Here are 7 affordable cars for first time buyers
If you are a first-time car buyer, a student or just a little strapped with cash and unable to splurge on an expensive car, you should take a look at this. Imperial Auto compiled a list of the top 7 recommended budget savvy cars. Whether you have a car that needs to be traded in or you need a brand new car, Imperial Auto knows people need reliable, safe and affordable cars- get all the info you need on these fun little cars right here!
1. Honda Brio – Reliable and affordable (from R 127 800)
If you are looking for an edgy and reliable car, the Brio will satisfy those expectations. The Brio boasts a 1.2 i-VTEC engine delivering, and it’s no surprise that this stylish vehicle includes safety features such as dual front airbags, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution). The Brio has a combined fuel consumption of 5.6 l/100km, a seating capacity of five, remote central locking and an immobilizer. [The Brio also comes with a standard two year/30 000km service plan and three year/100 000km warranty. Service intervals are every 15 000km.]
2. Toyota Etios 1.5 Xi Hatch – Comfortable and spacious (from R126 500)
Comfortable and spacious enough for all your friends, the Etios is a beauty. It has a 1.5-litre engine – new to the Toyota range and specially designed for the Etios. The Etios is more powerful and still offers an impressive fuel consumption of 6.0l/100km, just slightly more than the Brio. It includes features such as, an immobilizer, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electric Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and dual front airbags. [The Etios 1.5 Xi HB features a standard Toyota Service Plan for two years or maximum 30 000km, standard three year/100 000km manufacturer’s warranty, and service intervals of 10 000km.]
3. Ford Figo 1.4 Ambiente – Stylish and tech savvy (from R134 700)
Sophisticated, modern, affordable for student budgets and a pleasure to drive, the Ford Figo is a winner, voted CAR magazine’s Budget Car of the Year in 2012 and 2013. The Ford Figo hosts features such as Anti-locking Braking System (ABS), Electric Brake Force Distribution (EBD), dual front airbags, immobilizer and central locking. One of our favourite features is that you can connect your phone to your audio system via Bluetooth, which allows for smarter and safer ways to answer calls and switch between radio, CD/MP3 and your iPod easily, if your phone is compatible with the system. [The Ford Figo features a comprehensive four year/120 000km warranty, roadside assistance, five year/unlimited km corrosion warranty, and service intervals at 20 000km.]
4. VW Polo Vivo –Spacious and modern (from R135,500)
Replacing the iconic VW Citi Golf that ended production in 2009, the Polo Vivo offers the same affordability, with more features and more fun. The Polo Vivo 1.4 features driver and passenger airbags, an immobilizer and safety features such as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD). Although still pretty impressive, its combined fuel consumption lags just slightly behind the Etios at 6.2l/100km. [The VW Polo comes with a three year/120 000km warranty, six year anti-corrosion warranty and 15 000km service intervals.]
5. Chevrolet Spark Campus 1.2 – Most affordable (from R109 800)
The Chevrolet Spark Campus offers an afforable option with a stylish look, and all the safety features to match its competitors such as, dual airbags, an immobilizer, Anti-locking Braking System (ABS) Electric Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and central door locking with a key. The Spark Campus does not only come at an affordable price tag but also promises low cost of ownership with a combined fuel consumption of only R5.4l / 100km. [It also boasts a warranty and roadside assistance for five years/120 000km, anti-corrosion warranty for five years/unlimited km, and service intervals of 15 000km.]
6. Nissan Micra 1.2 Visia + Audio – Simplicity at its best and most fuel efficient (from R139 700)
The Nissan Micra is packed with pleasant innovations to make your trips around town simple and convenient. The Nissan Micra is also known for its affordable parts and great fuel consumption of 5.21l/100km. Other features include, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist System (BAS), Electric Brake Force Distribution (EBD), driver and passenger airbags. [The Nissan Micra comes standard with roadside assistance, a three year/100 000km warranty, three year paint and mechanical warranty, a three year/unlimited kilometers anti-corrosion warranty and 15 000km service intervals.]
7. Mitsubishi Mirage – The Newcomer
Mitsubishi Motors will soon make its debut in the highly competitive entry-level segment of the market with the launch of their global small car – the new Mitsubishi Mirage. The Mirage’s fresh new styling is sure to turn heads, and with its comfort and convenience features, will surprise any small car buyer. The 1.2 litre models will be offered in three derivatives. Standard features include Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electric Brake Force Distribution (EBD), dual airbags, an Immobilizer with central locking and keyless entry. The most important feature – which will be a relief to your back pocket – is the Mirage’s budget-conscious fuel consumption of 4.9 litres / 100km. The Mirage will be available from August 2014.
WOW also has more budget savvy cars for you to check out.