Get value for your money!

 

cornerstone of their decision-making process.
Given these factors, I have compiled a list with the aid of online motoring websites, of used cars that are affordable, fuel efficient (some of them will make you forget to buy fuel . . . ha ha ha) that will cost you less than US$8 000 inclusive of duty and other relevant fees.

All these vehicles deliver great fuel efficiency and their maintenance costs are minimal. This list is not in any particular order.

To those thinking of buying a car out there I hope this will be of assistance to you.
If you can afford the brand new version of the listed vehicle the better. That way you will thoroughly enjoy you vehicle and will get the best value for your money when you eventually decide to sell it.

First off is the Honda Civic, with a mileage of 11,5km per litre on city driving to about 14km per litre when doing highway. With fuel prices plus US$1,55 now, what better way to save on fuel. Cruise in this vehicle and save.

The first year of the eighth generation of Honda’s top seller delivers a more aesthetically pleasing vehicle than most on this list. The Civic is offered in two- and four-door body styles with a 1,8-litre four-cylinder engine under the hood.

There you go, a thought to deliberate on before you buy your used car. One downside due to the complexity of the Honda engine is that it might cost you more to maintain in the long term.
Next stop is an old time favourite of mine, the Toyota Corolla. This is one of the best fuel savers of all time.

On city driving, you can push this baby to about 13km per litre and about 15,5km on the open highway.

The Toyota Corolla of any generation will give you peace of mind and makes it easier for you to invest in other things. This vehicle screams “commuter car with little personality”. But who cares if moving from A to B is at almost zero cost.

It also has a short standard-equipment list but who cares. Available only as a four-door sedan, the Corolla features a 1,8-litre 126-horsepower four-cylinder engine. The improved and redesigned 2010 version still nets respectable mileage at 13km per litre combined, but it may be challenging to find one for less than

US$8 000. Still you can wait, am sure by 2017 the current model may be easy to find at that price.
Looking at the two I have dealt with, I would go for the Toyota any day – low maintenance costs, better fuel economy and peace of mind to top it off.

The next car I will write about was literally my first love – the MINI Cooper (I am glad to say it was infatuation and I have moved on . . . ha ha ha).

The MINI Cooper gives you an average of 13km per litre combined driving. Easily the most fun and tossable car on my list, the MINI is the polar opposite of the soulless, point-A-to-point-B appliances normally lumped in with fuel misers.

Retro Euro styling, a throwback interior, BMW mechanicals and a sporty suspension makes the Cooper a real adrenalin pump.

However, be wary of early models equipped with the continuously variable transmission, because the gearboxes can fail and are costly to replace.

Besides it’s a BMW, it will choke you when it comes to maintenance. Don’t say I didn’t warn you . . .
If you are a family person, the first two are appropriate, but if you are a loner like myself, then the MINI Cooper is your car.

Number four on the list is the Suzuki Swift. That, I tell you, is free driving. You can literally live in your car, driving from town to town like a Gypsy. At about 17km per litre, you can almost visit the fuel station twice a month, that is if you are not a skirt chaser.

Skirt chasers tend to use more fuel because they hop from place to place looking for women. One minute they are in Chitungwiza to see Susan, the next in Mabvuku to chat to another lady and so on!
The Suzuki Swift uses the 1,3-litre drive-train. The Swift is a continuation of the Suzuki Cultus and is still in production overseas.

Swifts are not nearly as plentiful as Metros but are worth the search if you want to hit the mileage home run. So the next time you are in Messina looking for Cheap On Wheels, look out for the Swift.

So after listing four vehicles, I am sure I have helped someone out there to make an informed decision on their next car.

Don’t say I didn’t warn you on the downsides. Choose wisely because it’s your hard-earned money at the end of the day.

Till next week, keep it pumping and be safe.

Fact Jeke is an auto enthusiast with over a decade experience. She has written for several regional publications, attended many auto trade shows around the globe. You can contact her on email: [email protected] or via Facebook: Torque with Fact Jeke.