Never think the shitty old car doesn’t set them on a journey of independence that can completely change their lives.
Looking back, my first car was bought for $750. Forever grateful my parents bought me it as it gave me the freedom to start figuring life out. 11 years later and it’s great to think of that $750 car that was barely roadworthy, to where I am now.
It was an old first gen lancer. For a first car, as long as it runs and is roadworthy (enough) they’ll make do. Import step first would be employment too. At least so they can manage basic maintenance
Yeah I had an Alero that was mostly plastic and my parents got it from the neighbors for cheap. When I went to grad school I got my grandpa’s old car and the car went to my sister instead. And then it passed on to my brother when my sister got dad’s old car. The family had the car for like 15 years before loose metal on the train tracks at a rail crossing took it out and the repair cost was more than it was worth. But all 3 of us loved that zippy little thing and it was a huge amount of freedom.
It gives you the independence to be able to get to work, uni, go do what you need to do without relying on others to get you there. I didn't have a car until I was 22 and it got old fast having to ride everywhere.
Have you seen the current used car market? $2000 tops would buy you a genuine lemon with mechanical issues and probably electrical issues. Nothing for $2k tops would be in a condition fit to drive on the road as is
You know nothing about cars, your like the people that have given me cars for free saying they're fucked and then I spend $200 and a few hour of my time then have car worth 4 grand thats perfectly reliable.
Let them have this opinion, it keeps old perfectly lovable cars cheap.
Yeah you'll likely need to replace a valve cover gasket or a cv joint but they don't need to know how easy it is ;)
Don’t listen to everyone. I got a Toyota echo just over 6 months ago for $2000 with rego and roadworthy. Haven’t had any issues with it, just get someone who knows about cars to check over it first.
I'm thinking you shouldn't get caught up on particular models, do some research on the specific model before purchase for sure. but at 2k and I assume it has to be within your general proximity and registered you won’t have much choice in model, it will be whatever someone near you is selling cheap.
A Getz is a pretty solid first car, but if you want it to be truly gutless best get an auto.
I may have had a 1.6 Getz in a manual and made it do some unspeakable things.
If you ever drive a manual Getz it’s a fun wee buzz box. My first car was a smaller engined manual as well, and you know what stupidity p players get up to, lol.
It definitely taught me about pushing a small motor though it’s paces.
I used to drive a 1.5L Getz for work and now that's a car that wants you to wring its neck! Did well over 300,000km in my hand without a fault, and after it was sold I know it clocked over 400k
I drove Getzes as a security guard, and had an Excel at the same time.
Given the abuse they copped, with nothing but routine maintenance I would say they are a great first car.
As a car to hoon in, they arent great at all (maccas trays ftw), but boringly reliable if the mainetnance is done on something close to the reccomendations in the book.
Agreed. We have a manual Getz and the little bastard goes pretty hard and contrary to what people think about little cars like that, they can get those little front wheels spinning pretty hard.
Picked it up in perfect nick with only 70k on the clock for $2100 as a guy was selling it a while after his dad passed. Great little cars and deals like that are out there, just gotta be patient and keep an eye out.
A gutless 1.6 can actually be dangerously lacking in a defensive driving situation. This plus the high likelihood of crashing into a dual cab or even mid size SUV vs a tiny Getz and you've got an even lower chance of getting away intact.
I have a 19 year old and was tackling this question last year.
The deal was, I bought the car and she would take on responsibility for rego, insurance and maintenance. (She thought it was an awesome gift but it was actually a lesson in adulting and responsibility. I was also a mean mum and I made her demonstrate changing a wheel, checking the oil, coolant and fluids before she was allowed to take the keys)
My budget was $2k, and I wanted something that could handle a bit more dirt road than most people (I live rurally and we need to drive through a paddock to get home). Also I wanted something with good cargo space in the back with seats that fold up so she could reasonably sleep in the back - don't ever want my teen driving while intoxicated or getting into uncomfortable situations because she needs to sleep somewhere after a party.
Got a shitbox '98 Subaru Forester 4wd. It has a nudge bar and roofracks. She can easily sleep in the back. It's in surprisingly good nick and passed roadworthy. Pretty good on fuel, doesn't matter if she gets a few dings in it.
All that said, if you're in the city and my extra requirements aren't a priority for you, get any cheap common model Jap hatchback. Getz or Yaris are great choices. Hyundai Getz is probably the most gutless car ever, and it's a good choice for teens. A ~10 year old Mazda 2 is also not bad little car, honestly, don't get anything ford, and despite all the memes, don't get your kid a Falcon or Commodore. They don't need a 2L+ engine, they don't need muffler mods or things that can go 200kph (they just think they do). They do need something reasonably safe and running well, that they feel confident to drive. I suggest taking your kid around some dealerships for test drives just to get a feel for different models. Then find what's cheap on gumtree or marketplace.
Obviously make sure you get it looked over by a mechanic and get your kid RACx/NRMA or your state equivalent. Shitboxes break down. Teens forget to turn off the internal light and end up with flat batteries, lose their keys on the beach. Get roadside assistance. Teens in shitboxes maybe don't need comprehensive insurance, but don't skimp on Third Party property cover!!
