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6 Must Haves In Good Cars For Elderly

Find a Car For Me helps all its clients find used cars in Melbourne (and new cars too).

Recently, Find a Car For Me received a client of 70 years – a senior citizen who was looking for the best car. Until, this particular client walked through our door; many of the clients that Find a Car For Me had served were between the ages of 38-50 years of age. They were generally working full time in their own businesses or in a mid-high level management position.

This particular client helped Find a Car For Me to learn the things that older clients are looking for in their vehicle choices. This particular client was looking for a high-end small car or an SUV for the budget of $30,000.

As with every client, this particular one wanted to get the most ideal car for their budget; this is what Find a Car For Me ultimately helped the client achieve.

The following sections will highlight what the older clients taught us about this particular market.

Overall Vehicle Safety

This was the biggest concern of this client. The client freely admitted that safety features both active and passive were needed to overcome the inevitable slowing of motor skills and some loss of concentration.

The client acknowledged that the crash safety of all cars at the $30,000 range were mostly 5 stars so that was not the issue.

Our client was also seeking technologies that could prevent an accident in the first place.

Technologies such as Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Departure Assist; two technologies that work together to ensure that cars stay in their lane by way of driver warnings and steering wheel vibrations. Then if the vehicle does drift to another lane; gently steering it back into the middle of the lane. However, this technology does not take the place of driver input. It is only there to assist the driver.

Blind Spot Sensors were also held in high regard as this technology used small lights on the side mirrors to profusely flash if there is another car, motorcycle, cyclist or pedestrian in the blind spot of the vehicle. As above, this technology does not take the place of driver input. It is only there to assist the driver.

Alert/Warning – Collision Forward – basically a sensor or in the case of some manufacturers a camera which detects objects in front of the car; and then warns the driver with a series of beeps and brake assistance if required. As above, this technology does not take the place of driver input. It is only there to assist the driver.

Reverse Camera – a technology which can save lives using a screen to see what is behind the car, be that people, other cars or objects. More superior reverse camera systems even have two parallel lines which predict where the car will actually go and will bend in different directions depending on how the driver turns the steering wheel.

Whatever it is; this can save lives or even insurance claims. As above, this technology does not take the place of driver input. It is only there to assist the driver.

Ease of Entry

Ease of entry for a car is highly dependent on the health of the buyer of the vehicle.

For example, I often recommend to clients who are older to opt for an SUV. Generally, we are not big fans of SUV’s as they almost always offer less value for money than equivalent sized sedans and hatchbacks. However, in the instance of an older client; entry and egress are very important factors in the purchase of a new vehicle.

As time goes on, the difficulty of getting in and out of a car continues to increase. A car that is higher off the ground is easier to enter and exit.

Nowadays, many hatchbacks and sedans have lower suspension than they did even as far as 10 years ago to improve handling. This has meant that many of these cars do not cater as well to older clients as they are more challenging to enter and exit from.

One exception to this rule, in the $30,000 price range, is the Subaru Impreza. We recently discovered that the Impreza has a higher ride height than many of its SUV competition for example.

best cars for seniors with arthritis 2020 Australia

Because Find a Car For Me has had a lot of experience finding used cars in Melbourne for different clients we were able to make discoveries such as the advantage that the Subaru Impreza has over some of the SUV competition.

Accessories To Complement Ride Height Such as Side Steps

With greater height, a shorter driver might require side steps to enter and exit the vehicle is a challenge.

So why not go for the lower riding sedan or hatchback? Because it is more challenging for older clients to lower themselves into a car instead of stepping up.

So how can we bridge the height gap with higher riding SUV’s such as the Toyota RAV4 for example? Side steps are the answer.

Making the climb upwards and downwards easy for anyone.

Generally, manufacturers produce side steps that are specific to the SUV that they sell or there are a wide variety of aftermarket manufacturers who sell model specific side steps and other accessories that add to the usability and appearance of the car. Note the sidesteps just below the doors on this particular SUV for example.

A Clear Large Screen

This is a clear one. In the $30,000 range, while many of the cars at that price point offer large screens for reverse cameras, navigation maps and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto; they do not have clear resolution.

Again, older clientele may not have the same levels of eyesight that they once did. So, the resolution of the screen is just as important as the size of the screen, if not more.

Imagine, not being able to properly see objects in the reversing camera could cost lives or insurance claims.

The bottom line is that not all 8-inch screens are created equally so test the screen in person in different levels of light before making a final decision on the car that you want to buy.

All-Round Visibility

This is particularly applicable to rear visibility.

