Best used hatchbacks from R70k to R100k in South Africa
In this market segment where mileage is getting higher, reliability is key, as is affordable parts and servicing. If your budget is low, what should you buy? We look at cars that can take a bit of punishment and are quick and easy to fix.
As someone currently looking for a car for my daughter, who turns 18 at the end of the year, trust me when I say that I know what's available in this price range by now.
But before we start, I'd like to pen a few casual observations
1. The potential for online scammers is endless, especially on specific social media platforms. For example, there are cheap cars on Facebook, but the exact vehicle is way more expensive on AutoTrader and most other online car-buying platforms. When things seem too good to be true, they usually are. Also, take a look at dealer ratings and price ratings.
Also read: Best reliable used cars up to R80 000
2. In this price range, mileage is an issue. So you have to look for cars that will last past the 150 000 km mark. The cars we listed here will go the proverbial extra mile.
3. Cars with a partial service history can be cheap, but it could also mean someone tinkered with the car in their garage or gave it to a backyard mechanic. This is a pro and a con: The price could be low, but you have no guarantee that the car was looked after properly. Properly assessing a vehicle like this by a mechanic is essential, but it's still risky.
4. Doing a VIN search when interested in a car will prove helpful.
5. Now is the time to reconnect with your mechanic/engineer friend. Once you've got your eye on a certain car, you'll want to bring him/her along to check what's going on under the bonnet and ask all the right questions.
6. If you're looking for a cheap car, don't just consider small hatchbacks. In addition to the cars we've listed here, larger SUVs like the Honda CR-V make great used cars and can be picked up for very little. Sedans are also wonderful options as they aren't as popular as they used to be.
So, without further ado, let's list some reliable hatchbacks for people with small budgets.
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1. Toyota Etios/Toyota Etios Cross
It's a great little car with a punchy 1.5-litre powerplant and sound structural engineering. A friend survived a nasty accident in an Etios Cross, and it's still viewed as one of the safest cars in its class. You can also have it as a sedan if you need more room in the back.
Related: Best reliable used cars for R100k
2. Volkswagen Polo Vivo
A friend who owns a driving school says the Vivo is the only car that can withstand the rigours of teaching Gen Z learners how to drive. He insists on buying one because it is tough and cheap to run, and it has inexpensive parts and servicing. It's also available in sedan guise.
3. Suzuki Swift
Related: 5 Great used sports cars for driving enthusiasts
i20s are hard to find because their owners drive them until their wheels fall off. Enough said! Practicality and fuel efficiency are the main keywords here.
5. Hyundai Accent hatch
If you want a car with a bit more substance, the Accent has a 1.6-litre engine and a spacious back seat. The sedans are great if more boot space is needed, so we included them in our search.
Which other reliable hatchbacks should you consider?
- The Suzuki Ignis, a micro-SUV hatch, is a great little car. Most Suzukis will work because of their simple engineering and low running costs.
- The Kia Rio, Kia Picanto, and Kia Soul (a hatch with SUV styling) are fabulous cars. (Make sure it's a Picanto with ABS)
- Ford's Fiestas and Figos are good, but avoid the 1.0T EcoBoost engines.
- Any Honda is usually a good match because of its build quality and reliability. The Brio is cheap and cheerful, and great for new drivers.
- Also, look into the Toyota Yaris and Aygo; anything with a Toyota badge will do!
- Mazdas make great pre-owned cars. Look into Mazda2 models.
Related: Used cars for R200k in SA