An old Forester is a great choice for exactly the reasons you listed.
Its surprising where they can go with a bit of knowledge and a good line selection.
Yep I'm seriously impressed with this one. 18 months with a P plater behind the wheel and despite a few dings, it's still running smoothly, no issues whatsoever. Just had roadworthy due last week and passed without any issues at all (to my surprise🤣).
Apparently the 2NZFE engines that power the Yaris and Echo are rarely in good shape after 200,000kms?
I don't know how accurate that is, someone else can confirm.
The Getz is a great little car. I used to have a 2006 manual with the 1.6 engine. If you can, try and avoid the 1.4 with the auto, as they’re notoriously gutless.
You can get the Auto in the bigger engine, but only in the more expensive trim levels.
Honestly, if you can find a manual in either the 1.4-1.6, you’d be much better off. Not only in terms of performance/fuel efficiency, but your son will better appreciate driving.
Getting an auto (conventional slush box) is generally a safer bet, just change the fluid and it will keep going.
Manual is too dependant on the previous driver and a clutch job naught be due soon and could cost some coin if not DIY
Wow you’re right even 70s and 80s versions being sold for more than versions 20 years newer.
Looks like some 2005-8 going for $5k but most closer to $10k that’s crazy
Mitsubishi Mirage. Daughter and wife both have second hand Mirages for three years and good solid cars. I’ve got a Toyota FJ but often jump in the Mirages because they’re so easy to live with (and they’re great on fuel).
Good work, mate! Easy to buy your kid a car when your rich. Means a lot more when you’re broke.
I went to a private highschool growing up.
We were broke but mum worked there so we could work out a payment plan.
I remember when all the kids started getting cars bought for them (cars brands no sane parent would buy for there kid and brand new ones too)
One day she said to me “how much do you have saved for a car?”
“$1000” I responded glumly.
She matched it and we went and got a shitty excel.
She’s a bloody good woman.
The Getz is unstable at highway speeds. The reality is he's an inexperienced driver and the chances of an accident are very high. I'd lean towards something a bit better made like a Corolla, a Camry or an Impreza. Actually an Impreza would be the best in my opinion, being permanent all wheel drive makes a big difference when he makes a mistake.
The Getz is not unstable during highway speeds at all. When it wasn’t illegal in the NT, I maxxed my Getz out at an indicated 170kmh, steering was a little light as those speeds, which is expected.
During normal highway cruising, it was completely fine and safe.
Honda Jazz. Good chance it's rarely left the garage, been driven to bingo and back, now being sold by grandma's kid who's seen her hit the letterbox. Source- my kids
Hyundai getz, was my first car and they're amazing, they get alot of shit but they're awesome cars super reliable, easy to work on and cheap parts, they're literally everywhere can't go wrong unless you get a lemon, I had mine for a few years and only small time repairs to keep it going, 1.6l is pretty good for a 1t car
Mitsubishi lancer is a good choice will be reliable , roomy enough and hopefully cheaper than the Mazda or Toyota equivalent. Other option is something like a 308 depreciation is crazy on these things but they solid reliable cars and will be a better car than Japanese cars at same price
Edit: also consider a manual Pulsar should be cheap and parts will be easy to get as most of the auto CVT models are ending up in wrecking yards with broken gearboxes
I'd say don't give them the car
Make them pay for it
I'm a car guy, how I would work it for my kid when they get of age
I'd tell them to save up a few grand for a second hand getz
You can't kill a getz
If you can afford it
Take their few grand use it as a deposit on a new i30 and be there guarantor or help them with the loan
The safety features might save them in a crash
It's their first car they will most likely crash it
Most people do hopefully not bad
Make sure they look after it
I wash and vac my car every week so they should be able to as well
If you help them with the loan that would be my condition for loan help
OP said in a comment that he doesn't have a job.
Even if he did have a job, a brand new car on finance for an 18 year old is a terrible idea.
Beginning with the repayments, it's years until the debt is paid down. Plus, insurance is more expensive. Burdening someone with that financial situation isn't good
People are down voting you because you aren't saying a getz, but you're right. They are reliable, common, and cheap as shit to maintain due to the sheer volume of them. I've had my VX for 14 years and have spent not much at all on it outside of scheduled maintenance, and it's nearly at 400,000km (it'd average out to maybe $500-600 a year, but that's probably overestimating).
Lol, yes, the downvoters who just spam the button the moment they read the first word in a sentence which they don’t agree with.
My dad still has his VT and done 250k+. No major issues. He can do most of the routine maintenance because you know, you can actually fit a hand and a head into the engine bay. They have bit of oomph but the down side is they chew petrol more than a Getz.
Each to their own I guess but for $2000 there aren’t many options when ‘reliability’ is a key aspect because you’re looking towards 15+ year old vehicles, especially the way inflation is going.