The design of a car can also compromise it. For example, the client I dealt with eliminated the Toyota C-HR from the list of cars that were on the short list because of its visibility issues.

We are big fans of the Toyota C-HR, read more about that here.

However, we are also aware that the C-HR has rear visibility issues. That said, Toyota has wisely fitted the C-HR has many safety aids that use cameras, screens and sensors to counter its visibility issues.

All that said and done; for most, it is always preferable to have a car that is easy to see out of and has those electronic aids.

This is a personal thing. You will have to decide how much you prioritise the design over the visibility.

Ease of Servicing

To ensure that a car is cheap to own over its lifespan, there need to be two components.

Availability of parts
Knowledge of a particular vehicle by the wider community of mechanics.

The wider the availability of parts, the cheaper they will be. This is basic economics.

So, a French car that doesn’t sell in great numbers is more likely to have expensive parts than a South Korean car which is amongst the top sellers in its segment.

That said, many of the parts of European cars are becoming cheaper. But the availability of their parts is still more scarce than many of those from Asia.

Also, many European vehicle dealers do not sell as many cars as those that sell Asian vehicles which means that they do not have as much money to invest in things like training for the service staff OR parts on hand. Both can lead to delays in the repair of the car if you experience a problem.

Just as above, the more vehicles of a brand there are on the road and the more dealers of that brand; the easier it is to service by the wider community.

For example, there are more Mazda dealers than there are Peugeot dealers in Australia. This means that there are more Mazda dealers competing for your business, making the Mazda easier and likely cheaper to service.

When it comes to finding the best the best cars for senior citizens in Australia to buy, while there may be many choices, understanding one’s requirements helps narrow the field.

What could help further is engaging the services of a local Melbourne car broker. Find a Car For Me offers clients an easy way to get the best deal on a car. Harvey will find the best car for your needs and will then get the best price. Please see the car buying services page for more information.

For more information, please contact Find a Car For Me by email or phone.

The best way to Buy Used Cars in Melbourne

Harvey Uncategorized 08/04/202017/06/2020Buy car online Melbourne, Buy second hand car Melbourne, Buy used cars Melbourne, Car Buying Service Melbourne, Car Dealerships Melbourne

When you wish to buy a used car in Melbourne, you clearly have a number of options at hand. For instance, you could:

Buy a car online; Or
Buy second hand car from a car dealer; Or
Bid at a car auction; Or
Go through the process with a trusted broker.

Which option works best?

We’ll find out below!

Buy Car Online

A common option chosen by many Australians is to buy car online in Melbourne. After all, this is a convenient mode of buying used cars, with plenty of choices to select from.

But is this is really as perfect a way of buying used cars as it is frequently made out to be?

Below we list some of the pitfalls that come with opting to buy used cars in Melbourne online. To avoid these pitfalls completely Find A Car For Me can do this for you here.

Lack of Transparency

Without wanting to sound pessimistic (that is really not our aim!), reality is that many sellers lack transparency while selling their cars online. Common lies and/or misinformation include:

Not informing buyers about any accidents the car may have had; and/or
Keeping buyers in the dark if the car is listed as being stolen; and/or
Not being open about any finance owing on the car; and/or
Not being transparent about the actual mechanical condition of the vehicle.

Beyond the above, graver instances include ones where nefarious buy car online sellers end up hiding the fact that the car in question is in fact stolen! Yes, that happens more frequently than you might like to believe when considering buying a car online!

Haphazard Pricing

Another big challenge faced frequently when looking to buy second hand caronline is haphazard pricing. To give you an example, the exact same make and model of a particular vehicle is quoted at wildly different prices on second hand automotive listing sites. This is in spite of the fact that other factors – be it year of manufacturing, number of miles it has run, number of owners it has had, etc. are also quite similar.

Buying a Car from a Dealer

Besides the option of buying a car online, another possibility lies in buying used cars from dealers. Typically, these are professionals with reasonable experience in selling used cars and therefore, the likelihood of you getting a good deal in terms of a solid vehicle at a reasonable price is fairly high.

Yet, there are some pitfalls to buying a second hand car from a dealer too. Instances include:

High Prices

While dealers often claim to charge to have very cheap prices on their stock; often this is not the case. Cars at dealers are often charged at very high prices which contain the dealers commission plus a large mark-up.

A dealer will often plan to drop a very small amount off the price of a car to make a customer feel like they have left the dealership with a good deal. However, often the buyer has gotten a bad deal but not quite as bad as they would have had they paid the full asking price.

Thus, effectively, they not only extract commission from customers, they also pocket a sizeable mark-up charged on the vehicle.

