Top 5 coolest used cars for students
If you're currently writing your matric exams or continuing your studies next year, you have probably thought about affordable transport. But let's be honest, when you're young, wild, and free, image is important. So what to do if your parents aren't minted, but you still want to look good as you roll onto campus? We picked a few cars, no older than five years, that cost between R75 000 and R150 000.
1. Suzuki IGNIS
The fiery little Ignis looks street-smart, has all the mod-cons one could need, and offers plenty of driving fun. Being a micro-SUV, it's slightly higher off the ground, yet there's sufficient leg-room for your tall friends in the back. Available with a 1.2-litre engine, you'd think it would be slow, but it feels much more zippy than its power figures suggest! The Ignis is so light and fleet-footed, you'll be flitting through the campus traffic in two shakes of a lamb's tail. Opt for the slick-shifting five-speed manual transmission to extract the most power from the 61kW engine. GL and GLX models are fitted with two airbags, ABS, EBD, brake assist, and side-impact protection beams. Below is the 2017 model.
Related: Baby Suzuki ignites my fire! (review, 2017)
Search for used Ignis models on AutoTrader from R95 000, here.
If your budget is a little bigger, the new facelifted Ignis (see below) has already made its appearance on showroom floors. GLX models come equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is of great help when you need to be connected to your phone, but not distracted by it.
Related: 2020 Suzuki Ignis facelift - What's new?
2. Opel Adam
You can't go wrong with German engineering — and the Adam is just too cool for school as well. The Adam is what is known as a Supermini: A small, upmarket city car that is quite luxurious and filled with modern convenience features. What you'll also appreciate about the Adam is its quirky and characterful interior and excellent build quality. Sure, the boot is small, but trust us, this won't be a deal breaker. Tell Dad that the Adam has all the necessary safety features like ABS and EBD, and then some, such as traction/stability control and 6 airbags. There's a variety of engine choices too: a 1.4 (non-turbo), 1.0T and a 1.4T. The non-turbo model is going to cost you the least as it's the lowest output engine of the lot, with 74kW.
The 1.0-litre turbo has more zest (85kW), while the 1.4-litre turbo () is a bit of a pocket rocket. We reckon the 1.4 (non-turbo) or 1.0T will be more than sufficient, but the 1.0T models have some more niceties such as a touchscreen and satnav. There's even parking assistance available, to help you ace that parallel parking space right front of your favourite campus coffee shop. Bluetooth is standard across the board.
Search for used Opel Adams on AutoTrader from R109 900.
3. Mazda Mazda2
The Mazda2 has been around for a long time but only started looking sexy when the new KODO 'soul of motion' design language was implemented in 2015. This would be the third-generation of Mazda2 which also came equipped with Mazda's SKYACTIV technology, which comprise a dynamic chassis, smooth and efficient engines, and top-class safety features. At the 2015 launch, there were 1.5-litre petrol-engines and a 1.5-litre diesel available. (Read our review on the 2015 Mazda2 1.5 DE Hazumi diesel model here).
A real highlight is the sporty interior and the infotainment screen (on all models except the entry-level) atop the centre dash, with a controller dial on the centre tunnel. Mazda still believes that touch-enabled screens distract you from the road ahead, so don't be bummed by the absence thereof.
2015 models came equipped with two airbags, ABS, EBD but no traction control except for the ultra-frugal 1.5-litre diesel model. With the 2017 update, the Mazda2 Individual Plus Auto was added with a number of new features, while the Hazumi 1.5L DE Auto (diesel) also received a number of new features such as Heads-up display, side and curtain airbags, rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring and a lane departure warning system.
Look for used Mazda2 models (2015 to 2017) here, from R105 000
Related: Watch our video review of the Mazda2 1.5 Individual Auto here. (2017)
At the end of 2019, facelifted models added even more tech and spec, but finding a 2020 model with low mileage for under R200 000 is not easy. However, there are plenty of 2019 models on AutoTrader for around R150 000.
Related: The smarter, safer, 2019 Mazda2 Individual Plus Auto (review, 2019)
4. Volkswagen Cross up! and up! Beats
As the name suggests, this specific little Up! in Cross trim has a baby-SUV look and is loaded with cool features such as cruise control, roof racks, mag wheels, electric front windows, a multi-function steering wheel, bluetooth, rear parking sensors, and fog lamps. But more importantly, the Up! Cross's six airbags, traction/stability control, and the obligatory ABS with EBD will delight your parents. Check out the roof rails, Cross alloy wheels and decorative cladding — there are even faux skid plates. Please note that all trims of the Up come well-equipped with safety features, not just the high-spec ones.
If you can lay your hands on an up! Beats, you're really in for a treat, as this variant has a 300-watt sound system with 8-channel amp, 6 speakers, and even a separate subwoofer. You'll be the coolest cat in town, as the Beats edition also has its own unique alloy wheel design, decals, and contrasting side-mirror caps. It's no firecracker though, with 55kW and 95Nm, but the car itself weighs so little that you won't even notice.
If you don't opt for one of the trim levels above, don't fear - we reckon the Up! looks cool in any trim, and we've checked our listings to find you some great deals. A 2015 Up! will cost you from only R75 000.
Find great deals on VW Up! models here from R75 000.
5. Toyota Aygo
Just before the last 2018 facelift, the Toyota Aygo (2015 to 2018) had loads of attitude. With a clear X across its "face", the Aygo looked like a spirited Anime character from a Japanese comic book. There was even a model with a canvas fold-up roof for that convertible feeling, the Aygo X-Cite (read our 2017 review of the Aygo X-Cite here). You'll be one of the most stylish students in one of these!
This Aygo also boasts some of the best safety features in the segment, such as six airbags to complement ABS, EBD and even traction control (2017 onwards). If you are looking for a trendy, cool and ultra-safe city / campus car, look for models from 2015 to 2018, depending on your budget, of course (earlier models had 4 airbags). While the 2018 facelift brought many features and enhancements, the latest Aygo with its benign-looking expression doesn't look quite as fashionable as the previous.
Look for used Toyota Aygos from 2015 to 2017 here (priced from R99 990)
Related: Here Aygo again! (Part 1) and Aygo to my happy place (Part 2) (review, 2015-2016)
Got a bit more to spend?
Look for used models on AutoTrader such as the 1.6-litre turbocharged Ford Fiesta ST (from R169 900) and the MINI Cooper One hatch, from R179 900. Want to stand out? This hybrid from Honda never had a chance in the spotlight, but we think it deserves more attention. Look for used Honda CR-Z Hybrid models (From R169 000).
If you're buying a pre-loved car, remember to purchase an additional maintenance plan as well, and look into roadside assist as well. We also recommend an AA membership if you should ever find yourself in a spot of mechanical trouble.
Need a small, but spacious SUV with turbo power? The practical Opel Mokka 1.4 Turbo (From R130 000) is a bit of a bargain.
Recommended next
Buying used, but looking for something sensible? Check out our guide to the safest small cars for new drivers (2018).
