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Read the WELCOME ALL BMWFANATICS post.
discussion Safe, economical and decent quality city car for under R150k
- Thread starter MR_Y
- Start date
MR_Y
Well-known member
Update
I am considering the base Toyota Starlet 1.4 Xi. Yes, made in India, but apparently made pretty well and has ESC. Will go on a test drive and revert. Only 2 airbags, but seems to be a bigger sized car. That R150k cap will be need to be bended a bit, but hopefully used prices start dropping below R180k.
I am considering the base Toyota Starlet 1.4 Xi. Yes, made in India, but apparently made pretty well and has ESC. Will go on a test drive and revert. Only 2 airbags, but seems to be a bigger sized car. That R150k cap will be need to be bended a bit, but hopefully used prices start dropping below R180k.
Last edited:
MR_Y
Well-known member
Update
So, I like the Starlet.
I test drove the base model.
It is a lightweight car and you can feel it, especially in strong cross winds.
If I get the car, I will fit wider rubber on it, which may help a bit with stability at higher speeds in windy conditions.
For a budget car, it is pretty decent.
Not as good as the current Polo Vivo, but considerably cheaper, arguably more reliable and marginally less likely to be stolen (though, there is no guarantee, obviously). Also, it feels more spacious than the Polo Vivo.
The Starlet is a good car, for what it is. And is a great car for a newish car car under R190k (low miler demo Xi spec). I feel the price may drop a bit more, with slightly higher miles or after a year or two under the belt. Also, fleet buyers would likely start dumping some stock in the market after a few years.
So, will I take the plunge?
My future plans to move to the South of JHB have been put on hold and my future work arrangement situation (WFH or need go to office regularly) is not yet clear. Even if I don't end up having to move house, I am still keen on this car as a runaround vehicle. If used prices start dipping below R160k, the case becomes more compelling. Also, with my company making cuts elsewhere, driving in with a Porsche (even though it cost less than a new 318i/320i, which is ubiquitous in the company parking lot), on the days I may have to come into work, may send the wrong signals.
So, I like the Starlet.
I test drove the base model.
It is a lightweight car and you can feel it, especially in strong cross winds.
If I get the car, I will fit wider rubber on it, which may help a bit with stability at higher speeds in windy conditions.
For a budget car, it is pretty decent.
Not as good as the current Polo Vivo, but considerably cheaper, arguably more reliable and marginally less likely to be stolen (though, there is no guarantee, obviously). Also, it feels more spacious than the Polo Vivo.
The Starlet is a good car, for what it is. And is a great car for a newish car car under R190k (low miler demo Xi spec). I feel the price may drop a bit more, with slightly higher miles or after a year or two under the belt. Also, fleet buyers would likely start dumping some stock in the market after a few years.
So, will I take the plunge?
My future plans to move to the South of JHB have been put on hold and my future work arrangement situation (WFH or need go to office regularly) is not yet clear. Even if I don't end up having to move house, I am still keen on this car as a runaround vehicle. If used prices start dipping below R160k, the case becomes more compelling. Also, with my company making cuts elsewhere, driving in with a Porsche (even though it cost less than a new 318i/320i, which is ubiquitous in the company parking lot), on the days I may have to come into work, may send the wrong signals.
MR_Y
Well-known member
Update
Budget has been cut to R100k max.
Checking out a few old Honda Jazz 1.4 and 1.5 models. Decided to go the Auto route, given that it would be used in heavy traffic often and I am getting old
Anyway, trying to find a franchised or reputable dealer is difficult with cars of that vintage (pre 2010).
Also, trying to find one with full Honda (or at least RMI) service history (would likely be owned by little old ladies from Parkhurst).
Budget has been cut to R100k max.
Checking out a few old Honda Jazz 1.4 and 1.5 models. Decided to go the Auto route, given that it would be used in heavy traffic often and I am getting old
Anyway, trying to find a franchised or reputable dealer is difficult with cars of that vintage (pre 2010).
Also, trying to find one with full Honda (or at least RMI) service history (would likely be owned by little old ladies from Parkhurst).
MR_Y
Well-known member
Checking my old threads and should update this.
Given my age, requirement for some comfort, peace of mind and the ability to use the car as an alternate family car (the main family car is out of Plan), I decided to up the budget and buy something newer and larger.
However, I am now looking for a car for an elderly relative under R150k, with an autobox and needs to be super reliable and inexpensive to maintain. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks
Given my age, requirement for some comfort, peace of mind and the ability to use the car as an alternate family car (the main family car is out of Plan), I decided to up the budget and buy something newer and larger.
2022 Ford EcoSport 1.5 Ambiente Auto
I hope the VPS will be the only sticker :fencelook: Thanks. My sticker days are long gone....
www.bmwfanatics.co.za
However, I am now looking for a car for an elderly relative under R150k, with an autobox and needs to be super reliable and inexpensive to maintain. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks
henriZA
Active member
I have my dad's old Prado (2006 Prado 5-speed auto) available if you're keen. It's the 4.0 VX which suips petrol and also sitting at 312000km.
Super reliable - yes
Inexpensive to maintain - I think the services aren't that expensive from what I heard.
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