Pushy about Add-Ons

Another shortcoming with car dealers is that they tend to be pushy about often useless frills like paint protection, extra warranty, etc.

Some of the craftier dealers out there actually build these add-ons into the purchase price of the vehicle they are selling; many innocent buyers don’t even realize that!

Common Factors Listed Previously

Factors such as lack of transparency as well as arbitrary, slapdash pricing apply frequently in case of second hand car dealers too. There is especially no assurance about:

A genuinely non-accidental vehicle
Good mechanical condition of the vehicle

Opportunistic, Pretentious Car Dealers

Where there is no denying the sheer number of professional car dealers out there, unfortunately, there is also a significant number of opportunistic and pretentious dealers out there who really couldn’t care less once the car deal is done.

To give you an example, let’s say you bought a car that clearly seemed fine at the outset. Later on, you discovered many issues in the vehicle. Now, unscrupulous dealers will simply look to wash their hands off the whole scenario, implying that they have no further liability since the deal to buy second hand car in Melbourne is already done.

These are risks which you really have to be prepared for, when it comes to second hand car dealers.

Buying from Car Auctions

Now, yet another option that you have is to buy at a car auction. After all, all major cities across Australia hold car sale auctions quite frequently. These are especially good opportunities to grab vintage, exotic, or somehow highly coveted vehicles, that too often at truly affordable prices.

However, they also sell cars that are more run of the mill as well.

Yet, it is true that buying from car auctions also has its own set of perils, as listed below.

No Opportunities to Test Drive

One of the first things you want to do when considering the option to buy a car, especially a used one, is to take a test drive. After all, this will quickly give you an instinctual sense of the condition of the vehicle, the way it drives and handles, and so on.

At car auctions though, such test drive opportunities are extremely rare.

Roadworthiness

While the ability to grab exotic, coveted vehicles at car auctions is quite exciting, that is clearly not enough. An important aspect you need to consider is roadworthiness; whether the car is legally allowed to be on the streets of the Australia.

A lot of car auctions will simply override providing any kind of information on this front; especially since many are themselves clueless about the laws that apply!

Having forewarned you, this is an important aspect we feel you really should keep in mind while considering buying cars at auctions.

Getting a car from auction to pass a roadworthy test can be an extremely expensive exercise.

Inability to Inspect

Just as most car auctions make it difficult for prospective car buyers to take their vehicles for a spin, they make it just as tough to carry out any close inspection. Often, you can view the car and rely only on the report as provided by the auction house.

In many cases, you cannot even start the vehicle.

Therefore, your chances of ending up with a dud vehicle – when you thought you were buying a star are in fact rather high!

The risks involved here include:

The car having mechanical issues.
The car having been in an accident, perhaps more than one.
The car being involved in any kind of illegal activity.

Buying from Car Brokers

Now, the final option you have is to buy your desired second hand car from a broker.

Time and again, we have noted that out of all the options listed above, choosing to buy used cars in Melbourne from car brokers in Melbourne proves to be the most risk-free, with few chances of something untoward happening.

We explain our above mentioned assertion below.

Skilful Negotiation

Of all the parties mentioned above, car brokers are invariably the most skilful in successfully negotiating prices to a level which is not only agreeable to both buyers and sellers; it is also a far likelier reflection of the ACTUAL worth of the vehicle in question.

Adept Communication and People Skills

Let’s face it; during such transactions, often there are occasions where one party proves rather difficult to handle in comparison to the other. In such trying scenarios, having an individual with adept communication and sound people skills proves completely priceless.

Many car brokers DO have such skills and therefore make a worthy choice as far as contacts to buy a second hand car in Melbourne from.

Making the Most of Precious Resources

For the vast majority of us, time and money are both precious resources that we have much less of than we desire. In this particular scenario, car brokers really help in saving significant time and money by closing deals to buy second hand car in Melbournequickly, that too at the best possible price.

Conclusion

In this article, we have listed all possible avenues to buy used cars in Australia.

Among all of them, car brokers clearly come up trumps, taking multiple factors into consideration.

All this demonstrates how Find a Car For Me can get you the best car for the best deal.

To find out more about how Find a Car For Me can get you the best deal, please contact us by email or by phone on 0411 769 772.

Ways to Sell Your Car in Melbourne

Harvey Sell my Car Melbourne 20/03/202010/04/2020Car Dealerships Melbourne, I want to sell my car Melbourne, Sell your car Melbourne

So, it’s time to sell your car in Melbourne. You have thought about it for some time, but it has to go. Parts are wearing out and you are not willing to start shelling out tons of money for repairs. Plus, the technology that comes in new cars has really sparked your interest. But where do you start?

