Why settle for a basic small car if similar money could get you something that will make you smile?
You’ve decided that it’s time to upgrade your car, but, according to the CHANGECARS finance calculator, your income limits you to the R 250 000 to R 300 000 price range. That translates to a monthly instalment up to R 6 000, provided you don’t take any balloon payment option and qualify for an interest rate around 13.5% over 72 months. Should you buy a new basic small car and get the advantages of a fresh warranty and service plan for this outlay, or should you rather get something older but more interesting and fun to drive?
We looked at various used options in this price range listed on CHANGECARS, and came up with these enticing alternatives. These cars are all enjoyable in their own ways, and offer something different in a sea of small SUVs and hatchbacks, but some caveats apply to each choice in this list. If you’re not overly bothered by these concerns, these cars will all put a smile on your face without carrying an excessive entry price.
1. Audi A5
You could get an older A5 far below our target price bracket, but those examples should rather be avoided due to their very high mileages. Look for a 2014-up A5 with the 2.0 TDI with around 100 000 km on its odo instead, as the later (facelifted) models have been thoroughly debugged and should be fairly trouble-free for a while yet. If you need space for a family, the A5 Sportback is very practical, spacious, and attractive, but the coupe body looks even better. Many were also optioned with the uprated Audi MMI infotainment system which offers most of the functionality we demand in the modern era.
Opting for the 2.0 TDI makes sense on various levels, with outstanding fuel efficiency and plenty of effortless torque being the star attractions. This engine is also pretty robust, and even the final, upgraded third-generation "0AW" version of the Multitronic CVT used in later examples has a good reputation for longevity. The even more robust S-Tronic DCT was available with the quattro AWD system, but those cars tend to be too pricey to fit within our budget limits. In all cases, check for a complete service history, with those important engine- and transmission services carried out as required. Add an extended warranty to the deal when you sign on the dotted line just in case something big does go wrong.
Get a beautiful new or used Audi A5 in this excellent selection on CHANGECARS.
2. BMW 120d (F20)
The second-generation BMW 1 Series was available with a wide variety of engine options, and if performance is your ultimate goal, a six-cylinder petrol example will make you very happy indeed. However, the petrol-powered 1 Series models are known to become maintenance-intensive as they age, so we’d recommend a diesel instead because they are generally more reliable in the long term. Because we’re considering later-model (facelifted) examples here, the F20 BMW 120d in question will have 140 kW and 400 Nm on tap, and most of them feature an eight-speed automatic to get the power to the rear wheels.
The penalty for buying a desirable badge, RWD dynamics, and a torquey engine around this price point will revolve around age, however, because these examples will have quite high mileages. This shouldn’t be a problem for a healthy 120d, though, provided its maintenance record is up-to-date. For added peace of mind, you may again want to consider adding an aftermarket warranty into the transaction.
3. Mercedes-Benz SLK (R171)
The second-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK was very expensive when new, but suffered fairly catastrophic depreciation after their maintenance plans ran out. This makes them pretty affordable about a decade after the last examples of this model rolled off the line. You’ll be able to find a 2010-ish vintage SLK well within our price bracket, but many of them will still have less than 100 000 km on the clock despite their age.
There are some cautions to apply here, and they relate to the engine. Employing the M271 engine in its four-cylinder variants, the R171 SLK is at risk of the same cam drive failure that afflicts most petrol four-pot Mercedes models from this era. This could happen any time from 100 000 km, even in vehicles with a complete service history, so keep an extra R15 000 or so on hand to repair this when the first symptoms appear. The upshot is that you’ll be driving a RWD two-seat roadster with 135 kW and a folding hardtop, and that alone sounds a lot more appealing than a small hatchback with 70-ish kW on a good day.
These lovely used Mercedes-Benz SLKs listed on CHANGECARS will blow your hair back!
4. Renault Megane III RS
This option could also be considered a risky buy, but it may just be the most reliable car in this collection. Using the same, proven F4RT power unit as its predecessor, the second-generation Renault Megane RS (based on the third-generation Megane) has no real engine troubles to mention. However, their gearboxes could be problematic in hard-driven cars, and their electronics could be temperamental.
You will certainly revel in the 195 kW and 360 Nm on tap in the “265” variants, however, and if you can find a “Cup” model, the standard limited-slip differential will give it giant-beating cornering abilities. Just be aware that this option will need a firm hand on its maintenance, because most Megane RSs in this price bracket will be about a decade old and likely have more than 100 000 km on its odometer.
Hot hatch fun in a new or used Renault Megane RS is just a click away on CHANGECARS.
Should you buy one of these used cars?
Any of these choices will make you smile while driving, but be sure to pick a good example when buying. A complete service- and maintenance history is crucial, because most of the known issues with those cars will already have been addressed by appropriately diligent previous owners. If these cars have been well-maintained and professionally repaired by their previous custodians, they shouldn’t destroy your wallet any time soon, but neglected (or suspiciously cheap) examples may end up burning your bank account to a crisp in no time. Remember, there's nothing more expensive in the long run than an inexpensive used luxury or sports car.