Best entry-level cars: used and new
Best entry-level cars: used and new
By Ané Theron
When you turn eighteen, you are allowed to get your driver’s license, and in doing so, you are welcomed into the world of ‘adulting’, which is...hard. That is why I’ve selected some cars for you, used and new, that are not over-the-top expensive, cheap to run, reliable, and most importantly: SAFE. Please note that my top 5 new cars can also be had as used or demo models.
Since new drivers have no real experience under their belts, you would most definitely need ABS (anti-lock brakes), EBD if possible (electronic brake-force distribution) and BA (brake assist - this function helps you to brake harder if you need to), and as many airbags as possible. Bear in mind, though, that two is the average number of airbags in budget offerings, and that traction or stability control (which allows the driver to better remain in control of their vehicle during/after a collision) is also hard to come by in cheaper cars. This is why buying a used car with more safety equipment is probably a better bet - if this will be your first car.
All of the cars below can also be found in the used cars section of the AutoTrader.co.za website. If you were wondering in which provinces and cities the cheapest second-hand cars are to be found, click here.
Here are my top 5 NEW cars that have a 1) a decent amount of safety equipment and 2) cost the least amount of money. Have a search for them on our website under used cars if they’re out of your price range as new.
Our most affordable entry-level car has proven itself to be a reliable and safe first-time buy, with ABS, EBD and 2 airbags. While the GA-model is not going to come kitted-out with much standard spec (it doesn’t have a radio, for instance), you still can’t go wrong, given its price. For R155 500 you can get the better-equipped 1.0 GL variant, but at that price point, I’d rather spend a little more and get the Hyundai Grand i10, our next contender...
If you’re going to have passengers in the back, rest assured that they will have loads of legroom. How Hyundai managed to squeeze so much space out of this small car, heaven only knows. Its build quality is very good, it has 2 airbags, ABS and EBD. Buttons on the steering wheel will assist in answering calls via Bluetooth and radio settings. A fantastic starter-car.
The quirky, freshly-launched new Swift is better than the outgoing one, with a larger luggage compartment than the old model. It is a good-looking, fun-to-drive little car with ABS, EBD, BA and 2 airbags. It has all the modern convenience features a young driver needs and has loads of attitude to boot. Features such as daytime driving lamps, air-con, electric windows x4, and a trip computer are all included in its price.
This entry-level Aygo has ABS, Brake Assist and 4 airbags for frontal- and side-impact protection. With satellite controls on the steering wheel, you can keep your eyes on the road where they belong, instead of fiddling about on your phone. The Aygo has plenty of attitude for individualistic young drivers but it's not quite as spacious as the Sandero, below. The Aygo is a seriously good buy and is a whole lot of fun, and from early August 2018, all Aygo models will come equipped with vehicle stability control, which is a very notable feature at this price point.
The only car on this list to boast traction control to complement ABS and EBD as well as Brake Assist, and Hill Start Assist to help new drivers to smoothly pull away at an incline. It has two airbags, a spacious cabin, quite a large boot, and its little turbocharged engine is peppy and light on fuel. This is the entry-level model and it has buttons on the steering wheel and Bluetooth for your phone. Your Dad's going to love it.
Honorable mentions:
Also consider the Toyota Etios Xi (R 171 000), which has ABS, EBD, two airbags, and a 4-star NCAP safety rating.
The VW Take Up! is likewise worthy of your attention, with a similar price and safety features to the Sandero and Etios, but with additional side/curtain airbags (from R171 200).
Enquire about a demo model at the dealership of your choice. A demo is almost as good as new, but has already depreciated sufficiently to make it more affordable.
USED cars that make a good first-time buy
These cars have a reputation of being reliable and safe, and I’d gladly recommend them to friends and family. Their prices will differ depending on age, mileage, specification level, and general condition. They’re also not expensive to service and/or run, and their parts are affordable. Again, in no specific order:
Toyota Etios, Volkswagen Polo Vivo, Volkswagen Up!, Opel Adam, Opel Corsa, Fiat 500, Chevrolet Spark, Suzuki Ciaz, Suzuki Ignis, Suzuki Baleno, Suzuki Swift Dzire, Honda Brio & Honda Brio Amaze, Hyundai i10, Hyundai i20, Hyundai Getz, Hyundai Atos, Ford Figo, Ford Fiesta, Nissan Micra, Nissan Almera, Kia Rio, Mazda 2, Renault Duster, Renault Clio, Honda Jazz, Suzuki Jimny, Daihatsu Terios, Fiat Tipo, Suzuki SX4, Peugeot 208. (The Fiat 500 and Opel Adam are the most expensive cars here, and have 6 airbags each.)
Lesser-known new cars (from China and India) that are well-priced, and also decently specced with safety equipment (check new and used on AutoTrader):
These cars may not look as cool or offer fantastic driving dynamics, but they do score well on the safety front. And, given their lowly popularity status in SA, these manufacturers will try and make their offerings more attractive by adding loads of convenience features and tech.
Their resale value isn’t good - therefore a used model may be well within your price range - but it will depreciate further once you've driven it for a few years and you'll probably have to settle for a poor selling price once you decide to get rid of it. I also recommend checking for their safety ratings online, before putting pen to paper.
This little SUV has a spacious cabin, and a spritely engine for its size. It has 2 airbags, ABS, EBD and CBC (Cornering brake control), and the 1.2-litre diesel model is especially light on fuel);
It features 2 airbags, ABS, EBD and corner stability control. It is equipped with a good amount of convenience features too;
A compact SUV-crossover-type hatchback with 2 airbags, ABS and EBD, daytime driving lights, rear park assist, and fog lamps in the front and rear. Based on older Toyota Yaris underpinnings, it should prove to be durable and comfortable, and easy to drive.
Although untested by me personally, it does come with 2 airbags as well as ABS, and other convenience spec. it is quite roomy too. Definitely worth checking out if you must go this route.
Cars that are not considered safe
It’s tempting to buy the cheapest-of-the-cheap, especially when manufacturers make it so accessible with all kinds of special offers and financing available. However, can you imagine what a brain or spinal injury will cost you in the long run, unless you have the most comprehensive (and expensive) medical cover on the planet? Not to mention how it will impact your quality of life!
I’d recommend that you steer clear of the Chery QQ3, Datsun Go and Renault Kwid. They don’t have ABS, and they’ve crumpled into unrecognisable messes during crash tests. The Kwid’s battery also has this nasty habit of going flat if you forget to switch the headlamps off for short periods of time (there is also no beeper or buzzer to remind you). Rather go for a used Suzuki Celerio or Renault Sandero for the price of a new Kwid - the entry level Kwid costs R127 900 and you can get many of the cars on my used-car list for this price. The entry-level Kia Picanto 1.0 MT Start (R139 495) earns its spot on this ‘avoid if you can’ list, because it also lacks ABS.
*Prices are correct up to 17 July 2018. For the latest prices please visit the individual manufacturers’ websites or go to www.duoporta.co.za