Best used SUVs for matrics and students
If you're about to turn 18, the good news is that you'll be able to start driving yourself around, hopefully in your very own car. If you're keen on a bit of ground clearance for safety reasons, or you just love the look and practicality of an SUV, which models are best?
If your budget is tight, you may be wondering how on earth you're going to afford a small entry-level car like a Polo Vivo or a Suzuki S-Presso, but we have a better idea: buy a bigger, but slightly older SUV that is more spacious and offers big-car safety features. This way, you'll be in a larger, higher car with a better vantage point in traffic which will also be structurally more sound, in other words, if you should be involved in an accident, your chances of survival will be higher.
We've taken a look at our listings and picked five great buys, in no particular order, that are up for grabs – and they all cost under R200 000.
Related: How much mileage is too high for a used car?
We made a point of selecting cars that aren't popular with hijackers and added links to reviews and comparison articles on the cars in question, so you can make an educated decision!
1. Suzuki Ignis
The Ignis may be referred to as a baby SUV, but it's rather spacious in the back seat, ultra-light on fuel, and super fun to drive. You'll also love the youthful, fashionable interior with all the tech a young driver needs. For this reason it's at the top of my list of best used SUVs for matrics and students.
Suzuki recently added more safety features to the IGNIS as well, making it a highly suitable car for those looking for a small, safe, manoeuvrable car with low running costs. Read my review below to find out more.
New Suzuki IGNIS (2020) - A spark as bright as ever?
(Got more cash to spend? Look into used Suzuki Jimny models too, if you're serious about 4x4/offroad activities.)
Search AutoTrader here for Suzuki Ignis models under R200k
2. Hyundai ix35
The Hyundai Tucson was renamed the ix35 and then Hyundai decided they liked the Tucson nameplate more, so the nomenclature changed back to Tucson. Whichever car you opt for, this model makes our list of cars that are the cheapest to service and repair in SA. You can't go wrong with the ix35 - its spaciousness, safety features, build quality, and reliability make it a great buy.
Search AutoTrader here for Hyundai ix35 models under R200k.
3. Kia Sportage
The Sportage is a cousin to the Tucson and these cars don't just share underpinnings but have many other similarities too. The generation of Sportage in the photo above was what catapulted this Kia model to superstardom, with a design that still hasn't really aged.
While new Sportages are too pricey for student/matriculant budgets, older models (even older than the one above) offer reliability, good build quality, space, and safety, just like the Tucson.
Related: Ford Kuga vs. Kia Sportage vs. Hyundai Tucson: here's our winner.
Search AutoTrader here for used Sportage models under R200k.
4. Honda BR-V
Smaller budget? The Honda BR-V is a smaller SUV with station wagon vibes, seating up to seven people, and preloved models can be found at affordable prices.
If you are an inexperienced driver, safety features should be at the top of your list. While we’d all like seven airbags and traction control as standard features, this isn’t always attainable, given your specific budget. Fortunately, Honda takes safety very seriously. Apart from ABS, EBD and two airbags in the BR-V, all Hondas have a strong and sturdy ‘skeleton’ that keeps the cabin intact in case of an accident. Honda calls it their ACE body structure, which is an acronym for Advanced Compatibility Engineering. - AutoTrader SA
Find out just how good it is in this article below:
Is the Honda BR-V good for new drivers?
Want something bigger? The Honda CR-V (search AutoTrader for one here) is a spacious SUV and the fact that it has a Honda badge means that it will probably last forever. Adam Ford, the owner of Wynberg Auto in Johannesburg, recommends the CR-V because there's not much that ever goes wrong with this car. The CVT gearbox is non-problematic, and even higher-mileage CR-Vs still have plenty of life left in them. The only downside to CR-V ownership is that fuel costs may be a bit higher than cash-strapped students can afford.
Review: Honda CR-V, a friend to the modern family
(Not too worried about ground clearance and thinking about a small sedan? Also look into the preloved Civic sedan and smaller Ballade models.)
Search AutoTrader here for used Honda BR-V models for under R200k
5. Ford Kuga
The Kuga got a bad rap because of some engines setting on fire, but this applied only to Kugas with the 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine, manufactured from 15 December 2012 to 20 October 2014.
Related: Top 3 things you need to know about the Ford Kuga
The Kuga nameplate never quite recovered from its bad reputation, and for this reason, it can be bought quite cheaply and is a solid, safe, and reliable buy. When you visit the dealership, check the date carefully so you don't buy one of the dodgy Kugas by mistake (if you avoid the 1.6 models altogether, you'll also be safe). You can also use our handy VIN number check tool to ensure that the car wasn't in any serious accidents.
Related: Ford Kuga 1.0T AWD ST-Line Review (2019)
While we love the EcoSport as a car for new drivers, we're a little concerned about its popularity with hijackers.
(Prefer a hatchback instead? The Ford Focus and Fiesta are always good choices and they're built to last.)
Search AutoTrader for Ford Kuga models under R200k with 100 000 km or less on the clock.
Other Alternatives?
We really like the Renault Duster as it has stood the test of time. The diesel models are especially frugal.
We also recommend the Nissan Juke, Nissan Qashqai, and Kia Soul.