Across the time span of 30 years of experience working with cars, Find a Car For Me has had a lot of valuable experience selling cars on behalf of customers. Because of this experience, plus our expertise in buying cars for people; we understand the difficulties that arise when a person decides they want to upgrade to their next car. Contact us by email or call us to find out why it’s best to use Find a Car For Me’s Car Selling Service in Melbourne.

Sell Your Car Online in Melbourne

When it you decide that “it’s time to sell my car in Melbourne”, you have plenty of options. From listing it privately, to selling it at an auction, and even trading it in.

All these options may sound great in theory, but they all come with their certain set of unique downsides. For example, when you say to yourself: “I want to sell my car online in Melbourne.” That may seem like a good idea at the time, but let’s have a closer look at this option.

Selling your car online is a big undertaking. Why? The reason for that being is because selling your old car over the internet will take up a lot of your time. More than likely you will have to list it on several sites, along with the thousands of other vehicles, print flyers and post them up all over town, list it on Facebook marketplace, and so on.

There will be a lot of “tire kickers” out there as well, meaning you will get several messages from people that seem interested only to find out that they never show up, or if they do show, they will offer a ridiculously low price or even worse, they will start finding issues with your pride and joy. This also means that you will lose valuable work or free time.

Even if you manage to sell your car online in Melbourne, you will have to get a road worthy certificate for the transfer to go through.

Overall, in order to sell your car online in Melbourne, you must have a lot of time and patience at your disposal.

Sell Your Car To a Dealer in Melbourne

Another option is to sell your car to a dealer in Melbourne. This may seem like the best option as it is the quickest, but as we all know, car dealers often offer a very low offer or low trade-in value. The reason for that is because they are looking to make as much profit as possible when buying or selling a vehicle.

They will take your car in and do an in-depth inspection of it. When that is done, they will inform you of all the “issues” they found with it. That’s their job, to offer as little as possible for your vehicle. And if you want to sell your vehicle to them instead of trading it in, you can be that the offer will be even lower. A lot of people are taken in by this option simply because it is the easiest, but this is a great way to lose out on a lot of money.

Sell Your Car Through a Car Auction in Melbourne

If you are a gambling type, and want to sell your car fast in Melbourne, you may put it in an auction. Let’s dive into this option a little deeper. The car auction market can be very volatile. There are a lot of factors that need to go right in order to get top dollar for your vehicle.

Is the auctioneer going to do his job properly?

Will the right buyer be there?

Will there be more than one interested party at the auction?

Will my car get damaged by someone during the inspection week?

If any of these things don’t go according to plan, you will more than likely end up selling your car under the market value. All these things have to line up just right in order to ensure you get the best amount price for your car. If just one of these factors do not go right, you can take a huge loss.

And let’s not forget about the auction fees which you will have to pay. Some auctions have fees as high at 30%!

Sell Your Car Through a Car Auction in Melbourne

The best option when it comes to selling your car in Melbourne, is to hire a car broker like Find a Car For Me. A broker is your saving grace, especially if you are not an expert in the auto industry. Unlike the options mentioned above, using our car selling service in Melbourneis truly the easiest option.

Find a Car For Me make the process as stress-free as possible because we are the professionals when it comes to selling your old car in Melbourne.

We take over the process of selling your car.

No more dealing with people that do not show up. No more haggling for the lowest price, etc. Find a Car For Me does all work for you to ensure you get the best possible price without you going thorough any of the hassle.

Best of all, Find a Car For Me knows the market! There is a difference between the market values and the book value. The Red Book is often way underpriced in terms of what your car is worth, which it why potential buyers will always use the Red Book evaluation as leverage.

Seeing as Harvey has 30 years of experience in selling and buying cars in Melbourne. The skills Find a Car For Me have acquired over the years and their relentless quest to get you the best price will definitely work in your favor. You will also have the chance to determine a price for your car with your broker one on one, making the experience a positive and personalised one.

We know that the used car market has gotten a bad rap over the years, but that has all changed now. That may still be the case with some of those shady used car dealerships, but for the most part, car brokers in Melbourne are here to work with you and provide you with the best price for your vehicle.

You could always try your hand at one of the options mentioned above, however the chances are very slim that you will be able to get a better price than someone who has worked in the auto industry for years.

There is a reason people choose a car selling service in Melbourne over doing it themselves. We get it, you have a busy life, and this is where the professional brokers come into play. After all, this wouldn’t be such a huge industry if it didn’t work.

