26 used cars you should be buying in 2026
About this episode
Finding a great used car that improves your life doesn't require a massive budget. In this fast-paced countdown, the hosts tackle a self-imposed challenge: pitching 26 outstanding used cars under $40,000, with only 30 seconds to profile each one. From underrated gems like the Volkswagen Up! and Suzuki Alto Works to reliable performance heroes like the Lexus ISF and Porsche Boxster, the discussion delivers rapid-fire buying advice. Discover which generations of the Mazda MX-5, Honda Jazz, and Ford Fiesta ST offer the best balance of reliability, fun, and value.
You don't need to spend big to seriously improve your life with your next car. In this video, we run through 26 of the best used cars you can buy in Australia right now, covering everything from cheap daily drivers and hot hatches to reliable JDM imports, luxury sedans, and capable 4WDs, all for under $40,000.
Whether you're after a fun weekend car, a reliable family hauler, a budget sports car, or the most bang for your buck in the used car market, this list has something for you.
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Volkswagen Golf R32 (Mk4)
"Let's start with what could be the greatest Volkswagen Golf of all time. Okay. The Mark 4 R32 is quickly becoming a classic, but can still be all yours for anywhere from $20,000 to $40,000, but prices are going up."
This is a special, high-performance version of the standard Volkswagen Golf hatchback from the early 2000s. It features a larger, great-sounding six-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive, making it fast, grippy, and highly collectible today.
The Mk4 Golf R32 is legendary for introducing Volkswagen's 3.2-liter VR6 engine and Haldex-based 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system to the compact hatchback segment. It is widely celebrated for its distinctive, throaty exhaust note and for being the precursor to the modern hot hatch era.
Nissan R32
"...est Volkswagen Golf of all time. Okay. The Mark 4 R32 is quickly becoming a classic, but can still be a..."
The Nissan Skyline is a famous line of sporty cars made by the Japanese company Nissan. It is highly popular among car enthusiasts for its performance and appearance in video games and movies.
The Nissan Skyline is a legendary line of Japanese cars spanning several generations, most famous for its high-performance GT-R variants but also encompassing highly capable rear-wheel-drive sedans and coupes. It has achieved iconic status globally due to its advanced engineering, tuning potential, and motorsport heritage. It is discussed as a highly desirable classic and enthusiast vehicle.
Toyota Hilux (7th Gen)
"The seventh Gentaiota Hilux is modern enough to actually live with without the complexity and endless electronics and modules that we have to deal with now. A good SR5 can be yours from $15,000 to $50,000 and even with loads of kilometers on the clock, generally still offers excellent reliability and they're backed by a huge aftermarket scene."
This is an older generation of Toyota's incredibly tough pickup truck, famous worldwide for being nearly indestructible. It is simple, reliable, and great for off-roading or heavy work without the complicated modern electronics found in newer trucks.
The seventh-generation Toyota Hilux is a mid-size pickup truck globally renowned for its legendary durability, body-on-frame construction, and robust diesel and petrol engine options. It is highly sought after by enthusiasts and workers alike for its ability to withstand extreme abuse and its massive aftermarket support.
Porsche Boxster (986)
"So these next cars used to be the Porsche you bought when you couldn't actually afford a real Porsche, but these days, those in the know regard the 986 Boxster and 987 Boxster and Cayman as the models to buy for ultimate bang for your buck."
This is the first generation of Porsche's entry-level convertible sports car. Because the engine is in the middle of the car rather than the front or back, it handles incredibly well around corners and is one of the most affordable ways to own a true Porsche.
The 986-generation Porsche Boxster is a mid-engined roadster that saved Porsche from financial ruin in the late 1990s by sharing its front-end architecture with the 996-generation 911. It is celebrated for its near-perfect weight distribution, hydraulic steering feel, and accessible flat-six performance.
Porsche Cayman (987)
"So these next cars used to be the Porsche you bought when you couldn't actually afford a real Porsche, but these days, those in the know regard the 986 Boxster and 987 Boxster and Cayman as the models to buy for ultimate bang for your buck."
