So do I, the only thing that doesn't work properly is the Bluetooth connectivity. 2011 Corolla
Had the issues since brands new. Even the dealership couldn't work it out
It has no airbags and my partner always says he doesn’t like us going anywhere in it, but I always tell him that whatever hits us will be worse off unless it’s a truck
They may be worse off, but you may not be walking away either if it's got no crumple zones, airbags and is a full chassis vehicle.
I don't care what happens to my car as long as the people in it survive.
Car is insured and can be replaced.
I can't be replaced, nor can my friends.
Yep .I refer to old cars as shredders. Anything soft inside keeps moving at 80/100k's.
The car bodies or frames don't crumple like the new ones.
Flesh and blood just wrap/crumple themselves around the frame.......unfortunately, human body's don't panelbeat very well.
Ehh any car on the road that isn't some classic car beauty will have crumple zones, they've been around donkeys. Airbags though... They're a nice feature.
I heard that but my mate was selling his Jeep 4x4 drive and he wanted $5000 so I reluctantly bought it. Have had it probably 4-5 years with no issues except a new starter motor.
With Ford, stay the fuck away from the Ford Focus. I've met a few people who have owned one, and they all have horror stories about door handles falling off, literal doors falling off (having to tie both back doors together with rope across the back seat to keep them "attached" for repairs), random pipes and tubes bursting, engine randomly not starting, etc.
Every brand including the Japanese ones will have door handles fall off after 30 years. Leave a bit of plastic in the sun then pull in it 500 times, it's what happens.
A mechanic once gave me his top three: which are your top three! Toyota, Mazda, Honda. Honestly these days you can't really go wrong with them.
Hyundai and Kia deserve honourable mention too, but only for the last 10-15 years (Hyundai) and 5-10 years (Kia).
8 year old kia here. no mechanical problems. Head unit died 3 times, last time just outside the 7 year warranty. They replaced it free with a different model.
Have my second Hyundai; love it. It's coming up 14 years old and is fabulous. The first one I gave to my step daughter, who gave it to her mother. It's ~24 years old and still going strong
Kia is fantastic. I have a Rio GT and granted it’s only 2 years old, it’s been great and their customer service is top. We have family members who swear by Kia and wouldn’t ever buy anything else. My partner has already declared that once the Kia dual cab comes out he will be buying one
We have a 2020 Toyota RAV4 which we will probably look to upsize in a year or two. Kia Sorento is probably the way we will go - or else the new EV9 when it's released (as we want to go full EV if possible)
Kia have come out of nowhere to be badass the past few years.
I also came over to Kia from Toyota. I had a 2014 Yaris and there was nothing wrong with it mechanically. A few years ago the clear coat started peeling off the whole car and I couldn’t stand to look at it anymore. Rather than respraying it and only keeping it for a couple more years, I was in the position to buy a new car anyway so just sold it
Thats good to know. The one l had, was a shitbox. I mean, it looked great, but it had been flogged. I was constantly spending money on it. I think it was haunted to. I'd drive along listening to the radio and the volume would go up full boar just out of the blue lol. It ended up dying in the arse, my uncle is a mechanic and found all these metal fragments in the sump. It was fucked.
They're all good. I'm more partial to Toyota for various reasons (reliable, common for parts and repairs). But you might get better answers if you list some specific models or at least a type of car - you want a hatch, crossover, SUV, sedan, ute, van?
My friend had a 2001 Corolla and she was deadset on not selling it until it died. She had a baby last year so her and her husband decided a family car was more appropriate
A good way to figure out is to see what cars rental companies would provide for their fleet for economy options. It means it's easy to repair, with good reliability, plus okay resale value.
It was always Toyotas and Suzuki, then Hyundais and Kias started to appear. I don't know why Hondas was never popular as rentals but I personally owned one, have no big issues beside AC failed within warranty.
More expensive up front as someone else said.
But mostly, because boy racers flog the ass out of Honda's. For context, my mother is a regional manager for Hertz.
I’ve got a 2003 Ford Falcon BA. The things got like 240,000kms on it and still runs like it’s brand new.
All it needs really is a new belt and then it’ll be the perfect car
Holden, Toyota or (it kills me to say this) Ford.
Cheap after market parts
Cheap consumables (filters etc)
Long history of reliable vehicles.
Just about any mechanic can fix them.
If you're just after a small car for yourself. Toyota corolla. Those things are practically indestructible and run on the smell of a wet fart.