If you have any questions or want to sell your car through us, please don’t hesitate to call us or email us and let us show you what you can get for your used car today.

Best SUVs to Buy in 2020

Harvey Best Small SUV's Melbourne 12/03/202009/04/2020Car Broker Melbourne, Car Buying Service Melbourne

There are such a large number of small SUVs available now that it can be very difficult to choose what’s best for one’s needs.

Yet while they all seem to blend together, there are upsides and downsides to each. Among the upsides to all SUVs listed here are that they have 5-star ANCAP crash test safety ratings, wonderful gas mileage, and enough space for a family and their gear. Whether one’s main priorities are technology, safety, efficiency, performance, or space, there is a small SUV to suit those purposes.

Harvey Milder, the founder of Find a Car For Me has experience getting clients deals on many SUV’s and as a result, is in a good position to recommend the best ones to clients. If you wish to get the best SUV to buy for yourself or any other type of car, please contact Find a Car For Me by email or phone. For more information on our car buying service in Melbourne, please click here.

Mitsubishi ASX

The Mitsubishi ASX is one of the oldest small SUVs available right now, having been around in more or less its current state since 2010. This means that the interior is less than cutting edge as compared to the other competitors.

Despite this, the little Mitsubishi has a an interior that features up-to-date technology, good performance, and the highest possible crash test rating from ANCAP.

It also has an excellent new car warranty at 7 years demonstrating Mitsubishi’s confidence in the car. Truth be told, the design of the ASX is so old that most of its bugs should be ironed out by now.

As with many other small SUVs, the rear seat is cramped for adults, but the said rear seat does fold down to allow for extra cargo space. It also represents excellent starting at $24,990 (at time of writing) which helps to explain its popularity in Australia.

The ASX might lack rear space, but it does not lack in interior technology.

Best SUV To Buy - Mitsubishi ASX — Best SUV To Buy – Mitsubishi ASX

Mazda CX-5

Starting at $31,990 the Mazda CX-5 is one of the more expensive options here. However, for your money the Mazda CX-5 provides you with one of the better drives in its class.

Fun to drive specifically, and fun to be in. The CX-5 has a more straightforward interior layout than other small SUVs, while not lacking any entertainment options such as Apple Car play, Android Auto, and several USB ports. There is even a fighter jet like Heads Up Display available on certain models.

While other SUVs are becoming more like living rooms on wheels, Mazda has purposefully made the CX-5 just a bit sportier than the competition, in having a cockpit setup with a similar simplicity to their legendary sports cars.

The price of the CX-5 might not suit everyone, but it is an excellent buy.

Best SUV To Buy - Mazda CX-5 — Best SUV To Buy – Mazda CX-5

Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage is about style, and safety. The rear seat may be cramped, but the interior is plush and is matched with elegant styling.

The crash test ratings might be the same as others on this list, but the standard list of active and passive safety features on this car are truly superior to the competitors. Features like lane keeping assist and driver attention alert are all standard even on the S base model which starts at $28,990.

Complementing its accident avoidance features are is the styling. Kia says the lines were inspired by modern fighter planes, and with small SUVs this shape is among the best to the eyes available. The styling is enhanced by the standard fitment of 17-inch alloy wheels.

Style and safety are an excellent combination.

Best SUV To Buy - Kia Sportage — Best SUV To Buy – Kia Sportage

Honda HR-V

Often overlooked in this segment is the Honda HR-V. Because of this, it means that you can get a car with top quality for a little more than the price of a Mitsubishi ASX.

The Honda HR-V is classic Honda, in the modern era. Classic Honda means lightweight, with excellent build quality and first-class engineering. All this leads to wonderful efficiency, reliability, and usability.

This user-friendliness extends into the interior, which has just about every audio input under the sun, including USB, AUX, Bluetooth, and HDMI. The HR-V also warns you when you need to add more air into your tires.

The HR-V offers the convenience of being able to enter the car and start it without taking needing to take your key out of your pocket. This is fantastic particularly when you have your hands full of shopping and potentially young kids.

More importantly, classic Honda means outstanding build quality and reliability. The engine sips fuel, and does so whether in the city or out cruising, due to the HRV’s lightness. Furthermore, the Honda 7-year warranty should provide plenty of confidence.

The rear of the little SUV is also easier to fit a pram in than several other choices on this list.

Ease of use and high quality should not be overlooked.

Best SUV To Buy - Honda HRV — Best SUV To Buy – Honda HRV

Suzuki Vitara

I am often surprised that I do not see more Suzuki Vitara’s on the road. And this is because they are the cheapest option out of all the cars that I have written about in this article. Starting at $23,990 the Japanese built Vitara offers similar pricing to a hatchback.

