Best cars for under $5k in NZ

When it comes to finding the best cars for under $5k, you’ll have to spend some time searching the listings on Trade Me to find the gems. Set your search by adjusting the price tab to $5k, set your location and if you know what type of vehicle you are after, you can set your bodystyle and fuel type too. You’ll then be presented with a list of candidates to pick from. 

At this budget-minded end of the market, mileages are getting pretty high and so condition is king. High mileage isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as long as the previous owner has looked after the car with the usual maintenance and care needed to prolong a car’s life. Investigate as to whether the owner has any service records in that regard. A visual inspection of the car can be telling. If it still looks to be clean and tidy with only minor imperfections inside and out, you should be okay. But if the car is banged up, the interior full of rubbish and the engine bay grimy, best leave it alone.  

Try to avoid the temptation of that $5000 BMW 7 Series. It might seem like a great idea, but it’ll likely cost you plenty in repairs within a few months. Cheap European cars are best avoided as repair bills tend to be more expensive than Japanese models and parts can be scarce.

So what are the best cars for under $5k in NZ? Here are some top picks to consider. 

Honda Fit 2007-2013

The second-generation Honda Fit (Jazz in New Zealand) continues Honda’s city hatchback formula with a small and boxy design that realises a spacious interior. With a big glasshouse, Fit has an airy feel to its cabin. The dashboard layout is unconventional but practical, the front seats offer good support, and the high seating position appeals to older buyers.  

Rear seating is better suited for two adults or three children, with excellent legroom but limited width. The Magic Seat system for the rear bench allows for multiple cargo configurations, providing up to 337 litres of boot space.  

The Fit offers 1.3L and 1.5L petrol engines and a hybrid version too for improved fuel economy. Most Fits use a CVT automatic with five-speed manual and automatic options available. The car’s small 9.4m turning circle makes it ideal for city driving.

The Fit is known for its reliability with a timing chain-equipped engine although early CVT transmissions had durability concerns.  

Toyota Corolla 2006–2013 

This generation of Corolla introduced a new exterior design while keeping the same engine and transmission. And that’s good for reliability. Available in hatchback, sedan, and station wagon (the Fielder), the Japanese import version is called the Auris.  

As a five door hatch, interior space is okay, room enough for four adults but don’t expect heaps of leg room. Cabin quality is high for a mass market model, and storage is ample. The boot measures up at 283-litre while the rear seats fold to help take larger loads.  

The 1.8L petrol engine usually comes matched with a four-speed automatic. Performance and economy are best described as adequate.  

Safety features are limited to ABS and front airbags, stability control was introduced later with a model update.  Most importantly, reliability is exceptional though regular servicing is essential to keep it that way.

Mazda Premacy 2004 - 2010

The Mazda Premacy is a compact seven-seat people-mover (though some have five seats), sharing components with the Mazda3/Axela.

The Premacy has a sporty look (for an MPV) and the interior is practical, featuring durable materials, ample storage and easy-to-use controls. The second-row seats slide and can be reconfigured, but the third row is small, designed mainly with children in mind. Luggage space is limited with all seats up but improves significantly when the third row is folded. 

It comes with a four-cylinder petrol engine, paired with a four-speed automatic (upgraded to a five-speed in 2007). The drive is smooth with responsive steering and good brakes, though visibility to the rear is poor.  The Premacy is generally reliable, sharing parts with the Mazda3. Common issues include sliding side door failures, climate control problems and underbody rust.