Gear changes
The V6 Altima was plain Jane, albeit lathered with enough chrome to reflect sunlight from space. What it lacked in driving excitement it made up for with equipment and space.
SKODA FABIA 2014-2018 (ABOUT $15,000)
Skoda and Fabia are two names many used car shoppers don’t often consider. Plenty of low-km examples means it’s an affordable way to get Volkswagen tech in a thoughtful package. Grab one from 2017 and it’ll still have some of its fiveyear warranty.
KIA OPTIMA
2014-2016 (ABOUT $15-17,000)
With Hyundai mechanicals and a vaguely stylish sedan exterior the mid-sizer is solid buying. For models sold from late 2014 the seven-year warranty means full factory peace of mind for at least another year.
HYUNDAI SONATA 2015-2017 (ABOUT $16,000)
The Sonata name has been around since the late 1980s and has always sold modestly, yet the bland but honest four-door delivers on the basics. Optional 2.0 turbo has more zing than the regular 2.4.
MAZDA6
2014/2015 (ABOUT $17-$20,000)
The 6 represented mid-sized motoring done well and the current shape is now bargain usedcar buying. Five to six-year-old models cost less than $20,000, not much more than the smaller 3. There’s a wagon option for families.
HOLDEN VF CALAIS 2012-2014 (ABOUT $20,000)
Forget the V8s because enthusiasts are fighting over those but V6 Calais models pack in plenty of space, luxury and comfort for the price. Mechanical work should be relatively affordable, too. If the budget can stretch a little further, the later VF2’s updated interior was superior.
MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE CROSS 2018-2019 (ABOUT $24,000)
The large-ish Eclipse Cross compact SUV is a relative newcomer but hasn’t proved a big seller. It has plenty of equipment for the price, although the small turbo engine and CVT auto take a bit of getting used to. Check ex-rental cars thoroughly.
AUDI A6
2013/2014 (ABOUT $25,000)
Luxury buyers have shunned sedans in favour of SUVs, so big discounts can be had. The A6 loads up the luxury for the price of a new city hatch. Be wary of high-kilometre cars and potentially costly servicing on diesel models.
SUBARU LEVORG 2016 (ABOUT $29,000)
Not all bargains need be vanilla. This stylish compact wagon dishes up enough family functionality, combined with turbocharged performance. It has identical power outputs to the WRX hot hatch and boasts more space, but it’s about $5000 less.