This is a two-seat, hardtop sports car from Porsche with its engine mounted right behind the seats. Because it has a solid roof instead of a convertible top, it is stiffer and handles even better than the Boxster convertible.
The 987 Porsche Cayman is the hardtop coupe sibling to the Boxster, offering increased chassis rigidity and sharper handling dynamics. Powered by a mid-mounted flat-six engine, it is widely considered one of the finest-handling driver's cars ever produced.
Honda Jazz
"Next up, it's any generation of Honda Jazz or Fit. They are great. But our pick for improving your life is the second gen with a 1.5 litre engine and a manual."
This is a small, highly practical hatchback from Honda. It is famous for having rear seats that can fold completely flat or flip up, allowing you to carry surprisingly large items in a very small car.
The Honda Jazz (sold as the Fit in North America) is a subcompact hatchback famous for its highly versatile "Magic Seats" and incredibly efficient packaging. It is powered by a reliable, small-displacement inline-four engine and is highly regarded for its low running costs and surprising fun-to-drive characteristics.
Volkswagen Up!
"It's the car that BMW should have made to be the spiritual successor to the mini, but Volkswagen got in before them. It's the up. Okay, this surely has to be Volkswagen's most underrated model, and it's also one of the best built and most reliable the brand has made in the last 20 years."
This is a tiny, budget-friendly city car from Volkswagen. It is incredibly easy to park, cheap to run, and built much better than most other small cars in its price range.
The Volkswagen Up! is a city car designed for tight European streets, featuring a compact footprint and highly efficient three-cylinder engines. It is praised for its surprisingly solid build quality, mature highway manners, and engaging manual transmission.
Mazda Mx5
"Next up, we can't make a video about cars that improve your life without mentioning a Mazda MX-5. But we think the pick of the bunch is the third gen NC. It might be regarded as the worst MX-5, but we think it's the best car of all the generations."
This is the third version of Mazda's famous two-seat convertible sports car. While purists sometimes criticize it for being slightly larger than the older models, it is actually the most comfortable and practical generation to live with every day.
The third-generation (NC) Mazda MX-5 Miata is a rear-wheel-drive roadster built on a modified version of the RX-8 platform, making it slightly larger and heavier than other Miata generations. It is powered by a reliable 2.0-liter MZR engine and is highly valued for offering modern safety and comfort while retaining the classic lightweight sports car driving dynamics.
Lexus IS F
"Of course, it's going to improve your life. It's the ISF. Now, when you, these were cheaper than an equivalent M3, C63 or RS4, but these days they're often asking more on the used market."
This is a fast, luxury sedan from Lexus that features a massive, loud V8 engine. It offers the speed and excitement of a German sports sedan but with the legendary reliability and lower maintenance costs of a Toyota.
The Lexus IS F is a high-performance luxury sedan powered by a Yamaha-tuned 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. It was Lexus's first true "F" performance model, designed to challenge the BMW M3 with bulletproof Toyota reliability and a roaring exhaust note.
BMW M3
"..., when you, these were cheaper than an equivalent M3, C63 or RS4, but these days they're often asking ..."
The BMW M3 is a faster, sportier version of a standard BMW four-door sedan. It is built by the German company BMW to offer a more exciting driving experience while still having seats for passengers.
The BMW M3 is a legendary high-performance sports sedan that serves as the benchmark for the compact executive performance class. It is highly discussed for its ability to blend racetrack-ready dynamics with everyday four-door usability. In the used market, it is often compared to rivals like the Mercedes-Benz C63 and Audi RS4.
Audi RS4
"... these were cheaper than an equivalent M3, C63 or RS4, but these days they're often asking more on the ..."
The Audi RS4 is a high-performance version of a standard Audi sedan or wagon. It is built by the German company Audi to go very fast while using an all-wheel-drive system to keep the car stable in bad weather.