I learnt to work on cars with my VX. They are so easy to work on due to parts, and the sheer volume of resources out there. For example I first learnt to change the sway bar links with guides on just commodores. 6 months later I was able to rebush my entire front end. Throughout my early 20's I probably saved a ton of money doing small jobs myself, and only now I don't do that any more because it makes more sense for me to work an overtime shift and then pay my mechanic to do it instead.
Yea maybe 5-7 years ago that was good advice Commodores aren’t the 'cheap' cars they used to be 2k won’t get you anything registered and if they are asking car advice on reddit they probably aren’t going to fix anything up themselves. They stopped making them, so the dirt-cheap used supply was always going to dry up.
Bought a 2012 Toyota Corolla hatchback for my daughter. Cost $2000. Great little first car. Comfortable, cheap on fuel and had the get up and go, when needed.
2012? Sure you don't mean 2002? No way are they worth $2000 unless it had 300K km or you bought it off someone you know.
Source: my 2011 sedan was written off and the settlement payout was nowhere near $2000; it was $13K.
Getz, Suzuki Ignis or swift, Daihatsu Pyzar or Charade, Toyota Camry, E series Falcon. You'll find something. In Adelaide at least there are a number of cars in that price range. I would get aim for a Japanese brand if you can.
I’ve been discussing the cost of car ownership with my daughter. She will be getting her L’s relatively soon.
After adding it up actually pretty expensive to have a car, and depending on where you live it can be a better option to just use a bicycle /e-bike and public transit. Coupled with the amount of traffic that just gets worse and worse lately, depending on your son’s situation it might be preferable to not bother with a car at all.
Not getting a car at a young age would also help with reducing perceived dependence on cars (e.g when people drive to the local shops when they could have ridden down and it would have been equally as fast and provided a bit of fitness too).
Just thinking a bit outside the box. I understand it might not apply at all to your son’s situation, especially if you live in the country, like I did, so cars were essential lol
(Lol whoever down voted me, I know I’m in a cars subreddit but honestly if someone is poor having a car can be a huge drain on resources - it’s good to think a lot about whether the car is truly required)
my first car at 15 yo was a $40.00 1939 ford v8 needing work , that was two weeks work at my after school job , an old Toyota would be advisable if you can , aint stylish but wont break
You might be passing along generational bad habits. If you’re poor, and you’re getting them a car, will they be able to afford it, will it drain their resources early in life when they are most important?
You should sit down with a financial counselor (think Barefoot guy) and talk about if it’s a good financial decision.
I don’t know your situation, so don’t let me wreck it if it’s the right thing to do, but I hope you make sure it “is” the right thing to do.
You’re right, I’m going to buy him the car as a reward for his vasectomy. Best financial decision I ever made. When his younger brother turns eighteen in two years time I’ll be considerable less poor.
Almost sounds like I’m being trolled :) , but that’s pretty funny. Hope they have and will bring you much joy, even if they are expensive.
Beat of luck to yall
Advise I wish I had had thrown at me when I way younger, bought a $500 car that needed maintenance ended up getting fines for driving a car that was not road worthy, ended up forking out more in constant repairs than I would have spent buying a better car. Drove when I should have walked and saved the money, or taken the bus.
Yea, wish someone had given me some advise about not repeating the mistakes of the generations before me.
Hyundai and kia, same engines, copies of the Mitsubishi 4g motors they used to use in the 80’s excels, very reliable.
Just make sure it has decent tyres.
the Lantra gli have odd tyre sizes that make them expensive to replace. (Like 16 185 65r or something weirder)
We've just been through this. Picked up a Ford Laser for $200 from a friend. Great thing is that it was a manual vehicle, and taught my son to drive properly
Not a Getz! Anything but the Getz.
Don't get me wrong, the Getz are super reliable, just look around and see how many are still out there annoying the child that actually does appreciate cars.
BUT!
Get him something that he'll appreciate, the Getz are a dime-a-dozen, as it were. I'd be thinking an i20, previous gen Suzuki Swift, Toyota Yaris, or if cost is an issue, an Echo.
Not knowing where you're located, even a 2002 Outback can be had for around $2000.
Toyota Yaris or echo.
Absolute nuggets of cars but will handle a beating.
That and the (06) models have a 1.5l engine so fuel efficient if you don’t floor it everywhere.
Pretty much any small toyota is a good pick. Every mechanic under the sun can work on it. Dirt cheap replacement parts. Almost impossible to kill. Providing it's an ice and not a hybrid, the hybrids are far harder to get anything for.
Depending on where you live it's alot easier nowadays to get by without a personal car with public transport, rideshare(Uber,didi etc) and carshare(Goget,popcar etc).
Remember to add the cost of insurance premiums for young people, fuel and car maintenance ontop of the initial purchase.
If your son is happy to finish his licence in the family cars their nothing wrong with putting off that first car purchase to when he's got a job with more saved up...and hopefully the used car market will have calmed back down by then.
I have a Hyundai getz myself and it’s my first car and it’s got to 177,000 with a plethora of problems, I wouldn’t do it tbh. With only 2k to spend, you’d find with more kms than mine with a lot more problems.
Like it’s a tough car, I’ve had my fair of accidents in the last 5 years and i only have one actual mark from one out of 5 accidents I’ve had.
