Which car should I buy? Kia Picanto GT v Suzuki Swift Sport

My 18-year old son’s off to university and he wants a fun car. He’s after a 2015 Suzuki Swift Sport, but it’s out of warranty now and I’m worried about the ongoing costs. Would the $20k budget be better spent on a new Kia Picanto GT? – Roman K

There are a few things at play here, Roman. A 2015 Suzuki Swift Sport is a cracking junior hot hatch, and a reliable one to boot, but it’s a significantly more costly car to fuel and insure for an 18-year-old and any ongoing maintenance is likely to come straight out of the good ol’ Bank of Dad.

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Yes, he’s only getting 74kW from the Kia versus 100 from the Suzuki, but while you’re footing the bill, you get to make the rules.

In the Picanto’s favour is that it’s a brand-new car that’ll still have years of warranty remaining when he graduates. We’d go Kia and let him know that if he subsequently wants something faster, it’s up to him to fund it. - AE

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