The game is about saving money and CARS24 is the cheat sheet that will help you get in an excellent ride without breaking the bank. They say the best things in life are free and the second best things are very expensive. At CARS24, the best thing is to enjoy the ownership of a reliable partner and the second best thing is to give you the cheapest used cars we can find.

Now don’t think that the cheapest used cars mean we’ll stick you with a nightmare on wheels. We’ll try and broker the best treaty there is. For the sake of ensuring the cars aren’t closer to Dodos than today, we have selected cars which are no older than 2019. Between then and here, you can get most of the advanced tech features and save on that cash. However, you can also explore Cheapest hybrid cars in Australia or Cheapest electric cars in Australia

Before we get into the details of the cars, the following are the cars which are on sale currently and are subject to change without prior notice from CARS24. Get…Set….Vroooom.

Note: Prices are based on available used car inventory in market during the time of writing the article. It varies significantly based on variant, year, odometer etc.

Hyundai Veloster

Data for 2019 Hyundai Veloster Turbo Auto MY20

Something was going on with the Hyundai while designing the Veloster. Think about it 2 doors for the front row, 1 for the second followed by a boot. What is the design idea behind this. We checked for any improved drag coefficients and they were pretty standard at 0.33 CD. If the design language is kept aside, the Veloster isn’t a particularly bad car.

Turbo-charged petrol car gives you 201 Bhp of bursting power with 265 Nm of torque. Safe to say that this car will do well on the open roads. Given the small size of the car, it is a pleasure to drive it in the city and getting in and out of tight parking spaces seems like a problem for others. If you really want to have fun with Veloster, we suggest you take it on curvy roads and notice how it hugs the ground without skidding at all.

Air conditioning can be irksome most of the time. We noticed that this car takes up to 5 minutes for the cooling to actually be felt. This makes the car a problem when the scorching summer hits and you’ve chosen Veloster as your mode of commuting. However, these problems became so widespread that the newer iterations had a much better cooling system with better second-row cooling and controlled vents.

Key features of the Hyundai Veloster

• 3+1 door design
• Twin central exhaust outlets
• 7-inch infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Climate control
• Cruise Control
  

What’s good about it?

• More spacious than i30
• Optional wireless charging pads
• Boot space
  

What’s not so good about it?

• Clunky air-conditioning in lower variants
• Active and Go variants lack rear air vents
• Low ride clearance

Audi A1

Data for 2019 Audi A1 30 TFSI Auto MY20

Audi A1 is somewhat of a melting pot of great, good and bad. Given the turbo-charged petrol engine, the driving is thrilling and the pick-up is particularly good. The A1 dashes from 0 to 100 in under 8 seconds. Needless to say that it isn’t the best out there in the market, but given the category and filters for this list, its pretty great.

The servicing of the Audi A1 is alluring as well. The pre-paid service package is cheaper and makes owning a luxury vehicle pretty cost-effective. Ofcourse, the durability of these cars are exceptional but with servicing it is better to have it and not need it than need and not have it.

Now to what Audi improved in the following versions, the interior quality and upholstery is something Audi dropped the ball with this car. Scratchy interiors and no padding on the driver’s armrest is something that irks more than you’ll want it to. Additionally, the seats also seem to chip and strecth sooner than you’ll want it to.

Key features of Audi A1

• Audi's Virtual Cockpit system
• 10.25-inch digital display + 8.8-inch infotainment system
• 0–100km/h in 7.7 seconds
• Dual-clutch gearboxes
• Servicing comes in at $1480 for three years or $1990 for five years
  

What’s good about it?

• Extremely good city car
• Small turning radius (10.5m)
• 18-inch alloy wheels
  

What’s not so good about it?

• Lack of map overlays on the infotainment screen
• Firmer than the softer Polo
• Interior feel is not at par with Audi

Suzuki Swift

Data for 2019 Suzuki Swift Sport Auto

Suzuki’s reliability is exceptional. Right there with Toyota and Hyundai, but with Suzuki Swift, they chose to have fun by making it lightweight and strong, unpretentious but tech-laden. While it is a bit oxymoronic that Suzuki did this, people loved Swift. This hatchback soon became a globally favoured. What with the low price point, strong steering and safety features that were a bit ahead of its time like AEB and rollover stability, forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control.

Given that this is a pretty affordable car, with a turbo-charged 1.4 petrol engine, with almost every mechanic knowing how to repair one of these in case of breakdown, the cost of maintenance and all things considered, this car is a total value for money.

Additionally, as good as the 7-inch infotainment touchscreen is with inbuilt Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the fact that it has a 2-speaker stereo system is criminally insane. Sure the navigation feels like aeons have passed and the connecting it is a game of hit and trial but overall, this is a good purchase.

