Hi guys ! I’m from Canada, and I need some advices on buying my first car. My budget is under 5k. What models/car brands are reliable ? Also, what do I need to verify and ask the seller ? Thanks a lot !
Not a Canadian, but: get something that’s common. The more people that have had the car, the more reliable it usually is and the cheaper are parts and repairs.
My first car was a Hyundai Getz which was about 10 years old when I got it, and she died of rust 4 years later. But it was cheap, reliable and had AC.
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Don’t bother with any car that has had any history of accidents.
Even some light accidents ?
Yeah even then. It’s one of those things you just shouldn’t entertain because you don’t want to later discover that a small accident actually did more damage than first realized.
I recommend a japanese car (Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Toyota, Honda) with not too many miles (below 60000 miles) and not older than 10 years. These brands have a good longevity. Keep an eye out for engines with a timing chain instead of a timing belt, as the latter needs to be replaced regularly, adding to maintainence costs.
Japanese car with under 60k miles is going to be well over $5k. Considering these things can go well over 400,000km with proper maintenance, finding one in the mid 200s would be fine
Is the car market in Canada that bad right now? In 2021 I got my 2011 Nissan versa with around 60k miles for about 4k (USD). You just have to be willing to pass up some luxury features and find the right deal instead of buying from a dealership.
I bought a 10 year Audi for $5,000 (USD) but then spent something like $10-15,000 in repairs because I’m an idiot.
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Well the good news is that after I dumped a ton of money into it, it’s running smooth and still looks pretty new. It’s a Typ 8P A3 hatchback which are kind of rare here in the US.
The impression I got from the car history was that owner #2 drove it pretty hard and never maintained it. I’m dreaded owner #3.
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The Japanese brands are generally a safer bet for reliability. Toyota is one of the best reputation wise but that comes with an increased price due to that reputation.
A manual transmission is best for reliability IMO, but if for some reason you really must have a automatic look for one with a standard auto transmission rather than a dual clutch box or a CVT. Run away from VW dry clutched dual clutch and Ford Powershift transmissions.
Ideally you would have proof of regular servicing, though a completely good record is harder to get on a low budget. Not only do you want it to have the engine oil changed at the service intervals (depends on the vehicle but often ~10k km) but also the other regular stuff that often gets ignored - e.g. brake fluid, coolant, transmission/diff oils, brake pads/rotors. Keep an eye out for big ticket maintenance items such as timing belt changes (typically due around every 100-150k kms) as these are expensive so are often ignored at the risk of major failure.
If you’re not confident in spotting issues try and bring along a friend or acquaintance who is more familiar with cars to look it over.
Since you’re in Canada where I believe road salt is common check for rust under the car and in places like wheel wells where moisture is likely to be trapped. It’s hard to avoid some rust in such an environment but you don’t want rust holes anywhere or large sections of flaking rust.
I will search for a Toyota, it seems like It is a good company to buy from ! I saw some Yaris and Corolla with a good price. I won’t buy manual, people behind me at stop signs are gonna hate me x). Thanks for your reply :) !!
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i think i’ve hear that a Toyota Camry supposed to be the goat in terms of reliability and repairability.
i always asked what they mainly used it for and if it had any repairs or has been in accidents. though i think you can find accidents on the vin number of the car.
good luck! i hope you find a car :)
Okay thanks a lot ! I will keep that in mind !