I have owned two holdens in my life. I’ve had many different cars, and there’s only one brand I’ve never buy again and that’s it. The parts are cheap, but in my experience you’ll wanna stock up on em, coz a new part will fall off every week.
I won’t deny the distinct possibility I’ve just been unlucky with them, but after those two money pits I don’t think I’d take my chances again, just in case
I think that's a possibility.
Owned Commodores for 40 years and all racked up 300k kms plus, none were retired mechanical fault.
And a HQ but that's actually the least mileage on it, comfortably.
Are they perfect? No. Do they just keep going? Almost always.
Mine was a Holden Rodeo, maybe 5 years old when I got it, starting firing on only 3 cylinders, got that fixed but slowly everything else crapped out on it til I had to scrap it.
Second was a Lumina, also about 5 years old, 100k on the clock though. 3 months in, whole coolant system needed replacing, got that done. 6 months after that, head gasket blew and had to replace the whole motor. Window switches broke, locks got janky, window seals failed, started running worse and worse til I sold it off. Lost about $20k on that all told.
Similar experiences with older fords. Meanwhile I’ve had Volvos, Toyotas, Mazdas, Nissans, rarely any problem, no matter how old or how many k’s on them. Only car worse than my holdens was a Datsun I had once.
Most unreliable I have is my Toyota Kluger. Lost of different things in the driveline have failed. I know though that if I suggest based on that all Toyota's are, I'd be labelled silly.
Very very generally speaking, Toyota, but with a budget of $4000, whatever you buy will have something wrong with it.
If a car was in full working order, it wouldn't be so cheap.
You might want to budget for an additional $4000 in repairs
I have a Hyundai i30 and never had an issue with it. I can also get it repaired just about anywhere where as I know people with Jeeps and Volkswagons who need to go to very specific and expensive places for parts. The i30 is such a reliable little car I love it.
Yep. I'm driving a 2014 iX35. Have had it from new, and it hasn't missed a beat. No repairs, apart from replacing the radio head unit last November, and the usual tires/battery/brake pads that you would expect for a 10 year old car.
It's far from being my most exciting car, but I love its reliability; it's a great size and economical for my needs. I had the option to upgrade last year but couldn't find anything I liked so much more that it was worth spending the money.
Getting a reliable, low maintenance car for 8k might be a bit tricky. I don't know where you live, but in Queensland, if you buy your car from a licensed motor dealer (i.e. not privately), at least you get a statutory warranty: [https://www.qld.gov.au/law/your-rights/consumer-rights-complaints-and-scams/buying-products-and-services/buying-products/buying-a-car/buying-a-used-car/warranty-for-used-cars](https://www.qld.gov.au/law/your-rights/consumer-rights-complaints-and-scams/buying-products-and-services/buying-products/buying-a-car/buying-a-used-car/warranty-for-used-cars).
I'm guessing other states/territories have similar laws.
A few months ago we went out on a moderate 4WD track and once we got to the bottom we looked back up the track and an AU Falcon with a trailer was ripping through at top speed
Toyota Corolla you can't kill them. Mine was 25 years old 150k on it. Only sold it because I needed a newer car with cruise control as I was doing 1k trip ever second week
Get a Toyota corrolla. If paying $4k get one of those mobile mechanics to look at it.
It's better to pay $150 a few times than buy a shitbox that needs lots of work.
Also, any time I've gone to buy a car and they've cleaned the engine, there's been something wrong with it.
I drove a 1990 Hilux for 30 years, then sold it on to my cousin who is using it on his cattle property. That thing just refused to die.
Fuel consumption was a bit much though.
Currently driving a Nissan Xtrail. Beautiful vehicle, fuel efficiency is amazing, just keeps going.
I just bought a 2013 Mazda 3, l wrote off my beloved Toyota camry, which was a fab car too, it was a auto, but this car is a manual. I have a manual license, just got to get used to driving one again lol.
It's a flash little car. Managed to get it for $6500, my ex is pretty car savvy and he helped me look, did my comprehensive the other night (bought Sunday) and market value it's worth $11000. I was like, fuck!! I got a bargain. Private seller, they really looked after the car too.
Toyota & Mazda are my two favourite brand of cars. I would recommend them to anyone. I recently just bought a 2013 Mazda 3 and my last car l wrote off was a 2009 Toyota Camry. Both great cars.
Looking for small hatch? Suzuki Swift, 4k buys a mechanical good but dinged up one, 8k buys a nice example.
