If you’re buying a car on a budget, a used car is the way to go. Take care when you buy and you could end up with a vehicle that’s as good as new for a far lower price. 

To give you an idea of what’s in your budget we’ve looked at a few excellent used cars in every price range – from under $10,000 to $40,000 and beyond. 

Suzuki’s small car range: Under $10,000

If you’re looking for a first car for the kids, an affordable run about or a fuel efficient commuter, Suzuki’s small car range is hard to beat. The Suzuki Swift is the crowd favourite with it’s attractive design, great handling and awesome driver technology. 

However, you shouldn’t look past the Baleno, Splash or Celerio. They’re both great cars and you may be able to find them used at an even cheaper price than the Swift since they’re not as popular. 

Holden’s compact SUV range: $10,000 to $20,000

Holden’s compact SUV range are among the best selling cars the Australian brand produces, and for us that’s no surprise. The Holden Captiva is a great little family vehicle with seven seats, a 5-star ANCAP safety rating and an eye-catching design. 

Even the older models have features like Bluetooth and hands-free calling, and they’re a lot of fun to drive. If you’re not keen on a Captiva, check out the smaller Holden Trax. 

Mazda’s BT50 ute: $20,000 to $30,000

If you’ve got a little more cash to spend and you’re looking for a tough, capable workhorse, you’re in luck. Mazda’s excellent BT-50 ute often sells used for under $30,000 near-new, and at that price it’s excellent value. 

This beast’s got a grunty 3.2 L turbo diesel engine under the hood with 137 kW and a massive 470 Nm of torque – plenty to tow the boat with. The newer models even come with driver assist features like trailer sway control and dynamic stability control. If the Mazda ute’s not your style, cars like a near-new Mazda 3 hatch or the Holden Colorado ute also often retail for between $20,000 and $30,000 used. 

Nissan Leaf $30,000 to $40,000

The Nissan Leaf is the best selling electric vehicle of all time, and some would say cars like this are future of the automotive industry. 

For under $40,000 you can pick up a late-model, highly spec’d Nissan Leaf with a 40 kWh battery in good condition. For good measure, the new models also have heated seats and regenerative braking. While this might seem like a high price to pay at first, just think about all the money you’ll save when you never have to pay for gas again. 

Your options are endless $40,000 upward

When you’re buying a used car for $40,000 and upward, your options are nearly endless. Late models of Mazda’s award-winning SUV the CX-9 retails used for around $50,000 with low ks. Near-new models of the massive Holden Acadia, luxury SUV go for around the same. 

Buying used is a great option if you want to get more for your money – plus, there’s cars for every price range from under $10,000 to $50,000 and above. If you’re looking for a used car Nicholson Auto is the best place to start your search – drop in to your local dealership and take a look today.