A shining, brand new vehicle is a beautiful thing, no doubt about it. But the cost can be a lot to bear. Although you get to test your seats first, flex the interiors first, and enjoy many other “firsts”, they all come at a price. Listen, contrary to popular opinion that buying a used car is a minus, the truth is that there are huge advantages when you buy used cars.
For one, insurance is cheaper since substantial depreciation will have already occurred. The point is, while you might not get that new car smell, with careful decision, you should get great value for your Aussies. The deal now is getting a quality used car, and this post will be your guide.
In this piece, I have prepared a selection of ten of the best-used cars in Australia for you as you embark on getting your new-old machine. Granting that the term 'best' can mean different things to different buyers; I have selected not 1 or 5 but 10 of the most popular choices around. There should be something for everybody on this list.
Quick Overview
- Mazda 3
- Mazda 6
- Ford Falcon
- BMW 3
- Ford Ranger
- Suzuki Swift
- Mazda CX-5
- Toyota Land Cruiser
- Holden Commodore
- Toyota Corolla
Top 10 Used Cars to Buy
1. Mazda 3
The Mazda 3 is an aesthetically appealing vehicle that combines the features of a small-sized sedan and hatchback. Although its engine is average, its solid appearance and the lovely interior have made it one of Australia's most sought-for used vehicles.
Pros: Beautiful interior design; amazing technological features that measure close to the latest cars.
Cons: It is a compact car, thus has limited space. It is an averaged engine car, which means that it’s not so powerful.
2. Mazda 6
The Mazda 6, with its spacy cabin, agile handling, and excellent fuel economy, is a perfect choice when surfing for a used car. Plus, it has one of the best base 4-cylinder engines around. So, you get power, space, and fuel-efficiency at a real low cost.
Pros: Excellent fuel economy; smooth and responsive power train; superb interior.
Cons: No engine upgrade available.
3. Ford Falcon FG XR6
The Ford Falcon guarantees long-distance comfort for four to five passengers. It provides a comfortable drive with plenty of room and a sporty look, making it one fantastic everyday car for young folks and family people. Who doesn't like a spacy interior with a sporty exterior?
Pros: It is large and spacious. It performs impressively well, especially for an old model car.
Cons: Fuel efficiency is low (being big comes with a price). Handling is perfect, but it still feels tanky.
4. BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 Series design is top-notch. I dare say it has an out-of-this-world interior. This makes it outstanding amongst many in its resale and secondhand value. Not to forget, its infotainment system is a bang. Succinctly put, the BMW 3 Series is a blend of pure class, speed, and crazy engine performance.
Pros: Outstanding engine; enough storage space; excellent technological system.
Cons: Stiffer rides; you will feel the effects of potholes and bumps in the vehicle.
5. Ford Ranger
When you speak of dual cabin trucks, the Ford Ranger ranks in a class of its own. This truck offers good looks with a great driving experience and other impressive features. They won't go outdated anytime soon as they are also the most popular dual-cab utes in Australia.
Pros: Modern tech infotainment system; superb engine and gearbox combination.
Cons: Fuel-guzzler.
6. Suzuki Swift
Fuel economy at its best, the Suzuki Swift has remained a significant force in the fuel-efficient vehicles category. For this fuel economy, high-quality steering and suspension system, design, toughness and reliability, the Swift has made its way into our list.
Pros: Superb fuel economy; rugged and reliable; easy to use; easy-to-find spare parts.
Cons: Very small-sized vehicle.
7. Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 features plenty of space with fold-down seats and a large storage compartment. Every model comes with fantastic tech features like ABS, emergency brake assist, six airbags, and so on. It’s also the first vehicle to be equipped with lane-departure warning.
Pros: Everlasting design craftsmanship; quiet ride; high standard infotainment system.
Cons: Personally, I don’t think there is.
8. Toyota Land Cruiser
Reliability and functionality are embedded in the design of the Toyota Land Cruiser. Their ranges of models are continuously updated. It is Toyota’s longest-running series and one of the best-known 4WDs. It possesses a rugged-looking interior that would sell anyone off.
Pros: High Performance; spacious; superb interior.
Cons: High purchase price.
9. Holden Commodore
This iconic machine is a complete monster with its astonishing design and heroic performance. The Commodore is quite spacious, comfortable to drive, and easy to handle. It has high maintainability too.
Pros: Stylish looks; fantastic safety features; interactive infotainment system.
Cons: Its fuel thirst is massive; cruise control and gearbox can be glitchy at times.
10. Toyota Corolla
The Corollas are spacious, fuel-efficient vehicles with great ease of maintenance. Relatively cheap and reliable, Toyota Corolla is one of the most affordable sophisticated vehicles around.
Pros: Low purchase cost; good value; readily available.
Cons: Average performance; weak body.
There you go! Those are the cars on our best used car list. However, you should understand that the condition of the vehicle you want to buy matters a lot. Know your seller well, and give the car a thorough inspection. We at Carpart would like you to know that getting a used car over a new one also has its cons, but it saves you heaps of cash.
By Damilare Olasinde