We chatted to ChrisFix, Frances Cook & Tim Warren on what car advice they had for Kiwis when looking to buy a car
Buying a car is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make—and one of the easiest to get wrong. Did I pay too much? Could I have found something better? Am I stuck with a money pit?
At AutoFlip, we specialise in helping Kiwis sell their cars—but in today’s economic climate, buying wisely matters more than ever. With the cost of living rising and budgets tighter, making an informed decision ensures you get the best value for your money. And to help you do that, we've called in the best in the world.
We got exclusive advice from ChrisFix, the world's most influential DIY automotive YouTuber with over 10.6 million subscribers on YouTube. We also spoke with Frances Cook, a top New Zealand financial journalist, for her unfiltered take on the smartest way to finance a car. And if that's not enough, Tim Warren, one of the most knowledgeable voices in the NZ car market and the editor of Drive Weekly, is here to break down what buyers keep getting wrong—and how to avoid costly mistakes.
If you're looking for a car, this is the only guide you need. Buckle up—you'll get insider car advice that could save you thousands.
ChrisFix, the World’s Largest DIY Automotive YouTuber
As the world’s largest automotive YouTuber, Chris Fix built a massive following, boasting more than 10.5 million subscribers and 1 billion views.[AT5] Here’s what he had to say about the car buying process.
Buy a car within your budget (actually, slightly less than)
"For ordinary people looking for a car, I would just get something that's in your price range, or less. The good thing about spending less is that you have money to put towards fixing it if needed, because almost all cars today need something—even brand-new ones."
Should I buy a new vs used car?
Used car imports have been trending downward for several years, but there are cons of buying a new car. ChrisFix still sees strong reasons to consider buying used.
"A big mistake I see is people buying new cars they can't necessarily afford. They should just buy something a couple of years older. I never bought a new car. If you worked hard and have money to spare, go for it—but a new car is a luxury.
There's no reason to not buy a car that's three or four years old. They're still reliable, have low mileage, and in some cases, are still under warranty, but you save 20–30% depending on the brand."
“Life's short, buy the car you love.”
ChrisFix advises, "And I'm a big advocate of driving what you want, like your favourite car. Don't worry about people saying, oh - it's unreliable. Don't worry about any of that. Life's short, enjoy the car you like.
Go get the car you want to drive that's in your budget. And, you know, deal with it later. Like that's everybody I've ever spoken to. It's the best advice, because they're like, 'Oh yeah, I've been driving this piece of junk that I haven't really enjoyed, and I got this new car. And it's been amazing."
Learn about your car
ChrisFix believes that knowing the basics of car maintenance is crucial for any car owner.
"You don't have to be a rocket scientist, but you should understand basic car maintenance. Knowing how to check fluids, change a tyre, and understand dashboard indicators can save you a ton of money in the long run. A lot of people don't know how to check oil levels, and that could save them big time."
Frances Cook, Leading NZ Economic Journalist
Frances Cook is a New Zealand-based financial journalist, best-selling author, and podcaster. She's known for her clear, non-judgmental communication on personal finance topics. Her Instagram, with 87,000 followers, gives practical advice that works.
Frances’ take on car ownership is clear-cut: "Cars are tricky because they're a classic depreciating asset—they lose value every day you have them. But we still need them for work and daily life. It's a big expense, so it's often funded by debt."
What is the best age to buy a used car?
A car between 2–10 years old is the sweet spot.
"A brand-new car often halves in value the moment you drive it away, but a slightly older car retains value better and doesn't cost as much in repairs," she says.
Should you get a car loan to cover the purchase price?
"Always buy in cash if you can. Debt means you're paying more for the same thing due to interest and fees. If you must take a loan, aim to pay it off in three years or less to minimise interest costs. The faster you pay off debt, the less it costs you."
Tim Warren, NZ Car Expert and Editor of Drive Weekly
Tim Warren is an independent automotive reviewer who has contributed to many publications, including Drive Weekly, M2, and M2Woman.
Car safety is a must
"Safety and reliability are the most important factors. Part of reliability for me is low maintenance cost, and if something does need fixing, it should be simple. Some brands are simply better in this regard."
Biggest mistake buyers make
"Anyone without a large budget should be looking for a mass-produced car with a solid track record. The biggest mistake people make is not researching the car before buying. There is so much free information out there—YouTube reviews, car forums—use it! Read and learn to avoid disappointment."
Buy with Confidence, Sell with Ease
Buying a car should be exciting, not stressful. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can drive away confident that you've made the best possible decision. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking for an upgrade, these insights will help you get the most for your money and avoid costly mistakes.
For sellers, however, finding the right buyer at the right price can still be a challenge. That’s where AutoFlip helps—connecting car owners with licensed dealers who are actively looking to buy, making the car selling and buying process smoother and more efficient.
Smart decisions start here—happy car hunting!
