Top 9 car buys for first time buyers plus new car buying tips you WOULDN’T think about!

June 24, 2019

My First Car

Buying a car for the first time can be a daunting process, especially when it comes to choosing the right car for you.

From driving the required hours to preparing for the driving test, first cars can be stressful to find and it is a big decision to make.

You want to choose something you not only like to drive but is safe! So, at Manheim, our car experts have put together their list of nine of the best buys for first time car buyers!

We have also provided some tips to help educate first time buyers before heading to market.

From small to large cars and commercial vehicles, our suggested top nine covers a wide range.

Small:

1. Toyota Corolla: First off the rank. The Corolla has a strong reputation for reliability and quality. It has a low running cost as it is good on fuel with cheap insurance and low service costs. Toyota is Australia’s bestselling brand with a large dealer network for support to add to the mix.

2. Hyundai i30: Hyundai is fast becoming a favourite in the Australian marketplace, it is well priced, with a focus on value for money without skipping the important safety features.

3. Kia Cerato: You can buy with confidence with the knowledge that you have the security of Kia’s industry leading 7 year warranty. Coupled with low running costs the Kia is a true winner.

Large/SUV:

4. Ford Falcon FG/FGX: The last generation of Ford Falcons to be manufactured in Australia are relative automotive bargains. Running the powerful but reliable Barra inline 6 cylinder engine, you can enjoy the power and comfort of this large Aussie sedan safe with the knowledge that to get something of equivalent size, power and comfort from a European brand, you would be paying more than double the price.

5. Mazda 6: This Mazda is a very stylish, modern and up to date family sedan. It is high quality built and features economical engines. A class leader packed with safety features and a smart choice for a first buyer.

6. Hyundai Tucson: The new generation Hyundai Tucson has seen a generational leap in comfort and drive quality at a class leading price. The large dealer network in Hyundai will give you the support you need.

Commercial:

7. Ford Ranger: The jewel in Ford Australia’s crown the Ford Ranger was only beaten out by the Toyota Hilux last year as Australia’s favourite 4X4. With a large range of variants, there is a model to suit everyone’s need and is great for anyone starting a trade.

8. Toyota Hilux: the world’s most popular commercial ute and Australia’s top-selling vehicle in 2018, the Hilux has a long history and reputation of being unbreakable. From the 4X2 workmate to the 4X4 SR5 there is a large range available and while you may pay slightly more compared to a competing brands ute, in the long run, you will get a better return on resale and enjoy lower running costs.

9. Mitsubishi Triton: The new generation of Triton has just been released, which usually results in previous models receiving a price drop. It is a good value full-sized ute.

TIPS FOR FIRST TIME BUYERS IN GENERAL:

When purchasing your first car, this is what you want to look out for (some you wouldn’t have thought of):

1. Check the service books and verify service entries if needed. Don’t be afraid to call the dealership who stamped the books to get verification on the entry and any further info they can give you.

2. Check for any outstanding recalls – jump onto the manufacturer’s website to check if there are any recalls to be completed on the vehicle, check to see if it is affected by the Takata airbag recall.

3. Take a comprehensive road test to make sure the car drives to your liking. Check for shudders, noises, squeaks and rattles. Check lights/aircon/infotainment systems etc. If buying through auction, you are not able to drive before buying. Instead, check to see if the auction house has road tested the vehicle and also listen for any announcements made by the auctioneer of any issues with the vehicle.

4. Take a mechanic with you if possible, a family member or friend who has some car knowledge to help check the mechanical side (fluids/belts/previous accident damage).

5. Google the VIN number to see if it has ever been advertised before, cross reference any old advertisements with how the car is presented now, are the km’s consistent within the time frame? Can you see any damage on the car previously that is not there now?

6. And lastly, our number one tip: DO A PPSR CHECK, this low-cost check could save you thousands as the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) lists all financial interests on the vehicle (outstanding loan amounts for example) and also lists if the vehicle was ever a previously written off vehicle or if it has a stolen status listed on it. The good thing about buying at Manheim, we do these checks before they are sold through the lanes! Saving time and money.

If you are looking to buy your first car, Manheim has a huge range of used cars at an affordable price. Please go to www.manheim.com.au to see all our cars on offer!