What FIRST CARS should you BUY?

The video discusses the criteria for a good first car: safety, reliability, affordability (both to buy and maintain), and ideally, something fun and cool. The target budget is around $10,000, and the video emphasizes that the recommendations are based on extensive research and feedback.

Mazda 2 (2015-2018) is praised for its features, safety, and reliability. Mazda 3 (2013-2015) is a workhorse, with the SP25 being a standout, recommending buying from a mature owner to avoid abused models. The Mazda 6 (GH series, 2008-2012), especially the wagon, is highlighted for its resilience, though the diesel version is advised against. The CX-5 (2012-2016, petrol) is suggested as a top medium-sized SUV pick.

A hot tip for first-time buyers is not to shy away from cars with minor aesthetic issues like hail damage or scrapes, as these can significantly reduce the price without affecting reliability, and can be fixed later.

Toyota Yaris (2011-2017) is a strong pick, recommending the 1.5L engine over the 1.3L for better economy. The Echo Sportivo is mentioned as a fun but less safe alternative. Toyota Corolla (2012-2016) is the industry standard for its class, being incredibly reliable but potentially boring. Toyota Camry is recommended for its resilience and affordability, suggesting any model with low kilometers and a good service history. The Lexus IS-250 (around 2006) is presented as a fun, reliable, and often well-maintained rear-wheel-drive option. The Toyota RAV4 (05-2012, third-gen) is highlighted for its toughness, reliability, and practicality, with a note on the V6 being fun but thirsty.

Honda Jazz/Fit (2008-2013, 1.5L engine) is a personal favorite for its practicality, resilience, and appreciating value due to its 'magic seats'. The Honda Civic (8th & 9th generation, especially Sport trim) is praised for its driving enjoyment and practicality, though parts can be premium. The Honda Accord Euro (7th or 8th generation) is considered a superb all-rounder with excellent build quality, reliability, and driver engagement. The Honda CRV (third-gen, 2007-2012 with K24 engine) is recommended for its bulletproof reliability, practicality, and safety, despite being less exciting to drive.

The video briefly promotes Automotive Superstore for car parts and accessories, including infotainment upgrades, rear-view cameras, and parking sensors.

The Mitsubishi Challenger (aka Montero Sport, Nativa, Shogun Sport, 2008-2016) is an underrated and reliable off-roading SUV with a strong community. The Mitsubishi Triton (2009-2015 MN 2.5L turbo diesel) is recommended as the top dual-cab ute pick for its toughness, reliability, and suitability for modifications, debunking myths about chassis bending.

Suzuki Swift (2011-2016) is highlighted for its reliability, value, and fun driving experience, despite being a bit bare-bones. The Swift Sport (first or second gen, 2006-2015) is suggested as the best performance car pick for a first car, known for being fun, reliable on track, and a great learning tool. The Suzuki Jimny (2001-2009) is included as an 'epic little mountain goat' due to its off-road capability and dedicated community, but its safety for daily driving is questioned.

The Volkswagen Golf GTI Mark Five (2006, manual transmission) is recommended for its driving enjoyment and value, with a caution against abused examples. The BMW 130i is praised for its small five-door, rear-wheel-drive, six-cylinder setup, but is noted as an enthusiast car requiring more care than a Corolla.

Ford Falcon and Holden Commodores are given an honorable mention for Australian, New Zealand, and South African viewers. They are described as indestructible, having cheap parts, and making for a cool first car, though some models may lack safety.

The video concludes by addressing comments about favoring Japanese cars. It explains that for first cars, Japanese models are generally more affordable to buy and maintain, more resilient to abuse (like missed services), and have cheaper parts in Australia compared to European equivalents. European cars often require more meticulous maintenance and can be more costly to repair.