Car under $15k

[dodgingandweaving]

G'day all,

I'm looking to buy a car before Sunday.
Something that will get me from Adelaide to NW Qld in one piece reliably.

Once I get there I won't be using it too much due to having a work car for the majority once I'm there.
I want something that will hold its value pretty well as I'm only going to sell it after less than a year I'd say.

Wanna spend between $10-$15k.

I wouldn't mind a decent 4WD, but with the price range I'm not sure I'll be able to get anything of quality.

Any advice?

[gadj1976]

are you looking for advice on car types, or where to buy something dodging?

I'd be looking for something late model if I was doing that sort of trip - something pretty comfortable with a decent stereo/ipod compatable. If a 4wd is what you're after, you'd be looking for something either big and old - Landcruiser type, or newer but smaller - Rav4 - because you won't get a great late model big 4wd for that money obviously.

If you don't need a 4wd, then go for a 6cyl sedan. Normally pretty comfortable, decent stereo, will hold their value during the next year and you can get a late model sedan or wagon for about that price.

[dodgingandweaving]

are you looking for advice on car types, or where to buy something dodging?

I'd be looking for something late model if I was doing that sort of trip - something pretty comfortable with a decent stereo/ipod compatable. If a 4wd is what you're after, you'd be looking for something either big and old - Landcruiser type, or newer but smaller - Rav4 - because you won't get a great late model big 4wd for that money obviously.

If you don't need a 4wd, then go for a 6cyl sedan. Normally pretty comfortable, decent stereo, will hold their value during the next year and you can get a late model sedan or wagon for about that price.

Cheers mate.

Looking for mainly advice on type, but where to buy something quick wouldn't be bad advice either.

[Sojourner]

Carsales.com is the best way to go, as boring as they are, A Camry with as Low Ks as you can get is likely going to be the most reliable second hand buy for an interstate trip!

[gadj1976]

Either way mate, if you need it quick, HURRY! Normally after signing the paperwork they say "cool, see you (insert today + two days)" so they tidy it up, put rego on it in prep for pickup. Why? dunno!

I'd be looking at heading out somewhere today! If you're near Medindie, check out the car yards there, there are tons of yards there which heaps of variety. They'll also play prices off each other to get a sale.

Wasn't someone on here a car salesman? Might be a "user to thread" call required. Either way best of luck.

[gadj1976]

Carsales.com is the best way to go, as boring as they are, A Camry with as Low Ks as you can get is likely going to be the most reliable second hand buy for an interstate trip!

I drove a mates circa 2000 Camry and it went like a rocket! Could do a lot worse. Mind you he bought his with 230k on the clock for about 4k.

[Squawk]

If it was me in your situation, I'd hire a car to get to Qld. That way you can get whatever you need for the journey - a van, a ute, a sedan or whatever.

Then I would buy a car in Qld. First, you have the work car. Then, you have the time to buy the right car at the right price. Third, if anything goes wrong the Qld consumer protection laws apply and as you'll be in Qld, you don't want to be relying on SA laws from afar. (This assumes you buy from a dealer). If you are only going away for a year and will have a work car mostly, you could probably get a cheaper car that was still reliable.

This path should maximise flexibility, save you money and ensure you have the right car.

[gadj1976]

great idea Squawk, I agree. This is most probably the safest and cheapest way to go.

[devilsadvocate]

For $15k, you could probably hire a Ferarri or a Lambo.
You know it makes sense!

[Trader]

Yeah, I had similar ideas squawk.

Rather than paying 15k for a car just to drive it north, then have it sit there and sell it at the end, basically all you need is a mode of transport to get to QLD then use your work car.

The stamp duty, rego, insurance etc is all going to add up, plus then any loss you make on the sale prices of the car, not to mention the interest on 15k for a year, you're far better off paying to get yourself their other than buying.

There are websites out there that have car places looking to get a car from here to their and will pay you to do it. Often it's something along the lines of they pay you $25 a day and you cover the petrol and you have 4 days to get the car/ute/van/camper from A to B.

Much better option if you ask me.

Then if you feel you still need a car other than the work one, then as Squawk suggested, buy something up there.