The Audi RS4 is the highest-performance version of the Audi A4 compact executive car, featuring standard Quattro all-wheel drive and aggressive styling. Known for its incredible all-weather traction and high-revving engines, it represents the pinnacle of Audi's compact performance lineup. It is discussed as a premium performance benchmark.
JDM
"The cheaper JDM imports kick off from around about $40,000, but prices do seem to be creeping up with mint condition examples now starting to surpass $60,000."
This is an acronym for 'Japanese Domestic Market.' It refers to cars that were originally built to be sold only in Japan, which enthusiasts often import to other countries because they have unique features or cooler engines.
JDM stands for Japanese Domestic Market, referring to vehicles and parts designed and sold specifically for the Japanese market. These vehicles often differ from export models in terms of performance, features, and emissions equipment, and are highly sought after by enthusiasts worldwide.
Audi S1
"What happens if you take the engine and running gear from a Golf R and pack it into a tiny little hatch? You end up with the ballistically rapid Audi S1. And it's a manual only, so you know it's a real faired income hot hatch."
This is a tiny, premium hatchback from Audi that has been stuffed with a powerful turbo engine and all-wheel drive. It only comes with a manual shifter, making it a blast to drive on twisty roads.
The Audi S1 is a subcompact hot hatch that packs a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine and Quattro all-wheel drive into a tiny, manual-only package. It is highly prized for its rally-bred heritage, explosive acceleration, and agile handling.
Ford Fiesta ST (Mk7)
"it doesn't get much better than a Mark VII Ford Fiesta ST. And I know this from experience because I have one as my daily driver... but the Mark VII avoids the Mark VIII's wet-built reliability concerns."
This is a small, sporty version of the Ford Fiesta. It is famous for being one of the most fun cars you can buy for the money, offering go-kart-like handling and a lively turbocharged engine.
The seventh-generation Ford Fiesta ST is a front-wheel-drive hot hatch powered by a punchy 1.6-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine. It is widely considered one of the greatest modern hot hatches due to its incredibly playful chassis, sharp steering, and outstanding value for money.
Ford Fiesta
"...money, it doesn't get much better than a Mark VII Ford Fiesta ST. And I know this from experience because I hav..."
The Ford Fiesta Active is a small hatchback made by the American company Ford that has been styled to look a bit like an off-road SUV. It sits slightly higher off the ground than a normal hatchback to make getting in and out easier.
The Ford Fiesta Active is a rugged, crossover-inspired version of the popular Fiesta hatchback, featuring a raised ride height, plastic body cladding, and roof rails. It offers the compact dimensions and agile handling of a standard hatchback with a slightly more commanding view of the road and light trail capability. It is discussed within the context of the highly regarded Fiesta platform.
wet timing belt
"but the Mark VII avoids the Mark VIII's wet-built reliability concerns."
This is a type of engine belt that is constantly splashed with engine oil to keep it quiet and smooth. However, if the wrong oil is used, the belt can dissolve and break, which can completely ruin the engine.
A wet timing belt (or belt-in-oil system) is a rubber engine timing belt that runs directly inside the engine's oil bath rather than dry. While designed to reduce friction and noise, they are notorious for degrading prematurely if the incorrect engine oil is used, leading to clogged oil pickups and catastrophic engine failure.
Honda Accord Euro
"Next is the Honda Accord Euro, or if you're watching from the States, it's the Acura TSX. When it comes to the sensible aspects of owning a car and just something that's a pleasure to own, very few cars offer as much value for money."
This is a slightly smaller, sportier version of the Honda Accord. It is highly reliable, comfortable, and surprisingly fun to drive, especially if you find one with a manual transmission.
The Honda Accord Euro (sold as the Acura TSX in North America) is a sportier, narrower version of the standard Accord designed for European and Japanese markets. It features the legendary, high-revving K24 2.4-liter inline-four engine and is highly regarded for its exceptional build quality and sharp handling.
Acura Tsx
"..., or if you're watching from the States, it's the Acura TSX. When it comes to the sensible aspects of owning ..."
The Acura TSX is a sporty, upscale sedan made by Honda's luxury brand, Acura. It is designed to be a reliable, comfortable daily driver that is also fun to drive.
