Used city hatches review: 2010

It was only a decade or so ago that motorists who equated car length to masculinity freaked out at the trend to downsizing.

The table has turned. Now it's not your masculinity under question for owning a large car, but your sanity. Simply, small cars work.

They are quick, comfortable, well equipped, economical on fuel and ownership costs, plus fit into small parking bays or tuck neatly into peak-hour traffic queues.

They are also relatively inexpensive and there's about 30 different car models and 280 distinct versions to choose from. More importantly, budget motoring means there are thousands of near-new used small cars on the market.

Pick your next pre-owned car carefully and it's likely you'd find one that retains a portion of the new-car warranty. While some car buyers may look at features and paint colour before safety ratings and reliability, even if you've few aspirations to venture outside the city perimeter, it's important to keep safety, reliability, comfort and durability as part of the purchase criteria.

Consider also factory-fit Bluetooth and audio streaming. Hands-free telephone calls and portable and interactive music are pivotal to young car owners and increasingly to the people who end up buying your car.

PS: Ensure the car has been serviced to the manufacturer's requirements (it's stamped in the service book that should be in the glovebox -- if it's not there, neither should you be. Bent or buckled number plates indicate a prang.

Tyre tread worn on the edge or in the centre indicates the car needs a wheel alignment (or may have been in an accident). Always get the car checked out.

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HOT TIPS

Don't be put off by high kilometres if it's a country car. Later models will have full safety and current tech upgrades. Check that service record.

2010 Mazda3 Maxx
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol
Transmission: 5-speed auto
Thirst: 8.2L/100



CARSGUIDE SAYS

Well-equipped version of Australia's most popular car appears to have covered a big distance given its age. That may be due to use as a country car, thus the lower price compared to a similar model with lower mileage. Mazda's 3 is a very good all-rounder with excellent safety standards and generally a nice ride, though cabin noise is intrusive. Twice yearly servicing needed and no capped service program means it may be a bit more expensive to maintain than, say, a Corolla. 

2010 Toyota Corolla Ascent
Engine: 1.8-litre 4-cylinder petrol
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Thirst: 7.7L/100

CARSGUIDE SAYS

Second series of the Z-code Corolla that started in 2000 just improves year after year. It's solid, dependable (no camshaft belt to break), inexpensive to own and fuel, roomy and holds its value. Capped service can save money but Corolla still has a twice-yearly maintenance schedule. In a five- and six-speed auto world, the Corolla's four-speed auto is ordinary. But it's strong and reliable. This car is in line with average driving distances. 

2010 Hyundai i30 SLX
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol
Transmission: 4-speed auto
Thirst: 7.6L/100

CARSGUIDE SAYS

This former Carsguide's Car of the Year is a smart buy, even two years down the track. It retains some three years of its five-year warranty. The i30 is simple, secure and fuss-free. It's relatively economical but not as sprightly as the Mazda3 that has a similar engine. Mileage is a bit high and the car may be due for a new camshaft belt. But it looks good with 16-inch alloy wheels, has a high five-star safety rating and a comfortable cabin.