I need a car to commute in, but don't want to blow the bank. Help?

Forums › Transport (cars, bikes and boats) › I need a car to commute in, but don't want to blow the bank. Help?

cnor152

72 posts

Master Geek

#151784 4-Sep-2014 21:07

I just want a comfortable, safe car to commute to and from work (1 hour both ways). My maximum budget is 10k (I really don't want to spend that much though).

Right now I am in a crap car, that has no air con or ABS. I am counting down the days before I smash into the back of someone on the motorway, so I am keen to find a better one. I know nothing about cars, so I am in a real pickle. Asking around, most people say stay away from European cars due to them being very expensive to fix. So that is really all I have.

Do any of you have any suggestions, or even some information to send me in the right direction?

Also is it better to buy from a dealer, or is Trade Me okay (I live in Auckland)?

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4431 posts

Uber Geek
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#1122167 4-Sep-2014 21:27

City stop-start driving? Highway?

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gzt

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#1122169 4-Sep-2014 21:31

There are many dealers selling on TradeMe, so it is possible to get the best of both worlds if you want that. Either way get an inspection before buying, which in practice means agreement with the seller to hold until inspection is complete.

Last time i did this, I called the seller and said if it is as described and no real issues on the inspection then I'm happy to pay $x. Seller agreed, set buy now, i purchased, completed inspection, seller resolved minor issues, drove away, everyone happy.

PhantomNVD

2619 posts

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#1122185 4-Sep-2014 21:58

Look out for an 5-10 year old Toyota Corolla (sedan or hatch), they run forever on the smell of an oily rag and my two never seem to need more than breaks, tires and servicing, doing over 20,000km each per year, very strongly recommended for a work transport car, should be between 3 and 10k depending on condition, mileage or age...

dcole13

534 posts

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#1122187 4-Sep-2014 22:00

What about taking the bus?

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ubergeeknz

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#1122191 4-Sep-2014 22:04

Yep, whatever you buy, get an inspection. That is the main thing. Also check out http://www.reliabilityindex.com/top-100 for a bit of a guide as to what recent vehicles are most reliable. Hope that helps!

blakamin

4431 posts

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#1122198 4-Sep-2014 22:12

dcole13: What about taking the bus?

HAHA... When I used to commute, a bus would turn a 45 minute trip into a 2 hour + trip.

mattwnz

19996 posts

Uber Geek

#1122203 4-Sep-2014 22:18

What about something from turner auctions? They seem to have some good deals from time to time, especially their trademe deals.

dcole13

534 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1122204 4-Sep-2014 22:19

blakamin:
dcole13: What about taking the bus?

HAHA... When I used to commute, a bus would turn a 45 minute trip into a 2 hour + trip.

My sister commutes from Whangaparaoa into the CBD and has no trouble but does take quite a while. Cheaper though, that's the whole reason she does it.

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MikeAqua

7767 posts

Uber Geek

#1122396 5-Sep-2014 10:48

Buying from a used car dealer often costs more than buying private. In theory you have some protections from a dealer but they are not easy to enforce, so be careful who you buy from. You are likely to get better after sales service buying a used car from a new car dealership, but you will pay more.

Safety: -
- ABS
- Air bags (more is better)
- Stability control is nice to have, but unlikely in your budget
- Check for collision safety ratings at www.rightcar.govt.nz (this site often has economy as well).

Pick any: -
- Common
- Mid sized
- NZ New
- Mazda, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Suzuki or Toyota
- <10 years old
- <120,000km

DO Arrange a pre-purchase inspection - AA do a good job of this.

DO check for money owing on the car etc - also an AA service

Avoid Subaru's - they are great cars at 5 years old but a nightmare after 10

Hondas are good but parts can be expensive.

If you do end up buying an import get a model of car that is common in NZ. Buying some parts for an obscure variant can be difficult.

Mike

Batman

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#1122430 5-Sep-2014 11:14

Toyota corolla with ESP will suit you.

Batman

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#1122431 5-Sep-2014 11:15

Or a Honda jazz with ESP

blakamin

4431 posts

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#1122805 5-Sep-2014 22:21

Just coz I can, I'll say a well maintained euro car is waaaay more comfortable than any japanese car. ;p
Even my Mrs says my 95 bmw is more comfortable than her 08 mazda 6. (Mind you, it should be... my 95 was $240,000 when it was new)

Dynamic

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#1122816 5-Sep-2014 23:00

MikeAqua: DO Arrange a pre-purchase inspection - AA do a good job of this.

In my experience the AA pre-purchase inspections are not as good as they used to be. They won't take the vehicle above 50km/h.

I would recommend taking a vehicle 5+ years old to a trusted local mechanic to give it a good going over. Establish a good long term relationship with them and they will treat you well both in being helpful and keeping charges reasonable (in my experience).

Our second vehicle is a little Mazda Demio. Nice and reliable, feels safe, and uses bugger all gas. I've never had a Mazda before this one, and we've had it for 4 years now. More than happy to recommend it based on this one experience.

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PocketSmith for budgeting and personal finance management. A great Kiwi company.

Jase2985

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#1122892 6-Sep-2014 07:07

Low KM Honda Jazz Sport with a service history and you cant go wrong.

That one is quiet tidy
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/honda/auction-769447899.htm

There are a few nice examples on Trademe

Batman

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#1122898 6-Sep-2014 07:35

cnor152: I just want a comfortable, safe car to commute to and from work (1 hour both ways). My maximum budget is 10k (I really don't want to spend that much though).

Right now I am in a crap car, that has no air con or ABS. I am counting down the days before I smash into the back of someone on the motorway, so I am keen to find a better one. I know nothing about cars, so I am in a real pickle. Asking around, most people say stay away from European cars due to them being very expensive to fix. So that is really all I have.

Do any of you have any suggestions, or even some information to send me in the right direction?

Also is it better to buy from a dealer, or is Trade Me okay (I live in Auckland)?

Always use trademe. Buy from registered motor vehicle dealers you are covered by law. If you buy via private sale you are not covered but seriously who is going to abuse a 4 year old corolla or jazz - just ask for a service history.

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