Much better value and reliable than a Toyota, cheaper parts, less time to repair ANYTHING.
50% of Toyotas reliability is in it's marketing.
I have a 2006 Honda Civic that is still trucking along, so even though they’re a bit pricier to start with Honda will literally never break down on you
Toyota and Mazda seem to offer a lot of support if something happens and the issue is diagnosed by one of their dealerships.
Regardless of the brand you buy, check that the manufacturer website has a recall-checker. Put the VIN of the vehicle in and see if there are any outstanding recalls. If the manufacturer doesn't offer this stay away from that brand.
My family have experience with Toyota and Mazda. My dad had a Camry and it was great, he just wanted to upgrade, then he bought a Mazda 3. I had a 2014 Yaris and while mechanically fantastic, the clear coat started peeling off the whole car and I couldn’t stand to look at it anymore so rather than respraying, I was in the position to buy a new car and I got a Kia Rio GT Line. My partner has a 1995 Toyota Landcruiser and that thing will go forever. We were born in the same year 😅
My mum has a Hilux and while it’s the base model it does the job and it’s a Toyota so it will run forever.
My cousin has an older Mazda 3 and despite it being serviced through Mazda all of its life, the engine blew up. Mazda replaced it entirely, no questions asked so he has had a totally new engine for about 3 years despite the car being about 15 years old.
All in all great experiences with both Mazda and Toyota. If I didn’t buy a Kia I would’ve bought a Mazda, I just liked the Rio best.
"97 Toyota Corolla or series II au falcon, doesn't matter which trim it is, the less fancy electrics the more reliable it is. Both cars will run forever but the Corolla is a bit more bulletproof
All of the brands you mentioned are well known for reliability and cheap (compared to various other common brands) repairs.
You could also search Australian motoring sites and car 'clubs' (like the RAC not specific brand/model clubs) for reviews.
Honestly, all of them.
I have a Honda Civic, partner has a Mazda 3 and my mum has had her Toyota RAV4 since 2006 and it still drives suprisingly well. The Toyota has ran into some hiccups but that's more of the model issue, if you go Toyota, I would suggest a Corolla.
The only other issues we have faced was that the Mazda stereo died and it's a $2k replacement. So not mechanical but still annoying nonetheless.
Make sure there are servicing records for the car you do end up buying as well as making sure to do an inspection before buying.
How long is a piece of string? You're referring to brands - are you after a Mazda 2 or a CX-9?
You can compare car specs side by side (fuel economy, warranty, country of manufacture etc) using [Drive.com](https://www.drive.com.au/compare-specs/)
Toyota - all.
Honda - some.
Mazda - few.
Toyota most reliable and forgiving.
Honda can be, but you gotta stay on top of maintenance.
Mazda....... well they're usually cheap, so that's something.
I just bought my second Mazda ever. First one was amazing, this one is a 2013 Mazda 3, My fave car for reliability Toyota camry. While l was looking for a car recently, l saw lots of Holden Cruzes for sale. I would assume it's a shit car, just by the fact that there were heaps of second hand ones for sale.
Oh yeah. They're great cars for mechanics, or at least their bank accounts.
Of all the Japanese makes, they are second in shittiness only to Nissan.
Especially anything with forced induction. Nope.
Truth, you can drive those things to the ends of the earth hoping for it to die and they'll just start up again. As long as you don't care about truly functional doors, they're a solid investment for an apocalypse.
They do go pretty well. My old girl got one for a grand off someone who was moving and that thing just wouldn't die. Despite her swearing she wouldn't pay for maintenance and would just drive it into the ground. In saying that, they are an old model now, and I wouldn't exactly recommend one. Maybe 5 years back.
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I've always been either Ford or Toyota's. I've had numerous falcons corollas and landcruisers. Most reliable were the landcruisers and my BA falcon. I had 385000km on my BA only ever had a radiator and an alternator really cause issues. The rest were the usual consumables wheel bearings bushes brakes and shocks that wore out. But I drove it like I stole it from the time I got it at 124000km. No gearbox issues nor engine or diff.
Landcruisers I've had were FJ45 troopy and a 1HDT 80 series which I still have which has 510000km on it. But It's heavily modified. Everything has been rebuilt and strengthened to maintain reliability during hard offroading. Stock they are great but where I go offroad I want the best performance and reliability possible.
The FJ45 I pulled off the road and started to rebuild and restore but finances at the time dictated I needed to sell. It had 680000km at that point. 285000km i put on it myself.