The Acura TSX is a compact executive car sold in North America, which was a rebadged and slightly upscale version of the European and Japanese-market Honda Accord. It is highly regarded for its sharp handling, high-revving VTEC engines, and legendary Honda reliability. It is discussed as a highly sensible and dependable used car option.
Hyundai i20 N
"If it's a Hyundai and it's wearing an N badge, it is simply a fantastic car. But if we had to pick one N car that's going to bring the most joy to your life, it's got to be the baby of the group. It's the i20N."
This is a small, track-focused hatchback from Hyundai's performance division. It is designed to compete with cars like the Ford Fiesta ST, offering sharp handling, a loud exhaust, and modern tech.
The Hyundai i20 N is a subcompact hot hatch powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, developed under the guidance of Hyundai's high-performance N division. It is celebrated for its aggressive mechanical limited-slip differential, track-ready suspension tuning, and highly engaging driver feedback.
Lexus NX
"But if you want something a little bit schmancier that you actually want, it has to be a Lexus NX. For $20,000 to $40,000, you'll have the choice of a hybrid or just petrol, all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive."
This is a small, luxury SUV from Lexus. It shares its mechanical parts with the ultra-reliable Toyota RAV4, meaning you get a fancy, quiet interior without the high repair bills of European luxury brands.
The Lexus NX is a compact luxury crossover SUV built on the robust Toyota RAV4 platform, offering a choice of efficient hybrid or turbocharged petrol powertrains. It is highly regarded for its premium cabin materials, quiet ride, and class-leading reliability.
BMW 130i
"The 130i, however, offers classic naturally aspirated six-cylinder goodness in the brand's smallest, lightest, real-drive platform. That's surely going to improve your life, especially when you consider you can get behind the wheel for anywhere from $7,000 to $20,000."
This is a small BMW hatchback that features a smooth, powerful six-cylinder engine and rear-wheel drive. It is a rare layout for a hatchback, making it highly fun and engaging to drive compared to front-wheel-drive rivals.
The BMW 130i is a rear-wheel-drive hot hatchback powered by the legendary N52 3.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-six engine. It is highly coveted by enthusiasts for combining a classic front-engine, rear-drive layout with a compact, practical five-door body style.
naturally aspirated
"The 130i, however, offers classic naturally aspirated six-cylinder goodness in the brand's smallest, lightest, real-drive platform."
This refers to an engine that breathes normal air on its own, without using a turbocharger or supercharger to force extra air into it. They usually react faster when you step on the gas and sound more natural.
A naturally aspirated engine relies solely on atmospheric pressure to draw air into the combustion chamber, without the aid of a turbocharger or supercharger. These engines are praised by enthusiasts for their linear power delivery, sharp throttle response, and distinctive exhaust notes.
Suzuki Alto Works
"This next car is way more fun than it has any right to be. It's the Suzuki Alto Works. We challenge you not to smile anytime you see one, let alone if you ever drive one."
This is a tiny, sporty Japanese hatchback designed to meet Japan's strict size and engine limits. Despite having a very small engine, its extremely light weight makes it feel like a fast, agile go-kart.
The Suzuki Alto Works is a turbocharged, all-wheel-drive or front-wheel-drive Kei car powered by a high-revving 660cc three-cylinder engine. It is famous in Japan for its featherweight chassis, aggressive styling, and giant-killing performance on tight mountain roads.
Kei car
"Actually, stop the clock. Any Japanese K-Car will make your life wonderful. Honda Inbox, Suzuki Spacia, any of the little trucks, they're all awesome."
This is a category of tiny cars built in Japan to fit into tight city spaces. They have very small engines and strict size limits, which makes them cheap to own, easy to park, and highly efficient.
A Kei car (or keijidōsha) is a Japanese vehicle category for the smallest highway-legal passenger cars. They are restricted in physical dimensions, engine displacement (maximum 660cc), and power output (maximum 64 hp) to qualify for lower taxes and insurance in Japan.
