Top 5 Student cars for under R50 000

The year is almost over, and it’s now time for the big rush to get the licenses, and get that independence your young’un has been craving, and for that sense of freedom, there is no better way of getting this than having your very own car.

I have put together a list of the top 5 student cars I would recommend, all of which can be bought second hand for under R50 000. The cars were selected by the following criteria.

Value for money, build quality, performance, reliability, and running costs. Here then is the list in no particular order.

2000 Ford Ka

Yes, you most likely have to give birth to it before you can say it is a good looking car, but it is extremely fun and very easy to drive. It is light, nippy, has good fuel economy, and surprisingly spacious. It is almost 15 years old now, so expect some rattles.  Expect to pay roughly R50 000

2008 Kia Picanto

Another one in the line-up who does not look as good, but, value for money nothing will beat this little gem. It takes getting used to the clutch, but the build quality I would recon is better than any car I will mention here. Services are dirt cheap, and it’s extremely light on fuel. It’s not fast, but its little 1100 cc engine is no slouch either. With some shopping you will be able to pick one up for about R45 000

2005 Opel Corsa Lite 

With its radical styling they do offer a sense of fun, although I find them tiresome to drive. Constant fighting with the heavy clutch, and the forceful nature of having to operate the control just makes this a car a bit heavy. But nonetheless, it is a very good option with the ability to exite. It is nippy, spacious, and when driven properly can be very fuel economical. Services though is a bit on the high side. Expect to pay around R45 000

2004 Hyundai Getz

This car shows its age on the inside, clad with plastic and big buttons, and offering the bare basics, however it is by far the most spacious in this lineup, and services are also affordable. It gets you from A to B without much fuss, an easy driver in general. It has a tendency to rattle, but it will do so still looking good on the outside. With a bit of haggling, you should be able to pick up one in a good condition for around R43 000

2005 Mazda 323

The least refined car in this list, but the one with the most soul. This is the ultimate in motoring. Parts are cheap, it is easy to work on, reliable, easy to drive, very spacious, and very fuel economic. They are also well priced, with a good one for around R35 000. It is still a risky vehicle to drive, but the pros outweigh the cons.

Then, there are those who came in just over the price, but it has one or two issues I am concerend about.

2004 VW Polo

The 2004 VW polo to be precise. They are extremely reliable, parts are abundant, and it is very easy to drive. I find them lacking in the driving experience area, but that is my personal opinion. They are fast, spacious, and aged rather well. The only thing to consider is the insurance, as they are liked by Hi-Jackers, and because of this, I most likely will not be advising this car as a viable option.

2004 Ford Fiesta

It is a fantastic car, light on fuel, average build quality, spacious, but it was disqualified as they are still very expensive, so much so you can get a much newer ford Figo for the same price.

VW Citi Golf

Again, it is the ultimate student car, but, sadly, because they are no longer in production, the theft and insurance costs makes them non-viable, and very susceptible to theft and hijacking

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