5 Best Repo Cars for First Time Drivers

Without question, repossessed vehicles offer tons of value for first-time drivers. Besides having lower prices (30-percent to 50-percent cheaper than a comparable brand-new car), one of the most significant benefits of repo cars is the sheer variety of more recent model cars in excellent running condition.

In addition, it only takes 60 to 90 days for banks to start repossessing a vehicle, which is good news for first-time car buyers who want a newer used car without paying brand-new prices.

But with the sheer number of repossessed vehicles at Automart warehouses, it takes knowledge, skill, and patience to find the ideal vehicle. So we listed the five best repo cars for first-time drivers based on the most popular choices on Automart’s website.

Top 5 Repo Cars for First Time Drivers

As expected, the top 5 repo cars in this list are smaller practicars that combine excellent fuel economy, easier maneuverability, and top-grade features in an affordable package.

1. Honda City

Now that the much-beloved Honda Jazz is exiting the Philippine auto market, the Honda City is picking up the slack. Essentially, the City is a sedan version of the Jazz as both vehicles are riding on the same underpinnings.

The Honda City has a potent yet fuel-sipping 1.5-liter four-cylinder i-VTEC gasoline engine producing 118 horsepower and 107 pound-feet of torque, connected to either a five-speed manual or CVT automatic gearbox. In addition, the City offers generous accommodations for up to five passengers and cargo while still having a compact body that is easy to park.

Best of all, the Honda City has a bevy of safety features like dual airbags, anti-lock brakes, three-point seatbelts for all five occupants, and ISOFIX tethers. The Honda City is one of the more expensive practicars if bought brand new, but a repossessed Honda City with low mileage can be yours for as little as ₱461,000.

2. Hyundai Eon

First-time car buyers have a lot to love in the cute and quirky Hyundai Eon. It has a compact and light body that makes it almost effortless to park – perfect for first-time drivers.

And even though the Hyundai Eon is nearly the same size as Suzuki’s Alto microcar, it still has 215 liters of cargo room in the back, more than enough for two overnight bags. If you need more storage room, fold the rear seats and you’re ready to rock!

The Hyundai Eon has a gutsy 814cc three-cylinder gasoline engine pumping out 55 horsepower and 55 pound-feet of torque. The engine achieves a sterling 20.8 km/L with a standard five-speed manual transmission. What’s more, a repossessed Hyundai Eon starts from as low as ₱165,000 at Automart.ph.

3. Hyundai Accent

Next on our list is another Hyundai compact sedan that starts as low as ₱215,000 on Automart’s website. The Hyundai Accent is all about choice. You can have a four-door sedan or five-door hatchback powered by either a gasoline or diesel engine. The Accent is also available with a manual or automatic transmission.

No matter which you choose, the Accent offers decent acceleration and a fun-to-drive demeanor. The gasoline engine produces 99 horsepower and 97 pound-feet of torque, while the turbocharged diesel engine has 126 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque.

The Hyundai Accent is no bigger than a Mitsubishi Mirage G4 or Toyota Vios, making it easier to park and maneuver around town. Plus, the hatchback model offers practical interior and cargo space to accompany your active lifestyle.

4. Mitsubishi Mirage

Like the Hyundai Accent, the lovable Mitsubishi Mirage is available in sedan and hatchback body styles. First seen as a three-door hatchback in 1978, the new generation Mitsubishi Mirage offers excellent fuel economy (up to 21 km/L) and surprisingly good value for money. Newbie drivers will certainly approve!

The Mitsubishi Mirage has a plucky 1.2-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine producing 77 horsepower and 74 pound-feet of torque. It’s a small engine that sips fuel like a motorcycle, but the Mirage can get to highway speeds quickly with the drop of your right foot. The Mirage is also available with a five-speed manual or CVT automatic gearbox.

Prices for a repossessed Mitsubishi Mirage start as low as ₱254,000 for the hatchback and around $300,000 for the Mirage G4 sedan. Despite this, the Mirage has good safety features like dual airbags, ISOFIX anchors, three-point seat belts, and anti-lock brakes.

5. Toyota Vios

Rounding up our list of the top five repo cars for first-time drivers is the ever-popular Toyota Vios. It’s not hard to understand why there’s a Vios on every street corner in Philippine roads. The latest Vios is available in no less than ten variants to satisfy the varying needs of value-conscious car buyers.

The Toyota Vios is available in two engine choices. The Vios Base, J, XE, XLE, and E models have a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 98 horsepower and 91 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, the range-topping G and GR-S variant have a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with 106 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque.

Prices for a repossessed 2018 Toyota Vios start as low as ₱250,000, while a 2019 model can be yours for as low as ₱340,000 at Automart.

Repossessed Cars Offer More Bang For Your Buck

Repossessed cars are an excellent choice for both newbie and experienced drivers. But, unbeknown to many, repo cars are a more affordable way to drive home the car of your dreams, whether it be a practical sedan, a larger SUV, or a workhorse pickup truck. If you want to find out more about repo cars, our handy guides here and here will shed some light. Happy repo car hunting!