N-Box Honda Inbox
"Any Japanese K-Car will make your life wonderful. Honda Inbox, Suzuki Spacia, any of the little trucks, they're..."
The Honda N-Box is a very small, box-shaped car made by the Japanese company Honda. It is designed to be tiny on the outside so it is easy to park, but surprisingly spacious on the inside for passengers and cargo.
The Honda N-Box is a highly popular Japanese "Kei" car, a class of tiny vehicles designed to comply with strict Japanese size and engine displacement regulations. Despite its small exterior footprint, its boxy design maximizes interior space, making it incredibly practical for urban environments. It is discussed as a wonderful, space-efficient vehicle that can improve daily life.
Lexus RX (3rd Gen)
"but we think the third-generation Lexus RX might just represent the peak of mass-produced motor manufacturing. Okay, yes, the tech has aged out, but that's easily fixed with aftermarket Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but that's about where the negatives end."
This is a mid-sized, highly comfortable luxury SUV from Lexus. It is famous for its smooth ride, quiet cabin, and incredible longevity, with many examples easily surpassing 200,000 miles with basic maintenance.
The third-generation Lexus RX is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV that popularized the luxury hybrid segment with its robust 3.5-liter V6 hybrid powertrain. It is globally recognized as one of the most reliable and durable luxury vehicles ever built.
6 Mazda 6 Wagon
"...he most underrated cars on the used car market. A Mazda 6 wagon will improve your life. They look great, they dri..."
The Mazda 6 (or Atenza) is a mid-sized family car made by the Japanese company Mazda. It comes as a sedan or a station wagon and is designed to be comfortable, practical, and nice to drive.
The Mazda 6 (also known as the Atenza in Japan) is a mid-size family car available in sedan and wagon body styles, highly regarded for its elegant styling and engaging driving dynamics. It offers a more premium driving experience and cabin feel than many of its mainstream competitors. It is discussed as an underrated and highly practical alternative to popular SUVs.
Mazda 6
"...he most underrated cars on the used car market. A Mazda 6 wagon will improve your life. They look great, th..."
The Mazda 6 MPS is a special, high-performance version of the standard Mazda 6 sedan. It was built by the Japanese company Mazda to go much faster and features all-wheel drive to help it grip the road better.
The Mazda 6 MPS (known as the Mazdaspeed6 in North America) is a high-performance version of the first-generation Mazda 6 sedan, featuring a turbocharged 2.3-liter engine and an active torque-split all-wheel-drive system. It was a sleeper performance car of the mid-2000s, offering impressive speed and grip in an understated package. It is discussed as a highly capable and underrated enthusiast car.
Mazda Cx5
"And they're loaded with features, but still everybody buys the bloody CX-5 instead. But a CX-5 won't improve your life like a 6 wagon."
The Mazda CX-5 is a five-seat family SUV made by the Japanese company Mazda. It is designed to be a practical, stylish, and easy-to-drive vehicle for daily commuting and family trips.
The Mazda CX-5 is a highly popular compact crossover SUV praised for its upscale interior, sharp handling, and attractive styling. It consistently ranks as one of Mazda's best-selling vehicles globally, offering a premium feel at an affordable price point. It is mentioned as the default, highly popular choice that buyers often choose over traditional wagons.
Nissan 350Z
"Okay, for the price of a honestly pretty average 370Z, you can get a mint condition 350Z, stick with the 350. They're just as fun to drive as the newest sibling, and with the right history, they're also just as reliable."
This is a two-seat sports car from Nissan with a powerful V6 engine and rear-wheel drive. It is a classic, old-school sports car that is loud, fast, and highly popular among car enthusiasts.
The Nissan 350Z is a rear-wheel-drive sports coupe powered by the robust VQ35 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine. It revived Nissan's legendary Z-car lineage in the early 2000s, offering classic sports car proportions, a mechanical limited-slip differential, and a highly tunable platform.
Nissan 370Z
"... Okay, for the price of a honestly pretty average 370Z, you can get a mint condition 350Z, stick with th..."
