First time car owner looking for some advice

C

curds

Active Member
Joined
Nov 1, 2013
Messages
45
Reaction score
4
Hello,

I need an automatic car for preferably under 200k, I was looking at the VW Polo trendline, but didn't realize it didn't come out in automatic and that I had to upgrade to the more expensive version and not only that, but autos are more expensive than manuals.

So I was looking at the Kia rio, but not really sold on it. So, I thought I would ask your opinion the car is for my bf and he has pretty long legs so something with a nice amount of legroom.

We also want a hatchback ideally, also the car will be driven quite a bit for the next three months and then only on weekends so nothing that will give problems if it doesn't get used everyday.

Thanks

*Edited to ask if a hatchback is better to manoeuvre than a sedan due to an injury he can only drive auto and he has only recently started to drive and the i10 he drives on is very cramped.
 
Last edited:
Have you looked at the Hyundai I20 or I30?

I have seen an auto I30, though not sure if avail in auto/I20.

If price a lil high, maybe look at a demo model or a 1-2yr old vehicle.
 
Kias and Hyuandai are both good cars and I would rather have an east Asian car than a German one. You can also look at the Honda Jazz, maybe slightly more up-market

Look for demo models, always a big saving
 
Getting a new car in auto under 200 is not too likely I think. I know the Polo would probably have enough space if you could spring for one somehow since I'm 2m tall and fit comfortably.
I would avoid the Kia though. They may make decent cars but the Rio is not one that fits the big&tall very well, nor do I know whether their auto box is good quality.

A secondhand car would probably be the most reasonable option unless you happen to have very good connections to get huge discounts on a new one.

EDIT: Which region are you in? If in Gauteng I could provide a recommendation for a VW salesman.
 
Last edited:
Hyuandai i30 1.8 is v. nice and would defiantly take it over the VW, but thats just me.
 
Why aren't you sold on the Rio?

I have the Tec manual, and it's freaking awesome :D

But... I was put off from the auto because:

- It's 10k more than the manual
- It has 4 gears and not 6
- I just don't think the 1.4 is powerful enough for an auto :/
 
Have a test-drive/look at the Nissan Almera 2014 A/T (< R180k) sedan. Way more legroom than any hatchback can offer.
 
Have a look at the Honda Jazz 1.5 auto, brilliant car. Massive boot, awesome legroom, even for the people in the back. If a new one is outside your'e price range you can always look at a demo model. Got one earlier this year, for under 200k, with around 4500km on the clock.
 
Last edited:
My car buying advice is always the same - make a list of 5. Drive them all. Pick the one you like best and screw everyone elses opinion.
 
I have bought Kia Rio tech auto in December last year and I am very happy with it. KM per liter is great. I get between 12 to 14 per liter depending on temperatures outside.
I do feel lack of power once in few months when going uphill.
My height is 5 foot 11 inches. Driver seat and front passenger seat are comfortable for me. Back seats are bit congested for tall guys.
curds said:
Hello,

I need an automatic car for preferably under 200k, I was looking at the VW Polo trendline, but didn't realize it didn't come out in automatic that I had to upgrade to the more expensive version and that autos are more expensive than manuals.

So I was looking at the Kia rio, but not really sold on it. So, I thought I would ask your opinion the car is for my bf and he has pretty long legs so something with a nice amount of legroom.

We also want a hatchback ideally, also the car will be driven quite a bit for the next three months and then only on weekends so nothing that will give problems if it doesn't get used everyday.

Thanks
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
Hey,

I live in Korea (well usually on an extended holiday) and can't bring myself to buy a Korean car for the prices they go for here, its absolutely ridiculous and the secondhand cars are mind boggling, secondhand cars are super cheap in SK granted its early 2000s, but still.

He did look at the Kia rio tec liked the vehicle not the price. We would much rather not end up paying 4 times the amount the car would cost us in Korea.

Waiting to buy a car when we go back is also not an option, (nor is going for a super cheapo 40k car either) so yes any thoughts on the ford cars? Also I really do not know which car brands are considered really good brands and which is better to get parts etc for hence why I asked on the forum.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X