Honda , Toyota , Hyundai?

[BlueCrayon]

*I've Updated the poll to add a few more car manufacturers, you can change your vote*

Hey guys, I need some advice from my fellow Carbies.

So Im looking for a car and have a budget of around 180k , less would be better as my next purchase after this will hopefully be a little house for myself.

My requirements are a car that’s :

1. Reliable , I like to do road trips with my girlfriend around Cape Town/ Western Cape and see places .
2. Not too heavy on fuel
3. I prefer medium sized cars, I don’t really want a hatchback , I’m leaning towards a sedan/station wagon
4. I’ll take an older car over a newer car if I can have more features , eg. Nicer sound system, sun roof, etc..

I’ve narrowed it down to older Toyotas Corollas , Honda Accords and a Hyundai Elantra . Yesterday I viewed a Honda Accord Tourer 2.4 with a 188k kms on it, and felt so solid and well built for a 10 year old car with an amazing sound system, sun roof, so much space. Drove really smooth too with a full service history .

Any advice would be welcomed, I don’t really care about driving flashy cars as I think a paid up car is the best car, just a good reliable car that can last me like 5-8 years in the future.

Thanks guys looking forward to hearing from the gang .

 

[goldfritter]

Toyotas will always be on the list of most-stolen cars in SA, so that is worth bearing in mind.

Don't buy the Accord without checking out a couple of other options first.

But that said, I doubt you'd be disappointed with the Honda, they are generally very reliable.

 

[yourang]

Those honda's are awesome until you need parts and they tell you its dealership only for that part

What you need is 320D F30!! Best daily driver ever!!

 

[BlueCrayon]

Toyotas will always be on the list of most-stolen cars in SA, so that is worth bearing in mind.

Don't buy the Accord without checking out a couple of other options first.

But that said, I doubt you'd be disappointed with the Honda, they are generally very reliable.

I read up on that yesterday as well, it’s a bummer because the corollas are nice , a bit bland but nice.

I’m trying to do as much home work as I can, I won’t buy unless I’m absolutely certain. I impulse bought a car last year and that was a big headache.

Thanks man.

 

[Spaffy]

Those honda's are awesome until you need parts and they tell you its dealership only for that part

What you need is 320D F30!! Best daily driver ever!!

Kia is the same.
One of the rear lights on our 2015 Sorento died and it was a dealer only part at R12500.

 

[StangV2_0]

As a Hyundai salesman I am obliged to say Hyundai. But if I really think about it and not be biased, I would still go Hyundai or Honda.

 

[Valheru]

Kia is the same.
One of the rear lights on our 2015 Sorento died and it was a dealer only part at R12500.

Can confirm. Got a quote from Kia for 60K to "fix everything that is wrong". Told them to get fucked, I would rather take my chances and do it myself.

 

[Valheru]

As a Hyundai salesman I am obliged to say Hyundai. But if I really think about it and not be biased, I would still go Hyundai or Honda.

Don't they have that specific engine that eats itself and blows up? Kia also uses it in one or two models. Those would be best avoided.

 

[Spaffy]

Don't they have that specific engine that eats itself and blows up? Kia also uses it in one or two models. Those would be best avoided.

The 2.2 CRDi motor is very reliable.

 

[Kamikaze]

You can't go wrong with the Honda Accord. I had the exact same mentality as you about what I'm looking for in a car. The Honda Accord ticked all the boxes. Quality ride and build, good sound system, sunroof, heated seats, xenon lights, powerful 2.4L engine, big enough for any road trip across SA.

And since you're in Cape Town, simply take your car to Garage10 for services. The owner is an ex-Honda mechanic from their Tygerberg branch and he's a wizard at solving any possible issues. He doesn't charge crazy amounts like the dealers.

My 2008 Accord CU2 has been treating me impeccably well for the past 7 years with only routine maintenance required. You can also take the car to Infinity Performance and get a proper dyno tune, which will increase wheel KW from 130 to 150, all while improving fuel economy as well.

I know of a guy with over 650000km on his 2010 accord. The only thing that failed outside of yearly maintenance was the water pump at 500000km and some cv joint thing.

Insurance is about R650 for full coverage with no excess at Santam.

What more do you want?

As long as that wagon is in really good condition with FSH, you can't go wrong. Otherwise, be patient for a month or two and you can find a mint gem with low KMs.

