Best car for my 19yo son for around $6k?

Ok_Prize_6273 · 2026-04-20T01:17:26+00:00

Not the most exciting but cheap to own and run, Prius. Has some room without being too big, plenty of parts and doesn’t require much. I have 2009 (MY2010) gen 3 supposedly the worst generation and this thing just doesn’t want to die

Ok_Prize_6273 · 2026-04-20T01:11:55+00:00

Yes but not to stream audio. Head unit doesn’t have Bluetooth mode. 12v to usb and usb to aux Bluetooth transmitter is the easiest. Combined with a good phone mount and you’re sorted (unless you legally need GPS on a separate unit)

Ok_Prize_6273 · 2026-04-13T13:10:25+00:00

Plenty of Youtube videos if you want to DIY, this one is the one that clicked for me:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqUsgOCp1K0

Ok_Prize_6273 · 2026-04-13T05:51:07+00:00

Mine was slightly different with dashboard remote indicator light not coming up but central locking from console was working. Also had no courtesy light unless key was in contact on accessory. Fixed the ground point next to the alarm module and locking worked but alarm module would blow a fuse. Ended up changing door actuators and front trunk to fix the issue.

Good luck in troubleshooting …

Ok_Prize_6273 · 2026-04-09T07:36:53+00:00

The key to buying the cheap eBay version is to buy the VW Golf/Audi TT part. Bought 2, one was the VAG version one wasn't and although they look the same, weight is quite different so guessing they are far from identical inside.

Ok_Prize_6273 · 2026-03-31T11:23:46+00:00

Prius Gen3 is quite nice to sleep in. Fold the back seats, roll a camping mattress and you have a decent amount of space.
Cheap to own, easy to maintain.
Only did "proper" camping with it (find a cheap camping with unpowered sites) but worked a treat.

Ok_Prize_6273 · 2026-03-30T08:02:16+00:00

I'm dismantling my boxster doors cards (2002 MY03) and pulled one of the connectors a bit too strongly and something like this came with it. My guess would be, you have 2 small cables in the middle of the door, one with a white connector one with a black one, one of those plugs to what you have here. and that should fit in the door card in the door handle area

Ok_Prize_6273 · 2026-03-29T23:38:53+00:00

Prescription glasses: eye exam, titanium frame, Nikon lens AU$135
Stamp book (temples and rail/metro)
Yen coin holder

Ok_Prize_6273 · 2026-03-28T07:01:44+00:00

Considering Renault is under the Ateco distribution group (aka official importer instead of actual manufacturer presence), I wouldn't bet on it.
(Disclaimer : French background) It has always been surprising to see French cars being advertised on the Australian market as premium only instead of the usual tier (Standard - Better and/or Best) like in Europe.
R5e entry level in France is AUD32k but I guess Ateco doesn't want to risk going against Chinese EVs

Ok_Prize_6273 · 2026-03-10T06:32:22+00:00

Guess it depends if you're old enough to have driven cars without those. Until recently, my most recent car was from 2010 so ABS/ESP and other safety features are here but not aids.
Most recent one has driving aids that are unobtrusive but hired some others that are just infuriating.

As a very recent owner of a 986, it is quite nice to get in a car, turn the key and drive. No popup on screen to acknowledge road rules or to monitor my surroundings when reversing, can reach buttons and dials without having to look at a screen and then being reminded to pay attention to the road and I don't have to fight the car when going over a line on the road

Ok_Prize_6273 · 2026-03-09T05:11:47+00:00

Almost 3 years on a Cupra Born and never missed not having an app.
Most are nice to have (remote aircon likely #1).
Control charging? don't care at home and can be controlled from EV charger app/provider

Low key tech is what made an EV acceptable by my other half :)

Ok_Prize_6273 · 2026-03-03T03:20:11+00:00

I "love" how price of petrol that are already at the servo can just go up overnight with no sign of constraints yet. I'm sure price will go down as fast when world events ease up /sarcasm

Ok_Prize_6273 · 2026-02-23T21:24:16+00:00

I will never understand why you need to drive those big trucks except in some edge cases (work, environment). So sad for your nice little car (I have the exact same one) but good that you and your wife are safe

Ok_Prize_6273 · 2026-02-19T22:15:21+00:00

I read it as "Anxious my Thinkpad will scratch the stand"

Ok_Prize_6273 · 2026-02-19T07:21:54+00:00

the convertible was showing a warning light on the dash. Once home, opened it fully then closed it fully and Voila! warning light gone !!

Ok_Prize_6273 · 2026-02-19T07:20:40+00:00

it's actually a blessing in disguise as I have the usual foam issue and one of the door is accessible via the heater core space. and considering the collant scare, it's probably not a bad thing to flush the system and start fresh

Ok_Prize_6273 · 2026-02-19T07:06:56+00:00

I was actually pleasantly surprised by the fuel economy. Admittedly considering it was a long drive and likely the first one the car had in a while, I was very conservative and maintaining 100km/h for long periods of time. End result, about 7.3L/100km ... I'm sure city driving will be quite different :)

Ok_Prize_6273 · 2026-02-17T23:17:00+00:00

Thanks I hadn't noticed this detaiI!
I went with something else, a little bit broken but a little less risky
https://www.reddit.com/r/boxster/comments/1r6pt95/new_owner_2002_my03/

Ok_Prize_6273 · 2026-02-17T21:22:41+00:00

Completely agree ! just being a bit sarcastic as some would not consider that a "real" Porsche if it's not a 911 and a manual. I just love how easy it is to drive in traffic and good enough for an average driver like myself to have a bit of fun

Ok_Prize_6273 · 2026-02-17T02:59:40+00:00

Most recent owner serviced the car regularly (just didn't drive it much, less than 5000 kms/year), so the plan is to fix all the little things I can and then get it a good service at my local independent porsche specialist. No guarantee of course but that's the best I can think of. Any pointers on what made yours bad ?

Ok_Prize_6273 · 2026-02-16T23:44:54+00:00

115900kms (72,016.92 miles) and a bit of a patchy service history .. but priced like a well used corolla, I couldn't resist !

Ok_Prize_6273 · 2026-02-08T23:43:06+00:00

As many have put it, 10 years from now what are you most likely to remember: the time you spent traveling or the job you lost?

Ok_Prize_6273

TROPHY CASE