Help me pick a car

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Frikkie5000

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I'm in the market for a new car but I'm suffering from a bad case of paralysis by analysis. Here's my situation:

- My commute is about 130km (65km both ways). 75% highway (mostly against traffic highway cruising) and 25% urban with some light to moderate traffic.

- Budget is somewhere between R150 000 and R250 000. I can go higher than this, but I'd prefer to stick to this budget if possible.

- stuff like comfort, fuel efficiency and safety trump performance by a long shot for me. I'd prefer something with an auto transmission, cruise control and usb (listening to audio books make the commute more bearable).

- I plan to keep the car long-term (at least 5 years, probably more).

Given the parameters, what type of vehicle should I be looking at? Would buying a 2015 C180 or an Accord with +-100 000km and full franchise service history be stupid? Would I be better off looking for lower mileage Kia or a Hyundai?

What would you personally do in my position.

Edit: forgot to add. I don't care in the slightest about the badge. Cars aren't status symbols for me. I'm only mentioning Mercedes here because I have this stereotypical view in my head that they are comfortable and built like tanks. Not even sure if that's true lol
 
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Looks like you need a reliable car, stay away from ze Germans. A Honda Accord is a beast that would never die, I would not hesitate to take one if the price is right. Plus it's not a popular choice so I am sure you will find one in mint condition with low kilos.
 
I love Honda, had one and it just kept ticking! The services aren't cheap - but what services are cheap these days??

Have you had a look at the Ford Fiesta, really great car!

From a safety side, it has lots:

Driver and front-passenger airbags
driver and front-passenger side-impact airbags
side-curtain airbags for front and rear seats.
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)

Tech side:

The screen is awesome and car play is great!!

Probably pick up a demo model for R220k.

Worth going for a test drive in
 
The accord is a good choice.
Based on what you stated I'm not sure it fits your needs.
You mentioned for commuting, you also did not mention you require a big car for space.
Although some hate them (me included to an extent) based on your higher mileage and you wanting good economy you could look at a diesel car.
No specific recommendations from my side, just things to consider based on your requirements.
 
I have a Ford Fiesta. It is a great car for long distance. I do 400+ kms a week and it's a real solid drive. I have a 2018 1.5 tdci and get about 4.3L/100km avg consumption, I usually fill half tank a week (15 to 18L) and I get more than 400kms from that half tank.

It's a shame the diesel doesnt come in auto though. The entertainment system in the car is also quite nice, I use Androud auto with Spotify. In terms of safety; it seems like quite a safe car, it doesnt feel like plastic compared to the Figo
 
I would go for a Ford Fiesta, I have one myself (2015 Model), and planning on getting the newer shape in the coming months. Very nice cars to drive!
 
I saw a new Fiat Tipo diesel, apparently 3.7 L/ 100km. But i think it is a manual. For your travel distance, you definitely need a car with decent fuel consumption.
 
I've picked up on the fairly...uhm robust anti-German sentiments on this forum in general. Is there a particular reason for this? Take Mercedes for example. The A class was rated as like the 4th most reliable car in SA not too long ago.

The reason why I immediately thought of Mercedes is because I know two people in my family who drive c classes with 300 000+ km on the clock.

Are they just not as well made or is it simply an urban myth type thing that German cars are meh?
 
Frikkie5000 said:
I've picked up on the fairly...uhm robust anti-German sentiments on this forum in general. Is there a particular reason for this? Take Mercedes for example. The A class was rated as like the 4th most reliable car in SA not too long ago.

The reason why I immediately thought of Mercedes is because I know two people in my family who drive c classes with 300 000+ km on the clock.

Are they just not as well made or is it simply an urban myth type thing that German cars are meh?
Click to expand...
Who was number 1,2 and 3?
 
konfab said:
I would simply get an automatic Toyota Corolla. There is a reason why those cars are everywhere.
Parts bucket is also quite cheap:
http://www.kinseyreport.co.za/2019_kinsey_report.htm
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I'm actually considering one. I think the main thing I'm asking is, why is buying a Corolla better than a used V40 if they cost about the same? Seems to me like the terrible resale on a V40 vs the excellent resale on a Corolla means you can buy more car for the same price with the Volvo? Or am I missing something here lol?
 
At R250K you seem to have a fairly broad choice, based on Autotrader. What else do you want it for? You can get something biggish like an SUV, small like a hatchback, a luxury sedan...
 
Frikkie5000 said:
I'm actually considering one. I think the main thing I'm asking is, why is buying a Corolla better than a used V40 if they cost about the same? Seems to me like the terrible resale on a V40 vs the excellent resale on a Corolla means you can buy more car for the same price with the Volvo? Or am I missing something here lol?
Click to expand...
When something goes wrong with either, you can pretty much be sure that the Toyota will be cheaper to fix.
 
Readsalot said:
At R250K you seem to have a fairly broad choice, based on Autotrader. What else do you want it for? You can get something biggish like an SUV, small like a hatchback, a luxury sedan...
Click to expand...
Literally just need it to drive to work. No offroading or anything. But I absolutely loathe driving so I'm mainly looking for something that's comfy, safe, decently fuel efficient and won't break down. Space is also a complete non-issue.
 
Frikkie5000 said:
Hilux, subaru xv and Mazda CX3, if I remember correctly
Click to expand...
All non German, all non turbo, there you go, stick with the tried and tested for reliability. Not that I am putting too much weight on such surveys but no matter how flawed they may be, they still point you in the right direction.
 
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