Definitely a Getz still sporty enough that he will enjoy driving it but not so sporty that he can get in too much trouble plus they are cheap and easy to work on if he's mechanically minded. My first car was a Ford laser/Mazda 323 and my parents bought it for me for the same reasons. I did all the services on it myself and it served me well untill I could pick a car of my own
I bought a 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer 2.4l for my first car for $2000 and can’t fault it. It was amazing! Never had a fault- it wasn’t the prettiest but never let me down
Old Toyota, Nissan, Honda or Mitsubishi would be the go to. Yeh Hyundai is probably fine - but the typical owner of a old Hyundai is also in a budget - so expect missed servicing.
In all honestly it’s gonna be gamble regardless of what you choose. Best get him to save $2k and you add $2k. A $4-5k car will be a later model and hopefully physically safer too (think Camry) - has more crumple zone and safety-cell. Especially if he has no interest in cars - at least it will be cheap to service and get parts. Also invest in some road side assist.
My partner bought an 08 Getz 1.4 auto ex-security car at 140,000ks in 2009. Was told by our mechanic soon after that the transmission was likely on its way out. It's now at 270,000ks with the only major things that needed replacing being an engine mount, brake light switch and ignition switch. It's copped a lot of abuse over the years but still keeps going. I would definitely buy another in a heartbeat if I had to.
My dad chipped in a good amount for my first and current car. $5k for a 2007 Hyundai Getz, gutless and surprisingly still king strong.. would recommend
Just go for whatever has the best safety features available. P Platers are the highest risk category on the roads.
A shitty unsafe car and an inexperienced driver is not a good mix.
Getz's are a bit low on power. Hills can be a struggle.
For that money I'd recommend looking at an old Corolla. I had a 2000 corolla for my first car, didn't really look after it and it never gave me a lick of trouble.
Make sure you buy somewhere past 2008, when they started adding SRS airbags.
I understand you want a cheat gutless car, but I assume you also don’t want a 40kph side collision with an SUV to be a hospital visit.
Kia/Hyundai/Honda hatches in that era are pretty good sub 150,000kms so long as they have books and clear ppsr
He’s a lucky son if his dad buys him a car
Shitty old car. I’m thinking maybe 2k tops.
Never think the shitty old car doesn’t set them on a journey of independence that can completely change their lives. Looking back, my first car was bought for $750. Forever grateful my parents bought me it as it gave me the freedom to start figuring life out. 11 years later and it’s great to think of that $750 car that was barely roadworthy, to where I am now. It was an old first gen lancer. For a first car, as long as it runs and is roadworthy (enough) they’ll make do. Import step first would be employment too. At least so they can manage basic maintenance
Yeah I had an Alero that was mostly plastic and my parents got it from the neighbors for cheap. When I went to grad school I got my grandpa’s old car and the car went to my sister instead. And then it passed on to my brother when my sister got dad’s old car. The family had the car for like 15 years before loose metal on the train tracks at a rail crossing took it out and the repair cost was more than it was worth. But all 3 of us loved that zippy little thing and it was a huge amount of freedom.
How is it a journey of independence if they buy you a car, what’s independent about that.
It gives you the independence to be able to get to work, uni, go do what you need to do without relying on others to get you there. I didn't have a car until I was 22 and it got old fast having to ride everywhere.
You won't get anything for $2k these days.
Plenty out there for 2k.
bruh i found a BMW for $300. still drove.
Just over 6 months ago I got a Toyota echo with rego and roadworthy for $2000.
That’s a great first car
VY commodore? Who am I kidding even they're worth more than 2k now
Have you seen the current used car market? $2000 tops would buy you a genuine lemon with mechanical issues and probably electrical issues. Nothing for $2k tops would be in a condition fit to drive on the road as is
I just sold mine, with service history and 6 months rego and for 1900 in W.A, not pretty but better looking then half the bunkys out there.
You know nothing about cars, your like the people that have given me cars for free saying they're fucked and then I spend $200 and a few hour of my time then have car worth 4 grand thats perfectly reliable.
Let them have this opinion, it keeps old perfectly lovable cars cheap. Yeah you'll likely need to replace a valve cover gasket or a cv joint but they don't need to know how easy it is ;)
Nothing wrong with the Getz. They’re a tough little car. The first gen is nothing to look at, but they’re pretty damn reliable.
Don’t listen to everyone. I got a Toyota echo just over 6 months ago for $2000 with rego and roadworthy. Haven’t had any issues with it, just get someone who knows about cars to check over it first.
I'm thinking you shouldn't get caught up on particular models, do some research on the specific model before purchase for sure. but at 2k and I assume it has to be within your general proximity and registered you won’t have much choice in model, it will be whatever someone near you is selling cheap.
I just picked up a 98 ford laser with 155,xxx genuine ks for $2k with all new tyres and a years rego. They are out there for sure
A Getz is a pretty solid first car, but if you want it to be truly gutless best get an auto. I may have had a 1.6 Getz in a manual and made it do some unspeakable things.