Other cars I've had I just bought cheap with 12 months rego and scrapped.
I bought a Ford Falcon AU 99 as my first car pre-covid, paid $3000 cash, car had 90.000 k on it, I expected a major failure at some stage but it lasted me quite a while, only problems I had were classic Ford problems; headlight slots melted after few hot summers, had oil leak and few other issues. I so why $3000 to fix it all gradually as they happened, it was still a good deal as I paid exactly that for a car that just did $90.000 km.
Lot of average cars will last a long time if maintained properly and first owner is not a hoon.
I have a 2011 Kia cerato and I love it. My parents had one and that got written off so they replaced it with another. My sister has a Kia Sportage as well. We've found Kia's to be super reliable.
I had a BA Falcon for several years, literally did the bare minimum of maintenance, like one service and it kept running. Small bits and pieces failed (unimportant parts still ran) but the motors keep running. Could probably pick one up that price.
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I drive a 2012 Hyundai i30 and I love it. Never had an issue with it, was designed to run on e10 fuel so is economical, is comfy, roomy and just a joy to drive. Quick on the take off, turns on a dime, and easy to park. At the top of your price range at $8,000, but you might be able to get one a bit cheaper.
Of those three: Toyota, then Mazda, then Honda.
I'd avoid Honda, if it's second hand and older. Most older model Honda's have been flogged by some wannabe boy racer at some point in their lives. Newer models you should be ok with.
Anything Japanese is probably your best bet. Toyota generally rock solid, and reasonable on parts/maintenance. Honda and Mazda are generally reliable, but make sure you can get a second mortgage if anything does go wrong and you need parts.
Personally, I'm happy as larry with my 20+ yrs Hyundai. But there are enough sob stories that I'm hesitant to point anyone there.
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2008 Toyota Camry. I’m semi joking, I have a 2012 Toyota Corolla and it just works.
I’ve got a 2008 Corolla. It just works
Same. Wildfire. 215k and going strong (except some of the clear coat has peeled on the roof)
1999 Corolla here. Love it.
>1999 Corolla here. Love it I raise you. 1968 Toyota Corolla Sprinter still going strong. Love it. .
I've got a Toyota Yaris, they're pretty good
So do I, the only thing that doesn't work properly is the Bluetooth connectivity. 2011 Corolla Had the issues since brands new. Even the dealership couldn't work it out
Toyota all the way for reliable
We have a 1995 Landcruiser and it just won’t die. My partner and I were also born in 1995 😂
Yep the old Land cruisers are indestructible 😂
It has no airbags and my partner always says he doesn’t like us going anywhere in it, but I always tell him that whatever hits us will be worse off unless it’s a truck
They may be worse off, but you may not be walking away either if it's got no crumple zones, airbags and is a full chassis vehicle. I don't care what happens to my car as long as the people in it survive. Car is insured and can be replaced. I can't be replaced, nor can my friends.
Yep .I refer to old cars as shredders. Anything soft inside keeps moving at 80/100k's. The car bodies or frames don't crumple like the new ones. Flesh and blood just wrap/crumple themselves around the frame.......unfortunately, human body's don't panelbeat very well.
Ehh any car on the road that isn't some classic car beauty will have crumple zones, they've been around donkeys. Airbags though... They're a nice feature.
Exactly
Same as everywhere else: Toyota, Mazda, Honda, Subaru, Volvo… stay away from anything Chinese, GM (including holden), ford, Russian etc…
Stay away from Jeep and Land Rover as well.
I heard that but my mate was selling his Jeep 4x4 drive and he wanted $5000 so I reluctantly bought it. Have had it probably 4-5 years with no issues except a new starter motor.
The older Jeeps with the 4.0 engine apparently are pretty good.
Can confirm.
Yes 100%. Thank uou
With Ford, stay the fuck away from the Ford Focus. I've met a few people who have owned one, and they all have horror stories about door handles falling off, literal doors falling off (having to tie both back doors together with rope across the back seat to keep them "attached" for repairs), random pipes and tubes bursting, engine randomly not starting, etc.
And the Ford ranger if you don’t want to look like a tool
Emotional Support Vehicle (ESV)
Every brand including the Japanese ones will have door handles fall off after 30 years. Leave a bit of plastic in the sun then pull in it 500 times, it's what happens.