The Nissan 370Z is a two-seat sports car made by the Japanese company Nissan. It is designed to be fast, sporty, and fun to drive, featuring a powerful engine and rear-wheel drive.
The Nissan 370Z is a two-seat sports car powered by a naturally aspirated V6 engine, representing a long line of Nissan "Z" sports cars. Produced for over a decade, it is appreciated for its old-school rear-wheel-drive dynamics, mechanical feel, and robust powerplant. It is discussed here in comparison to its predecessor, the 350Z, regarding value for money.
Subaru WRX STI (JDM)
"This next car might be the most slept on performance car out there. It's the JDM spec WRX STI. While the international 2.5-litre engines could have some issues, the 2.0-litre JDM power plants are generally bulletproof."
This is a special, high-performance version of Subaru's all-wheel-drive rally car built specifically for the Japanese market. It has a stronger, more reliable engine that can rev higher than the versions sold in the US or Europe.
The Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) Subaru WRX STI is a rally-bred performance sedan powered by the highly durable, high-revving 2.0-liter EJ207 boxer engine. Unlike the international 2.5-liter models, the JDM version features a twin-scroll turbocharger, stronger engine internals, and a more aggressive chassis setup.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
"...very way, making them easily as impressive as the Lancer Evo 8 or 9 just for thousands of dollars less. Pricin..."
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is a high-performance sports sedan made by the Japanese company Mitsubishi. It was originally designed for rally racing, meaning it is very fast and has excellent grip on all types of roads.
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (commonly known as the Evo) is a legendary series of rally-inspired sports sedans produced from 1992 to 2016. Featuring turbocharged four-cylinder engines and highly advanced all-wheel-drive systems, the Evo became a motorsport icon capable of supercar-baiting performance. It is discussed as a benchmark for high-performance Japanese sports cars.
Mercedes-Benz Sclass
"Now, here's a question for you. Why would you buy a Rolls-Royce or an S-Class when for thousands and thousands of dollars less,"
The S-Class is the largest and most luxurious sedan made by Mercedes-Benz. It is designed to carry passengers in extreme comfort and features the company's newest technology.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the flagship luxury sedan for the German automaker, historically serving as the debut platform for the brand's most advanced safety and technology features. It represents the pinnacle of traditional executive transport and passenger comfort. It is discussed as a high-end luxury benchmark that competes with ultra-premium brands like Rolls-Royce.
Toyota Century
"Why would you buy a Rolls-Royce or an S-Class when for thousands and thousands of dollars less, you can have superior build quality and reliability, a cooler, vibrant image, just better value for money or round? Of course, it's a Toyota Century."
This is Japan's equivalent of a Rolls-Royce, built by Toyota. It is designed for maximum comfort and quietness, featuring wool seats (which are quieter than leather) and a legendary, ultra-smooth V12 engine.
The Toyota Century is Japan's ultimate flagship luxury sedan, traditionally powered by a bespoke, ultra-smooth 5.0-liter V12 engine (GZG50 generation) or a V8 hybrid. It is hand-built in limited numbers for Japanese royalty, government officials, and top executives, prioritizing absolute silence, comfort, and understated elegance.
Toyota Crown
"You know what? Actually, a Toyota Crown does come close. Our pick when it comes to which of the 16 generations go for anything from the eighth generation onwards. Seriously, they're all criminally underrated."
This is a high-end, luxury sedan from Toyota that sits just below the Century. It offers the comfort and luxury of a BMW 5 Series but with the simple, bulletproof reliability of a Toyota Camry.
The Toyota Crown is a long-running line of premium executive sedans built on a robust rear-wheel-drive platform, sharing many mechanical components with Lexus models. It is highly regarded in Japan for its exceptional ride comfort, bulletproof reliability, and advanced technological features.
Toyota Camry
"... all the reliability and practicality of a Toyota Camry, but with a rear drive platform and higher levels..."
The Toyota Camry is a mid-sized four-door family car made by the Japanese company Toyota. It is widely known for being highly reliable, easy to drive, and practical for everyday use.