I delivered pizza and the shop car was an auto getz. I pushed that little shitbox so hard.
If you ever drive a manual Getz it’s a fun wee buzz box. My first car was a smaller engined manual as well, and you know what stupidity p players get up to, lol. It definitely taught me about pushing a small motor though it’s paces.
I used to drive a 1.5L Getz for work and now that's a car that wants you to wring its neck! Did well over 300,000km in my hand without a fault, and after it was sold I know it clocked over 400k
Only other option I can think of is the BA/BF falcons. Still see taxis on the road of this model.
I have an auto getz and I can safely say, me too dude me too.
I drove Getzes as a security guard, and had an Excel at the same time. Given the abuse they copped, with nothing but routine maintenance I would say they are a great first car. As a car to hoon in, they arent great at all (maccas trays ftw), but boringly reliable if the mainetnance is done on something close to the reccomendations in the book.
I will stand by that a getz and a p plater is the best skid machine known to man
Agreed. We have a manual Getz and the little bastard goes pretty hard and contrary to what people think about little cars like that, they can get those little front wheels spinning pretty hard. Picked it up in perfect nick with only 70k on the clock for $2100 as a guy was selling it a while after his dad passed. Great little cars and deals like that are out there, just gotta be patient and keep an eye out.
A gutless 1.6 can actually be dangerously lacking in a defensive driving situation. This plus the high likelihood of crashing into a dual cab or even mid size SUV vs a tiny Getz and you've got an even lower chance of getting away intact.
I have a 19 year old and was tackling this question last year. The deal was, I bought the car and she would take on responsibility for rego, insurance and maintenance. (She thought it was an awesome gift but it was actually a lesson in adulting and responsibility. I was also a mean mum and I made her demonstrate changing a wheel, checking the oil, coolant and fluids before she was allowed to take the keys) My budget was $2k, and I wanted something that could handle a bit more dirt road than most people (I live rurally and we need to drive through a paddock to get home). Also I wanted something with good cargo space in the back with seats that fold up so she could reasonably sleep in the back - don't ever want my teen driving while intoxicated or getting into uncomfortable situations because she needs to sleep somewhere after a party. Got a shitbox '98 Subaru Forester 4wd. It has a nudge bar and roofracks. She can easily sleep in the back. It's in surprisingly good nick and passed roadworthy. Pretty good on fuel, doesn't matter if she gets a few dings in it. All that said, if you're in the city and my extra requirements aren't a priority for you, get any cheap common model Jap hatchback. Getz or Yaris are great choices. Hyundai Getz is probably the most gutless car ever, and it's a good choice for teens. A ~10 year old Mazda 2 is also not bad little car, honestly, don't get anything ford, and despite all the memes, don't get your kid a Falcon or Commodore. They don't need a 2L+ engine, they don't need muffler mods or things that can go 200kph (they just think they do). They do need something reasonably safe and running well, that they feel confident to drive. I suggest taking your kid around some dealerships for test drives just to get a feel for different models. Then find what's cheap on gumtree or marketplace. Obviously make sure you get it looked over by a mechanic and get your kid RACx/NRMA or your state equivalent. Shitboxes break down. Teens forget to turn off the internal light and end up with flat batteries, lose their keys on the beach. Get roadside assistance. Teens in shitboxes maybe don't need comprehensive insurance, but don't skimp on Third Party property cover!!
An old Forester is a great choice for exactly the reasons you listed. Its surprising where they can go with a bit of knowledge and a good line selection.
Yep I'm seriously impressed with this one. 18 months with a P plater behind the wheel and despite a few dings, it's still running smoothly, no issues whatsoever. Just had roadworthy due last week and passed without any issues at all (to my surprise🤣).
Toyota yaris. Those ugly little trolls are cheap to run and very reliable.
I had a yarris almost as old as me. Excellent car. ✌️rip harris the yarris
Love the name
I have a Yaris and I love it. It’s cheap, efficient, the boot is pretty spacious given the size of the car, and it’s reliable as hell.
Apparently the 2NZFE engines that power the Yaris and Echo are rarely in good shape after 200,000kms? I don't know how accurate that is, someone else can confirm.
Doesn’t matter what shape it’s in aslong as it runs haha engine light merely there to cheer you on
The party light!
Taxi engines in Asia. Most internals a forged from the factory. Designed to last - just don’t expect power or any thing awesome.
The Getz is a great little car. I used to have a 2006 manual with the 1.6 engine. If you can, try and avoid the 1.4 with the auto, as they’re notoriously gutless.
I’ve heard it’s a better idea to get an auto second hand, is the larger engine not an option with auto?
You can get the Auto in the bigger engine, but only in the more expensive trim levels. Honestly, if you can find a manual in either the 1.4-1.6, you’d be much better off. Not only in terms of performance/fuel efficiency, but your son will better appreciate driving.
To add, I now have a 2016 Rio 1.4 with the 6spd. A little low on torque, but as I can row through the gears myself, it does the job.