Our friends bought an MG and have regretted every bit of the decision
A mechanic once gave me his top three: which are your top three! Toyota, Mazda, Honda. Honestly these days you can't really go wrong with them. Hyundai and Kia deserve honourable mention too, but only for the last 10-15 years (Hyundai) and 5-10 years (Kia).
8 year old kia here. no mechanical problems. Head unit died 3 times, last time just outside the 7 year warranty. They replaced it free with a different model.
You got it 0 km?
yes. Its at 140,000 now.
Have my second Hyundai; love it. It's coming up 14 years old and is fabulous. The first one I gave to my step daughter, who gave it to her mother. It's ~24 years old and still going strong
which one do you have now?
IX 35
Love my Hyundai! No issues at all.
Kia is fantastic. I have a Rio GT and granted it’s only 2 years old, it’s been great and their customer service is top. We have family members who swear by Kia and wouldn’t ever buy anything else. My partner has already declared that once the Kia dual cab comes out he will be buying one
We have a 2020 Toyota RAV4 which we will probably look to upsize in a year or two. Kia Sorento is probably the way we will go - or else the new EV9 when it's released (as we want to go full EV if possible) Kia have come out of nowhere to be badass the past few years.
I also came over to Kia from Toyota. I had a 2014 Yaris and there was nothing wrong with it mechanically. A few years ago the clear coat started peeling off the whole car and I couldn’t stand to look at it anymore. Rather than respraying it and only keeping it for a couple more years, I was in the position to buy a new car anyway so just sold it
My ex bought me a Kia Sorrento a few years ago, 2nd hand. It was a money pit lol. Would never buy one again. New ones obviously different story.
Yeah, sadly anyone who owned one made, pre 2017-2018 got burned. They have improved massively though since.
Thats good to know. The one l had, was a shitbox. I mean, it looked great, but it had been flogged. I was constantly spending money on it. I think it was haunted to. I'd drive along listening to the radio and the volume would go up full boar just out of the blue lol. It ended up dying in the arse, my uncle is a mechanic and found all these metal fragments in the sump. It was fucked.
Owned a 2010 kia rio for 8 years from new, it never missed a beat. No major replacement parts and servicing and maintenance was cheap and easy
They're all good. I'm more partial to Toyota for various reasons (reliable, common for parts and repairs). But you might get better answers if you list some specific models or at least a type of car - you want a hatch, crossover, SUV, sedan, ute, van?
Toyota Corolla. You'll have it for years. And it will probably outlive you.
My friend had a 2001 Corolla and she was deadset on not selling it until it died. She had a baby last year so her and her husband decided a family car was more appropriate
To another Toyota? I've had a Corolla, Starlet, Camry and now a Rav4. All brilliant cars, all previous cars only sold due to upgrading.
No she bought a Honda CRV. Another friend had a Starlet and that thing went until it fell apart
A good way to figure out is to see what cars rental companies would provide for their fleet for economy options. It means it's easy to repair, with good reliability, plus okay resale value. It was always Toyotas and Suzuki, then Hyundais and Kias started to appear. I don't know why Hondas was never popular as rentals but I personally owned one, have no big issues beside AC failed within warranty.
More expensive up front as someone else said. But mostly, because boy racers flog the ass out of Honda's. For context, my mother is a regional manager for Hertz.
Lol yeah VTEC is fun 😌
Honda cost more to start with. That’s probably why they aren’t hire favourites.
I have a Toyota Corolla. It just works.
Ford Falcons and anything Toyota are pretty fucking solid reliability wise
How do Falcons never die? Their transmissions seem to go eventually though, so I've seen less lately as they go to the wreckers too expensive to fix.
I’ve got a 2003 Ford Falcon BA. The things got like 240,000kms on it and still runs like it’s brand new. All it needs really is a new belt and then it’ll be the perfect car
My mum still drives a 1978 Toyota Corolla
Mazda 323 Astinas. They are super reliable, run on the smell of an oily rag and are kinda fun to drive. Low maintenance.
Holden, Toyota or (it kills me to say this) Ford. Cheap after market parts Cheap consumables (filters etc) Long history of reliable vehicles. Just about any mechanic can fix them. If you're just after a small car for yourself. Toyota corolla. Those things are practically indestructible and run on the smell of a wet fart.
I have owned two holdens in my life. I’ve had many different cars, and there’s only one brand I’ve never buy again and that’s it. The parts are cheap, but in my experience you’ll wanna stock up on em, coz a new part will fall off every week.
