Best car for 200K

Elfreako

Expert Member
Joined
Jun 28, 2006
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1,349
Hi everyone,

Cars seem to not like me and die... I need something that is super reliable, and that is going to last at least 5 years. It also needs to be passable as above average in looks. I do live an active life style so an SUV would be preferable, but if not... oh well! I think Japanese is the way to go, at least from past experience.

Budget is +-R200 000

What I'm currently considering:
- 2013 Honda Civic Hatch 1.8 40 000Kms
- 2013 Nissan Qashqai 2.0 Accenta 40 000Kms
- 2011 Honda CR-V 2.4 Elegance Auto 50 000Kms
- 2013 Nissan X-Trail 2.0 Xe 50 000Kms

Any thoughts or other suggestions?
 

FiestaST

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Aug 9, 2009
Messages
120,126
Same period Golf 6; Mazda 3 or 6 depending on space requirement; Subaru Legacy; ix35 or Sportage
 

Nether

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Jan 15, 2007
Messages
1,240
I wouldn't go for the Nissans.

The interiors scratch very easily, and if you say you've got an active lifestyle I recommend checking the interior for cheap plastics, especially coated cheap plastic (which nissan love to use).

How much are the "Cross" cars, like that polo, yaris etc, they have generally higher suspension and rubber coated fenders to soak up damage, maybe you could look into those as well.
 

TehStranger

Executive Member
Joined
Nov 19, 2012
Messages
6,088
+1 to the Honda CRV, seems like a great fit for your needs.

I'm not sure what Mitsubishi Pajero's are available in that price range, but definitely worth a look.
 

Kix

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Joined
May 4, 2010
Messages
258
I have owned one of those gen CRV's. I can highly recommend it. It has infinitely more space than the Qashqai and the Xtrail is just meh.
 

bullzeye.za

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Sep 16, 2008
Messages
1,776
Honda or Hyundai will hold their values extremely well. Toyota slightly less well.

If you're not worried too much about servicing and such, you could look at a pre-facelift BMW E90 diesel if you are going to travel a lot. It'll be expensive to maintain, but you will see exceptional fuel economy and it's on the prettier side of the bargain.

The Hyundai Elantra has a diesel now, you might be able to pick up a 1-2 year old within your budget, and they will blow the BMW out of the water in almost every respect except for "status".

.. Take all this with a pinch of salt, I made the bad decision to buy a BMW a few years ago. Absolutely adore the car, but I bought it to travel 140+km each day, and now I drive less than 30. Car is amazing, but way too expensive unless you plan to travel a lot.
 

MIA7171

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 26, 2014
Messages
347
Hi everyone,

Cars seem to not like me and die... I need something that is super reliable, and that is going to last at least 5 years. It also needs to be passable as above average in looks. I do live an active life style so an SUV would be preferable, but if not... oh well! I think Japanese is the way to go, at least from past experience.

Budget is +-R200 000

What I'm currently considering:
- 2013 Honda Civic Hatch 1.8 40 000Kms
- 2013 Nissan Qashqai 2.0 Accenta 40 000Kms
- 2011 Honda CR-V 2.4 Elegance Auto 50 000Kms
- 2013 Nissan X-Trail 2.0 Xe 50 000Kms

Any thoughts or other suggestions?

SUV first choice would be Honda CRV, second would be Nissan Qashqai.
The new 2014-2015 Mazda3 demo or used Honda Civic would both be good choice.
 

Chevron

Serial breaker of phones
Joined
Oct 2, 2007
Messages
25,900
Hi everyone,

Cars seem to not like me and die... I need something that is super reliable, and that is going to last at least 5 years. It also needs to be passable as above average in looks. I do live an active life style so an SUV would be preferable, but if not... oh well! I think Japanese is the way to go, at least from past experience.

Budget is +-R200 000

What I'm currently considering:
- 2013 Honda Civic Hatch 1.8 40 000Kms
- 2013 Nissan Qashqai 2.0 Accenta 40 000Kms
- 2011 Honda CR-V 2.4 Elegance Auto 50 000Kms
- 2013 Nissan X-Trail 2.0 Xe 50 000Kms

Any thoughts or other suggestions?

Out of those the Civic obviously.
 

Elfreako

Expert Member
Joined
Jun 28, 2006
Messages
1,349
Thanks for the suggestions guys :)

Same period Golf 6; Mazda 3 or 6 depending on space requirement; Subaru Legacy; ix35 or Sportage
I've had bad experience with German cars, I won't do that again lol. I've been hearing a lot of complaints about Subaru lately, they might just be isolated cases though I've always thought of them as a reliable brand. The Korean's I still fell hesitant about, that's a personal feeling though I'm sure they are great. I will look into Mazda more thanks :)

i would highly recommend Honda Accord same period 2013/2014
I never thought about this, does anyone know what the parts prices are in relation to the Civic? I'm guessing maybe a little more expensive?

2013 TOYOTA RAV4 2.0 VX
These are surprisingly expensive. I'm not wild on the styling either...

I'm not sure what Mitsubishi Pajero's are available in that price range, but definitely worth a look.
200K get's you around a 10 year old Pajero. They really do hold their value. If I was to ever buy a new car I'd very seriously think about getting one. I'm going from an unreliable car so I think I would like something a bit newer than 10 years old. But I do love those old Pajero's!

Take all this with a pinch of salt, I made the bad decision to buy a BMW a few years ago. Absolutely adore the car, but I bought it to travel 140+km each day, and now I drive less than 30. Car is amazing, but way too expensive unless you plan to travel a lot.
I've also had bad experiences with BMW... I don't think I will ever buy another one. I also loved my one, but it's kina like having a bad relationship with a hot chick. Eventually the **** out weighs the positives lol :)

Have you considered a Mitsubishi ASX?
I haven't looked into these. Aren't they a rebadged Citoren though?
 

pjjdp

Expert Member
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
2,101
From your list, the Civic or CR-V.

Personally, I would pick a Golf 6. I owned one before and currently own a Golf 7 and a Tiguan and have no issues.
 

far2000

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 23, 2009
Messages
144
corolla quest would be perfect at R180k new, maybe look for a demo at around R160-170K..
Also have a look at the hyundai elantra and kia cerato.excellent value for money, nice features and super reliable.
i have a cerato koup, no worries at all, few friends own an elantra and the cerato hatch and sedan...just give it a quick test drive.
 
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