I'm from japan (21 yrs old), and I just got my driver's license so I'm looking to buy my first car(used car). I'm looking for something reliable, cheap (but a good-looking car), could last for a couple years, and beginner-friendly car. My budget is around $8000, Do you have any recommendations? Thank you
Have you searched this forum? This question has been asked too many times. The general rule of thumb is Toyota (Corolla-Camry) or Honda (Civic or Accord).
Besides that, since you are in Japan, you have lots of nice Japanese cars in your market that are not available in the US. Find out in your local market, which cars are cheaper to own and repair and mechanics know how to work on them.
We are unsure what cars are popular in Japan and are unfamiliar the Japanese car market.
For example the last gen Daihatsu Sirion with a 4 speed looks good and is reliable, but is it under $8k?
Is the Terios with in the price range?
If you are living in the US (assuming this since you used USD as the currency), then stick with a Japanese or Korean car that isn't electric or hybrid, and engine above 3 cylinders (if possible, naturally aspired).
Avoid american brands, and avoid luxurious european brands as they will bring you the most problems long-term.
This forum has many already existing posts related to first time buyers.
As far as Korean cars in general, please read the thread on Hyundai Motor Group: https://carkiller.com/scottykilmer/qa/HMG/
As someone who has been driving Korean cars as my main method of transportation for over a decade, Korean cars require a lot of caution when picking - especially North American models that are more likely to troublesome have GDi/T-GDi and DCT/EcoShift/iVT technology.
I'm looking for something reliable, cheap (but a good-looking car),
Get any of the Kei cars after a professional mechanic checks it, before purchase.
Congratulations and all the best.
You have a ton of options, especially living in Japan. My first two choices would be a naturally aspirated Honda City or a naturally aspirated Toyota Vitz, both with manual transmissions (not automated manual). I think they sell them there, maybe under a different name.
Next up would be any Kei car from Honda or Toyota.
With that said, my dream would be a Suzuki Jimny. We don’t have them in the US.