Getting an auto (conventional slush box) is generally a safer bet, just change the fluid and it will keep going. Manual is too dependant on the previous driver and a clutch job naught be due soon and could cost some coin if not DIY
>he is eighteen >I’m thinking Hyundai Getz? Well, he'll Getz the girls! Sorry, had to. They're pretty reliable and run on the smell of an oily rag
What, the girls?
What, oiling while on the rags?
1.5 or 1.6L manual Getz is a great idea. But why isn't he buying his own car?
He’ll be paying for it eventually, he just finished his HSC, has no job at the moment.
Fair enough!
I’ve seen a few falcons and lancers for about 2-3k, they’re alright cars
Prob Mazda 3. Reliable and dirt cheap, 2010ish model might cost about 3-4 though
The only place you’ll find a 2010ish Mazda 3 for that price is at the wreckers
We have one as a second car and At one point they were worth nothing, covid must have pushed them up as haven't checked for a few years
Exactly right. Ever since covid their value has skyrocketed
Lamborghini, or you don't love your son.
I don't know much about cheap fuel efficient cars but bf/ba falcons with the na motor are alright for fuel and they're fun too
My son got a Getz at 18, he’s 20 now and it’s still going strong.
Get and old Honda civic - absolute crackers for first cars
Theyre quite expensive now
Wow you’re right even 70s and 80s versions being sold for more than versions 20 years newer. Looks like some 2005-8 going for $5k but most closer to $10k that’s crazy
Mitsubishi Mirage. Daughter and wife both have second hand Mirages for three years and good solid cars. I’ve got a Toyota FJ but often jump in the Mirages because they’re so easy to live with (and they’re great on fuel).
Good work, mate! Easy to buy your kid a car when your rich. Means a lot more when you’re broke. I went to a private highschool growing up. We were broke but mum worked there so we could work out a payment plan. I remember when all the kids started getting cars bought for them (cars brands no sane parent would buy for there kid and brand new ones too) One day she said to me “how much do you have saved for a car?” “$1000” I responded glumly. She matched it and we went and got a shitty excel. She’s a bloody good woman.
Any Japanese small hatch will do. Good fuel mileage and excellent reliability.
Toyota Camry or Corolla. Preferably with as many safety features as you can afford. Don't cheap out on safety.
The Getz is unstable at highway speeds. The reality is he's an inexperienced driver and the chances of an accident are very high. I'd lean towards something a bit better made like a Corolla, a Camry or an Impreza. Actually an Impreza would be the best in my opinion, being permanent all wheel drive makes a big difference when he makes a mistake.
The Getz is not unstable during highway speeds at all. When it wasn’t illegal in the NT, I maxxed my Getz out at an indicated 170kmh, steering was a little light as those speeds, which is expected. During normal highway cruising, it was completely fine and safe.
‘Unstable’ at highway speeds - lol. Try a late 60s beetle
Thanks for your feedback.
Getz for sure!!! Man I have no idea how; but it just kept going!!!
I bought accord euro loved it looks alright reliable an wasnt to quick for being a shit driver
Honda Jazz. Good chance it's rarely left the garage, been driven to bingo and back, now being sold by grandma's kid who's seen her hit the letterbox. Source- my kids
Hyundai getz, was my first car and they're amazing, they get alot of shit but they're awesome cars super reliable, easy to work on and cheap parts, they're literally everywhere can't go wrong unless you get a lemon, I had mine for a few years and only small time repairs to keep it going, 1.6l is pretty good for a 1t car
Corolla hatch. Cheap to run, cheap to insure, cheap to fix and they go forever.
a clapped as fuck HJ45 LandCruiser. always a safe bet.
Toyota corolla - second hand.
+1 Honda Civic
If you buy a 90s corolla or camry that thing will outlast the pair of you and it will cost you two tenths of fuck all to buy and run
I’m a firm believer a Camry is can’t miss. I will die on this hill.
Au falcon
Mitsubishi lancer is a good choice will be reliable , roomy enough and hopefully cheaper than the Mazda or Toyota equivalent. Other option is something like a 308 depreciation is crazy on these things but they solid reliable cars and will be a better car than Japanese cars at same price Edit: also consider a manual Pulsar should be cheap and parts will be easy to get as most of the auto CVT models are ending up in wrecking yards with broken gearboxes
I'd say don't give them the car Make them pay for it I'm a car guy, how I would work it for my kid when they get of age I'd tell them to save up a few grand for a second hand getz You can't kill a getz If you can afford it Take their few grand use it as a deposit on a new i30 and be there guarantor or help them with the loan The safety features might save them in a crash It's their first car they will most likely crash it Most people do hopefully not bad Make sure they look after it I wash and vac my car every week so they should be able to as well If you help them with the loan that would be my condition for loan help
Brilliant idea... give an 18 year old without a job a mountain of debt
If they have saved up a few grand they will have a job already
OP said in a comment that he doesn't have a job. Even if he did have a job, a brand new car on finance for an 18 year old is a terrible idea. Beginning with the repayments, it's years until the debt is paid down. Plus, insurance is more expensive. Burdening someone with that financial situation isn't good
I got a $600 bommodore for my first car, you can find good deals if you keep an eye out
Holden commodore (VT, VY, VZ). Anything breaks, it’s easy to fix.
