When buying a 2nd hand car am I better to....?

[blessedatlast]

I am looking for a cheap 4cylinder car. I am only wanting to spend up to $3,500 so there's not that many options.

Am I better to get an older car with less kilometers or an newer car with more? I know nothing about cars except how to drive them lol.. I have no clue what to even look for and I need something safe enough for my precious cargo, who I hope will be on board sometime in 2012!



If anyone is on the GC or Brisbane, keep an eye out for me

[Kimbles01]

Try and find a make you like, then ring a mechanic to find out how much replacement parts would be, and how readily available parts are to get.

Often European cars are more expensive to service and repair.

ETA- DH says older car with lower kilometres is best. If its early 2000/2001 made car most safety features will be similar to newer cars, with the exception of brand new vehicles now. Manual also tend to be cheaper than automatics if you don't have a preference. Early 2000 mitsubishi lancers are great cars.

[Cranky Kitten]

There's pros and cons for both to be honest.

Older car with less k's will typically have less mechanical wear and tear, but may not have as many of the more modern safety features as a newer car. Newer cars mean possibly better safety features (like ABS, airbags etc) but higher k's will mean things will start to need replacing sooner. If you are going new/high k's, check the service history to see if the car has been well maintained.

I also strongly recommend an independent mechanical report if you're going for a private sale, or even through a smaller dealer. I know RAC do them here in Perth, not sure who'd do them in Brissie but they're worth every cent - they go over the car with a fine tooth comb and possibly can assist in avoiding the purchase of a clapped out lemon.

All the best hun