The Official 'What should Zesty Buy?' Thread

Zesty

Zesty

Not A Dude
Joined
Sep 24, 2007
Messages
2,861
Location
Ballarat, Victoria, Australia
Car(s)
05 Honda Jazz VTi-S
So, I think I've just about convinced the parentals (mum may need more convincing yet) that I'm financially ready to buy my first car, and I've narrowed it down to three. They are all manuals - similar price, similar year. All are on the same dealer lot - a reputable one that others have recommended, and all reduced in price (but not for long, unfortunately).

1) 2003 Mazda 323 Astina Shades. 14,540 kms AUD $15,154 inc. taxes (was $16,990) 1.8lt.

2) 2004 Nissan Pulsar ST Sedan. 47,297 kms AUD $12,500 inc. taxes (was $13,990) 1.8lt.

3) 2005 Honda Jazz VTi. 77,318 kms AUD $15,620 inc. taxes (was $15,990 1.5lt.


These are the three my tiny frame felt most comfortable in - depressing the clutch and fiddling with all the seat adjustments so the steering wheel wasn't in my chest etc. The Jazz is the most comfortable - the Pulsar least, but not uncomfortable in any way. I haven't actually driven any yet - but that's happening tomorrow - hopefully mum can have a look then too.

I have concerns about the Jazz and Mazda. The Mazda came from Tasmania without its books etc, but its so 'new' I don't know whether to be concerned or not. The Jazz has done a lot of kms in just a few years - most likely hwy driving - so could this be an issue?

I need lots of advice - any is appreciated. No pics yet (no camera - not even on my phone!) but I think you know what they look like.
 
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Your 21 and you need to convince your parents to buy a car?

From what I see you need to shop around more to get the best deal. Oh, and always have it checked out by an unbiased mechanic.
 
I still live with my mum - and she's very controlling with the finances. I hate that. :?

I forgot to mention, they have already been workshop tested by the independent regulatory body for this state.
It's one of the only places in town that have that done before they'll sell a car to anyone. I've shopped around a bit - it's only coincidence I found these three cars on the same lot. I've already discounted a Golf, an older Pulsar and a Ford Focus all at different dealerships. The older Pulsar didn't have enough safety equipment, the Golf's driving position didn't suit me and the Focus was stretching the budget too much.
 
Get the fucking Jazz. Wonderful car! So long as you don't mind the slightly bumpy ride (stiff struts)
 
I would assume, the Jazz, being a Honda, would have rock-solid reliability but I also see the Jazz you are looking at has the most mileage. I'd still get the Jazz. Top Gear mothers loved it.
 
The Jazz is probably your best bet. You'll be surprised at how roomy that thing is.
 
yet another vote for the Jazz. (it's the Fit over here) and yeah, it's real nice for a small city car, but it's got a lot of space for it (as a hatch should). Only issue with the Fit (I'm sure it carries over to the Jazz there) is that there is no dead pedal, which for me is a deal breaker. just a hump of carpet that you can't possibly rest your left foot on.
 
Jazz. Great car. Very comfortable, easy to park, plenty of space so its practical, and the seating arrangement is very flexible. Pretty good on fuel too.

For the love of god, go for the manual though.
 
Isn't there anything more.... interesting?

Otherwise just get whatever you like.
 
the fact you're one of like 8 girls on this board makes the fact I was going to suggest a bug less funny :(
 
from what I hear, the Pulsar can be a blast to drive. Dunno myself since we don't get them over here.
Otherwise, the Jazz
 
77000km is still reasonable considering most cars built these days will last beyond 250K. Pulsars are terrible, dont know about the Mazda...you really can't get a Focus?
 
Manuals are very thin on the ground here - and we have a limited number of dealerships, and an even more limited number I would go anywhere near. The Focus I looked at was almost $ 18,000 - a CL with extra sporty bits. The others are ex-demos and even dearer. I'm not prepared to spend more than $17,000, because its not all my money being spent on it - mother's chipping in.

Dins - as for anything more 'interesting' this is about as good as it gets here for that kind of money. We get slugged on service costs etc. for European makes because there's only one dealership for each make here (in my locale), and very few specialised service centres and those few are very exploitative. Even a used Golf or Clio is pretty much out of the question - I mean, I'm not even employed at the moment (trying to get a new job) and I will be a student next year.
 
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From that selection - the Jazz. A newer generation car than the others and the kms shouldn't be an issue provided it's been serviced to schedule. Great car the Jazz.
 
Another vote for the jazz, fantastic little car that should hold its resale well. The other car in it's class is the Toyota yaris but that's a bit um yeah.... :p

If you could convince your parents to come to Melbourne there is probably cheaper cars to be had here.




Plus it's a honda <---- :p
 
I'll go ahead and vote for the Honda Fitta Jazz, even though I've never seen one on the roads here and only heard about it via TG heresay.
 
All of them are crap to drive.

I would have voted for the Jazz, but the mileage is too steep for my liking.

The Toyota Yaris is quite a good little cheap car, maybe you should go for a test drive.
 
MadCow809 said:
All of them are crap to drive.

I would have voted for the Jazz, but the mileage is too steep for my liking.

The Toyota Yaris is quite a good little cheap car, maybe you should go for a test drive.
Click to expand...

she doesn't live in a capital city so used cars are a bit lacking in choice (and of course seem to be a bit more expensive)
 
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