Advice on First Car?

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D34M0n7

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First of all I'd like to say that I know posts like this have been made, I just didn't feel like bringing any back from the void that is 2+ Pages away. And I'm selfish and want my own damn thread! :D

So I'm thinking of a Hyundai i20 (1.4 or 1.6 not sure yet) they go for aprox R155 000, R165 000 respectively.

Or the VW polo vivo (or w/e its called, the one just below the new polo) and I can't recall the prices on that one sadly.

Or the Ford Figo (top model).

I had a look at the honda jazz, pretty solid car but when you get inside everything is made of that plastic bends when to look at it too much (uuuurgh).

I'd like to hear your views on my choices, if you think you know a better car please shout, I guess my budget is close to R150 000
 
For first car I'd rather go with something toyota-ish with a few KMs on the clock. That way you don't pay made money, you don't get hit w/ 20% instant depr and it won't fall apart.
 
BCO said:
Does it have to be new?
Click to expand...

Oh god yes!

I can't begin to describe how much I hate anything secondhand... It just feels dirty.
I know its a bit pedantic but thats the feeling I get when I think of it. I know there can be big savings etc, etc. But secondhand would clash with my personality - t'would take effort to start it every day.
 
If you can afford Honda Jazz money I will suggest a Kia Cerato 1.6 EX. (R180k)

91kw, 5 year 90k km service plan, 6 airbags, abs & ebd, 5 star ncap, 5x 16"alloys, mp3/usb/ipod, aircon, electric power steering, electric windows, electric mirrors, front and rear fog lamps, remote central locking, anti dazzle rear view mirrors etc.


Looks good and really good interior, have not seen anything in this price range even remotely close.

naza_kia_forte_malaysia.jpg


64057_resized_big1.jpg
 
HavocXphere said:
For first car I'd rather go with something toyota-ish with a few KMs on the clock. That way you don't pay made money, you don't get hit w/ 20% instant depr and it won't fall apart.
Click to expand...

I do like toyota, me mum has one of em yaris vroomvrooms. While I don't like the dash layout that much, its not something that would keep me from getting the car.
I love how the gears shift though (its like 1 > 2 OHYEA!) but try shifting into third and the cars like "no fck off yo mofo" n I'm like Q_Q

So I'll definitely go look at toyota! But not second hand as I said above. Also I don't care much for depreciation as I'll get happiness, endless fun and good use out of the car - to me thats worth the ever declining market value. (and I'm looking to have my first car for at least 8 - 10 years so its probably best if its new)
 
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Brawler said:
If you can afford Honda Jazz money I will suggest a Kia Cerato 1.6 EX. (R180k)
Click to expand...

I'm actually not 100% sure on my budget (my estimate it -+ R150 000) as its my father who's buying the car for me...

All the cars hes told me to look at are around that 150k mark but he did take me to look at honda a few months back so I'm honestly not sure. I guess it all depends on his mood when he gets back to SA on holz in December/Jan.
 
Shared my mom's Honda Jazz when we lived in New Zealand. Good car but a bit girly looking. Was nice to drive although the 1.3l engine was a bit of an embarrassment on the freeways.
New cars seem like a huge rip-off to me. You can get something better and with more power if you go second hand or even a demo...
 
D34M0n7 said:
I'm actually not 100% sure on my budget (my estimate it -+ R150 000) as its my father who's buying the car for me...

All the cars hes told me to look at are around that 150k mark but he did take me to look at honda a few months back so I'm honestly not sure. I guess it all depends on his mood when he gets back to SA on holz in December/Jan.
Click to expand...

Go with a trusted brand. I would take a Hyundai purely on the 5 year warantee. But if not get a Toyota, Honda, Mazda maybe even the new Ford's they not that bad. Also you need to look at maintenance costs. If you want a car which is cheap to maintain get a VW (They are cheap to maintain because they do break allot :D)

You need to find a sweet spot between: Reliability/service fee's/maintenance pick 1 car from all of these makes. Call the service centres and ask for quotes on:

Service
Replacement part let's say a Brake booster
Repair cost of a broken cam belt
Front fenders, grill bumper and bonnet.

Put all of it on a spread sheet and you should get an idea of which is the better car.
 
Agree with Pitbull on maintenance costs and availabilityof spares.

Whether you get a new or used car, make sure it has a maintenance plan.

My advice? New car with full warranty and 5 year maintenance plan...
 
the ford figo is a nice drive, and is kitted out but some of the interior trimmings compared to the fiesta that it is based on, look and feel very cheap.
the i20 is also kitted out, and should be a pretty decent bet - i dunno how the shape and look will age though
the vivo will be a safe, but very boring option imo..but it is also probably the lowest specced car
i think the honda jazz goes for a higher premium than the rest
 
BCO said:
Fiat 500 1.4 Pop is R157k. I'd go with that.

It's got the most standard equipment for the price, and it's something with a bit of character unlike almost all of the other econoboxes out there. Reliable too.
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+1 Fiat 500 is sexy! My ex got one as her first car. Needless to say I loved driving that car more than I loved her. God damn I miss that car... I might even get one for myself one day when I'm big and have a real job.
 
Alfroogy said:
+1 Fiat 500 is sexy! My ex got one as her first car. Needless to say I loved driving that car more than I loved her. God damn I miss that car... I might even get one for myself one day when I'm big and have a real job.
Click to expand...

It's such an awesome car... the only reason I could think of anyone wanting an i20 or something over a 500 is if they need the little bit of extra space. Otherwise, it's a no-brainer IMO.
 
Thx for the comments everyone!

I'll be sure to check that Fiat out, pity its only a 3 door car though.
 
Second hand is not too bad.
You can find really good deals if you look hard enough.
Just make sure that it is AA tested and has a full service history.
Whatever you do, do not buy a second hand car from a private seller.
It has probably got a problem with it.
Look out for demo models from dealerships.
 
Ok, I'm going to be stereotypical here:

Daddy will buy you a VW Polo 1.4 Trendline (new shape), and you will love it...

why you are considering other stuff is beyond me...(I think the Citreon C3 is the best value for money, demo: see this link - C3 and it is what I will buy)...
 
The new C3 is really nice actually. It's just fears about Citroen SA that would keep me away.
 
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