That said, the Suzuki Vitara is a little basic in some ways, but at almost a third the cost of some higher end competitors, the lack of frills is just fine.

There are some other caveats with that price, however. The Vitara uses more fuel than other small SUVs, and does not offer more legroom or cargo space than what is average for this type of vehicle. This is due to the fact that the Vitara is a little smaller than its competitors. This means that it makes the most sense for an inner-city buyer.

While the performance of the base model is adequate, Harvey always steers customers towards the turbo engine options as they provide an excellent compromise of performance and fuel economy. However, these are significantly more expensive than the base model. Maybe a slightly used turbo would be the pick here.

Also, the Suzuki lacks some of the active safety gear that is offered by some of the competitors. That said, it still achieves a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

In any case, the Vitara is a wonderful budget option.

Best SUV To Buy - Suzuki Vitara — Best SUV To Buy – Suzuki Vitara

Hyundai Kona

With its slim line headlights, the Hyundai Kona is the slick and cool new kid on the block when it comes to small SUVs.

Introduced only a couple years ago, the Kona comes with Hyundai’s awesome five-year warranty, a boat load of technology, and good performance. The cost of this all-round capability is literal cost. While something like the Vitara can be had for $23,990, the most stripped-down Kona starts at 26,000 new and climbs steeply from there in price.

Hyundai has also used low quality materials on the interior of the Kona meaning that the interior ambience is compromised somewhat.

And the Kona’s back seat is cramped enough to only really be comfortable for small children.

When price and space are less important than technology though, the Kona is a good choice.

Best SUV To Buy - Hyundai Kona — Best SUV To Buy – Hyundai Kona

Toyota C-HR

Whenever I recommend the Toyota C-HR to anyone, the first thing they do is point out that it has a small capacity engine.

However, the performance from that engine is quite strong. And that’s only the beginning.

The Toyota C-HR is about the cutting edge, compared to other current small SUVs. Offering a hybrid option sets it apart from other SUVs in this list, and that is before mentioning a fully electric version that will soon be available overseas.

The styling is deliberately ultra-modern, an attempt to dramatically differentiate the C-HR from every other modern small SUV. It succeeds at this, as while most SUVs blend together, the C-HR stands out in any setting. More importantly, the interior quality and style really is second to none but it does not offer as much room as some of its competitors.

With excellent resale values, this car is a favorite of Harvey.

Technology and style combined are worth a look.

Best Used Small Sized SUV For Teachers Toyota CH-R — Best SUV To Buy – Toyota C-HR

When it comes to finding the best SUV to buy, while there may be many choices, understanding one’s requirements helps narrow the field. What could help further is engaging the services of a local Melbourne car broker. Find a Car For Me offers clients an easy way to get the best deal on a car. Harvey will find the best car for your needs and will then get the best price. Please see the car buying services page for more information.

For more information, please contact Find a Car For Me by email or phone.

Best New and Used Cars for Teachers under $25,000

Harvey Best Cars For Teachers Melbourne 02/03/202009/04/2020Car Broker Melbourne, Teachers Car Buying Service Melbourne, Teachers Car Selling Service Melbourne

Harvey Milder has been a car broker for decades, buying and selling cars for clients both in Melbourne and interstate. He has also been offering a teacher’s car buying service (and a corresponding teachers’ car selling service) specifically since his student days.

Harvey has a top-notch ability to tailor the right car to academic lifestyles, budgets and individual needs, developed over many years as a used (and new) car broker both in Melbourne and across Australia. Harvey also understands teachers needs perfectly thanks to his experience in the teaching environment during his own part-time academic career.

Harvey can hook teachers up with their dream cars, at dramatically reduced costs. He helped one of his own lecturers buy a beautifully maintained 3-year-old Alfa Romeo at 30% of its new price, a bargain the client had never imagined was possible. Harvey fondly recalls his joyful face on receipt of that car.

Harvey has been approached repeatedly regarding his teachers’ car buying service and his teacher’s car selling service. For this reason, he has decided to share his advice as to the best buys for academic staff in 2020 (priced at $25,000 and under). These include both used and, where price permits, new cars in all categories. Here are his top tips.

The Best Small Cars for Australian Teachers

New: Volkswagen Polo

Look no further than a Polo for a premium car at a small price, with excellent fuel efficiency. For a decade, the Polo has eclipsed all competition in its class. It offers strong performance for its size, thanks to the punchy 3 cylinder turbo-charged engine, which provides you with excellent fuel economy.

