Helping your son or daughter purchase their first car is a challenge. Tensions may mount over choosing the most suitable car. You won't want to see a bad purchase made; your offspring's aspirations may be beyond financial realities. Here's some guidance.
As a guideline we have set the maximum price at around $7,000 and focused on vehicles aged between eight and 13 years. The key word in the process is compromise. You will be faced with having to weigh up the importance of appearance versus practicality; performance versus maintenance costs; brand versus insurance eligibility and costs; extras versus condition.
We suggest you:
- Opt for a car which comes with a full service history. This is ideal
- Steer clear of performance-related vehicles, such as those fitted with turbo-charges or four-wheel drive systems
- Be conscious that while 'variable valve timing systems' can improve economy and performance, they can also increase speed
- Be aware of distracting attractions, such as sound systems and electrical extras. Manual window winders and mirrors work as well as electric ones, which are expensive to repair
- Ensure the vehicle is structurally sound, whilst accepting that you are not going to get all the safety features of a new vehicle
- Never purchase a vehicle with a warrant of fitness more than 28 days old
- Contact your insurance company to discuss the costs of insurance when there are various drivers of different age groups. Some models are very expensive to insure, while there are others which insurance companies will not insure at all, due to the high risks involved
- Whether New Zealand-new vehicles are better than Japanese imported second-hand vehicles is a question not easily answered. However, keep in mind that imported vehicles are unlikely to have full service histories attached
Armed with these tips, decide where to shop. AA Members can phone the AA's free motoring and legal advice helpline on 0800 500 333 to discuss the risks involved with various purchasing avenues.
Don't rule out visiting a major new vehicle distributor, they may have traded just the vehicle you are looking for and may even have serviced it in the past.
Well-known, easy-to-maintain brands are good options
Toyota Corolla
Easy to drive, with all controls in comfortable reach and a durable interior, the Toyota Corolla is a good 'all rounder'. Engine sizes vary from 1.3 to 1.8 litres - a point to consider if significant loads or distances are planned for the vehicle. Toyota offers a range of styles such as wagons, sedans, hatchbacks and coupes, so it should not be hard to find one to suit your needs. Avoid diesel variants, as they can be expensive to service and repair.
Honda Civic
Safe, reliable and economical - Hondas have a little more technical sophistication than the others. For example, a refined suspension set-up provides good road holding; and a multi-valve engine provides good performance and economy. Reliability is not compromised by the added technical benefits. Safety has also been a selling feature, demonstrated by the fitting of side intrusion beams (inside the doors) in New Zealand-new models from late 1988. Entry and exit can be difficult because they have low seats. Options are limited to four-door or three-door variants.
Nissan Sentra/Sunny
Are you after a coupe or a hatchback, a four-door or a wagon? The Nissan Sentra and Nissan Sunny are available in many shapes and sizes. Strong points are their economy and reduced maintenance costs; the engines are mainly fitted with timing chains rather than cambelts. Unlike cambelts, timing chains don't need to be replaced on a regular basis. The Nissan Sentra and Sunny are basic cars, not as refined as others in this class. However, if looked after, they should provide reliable service.
Ford Laser/Mazda 323
These are both very popular little cars and are a good option for first-time car buyers. While the body configurations differ, mechanically the Ford Laser and the Mazda 323 are the same - so parts are easily sourced. Some engines run a timing chain rather than a belt, which is a better option. Overall performance is adequate, while engine oil leaks and cooling system water loss can create unwanted repair costs, if maintenance has been neglected.
*This article first appeared in the Spring 2004 edition of AA Directions Magazine.
More information
Our friendly AA Technical Services Helpline can help and advise all motorists on many general problems, including repairs and car buying advice:
- AA Members enjoy this service for free, call toll free on 0800 500 333
- Non AA Members can call 0900 58 324 (a flat fee of $7 per call applies)