Hey guys,

been in Oz just under a week and loving it so far.... except we have just had 2 frustrating days looking for a cheap small automatic car to buy (round the $5/6K mark.)

It has to be automatic as thats the licence I have (I'm a wuss I know!) and we just wanted a small cheap runaround until we get jobs and then we can buy a better 2nd car for my hubbie.

But I have been in to about 20 dealers and they all say small automatics (say, Nissan Micra, Hyundai Getz sort of size) in my price range are scarce! WHY?

Everything they show me is either a big automatic car or small but out of my price range. Yet I see loads of small cars driving around, so why can't I get a cheap 10 year old one for 5K? I don't care if its had a few knocks.

I'm in Hervey Bay by the way, but between that and the next town there are about 20 car dealers so I thought I'd find something.

Any insights/advice?

Meant to add, what would you do in my situation? Hire our rental car for another week and hope something comes up or start looking for a car through private sales? Anyone with any experience of private sales? Thanks guys X

Second hand cars are expensive, and $6k isn't that big a budget. Have a look on carsales.com.au, I've had a quick peak but it seems there's not much about at that price. Good luck.

The best way would be to find a private buyer. Try the link below and fill in the criteria there are a few when I looked.

http://www.carsales.com.au/used-cars...ed-search.aspx

This sort of thing: http://www.carsales.com.au/used-cars...&PriceMax=7500

Thanks guys - I think I will have to try private sales. Does anyone havde experience of private sales- I'm just worried that there'll be no comeback if the car is a dud whereas at least with a dealer I will have a warranty.

I know 6k is not much of a budget but I thought I'd find a beat up old run around. Aw well, I'll see how private sales go.

Had a similar problem myself, but have a look around ebay, you can refine your search area and price range to suit your needs. There is a hell of a lot of not so good cars at car yards in that price range. When buying privately get your friendly local mechanic or someone who knows about cars to give it the once over. Best of luck.

You need to be careful that there is no outstanding debt on the car. There is some check you can have done but not sure what it is called. Sorry, not a lot of help!

Oh, thanks Sallyclaire, wasn't aware of that but will look into it asap. Appreciate that X

Have a look here for all info:

http://www.transport.qld.gov.au/Home..._used_vehicle/

Get the local trader there is lots of private cars for sale if you are looking at paying $6000 look at cars that are priced at $7000 $7500 and offer them $6000.

You'll find something in your price range if you keep looking. Its a real buyers market at the moment so no harm in making offers on cars that are just outside your affordability

I did try to make offers on the couple of cars I found but the dealers said no! They weren't silly offers either - I was asking them to take about $900 off for cash but they were having none of it! I walked away twice and they still didn't lower their prices!? Still, I'll keep trying.......

the NRMA will do a basic pre-purchase check for you. Dealers selling cars in your price bracket are likely to rip you off anyway- private is the way to go, although I understand your reticence. Most cheaper cars are manual, unfortunately and we ended up with a manual corolla. Try ebay and then conact the seller and go and look. I feel you pain!

Stay away from the dealers only buy from private sellers you will get a much better deal.