The base model 70TSI Trendline starts at $17,990. It includes a large touchscreen with Apple car play and Android Auto, as well as all the safety gear. However, it’s the small touches that make this car such a joy to travel in. For example, all four windows have auto up/down and can be operated using the remote control on the key just like an expensive prestige car. The plush ride quality is outstanding, exceeding all expectations for this class of car.

The Volkswagen Polo offers it all. It’s a car that meets the demands of both the head and the heart.

Best New Small Sized Car For Teachers Volkswagen Polo

Used: Suzuki Swift

Many of my clients find this a surprising recommendation as Suzuki is not one of the larger automotive companies in Australia. However, it is a sensible one, due to the many merits of modern Suzuki Swifts.

The flimsy feel of late 20^th century Swifts is long gone, replaced by a solid car which retains both the legendary reliability and lightweight feeling of the Suzuki brand. Even in base models, this car is a gift that keeps on giving.

However, I will always recommend the GLX Turbo and especially the Suzuki Swift Sport. At this stage these two models have experienced a healthy dose of depreciation, particularly the GLX Turbo. Both models possess all the active and passive safety equipment expected for their class, and offer fun and youthful styling with lots of interior space, as well as excellent performance levels while using the smallest amounts of fuel.

If you’ve got a bit more budgetary flexibility and love to drive, I highly recommend the sport model for its brisk acceleration and smooth handling, thanks to sports tuned suspension and complimented by sports seats. It offers fuel efficiency and a really great city and country driving experience.

Best Used Small Sized Car For Teachers Suzuki Swift

The Best Small/Medium Cars for Australian Teachers

New: Toyota Corolla

Like the Volkswagen Polo in the previous category, the Toyota Corolla has, in more recent years, stepped up to become more of a premium offering in its class. Tasteful, angular lines define the dashboard, and the car offers precise steering and with a driving experience that far eclipses earlier Corolla models.

Toyota car have always offered unrivaled reliability, and the Corolla is no exception. As such, Toyota’s in general are relatively easy cars to sell once you’re ready to move on to your next car.

I have to add that it’s not easy to find a brand-new Corolla that fits into the $25,000 budget. That said, it’s still possible, and I’ve seen it personally.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the Volkswagen Golf VII here, but I also don’t recommend the purchase of a new car that’s about to cease production, at least not in the absence of an unbeatable deal.

Best New Small to Mid Sized Car For Teachers Toyota Corolla

Used: Ford Focus Mark IV

The Ford Focus has a strange tendency to be forgotten about on the used car market, despite getting rave reviews by journalists. It’s been touted as being one of the best cars for handling in its class, as well as being extremely well-equipped for its price.

It’s likely that the transmission issues experienced by some Fords in years gone by have contributed to the Focus getting frequently overlooked. However, the models I recommend have well and truly moved past any such problems. Better yet, from a buyer’s point of view, this lingering reputation means that the Ford Focus has a really weak resale value. That makes it possible to buy a one-year-old focus in new condition for the price of a brand-new Volkswagen Polo.

The base model Focus Trend offers a fuel-sipping 3 cylinder engine that punches above its weight plus a great stereo to complement its excellent handling and ride quality. Clearly, the effort has been put in by Ford to make good on the past issues.

Furthermore, the tasteful styling sits on an all new chassis. This means you can be sure that the car has benefitted from Ford’s latest research and development efforts.

The Ford Focus really is too good a bargain to turn down. Especially since it comes with a 5-year warranty.

Best Used Small to Mid Sized Car For Teachers Ford Focus

The Best Mid-Sized Cars for Australian Teachers

New: Holden Commodore

Again, some readers are likely to find this a surprising choice for best mid-sized car within the listed price range. However, as Holden has recently announced that importation of the Commodore and the Astra will cease, prices have dropped dramatically, and it’s now possible to get a new Holden Commodore for the same price as a new Volkswagen Golf.

For that price, you’ll get Holden’s signature excellent styling, keyless entry and start plus Advanced Park Assist. The latter means that the car that parks itself, even in the base model.

On top of all that, the Commodore includes advanced safety features like lane departure warning, meaning you’ll be notified if you cross over lanes. It also has forward collision alert, which is a mechanism that senses an oncoming head-on collision and stops the car. Pretty fancy.

The car also drives beautifully.

The only real downside is resale values, which will be low due to Holden’s decision to withdraw from the Australia market. However, the impact of that will be mitigated if you get a good deal on a new vehicle and intend to keep your Commodore for 5 years or more.

