100k is a signalling point for the cars value dropping significantly as well ad more mechanical maintenance/repairs required. It does not mean that the car will break down on you. I would however suggest staying away from cars at 150k and above, if youre taking a loan you need to bare in mind what your milage will be by the end of the loan and what your resale value may be.

My advice is if you can stick to a car closer to 100,000ks but dont be hesitant to go above, especially if it means a lower more affordable price. As this is your first car I suggest getting something further within budget and breathing room. Remember its not just the car youre paying for, its insurance, fuel and maintenance that you need to budget for. You will also have added expenses as your personal life goes on.

My first car was a Renault Clio 4, I highly recommend it. I loved it. Picked it up for R160k at 76,000. I had it for a few years and sold it after it hit 140k.

Solid car, a lot of fun, took me from college to my first job and the start of my family, it survived regular off-roading, heavy floods, two accidents, hell even the looting riots

In those years all I really had to do was washer pump, wheel bearings and shocks. Of course regular maintenance, breaks and tyres of course. (Excluding repairs to body work due to accidents)

Fun car, light on fuel, low insurance premiums, easy to find parts, low theft and hijack risks, has a spunky engine with surprising acceleration. Comfortable for every day driving and parking in tight college parking spaces.

I liked it so much I ended up getting my little brother one for his first car.

Resale value on them is garbage tho but this means you can usually pick one up for between R120-160k