What older cars are reliable enough to buy?
Hey everyone! I’ve just moved to Perth, WA from the UK and I’m in the market for a car. My budget is between $4,000 and $6,000, and I really just need something to get me from point A to point B. I’m familiar with the cars back home and what tends to be reliable, but I’m a bit overwhelmed by the variety of Asian brands available here compared to the UK. Is it common for cars with 250,000 km on the clock to still be dependable for another 50,000 km? Back in the UK, buying a car with that mileage would be quite unusual, haha. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Welcome to Perth! It’s great that you’re looking for a reliable car. In Australia, many older Asian brands tend to be quite solid options, especially for your budget. Here are a few suggestions that are generally known for their reliability:
Toyota Corolla: Known for its durability and low maintenance costs, a well-maintained Corolla can easily last beyond 300,000 km.
Honda Civic: Another reliable choice, the Civic has a strong reputation for longevity and can also handle high mileage if it’s been serviced properly.
Mazda3: Mazdas are known for their engaging driving experience and reliability; the Mazda3 is a popular option and often well-cared for.
Subaru Impreza: If you’re looking for something with all-wheel drive, the Impreza is reliable and often comes with a solid service history.
Nissan X-Trail: If you prefer an SUV, the X-Trail is a good pick—it’s spacious and generally dependable.
As for your question about high mileage, it’s true that in Australia, cars with 250,000 km can still have plenty of life left, especially if they have a good service history. Make sure to check for rust (common in older cars), have a mechanic inspect it, and look for any major repairs that have already been done.
Good luck with your car search, and enjoy your time in Perth!