I'm also part of an SA whatsapp group of Accord owners who are super helpful. I can add you to the group if you decide to go with it.

 

[MopKop]

I would install the Naked insurance app (Because you can get quote quick) just to do a comparison on insurance cost.

I drive a FIAT Tipo that retails for roughly around R320 000, relatively expensive to maintain, but not to bad. Parts are a hassle
Friend drives a Honda Amaze that retails for R230 000 (Trend).

My insurance in R700 with R3000 excess, his insurance is R1800 with a R5000 Excess. I checked on my profile, my Insurance for his car is R1600.

 

[StangV2_0]

Don't they have that specific engine that eats itself and blows up? Kia also uses it in one or two models. Those would be best avoided.

Not that I am aware of. And being honest here. I do know that there was a class action suit that happened in the states, but this does not appear to have affected South African models. A manufacturer will make one engine but then it is tuned for different markets even though the core of the engine is the same. And the SA models are not affected by it. Some manufacturers will even share engines in many different brands. For example did you know that Ford, Peugeot, Citron, Opel, Volvo, have all shared an engine developed by Ford and Peugeot? Same engine, but tuned differently for the vehicle and market. Point is what happens in one market may not always affect another.

With that said, Hyundai does over a 7 year / 200 000km warranty on their vehicles. This came into affect in 2018. So even a 2019 model will still have a warranty in place till 2025. And to extend the warranty by 2 years will be about R11k incl vat.

Honda then gets my vote too because its, well, its Honda. Renowned for reliability. And does not have a target on its back like Toyota does with regards to hijackings and theft.

Toyota is a great brand. But car manufacturers in general price their vehicles according to market share. The more market share, the higher the price. So Toyotas do cost more. The cost of ownership on a Toyota is also higher because of shorter warranty period and shorter service intervals. Toyotas are also renowned for hijackings and theft. So there is a higher risk of ownership hence insurance on them being higher.

 

[BlueCrayon]

You can't go wrong with the Honda Accord. I had the exact same mentality as you about what I'm looking for in a car. The Honda Accord ticked all the boxes. Quality ride and build, good sound system, sunroof, heated seats, xenon lights, powerful 2.4L engine, big enough for any road trip across SA.

And since you're in Cape Town, simply take your car to Garage10 for services. The owner is an ex-Honda mechanic from their Tygerberg branch and he's a wizard at solving any possible issues. He doesn't charge crazy amounts like the dealers.

My 2008 Accord CU2 has been treating me impeccably well for the past 7 years with only routine maintenance required. You can also take the car to Infinity Performance and get a proper dyno tune, which will increase wheel KW from 130 to 150, all while improving fuel economy as well.

I know of a guy with over 650000km on his 2010 accord. The only thing that failed outside of yearly maintenance was the water pump at 500000km and some cv joint thing.

Insurance is about R650 for full coverage with no excess at Santam.

What more do you want?

As long as that wagon is in really good condition with FSH, you can't go wrong. Otherwise, be patient for a month or two and you can find a mint gem with low KMs.

I'm also part of an SA whatsapp group of Accord owners who are super helpful. I can add you to the group if you decide to go with it.

I was just there at Garage 10, I work a few units away from him haha what a coincidence . He said the same thing , he said the car looks good , I just need to test drive it again and look for shaking on the wheel at highway speeds and if it shakes I must walk away.

He’s a very nice guy , knows what he’s talking about, can recommend him!

@mopkop I checked on their app last night charging me 940 I think , little high for the car but I guess the cars age is causing it.


Thanks man!

 

[StangV2_0]

Hyundai Elantra .

Also have a look at Hyundai Accent. Similar engines to the Elantra but in slightly smaller car. So performance will be good. Lower model too but that means lower price. May have to drop a few creature comforts in the Elantra, but still a spacious car. 2018 model will have factory warranty till 2025 provided it has been serviced and maintained by a Hyundai Dealership.

However, a good condition Accord will prob still be on my list ahead of the Accent. Heart will want the Accord, head will want the Accent.

 

[Old_Liver]

I might be biased, but I reckon the Accord.
My 2010 Civic Hatch (definitely not the most common car) has been incredibly reliable.
It's at 194000km and only wear and tear parts replaced. (Including shocks, engine mounts, CV Boot, gearbox seal)
All parts except the Gearbox seal and engine mounts were available from parts suppliers.

