First car for GF: R40k - R50k

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gustavdp

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Hi everyone,

My GF is looking to buy her first car. She can spend around 40 - 50k on it and the only must is power steering. I have been looking at the Hyundai ATOS, Daihatsu Charade, Ford KA, Chev Spark and Corsa lite. Most companies/banks don't offer loans for cars older than 10 years so as long as the car is 2002/2003 ish it should be fine.

Obviously it would be nice to get a car with ABS / Airbags / AC. <- Importance in that order. The best option I could find is the ford KA (although it's ugly as hell). You can find one with all of the features above for between 45 and 50k.

My only problem with the KA is I am not sure of the service cost.

Can anyone recommend a better option than the KA or tell me why NOT to get it? Any help would be appreciated.
 
Get a Ka.

It will last forever and cost pennies to run.

Standard tyre size is odd, though, and expensive. Change to another size and save a bundle.
 
There was a similar thread here not long ago. I bought a 2006 Daihatsu Charade for R36k in December. A/C, electric windows, 22000km, nice interior, automatic. No power steering but steering is feather light. Only other costs were R600 for a new left mirror cover and R5.8k on a sound system. I'm certain I couldn't have found a better deal.
 
Ye that's a killer deal. If I found a charade with 22000km for that price I would sell my Sirion and buy it.
 
I have a Ka (can't believe I just admitted to that in public). My service costs at a Ford dealership are quite reasonable, though I have yet to do a major service. My last service was ~R1400 for the 80 000 km service (the service intervals are 20 000 km) and I replaced the front brake pads and disks for ~R1200 2 years ago.

BUT. Everything about the car is special, so, as mentioned above, tyres have to be ordered if you want to replace them; shocks can only be replaced at the dealership since no-one else can get hold of them and replacing the headlight bulbs requires the car to be lifted up and the front wheel assembly partially loosened (the booklet lies and pretends it is possible to do yourself).

Fuel consumption is good and it has survived considerable abuse without letting me down.
 
I thought about the Picanto as well but, most of the them for 40 - 50k doesn't have power steering :/
 
You could probably get a Tata Indica with power steering. But with those cars, you Tata ma chance with your life.
 
EvilDarkElf said:
I have a Ka (can't believe I just admitted to that in public). My service costs at a Ford dealership are quite reasonable, though I have yet to do a major service. My last service was ~R1400 for the 80 000 km service (the service intervals are 20 000 km) and I replaced the front brake pads and disks for ~R1200 2 years ago.

BUT. Everything about the car is special, so, as mentioned above, tyres have to be ordered if you want to replace them; shocks can only be replaced at the dealership since no-one else can get hold of them and replacing the headlight bulbs requires the car to be lifted up and the front wheel assembly partially loosened (the booklet lies and pretends it is possible to do yourself).

Fuel consumption is good and it has survived considerable abuse without letting me down.
Click to expand...


Thanks for that post. I'm strongly reconsidering the KA now.

Thanks for everyone else. No way I'm getting a TATA. Gonna take a look at a getz quick :P
 
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