Best New Mid Sized Car For Teachers Holden Commodore

Used: Ford Mondeo

The Mondeo offers the exact same value equation as the Ford Focus in the previous category. As with the Focus, it provides the feel and driving experience of a far more expensive car than it is. The Ford badges are the only clue that you are not driving a German vehicle.

Just look at the front styling! Or the overall styling for that matter; it really is a champagne experience on a beer budget. The Mondeo has plenty of interior and boot space and can be had with a petrol or a diesel engine. As such, fuel consumption will not be an issue.

The pick of the range would have to be the top spec Titanium for its airbag equipped seatbelts, driver fatigue warning system, heated front and rear seat plus the massive sunroof, which is standard.

After 2 or 3 years, the Mondeo Titanium sells for around half of its new price, making it a similar price to a new Toyota Corolla. For this reason, it should never be bought new, but it makes for a very sensible second-hand purchase.

Best Used Mid Sized Car For Teachers Ford Mondeo

The Best Small SUVs for Australian Teachers

At the time of writing, there are no brand-new cars that I can recommend within the $25,000 maximum budget, so will review the best used choice.

Used: Toyota CH-R

I absolutely love this car.

It wasn’t exactly love at first sight, though. The styling is stunning, but my initial view was that the value proposition was poor, because it only has a 1.2 turbo.

Yet, when I drove one, I realised that it was a game-changer for the small SUV class.

In years gone by, small SUVs were something of a necessary evil. You might have needed one to accommodate a small family, but it meant sacrificing your desire for a stylish car that drives well.

The CH-R has changed all that. I was incredulous at how well it handled and found I could take it around all types of corners with ease. The chassis was just that good. The interior quality was also lovely – comparable to a Lexus – with beautiful details, such as the diamond shapes cut into the headlining, the materials used on the dashboard and that brushed metal gear shifter.

The 1.2 turbo, as it turned out, felt like it was up to the task. While this is not a high-speed car, I never felt that I was left wanting for much more power around the city.

I was driving the base model, and found it to be extremely well-equipped. Blind spot warning is a standard feature. The thick, leather-bound steering wheel felt great in my hands.

Resale values for this car are quite high, so it’s not the best value in this class, but in my view, it’s nonetheless the best buy in its class.

The Best Mid-Sized SUVs for Australian Teachers

Again, at the time of writing, there are no brand-new cars that I can recommend within the $25,000 maximum budget, so will review the best used choice.

Used: Honda CR-V (RW)

For a long time, it seemed like Honda was asleep at the wheel. Having been regarded as pseudo prestige cars during the late 20^th century, with their top quality and super high-tech vehicles at the time, Honda then failed to release anything special for about 15 years post-millennium.

However, the 2017 release of the new CR-V changed all that. It was evident at first sight that this was a return to form for Honda. The quality and design of the dashboard was that of a far more expensive car. The CR-V was also one of the first cars in its class to provide a small turbo-charged engine for fuel efficiency, an indicator that Honda was beginning to re-embrace its old identity as a technological leader, too. It has excellent handling, a great ride and comfortable seats, to boot.

Like the Toyota CH-R, it’s a stylish car and works well for family transportation needs.

The market has been slow to catch on to the high quality and all-around excellence of the CR-V, so it’s priced a lot lower than its competition.

With Honda’s legendary reliability, the CR-V will bring you and your family many great years of motoring.

Best Used Mid Sized SUV For Teachers Honda CRV

The Best Sports Cars for Australian Teachers

At the time of this writing, there are no brand-new sports cars that I can recommend within the $25,000 maximum budget, so will review the best used choice.

Used: BMW 2 Series Coupe (220i)

The BMW 2 series is, admittedly, a bit older than some of the other sports cars at this price point. However, being one of the final BMW rear wheel drive cars that is still relatively new, I determined that it deserves top spot on my list, despite the fact that only the 220i is a realistic buy within the $25,000 budget.

The recommended 2 series remains a current model, despite a recent facelift. It rides a lot like a luxury car, except when you’re turning corners, of course. Like all BMWs, the 2 series is more than capable of taking corners quickly.

There are also rear seats which fit adults comfortably enough for shorter trips and can carry luggage for weekends away.

Admittedly, the 220i isn’t the fastest car in the range, but it should have enough pace for most people seeking a sports car. However, its stylishness – both interior and exterior – more than compensates for its average acceleration. That said, if you can spare an extra $2 – 3,000, the BMW 228i will possess everything I have written about with the extra pace that the chassis deserves.

The 220i will cost you more to service than a Japanese car. However, this car is an absolute pleasure to own, and people will think it’s worth twice as much as you actually paid.

Best Used Sports Car For Teachers BMW 220i

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