Consultants.Direct · Session report
Choosing between three used small cars
Prepared by Blake Thompson · Used Car Buying Consultant · 30-minute session
Executive summary
You're choosing between a 2019 Mazda 3, a 2018 Toyota Corolla and a 2020 Hyundai i30, all under $22,000. The Mazda 3 is the strongest all-rounder for your situation: lowest risk profile, reasonable kilometres, and room to negotiate. The Corolla is the cheaper car to own over five years but carries more kilometres. The i30 is the nicest car of the three but stretches your budget with little reliability gain.
Your shortlist, scored
Recommended
2019 Mazda 3
8.4/10
$18,900 · 68,000 km
Best balance of price, reliability and running costs
2018 Toyota Corolla
7.6/10
$17,500 · 92,000 km
Cheapest to own long-term, but higher kilometres
2020 Hyundai i30
7.1/10
$21,400 · 54,000 km
Newest and lowest km, but stretched the budget
Price vs kilometres
Lower-left is the sweet spot: less money, fewer kilometres. Bubble size shows overall score.
- 2019 Mazda 3 — $18,900, 68,000 km
- 2018 Toyota Corolla — $17,500, 92,000 km
- 2020 Hyundai i30 — $21,400, 54,000 km
Estimated yearly running costs
Estimates based on 15,000 km/year and average insurer quotes for your profile.
Your action plan
1This week
- ✦Shortlist the Mazda 3 and Corolla
- ✦Book independent pre-purchase inspections ($220–$280 each)
- ✦Run PPSR checks on both ($2 each)
2Before you negotiate
- ✦Get insurance quotes in writing
- ✦Check service logbooks for gaps
- ✦Set your walk-away price: $18,200 for the Mazda
3At the sale
- ✦Use the 12 seller questions from your checklist
- ✦Test drive cold start, not pre-warmed
- ✦Never pay a deposit before the inspection report
Your 12 seller questions
01Does the price include registration and roadworthy certificate?
02How many owners, and why are they selling?
03Any accident history, paintwork or panel repairs?
04Is the service logbook complete and stamped?
05Any finance owing on the vehicle? (Verify with PPSR)
06When were the tyres, brakes and battery last replaced?
07Has the timing belt/chain been done? At what km?
08Any warning lights, leaks or unusual noises on cold start?
09Is the spare key included?
10Will they allow an independent inspection?
11What's their best price for a quick, uncomplicated sale?
12Is anything excluded from the advertised price?