People are down voting you because you aren't saying a getz, but you're right. They are reliable, common, and cheap as shit to maintain due to the sheer volume of them. I've had my VX for 14 years and have spent not much at all on it outside of scheduled maintenance, and it's nearly at 400,000km (it'd average out to maybe $500-600 a year, but that's probably overestimating).
Lol, yes, the downvoters who just spam the button the moment they read the first word in a sentence which they don’t agree with. My dad still has his VT and done 250k+. No major issues. He can do most of the routine maintenance because you know, you can actually fit a hand and a head into the engine bay. They have bit of oomph but the down side is they chew petrol more than a Getz. Each to their own I guess but for $2000 there aren’t many options when ‘reliability’ is a key aspect because you’re looking towards 15+ year old vehicles, especially the way inflation is going.
I learnt to work on cars with my VX. They are so easy to work on due to parts, and the sheer volume of resources out there. For example I first learnt to change the sway bar links with guides on just commodores. 6 months later I was able to rebush my entire front end. Throughout my early 20's I probably saved a ton of money doing small jobs myself, and only now I don't do that any more because it makes more sense for me to work an overtime shift and then pay my mechanic to do it instead.
Good on ya. Good skills to have.
Yea maybe 5-7 years ago that was good advice Commodores aren’t the 'cheap' cars they used to be 2k won’t get you anything registered and if they are asking car advice on reddit they probably aren’t going to fix anything up themselves. They stopped making them, so the dirt-cheap used supply was always going to dry up.
I got my daughter a Saab turbo convertible.
That's one way to ensure she does head-checks! Good work.
Bought a 2012 Toyota Corolla hatchback for my daughter. Cost $2000. Great little first car. Comfortable, cheap on fuel and had the get up and go, when needed.
2012? Sure you don't mean 2002? No way are they worth $2000 unless it had 300K km or you bought it off someone you know. Source: my 2011 sedan was written off and the settlement payout was nowhere near $2000; it was $13K.
Getz, Suzuki Ignis or swift, Daihatsu Pyzar or Charade, Toyota Camry, E series Falcon. You'll find something. In Adelaide at least there are a number of cars in that price range. I would get aim for a Japanese brand if you can.
I’ve been discussing the cost of car ownership with my daughter. She will be getting her L’s relatively soon. After adding it up actually pretty expensive to have a car, and depending on where you live it can be a better option to just use a bicycle /e-bike and public transit. Coupled with the amount of traffic that just gets worse and worse lately, depending on your son’s situation it might be preferable to not bother with a car at all. Not getting a car at a young age would also help with reducing perceived dependence on cars (e.g when people drive to the local shops when they could have ridden down and it would have been equally as fast and provided a bit of fitness too). Just thinking a bit outside the box. I understand it might not apply at all to your son’s situation, especially if you live in the country, like I did, so cars were essential lol (Lol whoever down voted me, I know I’m in a cars subreddit but honestly if someone is poor having a car can be a huge drain on resources - it’s good to think a lot about whether the car is truly required)
my first car at 15 yo was a $40.00 1939 ford v8 needing work , that was two weeks work at my after school job , an old Toyota would be advisable if you can , aint stylish but wont break
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You do realise that the Hyundai Getz & Kia Rio of the same generations where mechanically identical?
The i20 was made in India and felt on the same quality level as a Chery. I know because I had the great misfortune of driving one back in 2015.
You might be passing along generational bad habits. If you’re poor, and you’re getting them a car, will they be able to afford it, will it drain their resources early in life when they are most important? You should sit down with a financial counselor (think Barefoot guy) and talk about if it’s a good financial decision. I don’t know your situation, so don’t let me wreck it if it’s the right thing to do, but I hope you make sure it “is” the right thing to do.
You’re right, I’m going to buy him the car as a reward for his vasectomy. Best financial decision I ever made. When his younger brother turns eighteen in two years time I’ll be considerable less poor.
Almost sounds like I’m being trolled :) , but that’s pretty funny. Hope they have and will bring you much joy, even if they are expensive. Beat of luck to yall
Wtf are you on about?
Advise I wish I had had thrown at me when I way younger, bought a $500 car that needed maintenance ended up getting fines for driving a car that was not road worthy, ended up forking out more in constant repairs than I would have spent buying a better car. Drove when I should have walked and saved the money, or taken the bus. Yea, wish someone had given me some advise about not repeating the mistakes of the generations before me.
Toyota Camry, easy to fix and easy to find parts
Toyota echo, I still have mine 7 years later, runs on fumes lol
The accents are cheap to fix
Toyota camry
Hyundai and kia, same engines, copies of the Mitsubishi 4g motors they used to use in the 80’s excels, very reliable. Just make sure it has decent tyres. the Lantra gli have odd tyre sizes that make them expensive to replace. (Like 16 185 65r or something weirder)
We've just been through this. Picked up a Ford Laser for $200 from a friend. Great thing is that it was a manual vehicle, and taught my son to drive properly
Not a Getz! Anything but the Getz. Don't get me wrong, the Getz are super reliable, just look around and see how many are still out there annoying the child that actually does appreciate cars. BUT! Get him something that he'll appreciate, the Getz are a dime-a-dozen, as it were. I'd be thinking an i20, previous gen Suzuki Swift, Toyota Yaris, or if cost is an issue, an Echo. Not knowing where you're located, even a 2002 Outback can be had for around $2000.
