Which car should I buy? Best used hatchback under $20,000

New cars are expensive but there is better value for those on a tight budget on the second hand market. These are the best small city focused vehicles.

Finding the right used small car isn’t easy.

New cars are getting very expensive and there aren’t many options for under $20,000. We find a few near new small cars for a reader looking to downsize.

THE QUESTION

I’m freshly divorced and have come away with the car – a 2018 Toyota Kluger – and two kids. My finances aren’t in great shape after lawyers’ fees, so the Kluger’s gotta go. It’s too large and thirsty for my needs. I’m after a small car of similar age, costing under $20,000. Best suggestions?

Michelle Jones, email

ANSWER

The best way to save money is to ignore the SUV hype. A small hatchback will suffice for you and the two kids – our family of four has managed with a VW Golf for six years with no complaints. The last thing you need are more unwelcome bills, so I’ll prioritise used cars with some factory warranty remaining. Just make sure that the car you choose has been properly serviced, or the warranty won’t apply.

CHOICES

The Kia will still have some of its new car warranty.

2019 KIA CERATO SPORT HATCH, ABOUT $21,000 DRIVE-AWAY

The latest generation Cerato (2018+) hits budget, and has the longest warranty. With seven years, you’ll have at least two years remaining. There are loads of fleet/rental special S grades available, but aim for a Sport or Sport+ for better kit and materials. The Cerato’s space, especially its rear seats and 520-litre boot, are standout, while auto emergency braking (AEB), lane-keep assist, rear camera and parking sensors tick safety boxes. There’s Apple CarPlay/Android Auto through an 8-inch screen, but sadly, no rear air vents for the kids. Drive comfort’s good and it handles well, but the 2.0-litre petrol engine feels old, a bit gruff and returns a thirsty 7.4L/100km. Servicing isn’t cheap with Kia, but the Cerato’s a reliable and safe bet.

2019 FORD FOCUS TREND, ABOUT $21,000 DRIVE-AWAY

The Ford Focus is an enjoyable car to drive.

Criminally underrated, the German-built Mk4 Focus is an accomplished joy to drive, backed with decent cabin space, safety and features. There’s only a five-year warranty, so ensure there’s a few months remaining to be safe. It’s a good looking hatch with a clean and unfussy cabin, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, CarPlay/Android Auto, sat nav, but too many hard plastics. Rear seats are generous, but again, no vents.

The engine’s a turbocharged three-cylinder gem with heaps of shove and character, while the eight-speed gearbox is buttery smooth – it’s not Ford’s unreliable Powershift of old. For safety there’s AEB, lane-keep assist and speed-sign recognition. Economy is 6.4L/100km (95 required) and service costs are average.

2018 HOLDEN ASTRA RS, ABOUT $20,000 DRIVE-AWAY

The Astra hatchback was made in Europe.

The right Holden import that arrived too late: the European-built Astra Hatch was a talented all-rounder. RS models have perky 147kW/300Nm turbo petrol engines, and boy could these things handle a corner. You score a 7-inch screen with CarPlay/Android Auto, keyless entry, AEB, lane-keep and blind-spot alert. Your budget should find range-topping RS-Vs too, boasting heated leather seats, satnav and dual-zone aircon. Rear space is very good, but there are no air vents and the boot’s a small 360 litres. It drinks 6.3L/100km (95) and service charges are reasonable. From late 2017 some Astras had seven-year factory warranties: aim for those. But swerve Astra sedans, they’re Korean built and lack the hatch’s polish.

WILDCARD

2017 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF 7.5 110TSI COMFORTLINE, ABOUT $19,000 DRIVE-AWAY

The Volkswagne Golf has an accomplished and comfrotable cabin.

A riskier buy due to VW’s stingy three-year warranty, but it was the finest hatch in class. Cabin quality bests all the above, as do overall ride comfort and cornering ability. The 1.4-litre turbo engine blends performance and economy very well, with 5.6L/100km (95) the return. There’s a more premium feel inside, with decent rear space and – at last! – air vents for the kids. All grades feature 8-inch infotainment with CarPlay/Android Auto, cruise control and rear camera, but AEB’s the only active safety aid. Some have optional Driver Assistance packs bringing radar cruise control, lane assist, rear cross-traffic alert and blind spot monitor – favour these Golfs. Services are pricey, so a perfect service history’s more important than grade or mileage.

VERDICT

The Kia Cerato has the most space and the longest warranty, but the all-rounder Astra takes the win.

Originally published as Which car should I buy? Best used hatchback under $20,000