Key features of Suzuki Swift

• 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen
• Pleather-trimmed steering wheel
• Leg and headroom in the second-row
• Space-saver spare wheel
• 16-inch wheels
  

What’s good about it?

• Pleather-trimmed steering wheel
• Autonomous Emergency Braking system
• Sharp looks and exterior design language
  

What’s not so good about it?

• Two-speaker stereo
• Small boot
• Braking system at high speed

Subaru Impreza

Data for 2019 Subaru Impreza 2.0i-S G5 Auto AWD MY20

Hear us out, we know that a lot of people might not want to see Impreza on this list, due to maybe a total lack of turbo-charged petrol, the slouchy driving experience and the frequent breakdown post 10,000km mark. It still is a considerable automobile.

One of the few sedans to actually make the presence of all-wheel drive feel justified. That, along with the boot size and a killer stereo system, the ride will never feel like a snooze. Music and drives are essentially the same thing, they’re only as fun as you make them to be.

Interiors are 50-50, while you get leather anointed seats comfortable armrests and ample in-cabin storage space. You are also exposed to the cheap plastic which makes you want to carpet it up just so you don’t have to look at it. Even though the second row is spacious with ample head and legroom, the future iterations only saw an increase in the spaciousness department.

Key features of the Subaru Impreza

• Leather anointed seats
• Blind-spot sensor
• Front, rear & side camera
• 6-speaker stereo
• Electronic stability control
  

What’s good about it?

• AWD provides excellent grip on muddy and wet roads
• Good safety features
• Spacious second-row
  

What’s not so good about it?

• Lazy pick-up speed and acceleration
• Sags down with weight
• Cheap scratchy interior plastic

Volkswagen Polo

Data for 2019 Volkswagen Polo GTI AW Auto MY20

We like how Polo isn’t a Volkswagen car, Volkswagen is a Polo manufacturer. If you like this car, you know you’re edgy and looking to stand out from the crowd on any given day. Regardless of which variant or iteration you choose, you’ll look slick and classy in it. Just like the interiors, the driving experience is exceptionally immaculate, nothing could be said to shadow that.

What the Polo lacks is adjusting to the norm, 98 ROM fuel??? We don’t know if Volkswagen was sending a message by this or Polo is self-aware and trying to be cooler than the coolest but it is honestly a headache not a lot of drivers want to take. Another issue with the polo is the suspension, the ride gets unnecessarily bumpy, while there is good ground clearance, the suspensions fail to keep that bucket of popcorn steady.

Apart from those minor concerns, the Polo has everything you’ll need from an entertaining infotainment system which is a breeze, however no Android Auto - fixed in later iterations. WIth a list of advanced features and safety features, this car also is a must-have or must consider at the very least.

Note: Mpst cars run on 95 ROM which is the standard. 98 ROM might also increase the running cost but it is pretty fuel efficient.

Key features of Volkswagen Polo

• Rain-sensing wipers
• Auto dipping headlights
• Apple CarPlay
• Reversing camera
• Adaptive cruise control and speed limit feature
  

What’s good about it?

• Infotainment system
• Cabin is amply spacious for 5 people
• Fuel efficient
  

What’s not so good about it?

• Base variant and starter packs
• Bumpy riding experience
• Need for 98 ROM fuel

Hyundai Elantra

Data for 2019 Hyundai Elantra Active Auto MY20

The interesting thing about the Elantra is the trim levels it is available in. Something for everybody. However, choosing from over 15 trim levels seems to fall flat on the face when you realise that there are only two engine options. You can also add onto certain specifics that you really want but don’t want to shell out the cash it takes to get into a top-level variant. Instead, Hyundai allows you to pay for almost all the features and get it according to your needs, for example, Hyundai SafetySense is an extra $1700.

Talking about the exterior design, we felt like Hyundai was trying to experiment and couldn’t come up with any good ideas and thus you have angry-looking headlights which are supposed to give it a sporty feel but fails, honestly. The boot door opens 90-degree which allows you to shuffle things around if and when needed.

Also, if you’re a retro fan, the Hyundai Elantra comes with a very 90s aesthetic with Elantra spaced out under the Hyundai insignia. We didn’t choose it but if you’re willing ti upgrade to the Sport grades, you can get some cool features like sporty leather seats and flat bottomed steering wheel. They aren’t much bu do add a touch of sizzle to your vehicle.

Key features of Hyundai Elantra

• ‘SmartSense’ safety pack
• 15-inch steel wheels
• 7.0-inch touchscreen with inbuilt Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Reversing camera
• LED indicators and DRLs
  
  

What’s good about it?