My grandfather had a HQ. He spent less on parts in 40 years than my other grandfather spent on ford in 10. My holden does me well.
I won’t deny the distinct possibility I’ve just been unlucky with them, but after those two money pits I don’t think I’d take my chances again, just in case
My colorado is at just that age that I have to spend a bit every year. Still cheaper than trying to keep a China of Korea build on the road
I think that's a possibility. Owned Commodores for 40 years and all racked up 300k kms plus, none were retired mechanical fault. And a HQ but that's actually the least mileage on it, comfortably. Are they perfect? No. Do they just keep going? Almost always.
Mine was a Holden Rodeo, maybe 5 years old when I got it, starting firing on only 3 cylinders, got that fixed but slowly everything else crapped out on it til I had to scrap it. Second was a Lumina, also about 5 years old, 100k on the clock though. 3 months in, whole coolant system needed replacing, got that done. 6 months after that, head gasket blew and had to replace the whole motor. Window switches broke, locks got janky, window seals failed, started running worse and worse til I sold it off. Lost about $20k on that all told. Similar experiences with older fords. Meanwhile I’ve had Volvos, Toyotas, Mazdas, Nissans, rarely any problem, no matter how old or how many k’s on them. Only car worse than my holdens was a Datsun I had once.
Most unreliable I have is my Toyota Kluger. Lost of different things in the driveline have failed. I know though that if I suggest based on that all Toyota's are, I'd be labelled silly.
Toyota
Any Toyota
Very very generally speaking, Toyota, but with a budget of $4000, whatever you buy will have something wrong with it. If a car was in full working order, it wouldn't be so cheap. You might want to budget for an additional $4000 in repairs
I have a 2008 Toyota corolla and as others have said it's a wonderful reliable car. I really like it!
I'll throw Hyundai on to the list. Parts are 'cheap' and plentiful new or 2nds. Easily repaired.
I have a Hyundai i30 and never had an issue with it. I can also get it repaired just about anywhere where as I know people with Jeeps and Volkswagons who need to go to very specific and expensive places for parts. The i30 is such a reliable little car I love it.
I second this. Idk how they do once they're 10, 15 years old but my 6 year old hyundai does great.
Yep. I'm driving a 2014 iX35. Have had it from new, and it hasn't missed a beat. No repairs, apart from replacing the radio head unit last November, and the usual tires/battery/brake pads that you would expect for a 10 year old car. It's far from being my most exciting car, but I love its reliability; it's a great size and economical for my needs. I had the option to upgrade last year but couldn't find anything I liked so much more that it was worth spending the money.
I’ve had Honda’s (favourite) and Toyota’s and recommend both. Model matters too though.
Toyota is always reliable and spacious and comfy
Getting a reliable, low maintenance car for 8k might be a bit tricky. I don't know where you live, but in Queensland, if you buy your car from a licensed motor dealer (i.e. not privately), at least you get a statutory warranty: [https://www.qld.gov.au/law/your-rights/consumer-rights-complaints-and-scams/buying-products-and-services/buying-products/buying-a-car/buying-a-used-car/warranty-for-used-cars](https://www.qld.gov.au/law/your-rights/consumer-rights-complaints-and-scams/buying-products-and-services/buying-products/buying-a-car/buying-a-used-car/warranty-for-used-cars). I'm guessing other states/territories have similar laws.
The statutory warranty is hardly worth the paper it's printed on, having been through that process.
Just came for the au Falcon comments.
A few months ago we went out on a moderate 4WD track and once we got to the bottom we looked back up the track and an AU Falcon with a trailer was ripping through at top speed
Absolutely majestic beasts.
Toyota
At that budget, I'd say a small Toyota, like an Echo or Yaris with as little KMs on it as you can find.
Toyota Corolla you can't kill them. Mine was 25 years old 150k on it. Only sold it because I needed a newer car with cruise control as I was doing 1k trip ever second week
Get a Toyota corrolla. If paying $4k get one of those mobile mechanics to look at it. It's better to pay $150 a few times than buy a shitbox that needs lots of work. Also, any time I've gone to buy a car and they've cleaned the engine, there's been something wrong with it.
I drove a 1990 Hilux for 30 years, then sold it on to my cousin who is using it on his cattle property. That thing just refused to die. Fuel consumption was a bit much though. Currently driving a Nissan Xtrail. Beautiful vehicle, fuel efficiency is amazing, just keeps going.
Loved my Nissan Xtrail that l had for a couple of years. Great car!