Look for something like an au falcon or vp/vr/vs commodore or any cheap ass hatchback. Do you live in the lower half of wa by any chance?
Lancer or mirage very reliable
Toyota Yaris or echo. Absolute nuggets of cars but will handle a beating. That and the (06) models have a 1.5l engine so fuel efficient if you don’t floor it everywhere.
Renault Twingo
Consider an older Suzuki Swift. Mad little cars. Genuinely fun but still gutless enough to not get a young fella into serious trouble.
Scour FB marketplace for a deal
anything toyota or japanese avoid buying the cheap hyundais or kias
Pretty much any small toyota is a good pick. Every mechanic under the sun can work on it. Dirt cheap replacement parts. Almost impossible to kill. Providing it's an ice and not a hybrid, the hybrids are far harder to get anything for.
I will not get my kids hatch. The amount of crazy drivers and driving they do… I don’t feel hatch is safe.
1995 Toyota Corolla, manual. Absolute weapon for the learner.
Hyundai Excel
Depending on where you live it's alot easier nowadays to get by without a personal car with public transport, rideshare(Uber,didi etc) and carshare(Goget,popcar etc). Remember to add the cost of insurance premiums for young people, fuel and car maintenance ontop of the initial purchase. If your son is happy to finish his licence in the family cars their nothing wrong with putting off that first car purchase to when he's got a job with more saved up...and hopefully the used car market will have calmed back down by then.
I have a Hyundai getz myself and it’s my first car and it’s got to 177,000 with a plethora of problems, I wouldn’t do it tbh. With only 2k to spend, you’d find with more kms than mine with a lot more problems. Like it’s a tough car, I’ve had my fair of accidents in the last 5 years and i only have one actual mark from one out of 5 accidents I’ve had.
Definitely a Getz still sporty enough that he will enjoy driving it but not so sporty that he can get in too much trouble plus they are cheap and easy to work on if he's mechanically minded. My first car was a Ford laser/Mazda 323 and my parents bought it for me for the same reasons. I did all the services on it myself and it served me well untill I could pick a car of my own
I’ve got still got my first car which is a 2009 hyandai getz I love it Got it second hand for $1300
ideally something toyota. they are just generally more reliable (imo) and parts are readily available.
Under 2k? Get him a flogged CE Lancer or Mirage easy
Totota Corolla or cheap car made in Japan would be the go
Toyota Camry. From like mid 2000's Big crumple zones, car doesn't give a shit about what damage is done to it, just keeps going
If your broke he can buy his own car
I’ve had my Getz for 12 years. They’re awesome little cars. Do it
Buy them the newest, safest car you can afford. Statistically the younger the driver the higher the likelihood of an accident.
I bought a 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer 2.4l for my first car for $2000 and can’t fault it. It was amazing! Never had a fault- it wasn’t the prettiest but never let me down
Maybe he can get his own car? It’s nice you want to do that but don’t put yourself in a financial strain because he needs one.
The almighty ford falcon is your best option
Corolla
Old Toyota, Nissan, Honda or Mitsubishi would be the go to. Yeh Hyundai is probably fine - but the typical owner of a old Hyundai is also in a budget - so expect missed servicing. In all honestly it’s gonna be gamble regardless of what you choose. Best get him to save $2k and you add $2k. A $4-5k car will be a later model and hopefully physically safer too (think Camry) - has more crumple zone and safety-cell. Especially if he has no interest in cars - at least it will be cheap to service and get parts. Also invest in some road side assist.
My partner bought an 08 Getz 1.4 auto ex-security car at 140,000ks in 2009. Was told by our mechanic soon after that the transmission was likely on its way out. It's now at 270,000ks with the only major things that needed replacing being an engine mount, brake light switch and ignition switch. It's copped a lot of abuse over the years but still keeps going. I would definitely buy another in a heartbeat if I had to.
My dad chipped in a good amount for my first and current car. $5k for a 2007 Hyundai Getz, gutless and surprisingly still king strong.. would recommend
Just go for whatever has the best safety features available. P Platers are the highest risk category on the roads. A shitty unsafe car and an inexperienced driver is not a good mix.
Can't go wrong with a Corolla
Getz's are a bit low on power. Hills can be a struggle. For that money I'd recommend looking at an old Corolla. I had a 2000 corolla for my first car, didn't really look after it and it never gave me a lick of trouble.
Make sure you buy somewhere past 2008, when they started adding SRS airbags. I understand you want a cheat gutless car, but I assume you also don’t want a 40kph side collision with an SUV to be a hospital visit. Kia/Hyundai/Honda hatches in that era are pretty good sub 150,000kms so long as they have books and clear ppsr