The Toyota Camry is a mid-size sedan globally renowned for its exceptional reliability, fuel efficiency, and sensible packaging. It has long been one of the best-selling passenger cars in the world, serving as the gold standard for dependable daily transportation. It is mentioned as the ultimate benchmark for practical, worry-free motoring.
Mercedes-Benz Eclass
"but no matter which, all of them have superb reputation for reliability and resilience. If you're in the market for a BMW 5 Series or a Mercedes-Benz E-Class, for the $10,000 to $40,000 crowns are asking,"
The E-Class is a mid-sized luxury car made by the German manufacturer Mercedes-Benz. It is designed to offer a comfortable, quiet ride with high-quality materials and advanced safety features.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a mid-size luxury executive car that sits between the C-Class and the S-Class in the brand's lineup. It is highly praised for its build quality, comfortable ride, and popularity as both a premium family car and a professional taxi in Europe. It is discussed as a premium, resilient option in the mid-size luxury segment.
Bmw 5
"...ity and resilience. If you're in the market for a BMW 5 Series or a Mercedes-Benz E-Class, for the $10,00..."
The 5 Series is a mid-sized luxury sedan built by the German company BMW. It is designed for drivers who want a comfortable, high-quality car that is also fun and responsive to drive.
The BMW 5 Series is an executive mid-size luxury sedan known for balancing premium comfort with engaging driving dynamics. It has been a staple of BMW's lineup for decades, offering advanced technology and a variety of powerful engine options. It is discussed as a key competitor in the premium executive car market.
Suzuki Swift Sport
"Okay, it doesn't matter which generation of this next car, we cannot recommend a Suzuki Swift Sport highly enough. For $15,000 to $35,000, the more recent models are the easiest to live with, but for $5,000 to $10,000, the OG are still such a special little car."
This is a small, sporty hatchback that is cheap to buy and run. It is famous for proving that you don't need a massive, powerful engine to have an absolute blast driving on twisty roads.
The Suzuki Swift Sport is a lightweight, front-wheel-drive warm hatch powered by a high-revving naturally aspirated or turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It is celebrated for its simple, analog driving dynamics, low running costs, and outstanding reliability.
Suzuki Swift
"...eneration of this next car, we cannot recommend a Suzuki Swift Sport highly enough. For $15,000 to $35,000, the ..."
The Suzuki Swift 5-door is a small, five-door hatchback car made by the Japanese company Suzuki. It is designed to be affordable, easy to park in cities, and cheap to run.
The Suzuki Swift 5-door is a popular subcompact hatchback known for its lightweight chassis, agile handling, and excellent fuel economy. It offers practical urban transportation with a surprisingly fun driving character, making it a favorite in the global supermini segment. It is discussed as an affordable, highly recommended small car.
Mitsubishi Pajero (NX)
"That's exactly what happened with the NX Pajero. Arguably nicer to drive, just as capable and easily as reliable as anything from Toyota, Nissan or pretty much any other forward drive, just for less money."
This is a tough, family-sized 4x4 SUV. It is just as capable off-road as a Toyota Land Cruiser but usually costs significantly less to buy on the used market.
The Mitsubishi Pajero NX is a rugged, body-on-frame mid-size SUV powered by a durable 3.2-liter turbodiesel engine. It is highly respected for its Super Select II four-wheel-drive system and its legendary Dakar Rally pedigree, offering exceptional off-road capability and towing capacity.
Toyota Land Cruiser
"...bly thousands of dollars less than the equivalent Land Cruiser, Prada or Patrol. Okay, thanks to insane levels o..."
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a large, rugged sport utility vehicle (SUV) built by the Japanese company Toyota. It is designed to drive over very rough terrain and is famous for lasting a very long time without breaking down.
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a legendary series of four-wheel drive utility vehicles known for unmatched off-road capability and extreme durability in the harshest environments. It is highly sought after globally, often holding its resale value incredibly well due to its reputation for being nearly indestructible. It is discussed as a premium, highly durable off-roader.