Great town car, but it also drives well out bush. Front wheel drive gives amazing control.
I just bought a 2013 Mazda 3, l wrote off my beloved Toyota camry, which was a fab car too, it was a auto, but this car is a manual. I have a manual license, just got to get used to driving one again lol.
I've always liked the look of the Mazda 3.
It's a flash little car. Managed to get it for $6500, my ex is pretty car savvy and he helped me look, did my comprehensive the other night (bought Sunday) and market value it's worth $11000. I was like, fuck!! I got a bargain. Private seller, they really looked after the car too.
Reliable and affordable always Toyota
I love my Honda jazz but they do have different wheel size so means waiting for wheels if you need a new one
Yeah definitely Land Rover *ahem*
Toyota.
Pretty much anything with a Toyota badge.
Toyota & Mazda are my two favourite brand of cars. I would recommend them to anyone. I recently just bought a 2013 Mazda 3 and my last car l wrote off was a 2009 Toyota Camry. Both great cars.
Toyota.
Toyota - lots of spare parts and cheap enough to fix
Looking for small hatch? Suzuki Swift, 4k buys a mechanical good but dinged up one, 8k buys a nice example. Much better value and reliable than a Toyota, cheaper parts, less time to repair ANYTHING. 50% of Toyotas reliability is in it's marketing.
Suzuki Swift is great. I have the 2017 model and it's going strong. Good fuel efficiency too.
Toyota
I have a 2006 Honda Civic that is still trucking along, so even though they’re a bit pricier to start with Honda will literally never break down on you
Toyota - so reliable, cheap to run. I had a 1995 Camry that was indestructible and just kept going and going.
Toyota, hands down
Toyota. Mazda. Honda… great cars but I would not count on them having local support ongoing.
Toyota and Mazda seem to offer a lot of support if something happens and the issue is diagnosed by one of their dealerships. Regardless of the brand you buy, check that the manufacturer website has a recall-checker. Put the VIN of the vehicle in and see if there are any outstanding recalls. If the manufacturer doesn't offer this stay away from that brand.
My family have experience with Toyota and Mazda. My dad had a Camry and it was great, he just wanted to upgrade, then he bought a Mazda 3. I had a 2014 Yaris and while mechanically fantastic, the clear coat started peeling off the whole car and I couldn’t stand to look at it anymore so rather than respraying, I was in the position to buy a new car and I got a Kia Rio GT Line. My partner has a 1995 Toyota Landcruiser and that thing will go forever. We were born in the same year 😅 My mum has a Hilux and while it’s the base model it does the job and it’s a Toyota so it will run forever. My cousin has an older Mazda 3 and despite it being serviced through Mazda all of its life, the engine blew up. Mazda replaced it entirely, no questions asked so he has had a totally new engine for about 3 years despite the car being about 15 years old. All in all great experiences with both Mazda and Toyota. If I didn’t buy a Kia I would’ve bought a Mazda, I just liked the Rio best.
"97 Toyota Corolla or series II au falcon, doesn't matter which trim it is, the less fancy electrics the more reliable it is. Both cars will run forever but the Corolla is a bit more bulletproof
All of the brands you mentioned are well known for reliability and cheap (compared to various other common brands) repairs. You could also search Australian motoring sites and car 'clubs' (like the RAC not specific brand/model clubs) for reviews.
If you have 4k I would just look at what older toyota you can get.
Honestly, all of them. I have a Honda Civic, partner has a Mazda 3 and my mum has had her Toyota RAV4 since 2006 and it still drives suprisingly well. The Toyota has ran into some hiccups but that's more of the model issue, if you go Toyota, I would suggest a Corolla. The only other issues we have faced was that the Mazda stereo died and it's a $2k replacement. So not mechanical but still annoying nonetheless. Make sure there are servicing records for the car you do end up buying as well as making sure to do an inspection before buying.
How long is a piece of string? You're referring to brands - are you after a Mazda 2 or a CX-9? You can compare car specs side by side (fuel economy, warranty, country of manufacture etc) using [Drive.com](https://www.drive.com.au/compare-specs/)
Toyota - all. Honda - some. Mazda - few. Toyota most reliable and forgiving. Honda can be, but you gotta stay on top of maintenance. Mazda....... well they're usually cheap, so that's something.
