rabsody

Following my recent relationship break up, he is getting 'custody' of the car and I need to buy something. I haven't a clue!

I'll have about $25-30k cash. Want something that's only a few years old, reliable, nice looking, can fit two kids (12 and 15) but still small and easy to get around in.

Thinking of something like a VW Golf or an Audi A3. Does anyone have any pointers please as I really don't know where to start

I'm wondering about stuff like:

• reliability
• fuel economy
• cost of servicing
• safety
• depreciation

Any info or suggestions greatly appreciated

DeadVim

We bought our 3 year old Subaru Outback with 35,000kms on the clock for $27,000 last year ... it's spacious, been as solid as a rock and the servicing hasn't been ruinous.

It's between a saloon and a 4x4 in size and no trickier to park or drive than a Golf. The extra ground clearance comes in handy too even if you ain't an 'off-roader'.

Anyone I know that's had a Subaru has held onto it and they get good reports from mechanics and the ever-knowing RACQ guys. We'll be keeping this one until it drops!

Try one out at least

rabsody

Thanks Vim. If I was going to go a Subaru I'd go for their small car as I don't like big cars much. You haven't seen my parking! Thanks for the feedback, I might check one of those small ones out.

ABCDiamond

I normally drive larger cars, but I had a drive of a Suzuki Alto the other day, and was actually quite impressed. It wasn't bad for a small car.
It even seemed to have decent power, even compared to my current car, and it even seemed comfortable.

DeadVim

No worries, I am actually the first in the family to put a scrape on ours ... it polished out

iamthecreaturefromuranus

Nissan Dualis covers most of those. Perhaps a bit bigger than you currently need but those kids won't get any smaller !

scottishcelts

You can't go wrong with a VW. Brilliant motors.

rabsody

Yes I do love VWs. Always have. Currently drive an Eos that I have to say goodbye to

But I love Audis too

eddie007

Under the circumstances a cheaper make brand new car with 3 or 5 year warranty and road side assist may be a better idea....?

Not inheriting some one elses problem.... Especially if you know nothing about cars...

rabsody

Fair point but I'd probs buy from a dealer so I'd get warranty etc anyway. If the car is only 3-4 years old, which is what I'm looking at, I'd hope that it would still be in reasonable nick, no?

rabsody

Oh and you lose so much money on a brand new car, that's the other reason I don't want brand new. If I was buying it as a business expense or something that would be a different kettle of fish but I don't get any of those perks on this purchase.

EvannTel

Remember Audis are just VWs with a more expensive badge....and insurance....and servicing.

As soon as I read the first line I was saying Golf before I even got to your own suggestion. Exactly the same as an Eos engineering wise but far more practical

It will have a cracking retail over pretty much anything else suggested.

Also you'll get nearly new or ex demo for a base model I reckon. Id recommend the diesel. Better economy and retail.

My qualification for this? Drove Jetta TFSi for 3 years, now Passat CC diesel.

carolinephillips

I bought a brand new Hyundai Tucson in 2008. It is like a small suv, but large enough to take kids, swimming and school bags, and a cello. Cars out here don't depreciate as fast as in the UK, and I'd rather have a new one with 5 or 7 year warranty than an older one that someone else may have knackered. It was about 24k on the road and with paint protection and underbody protection. The only thing else I wish I'd done was tint the windows, as my arm gets very hot!!
(Mine is the 2 wheel drive city version, as I never go off road.)

iamthecreaturefromuranus

Ya think?
They have, an undeserved, reputation for reliability. It goes back to when they were all built in Germany and that's not been the case for years. This is the review for the Golf, based on consumer reviews... very average car.

http://consumerguideauto.howstuffwor...lf-and-gti.htm

eddie007

Beware used car warranties... They often aren't worth the paper they're written on... Look very closely at the fine print... And check the length as well as what they do and dont cover...

Depreciation isnt such a huge issue here in australia as it is in the uk.... Used cars retain a comparatively high value...

Also beware ex company/ fleet cars... They tend to get flogged... After all the driver doeznt have to cop the long term abuse they give them... So why not have a bit of fun.....

but above all eitger take some one who KNOWS anout cars with you or get the car checked over by one of the biggies...