 

[StangV2_0]

So Im looking for a car and have a budget of around 180k ,:

1. Reliable , I like to do road trips with my girlfriend around Cape Town/ Western Cape and see places .
2. Not too heavy on fuel
3. I prefer medium sized cars, I don’t really want a hatchback , I’m leaning towards a sedan/station wagon
4. I’ll take an older car over a newer car if I can have more features , eg. Nicer sound system, sun roof, etc..

just a good reliable car that can last me like 5-8 years in the future.

Another vehicle that ticks all these boxes except one, is a Suzuki Grand Vitara. Very spacious and bigger inside than it looks. The sound system is a bit lacking but I haven't seen the later model sound systems, dont know if they added USB port. Was a big downside in the Vitara. I am talking about the previous generation like pic below, and not current. Current isn't a Vitara's ass in my opinion.

https://imgur.com/a/RdMMSo7

Literally ticks every box, except fuel consumption. Open road at 100 can do 11km a liter. But in town the fuel consumption climbs. In town My Mrs averages around 11.5L per 100 km. But this is a 4x4 with a 2,4Liter engine. It even has low range. I have one myself, a 2012 model with 2.4 engine, and dont care about the fuel bills because it is such a good car. The lack of USB port on the radio is annoying though. But maybe the later models like 2017 etc have this. But I doubt they do.

 

[Spaffy]

Another vehicle that ticks all these boxes except one, is a Suzuki Grand Vitara. Very spacious and bigger inside than it looks. The sound system is a bit lacking but I haven't seen the later model sound systems, dont know if they added USB port. Was a big downside in the Vitara.

Literally ticks every box, except fuel consumption. Open road at 100 can do 11km a liter. But in town the fuel consumption climbs. In town My Mrs averages around 11.5L per 100 km. But this is a 4x4 with a 2,4Liter engine. It even has low range. I have one myself, a 2012 model with 2.4 engine, and dont care about the fuel bills because it is such a good car. The lack of USB port on the radio is annoying though. But maybe the later models like 2017 etc have this. But I doubt they do.

The latest Grand Vitara is only available in a 1.5L rated at 6L/100km
It's a lot of car for the price of a Polo though, including touch screen infotainment on the base model.

 

[TheJudge]

I can't speak to costs but have been very impressed by the older Corollas and Jazz. Been in Corollas with upto about 500k km that don't rattle and a Jazz or two with over 250k km.

Our 2013 Nissan Qashqai 1.6 Visia just needed a new fuel pump and sender unit, the part is R11k from Nissan so I definitely won't be recommending them. Apparently the older X-Trails have high and low pressure fuel pumps and each one is R11k too!

As for me I still have my 2007 Polo Classic 1.4 because parts are very cheap. That said it only has 103 000km on so is still young at heart.

 

[StangV2_0]

The latest Grand Vitara is only available in a 1.5L rated at 6L/100km
It's a lot of car for the price of a Polo though.

Yeah the latest one I am not even remotely interested in. But thats me.

The Grand Vitara range was intended to be a lifestyle vehicle. So they were all large spacious SUV's with full time all wheel drive and a transfer case for low range. They even had center diff lock. And all the generations had this. I feel they should have stuck with just the Vatara name and not called it a Grand Vitara. Its like dropping the land cruiser range then building a compact SUV a few years later that is front wheel drive only then calling it a Land Cruiser. Just doesnt make sense.

 

[TheJudge]

The latest Grand Vitara is only available in a 1.5L rated at 6L/100km
It's a lot of car for the price of a Polo though, including touch screen infotainment on the base model.

I think he means the old GV, not the new one. The new one has gotten flack from owners of older models for being a GV in name only according to them.

 

[Spaffy]

Yeah the latest one I am not even remotely interested in. But thats me.

The Grand Vitara range was intended to be a lifestyle vehicle. So they were all large spacious SUV's with full time all wheel drive and a transfer case for low range. They even had center diff lock. And all the generations had this. I feel they should have stuck with just the Vatara name and not called it a Grand Vitara. Its like dropping the land cruiser range then building a compact SUV a few years later that is front wheel drive only then calling it a Land Cruiser. Just doesnt make sense.

