Advice : Reliable car (Auto gear)

I really like the styling of the new Corolla hatch.

Comes in auto (CVT).
The 1.2 engine will be frugal.
Modern and safe.
Toyota warranty can be extended up to 7 years (doubt you'd need it)

Just not sure about the hijack risk being a Toyota


Below advertised for R 294 990

View attachment 864923
I tried the Corolla quest auto sometime ago. This was when I was looking for auto cars to buy. The car was sluggish and was not responsive, plus the petrol consumption for automatic was very high compared to its manual version.
Have u tried the hatchback? How does it perform?
 
Toyota Corolla hatch. Fantastic reliable car.

Stay FAR away from Ford. Their automatic gearboxes are atrocious.

The later model Figo comes with a six speed auto, which uses a torque converter. Looking at the reviews, they reckon this is the best small automatic out there for the price. I will definitely be looking into buying one soon.
 
I am taking note of the recommendations so far.
Is there any model of Kia, Honda, Mercedes or Nissan that will also tick the boxes`?
Dear All,

I plan buying a car in the next 6 months. Please suggest a reliable car (automatic transmission) with the following requirements in mind:

1. Ability to travel 100kms per day (i.e 50km to and from work, Mon - Friday)
2. Petrol economy
3. Availability of spare parts
4. Easy to maintain / good maintenance cost
5. Safety features (in case of accident)
6. Low on hijack list
7. Relatively secure with regards to theft

Budget is 350 - 400K.
I don't mind pre-owned (low mileage) or demo.


Thank you as you bring your experience to bear.
I am taking note of the recommendations so far.
Is there any model of Kia, Honda, Mercedes or Nissan that will also tick the boxes ?
 
Don't buy a small, turbocharged engine if you plan to keep the car beyond its warranty or motorplan.

Don't buy Merc and BMW if their warranties or motor plans will run out during your ownership. The electronics are just too complex and you will be plagued by errors after a few years. Out of warranty repairs are very expensive.

I'd look at the EA888 engine in any modern golf gti paired with the DSG gearbox. They have excellent reliability.
 
Don't buy a small, turbocharged engine if you plan to keep the car beyond its warranty or motorplan.

Don't buy Merc and BMW if their warranties or motor plans will run out during your ownership. The electronics are just too complex and you will be plagued by errors after a few years. Out of warranty repairs are very expensive.

I'd look at the EA888 engine in any modern golf gti paired with the DSG gearbox. They have excellent reliability.

This no longer applies to merely BMW or Merc.. any "newish" car will have the same problem if out of warranty... They're all chock full of electronics and such these days. If anything BMW have proven to be bullet proof on that front of late.

Your best bet is to find either a new car if that is a concern for you, or to buy a decent 2nd hand vehicle with some motorplan left or get an aftermarket warranty.
 
Don't buy a small, turbocharged engine if you plan to keep the car beyond its warranty or motorplan.

Don't buy Merc and BMW if their warranties or motor plans will run out during your ownership. The electronics are just too complex and you will be plagued by errors after a few years. Out of warranty repairs are very expensive.

I'd look at the EA888 engine in any modern golf gti paired with the DSG gearbox. They have excellent reliability.
BMW N47T diesel motor is probably one the most reliable diesel engines ever made, its pretty much on par with toyota! Toyota asked BMW for assistance on there latest diesel motors 2.4GD6 and 2.8GD6.
Some bmw petrol engines are still plagued with problems :(

Most bmw now use ZF gearbox which has local agent so the gearbox can be serviced and repaired at ZF local agent at a decent price.

Merc I can't comment on much never dealt with them much, the ZF agent did say they do service merc gearboxes also.
 
Thank you all for taking time to respond to my query. Your inputs have been noted and will assist me when buying the car in Dec.
 
Honestly, in the next month or two would be the best time to buy

Dealers will be desperate to make sales after months of lockdown and threat of dealerships closing.
 
Dear All,

I plan buying a car in the next 6 months. Please suggest a reliable car (automatic transmission) with the following requirements in mind:

1. Ability to travel 100kms per day (i.e 50km to and from work, Mon - Friday)
2. Petrol economy
3. Availability of spare parts
4. Easy to maintain / good maintenance cost
5. Safety features (in case of accident)
6. Low on hijack list
7. Relatively secure with regards to theft

Budget is 350 - 400K.
I don't mind pre-owned (low mileage) or demo.


Thank you as you bring your experience to bear.

Here's a couple - Toyota RAV4 and alternatively CX-5
The Toyota is a very reliable car - google its reliability - RAV usually appears on these lists.
Being a toyota, parts are around every corner - and there is also a dealership in nearly every city/town.
Fuel economy - opt for the diesel variants.
Both these cars scored outsandingly in the Euro NCAP ratings (about 95% I think)

Also being a Toyota SUV, you'll get outstanding resale value in future when you sell it - will be extremely easy to sell.
 
Here's a couple - Toyota RAV4 and alternatively CX-5
The Toyota is a very reliable car - google its reliability - RAV usually appears on these lists.
Being a toyota, parts are around every corner - and there is also a dealership in nearly every city/town.
Fuel economy - opt for the diesel variants.
Both these cars scored outsandingly in the Euro NCAP ratings (about 95% I think)

Also being a Toyota SUV, you'll get outstanding resale value in future when you sell it - will be extremely easy to sell.

Its a UK list - but still worth the watch - As mentioned in this thead - RAV4 and Honda Jazz appear on the list
 
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