Alfa Romeo Giulia
"It's one of my favourites, it's the Alfa Romeo Giulia. Now, we, like you, assumed the worst when it came to reliability, but after researching it, aside from some electronic gremlins that actually aren't too hard to fix, the Giulia can be a really solid used car option."
This is a beautiful Italian luxury sedan designed to compete with the BMW 3 Series. It handles incredibly well and feels like a sports car, though older models have a reputation for electrical quirks.
The Alfa Romeo Giulia is a rear-wheel-drive compact executive sedan powered by a punchy 2.0-liter turbocharged engine or a Ferrari-derived twin-turbo V6 in the Quadrifoglio. It is highly praised for its near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution, ultra-quick steering rack, and gorgeous Italian styling.
Ford Focus ST (Mk4)
"A Mark IV Focus ST might actually be the one that makes your life better. Ford basically took all the best bits of the previous Focus RS and ST models, drizzled in a little bit of Fiesta ST and ended up with a hell of a car."
This is a larger, faster version of the Ford Focus hatchback. It has a powerful engine, clever technology to help it corner fast, and is a great alternative to a Volkswagen Golf GTI.
The fourth-generation Ford Focus ST is a hot hatch powered by a 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine, utilizing anti-lag technology derived from the Ford GT supercar. It features an electronically controlled limited-slip differential and is highly regarded for its explosive mid-range torque and sharp handling.
Hyundai I30N
"...ire it. You want a hot hatch like a Golf GTI or a Hyundai i30N? A Mark IV Focus ST might actually be the one tha..."
The Hyundai i30 is a small family hatchback made by the South Korean company Hyundai. It is designed to be an affordable, reliable, and practical car for everyday driving.
The Hyundai i30 is a popular compact hatchback and wagon family that has helped establish Hyundai as a major player in the European and Australian markets. It is highly regarded for its value, practical packaging, and robust build quality, with the high-performance "N" variants earning serious praise from enthusiasts. It is discussed here in the context of the hot hatch market.
Toyota FJ Cruiser
"Okay, next up, it's the iconic FJ Cruiser. With the right maintenance, these things should actually outlast humanity. Plus, they have a great aftermarket scene. They're incredibly capable."
This is a cool, retro-looking SUV from Toyota designed for serious off-roading. It is incredibly tough and holds its value so well that good used ones can sometimes cost more now than they did brand new.
The Toyota FJ Cruiser is a retro-styled, highly capable off-road SUV built on a rugged body-on-frame platform shared with the Land Cruiser Prado. Powered by a bulletproof 4.0-liter V6 engine, it is famous for its quirky three-wiper windshield design, rear-hinged suicide doors, and exceptional resale value.
Prados
"...lack some of the practicality of the Land Cruiser Prados that they're based on, and those rear doors can m..."
The Prado is a mid-sized, rugged SUV made by the Japanese company Toyota. It is designed to be a comfortable family vehicle that is also highly capable of driving off-road and over rough terrain.
The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (marketed as the Prado, and sometimes associated with regional names like Meru in specific markets) is a mid-size four-wheel-drive vehicle in the Land Cruiser range. It offers a slightly smaller, more maneuverable footprint than the full-size Land Cruiser while retaining serious off-road capability and excellent reliability. It is discussed as a highly practical and desirable family off-roader.
Mercedes-Benz 190E
"You need to get yourself into a 190E. For under $40,000, there are some absolutely mint examples out there. And not only do these exude style and class, and a level of just cool that modern mercs cannot match. These are built-like tanks..."
This is a classic, smaller Mercedes sedan from the 1980s and early 90s. It was built during a time when Mercedes spent massive amounts of money to make their cars as tough and long-lasting as possible, making it incredibly reliable if properly maintained.
The Mercedes-Benz 190E (W201) is a compact executive sedan engineered during the brand's legendary "over-engineered" era of the 1980s. It is famous for introducing the multi-link rear suspension design and is highly regarded for its tank-like build quality, timeless styling, and exceptional durability.
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