What car to buy for under $20K??

[VR28LT]

I know this may be a very predictable reponse but i think for that kind of money you cant go wrong with a mk5 gti

something like this may be the way to go
2007 Volkswagen Golf V GTI MY07 Direct-Shift Gearbox

[kai_h]

MkV GTI for the fun factor or a MkV TDI for the fuel economy if you're planning to do lots of km in it.
They're both very solidly built cars and you can get something with 40,000-80,000km for under $20k.
You'll probably be able to get some luxuries thrown in as well, like full leather (heated seats are awesome in winter!) or sunroof...

[THE_EGG]

I know this will sound weird but perhaps the MINI Clubman? Fun to drive, interesting and pretty frugal although I'm not sure what kind of model would be available for under $20k though.

Maybe a Volvo V50 if you want mega-space and still pretty good to drive with a lovely 5-cyl engine note

Also as mentioned before a Focus diesel would be pretty good and perhaps a Golf mkV GT Sport TDI would be pretty nice too.

[Jarred]

Haha I'm definately not getting a clubman, I find them ugly and pretentious as all hell. but I like where your head is at.

Mk 5's seem to be more on the money. Only problem is that the bulk of them are 06/07, which makes them 5 year old cars already! I'm sure there are some late model gems with low kms out there though. I do find the mk 5 a bit boring (visually though), but that's probably just because I see rough, filthy, dirty looking mk 5's every where on my way to uni! (I pass through camberwell/hawthorn for reference)

I was actually looking at a mk 6 103TDI. 2010 models with a variety of kms (under 60-80,000) are just hovering around the 20K bracket. With mk 7 hitting the road soon, I'm expecting them to drop a couple grand soon.

Another model on my radar is the Skoda Octavia. Some neat RS's out there, slightly higher kms, 09/10 models for reasonable money (high teens). Would probably go for the harder to find, more expensive diesel though

Thanks for the input so far guys.

[lol.u.mad.bro]

R34 Skyline 4 door sedan with the 2.5 Turbo (tiptronic or manual). Going for a smidge over $10K so another $10K to lower, stance, bigger turbo or RB26 motor. DO IT!

[Jarred]

re read the first post mitch, I don't want another project

and they're 12/13 years old atleast, as old as the mk 3!

[VWindahouse]

Brand new VW Polo 6R 77TSI Manual. You really can't beat it for initial new car cost (new car warranty also), plus ongoing costs especially fuel.

They look amazing except for the oem spring height which I fixed with some 50mm drop H&R springs

They are surprisingly quick and can be tuned also. 2 years on with ours and no issues what so ever - sorry 6R GTI owners

But don't take my word for it.... Drive one

[Mk3 AAA]

Mk5 GTI is the obvious suggestion,
Mk7s start at 22grand (exceeds budget I know)
Brand new Polo?
Hyundai i30
Mazda 3
Stock Audi A4
1995 Vento VR6

TDi A4

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/d...-898526/?Cr=21

Mk6
http://www.carsales.com.au/private/d...-2045429/?Cr=6

(I bet it still smells new)

Hate to say it, but the South Koreans are on a roll at the moment...

http://www.carsales.com.au/bncis/det...13751605/?Cr=8

Sorry sorry, another Hyundai,
http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/de...13904436/?Cr=2

I reckon those will dip under the 20s in the next 6 months.

[Jarred]

I'm not buying a Hyundai. Simple as that.

I've seen that B7 before, and it is a car that I do like the look of, and would be rather nice. It's a bit older than I would like (7 years old!) but if there was one, whose condition and kilometres were exceptional, I would have to consider it.
The only thing that concerns me about the Audis is the CVT gearbox? Don't think that's something I want, but I don't know enough about them. anyone care to comment.

Mk 6 is about on the money, although I'd probably go for a TDI. If I'm not gonig to get something... sporty.. (read: dull passenger model) I figure I may as well get something that does 5L/100kms

Everyone keeps raving on about the polos. To be honest, I've never been a fan of the polo's proportions. Visually, they're not the most appealing (to me), however they do fit the requirements quite well. How are the 6R's for interior quality?

[Hail22]

How are the 6R's for interior quality?

Comfy and practical especially for a shopping trolley / scuba gear carrier lol...