Jump to content
SAU Community

Recommended Posts

My neice is getting her P's soon and needs a car. She has a budget of $5k...

I'm going to try and work with her to get more budget but if we stick to amounts around this and considering how my sister drives 😬I'm going to want something safe. Very very safe

The best I have so far is a bk Mazda 3. Preferably the maxx (two x's for coolness) or the sp23. The latter having lots of airbags, abs and traction control. For this price though they all have been to the moon a few times.

Maybe an AWD subie? An Impreza RS has a bunch of safety stuff but I'd be worried about maintenance costs and general reliability.

In Nissan's corner there is the woefully under equipped Tiida or a Micra which looks good but is tiny. Can get a auto SSS N15 Pulsar! But it has no safety features at all.

What do you think is the best option here?

 

Link to comment
https://www.sau.com.au/forums/topic/484362-car-hunt-challenge-5k/
Share on other sites

When it comes to crash safety, I think the most important factor is having the bigger car in the collision. 

If a 100 series Landcruiser with a bull bar and a late model Mitsubishi Mirage were involved in a head on collision, I would much rather be behind the wheel of the Landcruiser, despite the Mirage being 20 years more modern with a higher safety rating. 

Having said that, my vote would be for a mid 2000's Camry/Falcon/Commodore/etc. It's the best combo of large vehicle/modern vehicle that I can come up with. 

  • Like 1

Mazda 3 is my vote, we've had ours 6 years without any trouble, regular servicing and she goes and goes and goes.

They're bulletproof. If you do look for a BK and it's automatic, the only thing that could fail with them is the TCM, not an expensive fix but something to be mindful of. Very safe car too. 

 

  • Like 1

Maybe one thing to consider is that you have to be quick. At least on carsales a good deal in that price range might be sold literally within the hour. The ones that are still listed are the ones that don't sell because they are priced too high for what they are.

It needs notifications enabled in the app and funds ready and basically be willing to put on a deposit straight away with no questions asked.

I found it depressing when I was looking a few months ago. Also because I imagine that a lot of them get sold to people who flip them. Because what normal person buys a car in that way?!

Good luck! :)

  • Like 1
10 hours ago, funkymonkey said:

100% no on any cheap, used euro. :D

Otherwise, I'll be the one trying to maintain it for her ...

1 hour ago, PranK said:

Yeah I was thinking about just getting something big. Not sure how keen she'll be on that.

Territory is not big big like a Cruiser and actually feels a lot smaller and nimble behind the wheel than you think. Lots of safety gear for the time - remember they were Wheels coty when they came out.

My missus drives our AWD one around like its our Rex.

If size matters for a first car, Toyota Camry, boring, but excellent

I bought my daughter a Yaris because she wanted a little car that was cheap to run, she has not had 1 issue

Well.....she did hit a kangaroo doing 80kph, she was find, and the car cost $1500 to fix

Luck, yes, but still

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_6140.jpg

IMG_4372.jpg

Yuck VAG.

I recently went through this. Hatches/small cars were heavily inflated. I found Accord Euro to be a good deal. CL9s easily go for less than $10k, I bought a base CU2 for $11k last year (130k km, serviced at Hani's or whatever that Honda garage near Cabra is called). My cousin picked up a half decent CL9 for $7k.

Auto or manual, (if looked after) reliable, can get the luxury with sunroof and HID headlights.

 

  

On 16/01/2023 at 6:14 AM, Duncan said:

Used to be you could get a R32 GTST for that budget, not so much any more

I bought my black GTS-t Type M for $6k back in the day, was immaculate and stock. R.I.P.

5 hours ago, PranK said:

100% no on any cheap, used euro. :D

Otherwise, I'll be the one trying to maintain it for her ...

Don’t pretend like you don’t have the spare parts!

most safety and comfort features any new driver should have are standard kit on 2010 vintage euro at that price point, but most asian cars you’d struggle

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now


  • Similar Content

  • Latest Posts

    • That is surely the biggest gathering of Stageas in North America, ever!
    • Remember kids - if you can't afford to buy 2 GTRs......
    • I know people cry at the price of the Getrag 12-14k for a conversion now, but it really is a nice mid point. Not going to get change from 10k on a gearset installed.  $30k++ for sequential.   I know you run the risk of a damaged used one and parts are hard to get but as a street car gearbox its really hard to beat. If you enjoy a more traditional manual, its the choice no question.     
    • Time to decide what’s more import, your power level or your budget because you’re going to struggle to keep both 
    • Our Southern Highlands Cruise is proudly registered with “R U OK?” Day.  Sometimes the best way to check in on your mates is by getting out for a drive together. Sharing a common passion like cars creates the perfect space to chat, connect, and support each other.  A simple “R U OK?” can make all the difference. Let's enjoy the drive, the company, and look out for one another. PLEASE WEAR YELLOW FOR “R U OK?” DAY Sunday 14th September 2025 9:30AM Meeting Crossroads Homemaker Centre 10:00AM Cruise Departure Via Old Hume Hwy 11:45AM Arrival at Mittagong RSL Club Meet Location: Crossroads Homemaker Centre Final Destination: Mittagong RSL Club *Disclaimer* There will be a lead and follow car so no one should get lost. If you would like to attend or bring others along please put your name down and a +1 as numbers will be needed prior! This is NOT a race and we will all be adhering to all road rules. If this is what you want please come to one of our many track days. This is an official SAU:NSW event and will be run under a CAMS permit. One of the things that really sets our club apart is our commitment to being true enthusiasts. When on normal roads we strive to maintain good relations with the authorities as well as the public in general. When attending one of Skylines Australia NSW events please try to: • Be aware of surrounding environment and act accordingly. • Drive courteously on the state’s roads as a true enthusiast should. • Understand how important it is to maintain the good name of SAU NSW and thus, treat others accordingly. • Any misbehavior will not be tolerated and you will be asked to leave.
×
×
  • Create New...