, and the focus isnt an exception...

[teraside]

Get a Peugeot

http://www.peugeot.co.za/

[theStudent]

Oooooo0000oo...

Never looked into Peugeot before...
They have a nice range.....

Aren't those chick cars though?

The 207 gti or cc look good....

I see there plenty second hand ones on the market which have already depreciated (by up to R100k)... but arent too old, nor over used.

Suggestions... as per usual

[teraside]

My brother has a 307 sedan (I think, I always get confused with the model numbers). It's one of the most fuel efficient cars you can get, especially their diesel versions, and no, it's not a chick car.

You won't be buying a cat in a bag, you'll buy a car

Edit: also, check what they go for new, seems to fit your budget. Prices are on the Peugeot site

[Brawler]

2nd hand A3

[Waaib]

2nd hand A3

+1

Peugeot have a terrible service reputation.

[teraside]

+1

Peugeot have a terrible service reputation.

Don't believe everything you read, my brother's car ran awesome even 30000km after it was due for a service.