You are correct, they've taken what makes the Grand Vitara a "Grand Vitara" away.

 

[StangV2_0]

I think he means the old GV, not the new one. The new one has gotten flack from owners of older models for being a GV in name only according to them.

yeah spot on. I am talking about the GV that came with 2.4 4 cylinder engine and 3.2 V6.

 

[TheJudge]

yeah spot on. I am talking about the GV that came with 2.4 4 cylinder engine and 3.2 V6.

Funny enough we're looking at the new one (GL model) and the entry level Corolla Cross as option to replace the Qashqai. The 1.5 isn't ideal but the wife drives to Stellenbosch and Back to Claremont each day so ABS, Airbags and fuel economy are important consideration for us.

 

[RVixen]

I've voted "other" because 2008-2010 Mitsubishi Lancer GLS is very reliable car that doesn't look like shit (some of them come with side skirt and spoilers), I've done a lot research. And tried to compare to Evo X, it use same gearbox speed (250kmh) from Evo which is very nice. It was build mainly for looks, handling, power and fuel economy. Only standard audio is not that good, but can be upgraded

Coming from 2006 BMW 118i to 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer is like day and night, and it doesn't break your bank

 

[StangV2_0]

Funny enough we're looking at the new one (GL model) and the entry level Corolla Cross as option to replace the Qashqai. The 1.5 isn't ideal but the wife drives to Stellenbosch and Back to Claremont each day so ABS, Airbags and fuel economy are important consideration for us.

As a run around like that I wouldnt walk away from it. But I just dont feel it should have been named a GV. Maybe a Vitara Plus If you still in market check out the Hyundai Venue Fluid models. More power and also standard with 6 airbags etc. Only R10k more than a GLX 1.5 Suzuki GV.

 

[BlueCrayon]

Another vehicle that ticks all these boxes except one, is a Suzuki Grand Vitara. Very spacious and bigger inside than it looks. The sound system is a bit lacking but I haven't seen the later model sound systems, dont know if they added USB port. Was a big downside in the Vitara. I am talking about the previous generation like pic below, and not current. Current isn't a Vitara's ass in my opinion.

https://imgur.com/a/RdMMSo7

Literally ticks every box, except fuel consumption. Open road at 100 can do 11km a liter. But in town the fuel consumption climbs. In town My Mrs averages around 11.5L per 100 km. But this is a 4x4 with a 2,4Liter engine. It even has low range. I have one myself, a 2012 model with 2.4 engine, and dont care about the fuel bills because it is such a good car. The lack of USB port on the radio is annoying though. But maybe the later models like 2017 etc have this. But I doubt they do.

There one close to me , in the price range. WeBuyCars | Sell Cars For Cash | Free Online Vehicle Valuations

just a bit concerned about the fuel economy.

 

[Pr3d4t3r]

Like 80% of people who drive a Honda get cheated on... scientific facts, you can ask Google to verify the stats.

Don't be that guy, don't buy a Honda.

Their bikes are fine though.

 

[StangV2_0]

There one close to me , in the price range. WeBuyCars | Sell Cars For Cash | Free Online Vehicle Valuations

just a bit concerned about the fuel economy.

There are quite a few of them around if you search hard enough.
Generally speaking though when it comes to WBC the first rule of buying from them is just dont. The 2nd rule is to obey rule No 1. Rule No 3 is if for whatever reason the first 2 rules cannot be followed, then do your homework on the vehicle you intend to buy.

If you click on the Dekra report of that vehicle you will see mention of some warning lights on. The pictures also show the vehicle will be in need of a full set of tyres. And thats just what I have noticed from the report. They will NOT attend to this before you buy and you will be responsible for this yourself. Anything unforeseen will be for your account, too.

Being the auto it will inevitably be even more heavier on fuel than the figures I have quoted above. I also think the Auto 2.4 was only a 4 speed.

 

[Kamikaze]

There one close to me , in the price range. WeBuyCars | Sell Cars For Cash | Free Online Vehicle Valuations

just a bit concerned about the fuel economy.

Nah... just don't.

 

[Spontaneous.Spinach]

Buy a bakkie man , let's say you buy a treadmill and need it transported back home.
Let's see that fit in the peoples choice Honda Jazz