• Driving experience
• Infotainment system
• Leather interior with sporty seats
  

What’s not so good about it?

• Certain safety features are optional on variants
• Proximity sensors missing from lower-level variants
• Design is a bit outdated

Honda CR-V

Data for 2019 Honda CR-V VTi Auto FWD MY20

Medium-sized SUV have the same demand Utes do in Australia. Which makes the CR-V a hunt-worthy vehicle. Great SUV with an even greater price label. Honda reliability and spacious enough to tap to the beats of the 6-speaker audio system is just insane. We can’t say enough good things about this car.

So here are some things you need to look out for. The CVT gearbox eventually becomes noisy and requires constant maintenance. Readily check this noise that seeps in along with the road noise within the cabin before buying this used car. Alternatively, you can avoid this entire kerfuffle by investing in the Hybrid powertrain, sure it renders the ‘cheap used car’ point moot, but is definitely worth your cash.

Honda doesn’t toy around with features and constantly leads the charge in making tech affordable, well atleast till Kia comes to the table. Rear ventilation and controls with an infotainment system that doesn’t give up and did we mention that the second-row space that is immense, we’ll leave it at that.

Key features of Honda CR-V

• Adjustable driver’s seat
• 5.0-inch screen with Bluetooth connectivity (No Apple CarPlay and Android Auto)
• Rear ventilation
• 60:40 folding seats
• 17-inch wheels
  

What’s good about it?

• Almost class-leading second-row seating
• Boot space
• Six-speaker audio system
  

What’s not so good about it?

• Noisy gearbox
• Hybrid is much more reasonable to invest in
• Wet-road grip

Honda Civic

Data for 2019 Honda Civic VTi-L Auto MY20

Civic can be called Camry’s father. The same sporty design, the same excellent handling, fuel economy and precision steering which makes you want to floor that gas pedal. Additionally, the largest rims in the range at 18 inches (upgradable), a neat boot spoiler, and LED headlamps is something you can expect to accentuate your driving experience.

The forward collision alert may get activated a bit too prematurely and that leads to that wringing sound in your car even when you can see there is no danger. While a minute in precaution is better than an hour of cure, this precaution has a sound that almost irritate the driving experience.

Civic isn’t just limited to being a sporty car, makers at Honda have taken certain steps in order to make it extremely comfortable for the occupants. With a red-stitched leather steering wheel, new leather seat trim with red stitching, drilled alloy sports pedals, eight-way power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate, and a 10-speaker audio system. These features just split the difference and avoids polarising the car from being a sporty sedan or a comfortable one.

Key features of Honda Civic

• Climate control
• Four LATCH anchors
• Honda Sensing
• High beam support assist
• Standard 17-inch alloy wheels
  
  

What’s good about it?

• Excellent fuel economy and performance from turbocharged engine
• Comfort and sporty nature is perfectly balanced
• Good interior materials and design
  

What’s not so good about it?

• Hyper-active safety system
• Cruise control
• Optional infotainment system in lower variants

Conclusion

Well, that’s about it for the cheapest used cars. While on the market you’ll find older cars, CARS24 would like to suggest that you invest in cars from and after 2019. Given how the safety features have evolved and how the road conditions have changed. Cars don’t just reflect our socioeconomic status, the way they’re designed and crafted can tell a lot about the country they’re being sold in.

Since a while ago, makers have taken the initiative to fine-tune their cars within Australia in order to ensure that the car keeps up with our rugged roads and firmer driving habits.

Additionally, before investing in a car, we have compiled a list of necessary steps to take. Don’t forget to do all that, it will save you a lot of time, energy and money afterwards. Drive the car yourself, take a mechanic along, check the service and log book for any erroneous entries and more. Read Here!

FAQs

1. What are the key factors to consider when buying a cheap used car?

Key factors include mileage, maintenance history, vehicle condition, resale value, and potential repair costs. Research extensively and prioritize reliability, affordability, and overall value.

2.  How do I ensure the reliability of a cheap used car before purchase?

Ensure reliability by inspecting the car's maintenance records, conducting a thorough inspection, considering a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic, and researching the model's reputation for reliability.

3.  Are there any specific makes or models known for offering affordable used cars?

Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Ford Focus, and Mazda3 are known for offering affordable used cars with good reliability, fuel efficiency, and value retention.

4.  What are the average prices of cheap used cars in different regions?

Average prices vary by region and factors like demand and supply. Research local listings and consider factors like mileage, condition, and market trends for accurate pricing estimates.

5.  What are the most important specifications to look for in a cheap used car?

Focus on mileage, maintenance history, vehicle condition, engine and transmission performance, safety features, and overall reliability to ensure a good value proposition in a cheap used car.