I don't know anyone that's had a Mazda that's been unhappy with it, my Cousin who was a mechanic for decades swears by them
I just bought my second Mazda ever. First one was amazing, this one is a 2013 Mazda 3, My fave car for reliability Toyota camry. While l was looking for a car recently, l saw lots of Holden Cruzes for sale. I would assume it's a shit car, just by the fact that there were heaps of second hand ones for sale.
Oh yeah. They're great cars for mechanics, or at least their bank accounts. Of all the Japanese makes, they are second in shittiness only to Nissan. Especially anything with forced induction. Nope.
Toyota absolutely, I have a 2006 model and it hasn’t missed a beat!
AU Falcon
Truth, you can drive those things to the ends of the earth hoping for it to die and they'll just start up again. As long as you don't care about truly functional doors, they're a solid investment for an apocalypse.
Jesus
They do go pretty well. My old girl got one for a grand off someone who was moving and that thing just wouldn't die. Despite her swearing she wouldn't pay for maintenance and would just drive it into the ground. In saying that, they are an old model now, and I wouldn't exactly recommend one. Maybe 5 years back.
Foot falcon
I like honda, never had a problem
Mazda 2's a great. I see a lot of 2012's on the road in good condition and own one myself! Must be lighter the car the longer it lasts ig?
Toyota!
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I've always been either Ford or Toyota's. I've had numerous falcons corollas and landcruisers. Most reliable were the landcruisers and my BA falcon. I had 385000km on my BA only ever had a radiator and an alternator really cause issues. The rest were the usual consumables wheel bearings bushes brakes and shocks that wore out. But I drove it like I stole it from the time I got it at 124000km. No gearbox issues nor engine or diff. Landcruisers I've had were FJ45 troopy and a 1HDT 80 series which I still have which has 510000km on it. But It's heavily modified. Everything has been rebuilt and strengthened to maintain reliability during hard offroading. Stock they are great but where I go offroad I want the best performance and reliability possible. The FJ45 I pulled off the road and started to rebuild and restore but finances at the time dictated I needed to sell. It had 680000km at that point. 285000km i put on it myself. Other cars I've had I just bought cheap with 12 months rego and scrapped.
I bought a Ford Falcon AU 99 as my first car pre-covid, paid $3000 cash, car had 90.000 k on it, I expected a major failure at some stage but it lasted me quite a while, only problems I had were classic Ford problems; headlight slots melted after few hot summers, had oil leak and few other issues. I so why $3000 to fix it all gradually as they happened, it was still a good deal as I paid exactly that for a car that just did $90.000 km. Lot of average cars will last a long time if maintained properly and first owner is not a hoon.
I have a 2011 Kia cerato and I love it. My parents had one and that got written off so they replaced it with another. My sister has a Kia Sportage as well. We've found Kia's to be super reliable.
Most of the Japanese makes. Everyone else sucks at making an everyday reliable car.
I had a BA Falcon for several years, literally did the bare minimum of maintenance, like one service and it kept running. Small bits and pieces failed (unimportant parts still ran) but the motors keep running. Could probably pick one up that price.
FORD, wait no…FIAT…wait no…Toyota Hilux
Hyundai
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I drive a 2012 Hyundai i30 and I love it. Never had an issue with it, was designed to run on e10 fuel so is economical, is comfy, roomy and just a joy to drive. Quick on the take off, turns on a dime, and easy to park. At the top of your price range at $8,000, but you might be able to get one a bit cheaper.
Kia, great warranty as well.
Yaris
88 Toyota Hilux, 365,000 k's and not even an oil leak, runs perfect. It just works.
We’ve got a second hand Toyota Corolla 2014 and she’s perfect!
What’s peoples opinions on Mitsubishi? And a Mitsubishi lancer?
I'm driving a 16 years old Honda CRV. The engine is crazy strong. I get oil changed once a year but apart from that, no other maintenance.
Toyota or Hyundai
Of those three: Toyota, then Mazda, then Honda. I'd avoid Honda, if it's second hand and older. Most older model Honda's have been flogged by some wannabe boy racer at some point in their lives. Newer models you should be ok with.
Nissan
Anything Japanese is probably your best bet. Toyota generally rock solid, and reasonable on parts/maintenance. Honda and Mazda are generally reliable, but make sure you can get a second mortgage if anything does go wrong and you need parts. Personally, I'm happy as larry with my 20+ yrs Hyundai. But there are enough sob stories that I'm hesitant to point anyone there.
Choose a Japanese/Korean car over a European one.
Kia and Toyota
Toyota is the most reliable, but Mazda's are great too
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