<> = Criteria = * Auto transmission, Kat needs to drive it * Hatchback preferred * Features like bluetooth and cruise control would be great * Not expecting to drive heavily, maybe 100km every week or two, plus the odd long holiday/photoshoot trip * Higher running costs are okay with me == Think about == * CD player and stuff * Aux input * GPS * How many airbags? * Tacho? = Maybe interesting cars = * Toyota Corolla, basic and reliable * Mazda3, slightly more interesting than a Corolla * Hyundai i30, plain but reliable enough workhorse * VW Golf sounds decent-ish * Subaru Impreza, seem to run well enough Finally, we saw a very nice looking Mercedes C200 in a yard: http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/_/OAG-AD-1634793 It has low enough mileage, seems to be in perfect cosmetic condition. = Advice from mechanic = * Adan at Maag & Stucki in Woolloomooloo. * They specialise in European cars, obviously have a bias towards them. * VW he reckons only in manual, their automatic transmissions cause trouble too often to recommend. * Mazda3 is decent but doesn't really take his fancy. Similar for Subaru Impreze and Liberty that I mentioned, because they're not European. * A Corolla would be the most reliable and cheapest to run for sure ("If everyone droves Toyotas we'd be out of business"), but they're utterly boring and uninspiring to drive - "agricultural" was the word he used. == About that Merc == * Based on the VIN, that C200 has a delivery date of 2001-11-13. For that age it's got great mileage on it (77,000km), and it has a 111-series engine. That's apparently from the end of that series' lifetime, which is a good thing because all the engineering kinks have been worked out. * Expected running costs are ~$3,000 per year on average; lower some years and higher some years. * Broadly speaking, that engine and transmission should be pretty right, not too much trouble. * He's less inclined to buy from a dealer for this sort of car, but I couldn't fully understand his reasoning/logic on this point. * It absolutely needs a pre-purchase inspection. Recommends test driving, and if I really like it then hassle them to let it get inspected, they quote $200+GST. * Context for this was unclear, but he said absolutely do not accept an arrangement where they take a deposit and agree to return it if any problems are found. No deposit without passing inspection. Inspection MUST be done by someone not associated with the dealer. == Other advice and recommendations == In terms of other recommendations in the price range that I outlined, he mentioned: * Mercedes has "sports coupe" models that might fit the budget and are worth looking at, they're apparently the ones with the squarish headlights * I've not had a look yet, but they can be found on carsales.com.au by putting in Merc -> C class -> 2-door * He also mentioned the 3-series BMW range, maybe the 318i = Other C200 models = These look like potentially better deals. http://www.carsguide.com.au/car-reviews/mercedes-benz-c-class-used-review-2001-2012-13650 http://www.drive.com.au/used-car-reviews/used-car-review-mercedesbenz-c180c200k-200205-20071014-14ss9.html "Fiddly problems such as malfunctioning switchgear and rattly interior trim are the most likely problems. Watch out for stained interiors. Any Benz of this age without a stamped service record should be treated with suspicion." * '''2006 model with 123,000 km, black interior, parking sensors''' * Seems quite nice and fair value, major service around 100,000km should be taken care of at least * $13,000 list price * http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Mercedes-Benz-C200-Kompressor-2006/OAG-AD-2130904/ * VIN: WDC2030422R249246 * Croydon, across the road from Eddie Nash Automotive * [[http://motorgallery.com.au/| Motor Gallery]], 3 Regatta Rd, Five Dock, 9747-3777 * http://www.redbook.com.au/cars/research/used/details/2006-mercedes-benz-c200-kompressor-classic-auto-my07/SPOT-ITM-253815 * Insurance is interesting: * Valued at 14,900 by default, range of $11,175 to $19,370 selectable :D * $953 for Comprehensive cover with GIO, $13000 valuation and $2150 excess * 2002 model, 101,000 km, white interior * $9,990 list price * http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Mercedes-Benz-C200-Kompressor-2002/AGC-AD-16672349/ * Phone number 9715 7772, looks like Auto Drift, 426 Parramatta Road, Strathfield * http://www.redbook.com.au/cars/research/used/details/2002-mercedes-benz-c200-kompressor-elegance-auto/SPOT-ITM-253695 = Buying = * Purchase: $12,000 * Transfer of ownership: $31 * Stamp duty: $360 (3%) = Yearly running costs = Mechanic advises expected running costs of about $3000 per year. * CTP: $545 with GIO (2006 car) * Rego: $346 * Registration: $62 * Motor vehicle tax: $284 (1155-1504kg vehicle) * Insurance: ??? * GIO comprehensive: 1100-1200 depending on options. $2150 excess, insured for $10000 * See notes on 2006 model for insurance difference * NRMA comprehensive: website offline * Woolworths comprehensive: $1411 (or $580 without collision insurance) * Servicing: $800-1000 * Tolls: ??? * Roadside assistance: ??? * Fuel: $1600 (guess) * Maintenance (eg. tyres, etc): $324 (wild guess) * Payment towards next car for replacement (aka. depreciation): $1000 = Green slips = Comparison of features, good to know: http://www.greenslips.com.au/green-slip-comparison.html = Fuel costs for C200 = https://motormouth.com.au/pricesearch.aspx Assume 6000km per year, and economy of 9L/100km. That's 540L/yr, about $825 at $1.53/L. = BMW 318i = Not that many matching search criteria (Sydney, Auto, 80000km max): http://lzma.so/53SOJK * Remarkably low mileage * Quite cheap * 2002/2003 models * $8500 at one dealer, $10500 and $13500 from two private sellers * Dealer is again Auto Drift, 426 Parramatta Road, Strathfield Another 318i (can't discern location): http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/BMW-318i-2003/OAG-AD-2614098/?Cr=1 = BMW 3-series = If you get less picky we don't actually get a lot more results within budget (capped to $15k): http://lzma.so/SW2FTR * Four below $12,000 * Half a dozen at $13-14k * All in the [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_3_Series_(E46)| E46]] class = More models = == Merc E240 Elegance == * http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Mercedes-Benz-E240-2003/OAG-AD-2140000/?Cr=11 * Fair insurable value looks to be $15460 (11595 to 20098) * $931 yearly with GIO CTP * Private price guide of $9,900 - $12,300 with 120-220k on the clock * http://sydneydirectautotraders.com.au/vehicle/mercedes=benz-e240-4d_sedan-2003-5335 * 51 Parramatta Rd Auburn == BMW 120i == * 2004 BMW 120i E87 Auto * http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/BMW-120i-2004/OAG-AD-2198707/?Cr=10