The demand for cars with automatic transmission has grown in the used market. As the offer was still limited 20 years ago and this feature became popular later, the buyer needs to be careful at the time of purchase.
There are many used cars with automatic transmission for low prices, but they are usually unreliable models or with high mileage. That’s why we recommend being careful at the time of purchase and requiring a maintenance history.
Another problem in buying a used car with an automatic transmission is the good reputation of Japanese models. Some drivers interpret this as a free pass to be sloppy with maintenance, which results in costly problems to solve later.
A golden tip when buying a used car with an automatic transmission is to check if the gearbox oil changes have been done correctly. This service is essential for the longevity of the component.
If you are looking for a used automatic car, our recommendation is to look in the range starting at R$ 50 thousand. In this way, you will find newer models, a greater offer of options and more consolidated mechanics.
1. Hyundai HB20
The 4-speed gearbox hinders consumption, but is reliable (Photo: Hyundai | Disclosure)
The Hyundai HB20 brought a considerable evolution in quality to the compact segment in Brazil. The model debuted with modern engines, good build quality and was always well equipped.
It offered the option of a four-speed automatic transmission for the 1.6 engine, which is reliable but charges this with high consumption. The units of the first harvest can be found between R$ 45 thousand and R$ 50 thousand.
Everything said here also applies to the sedan model, the HB20S. From the 2016 line on, the gearbox became a six-speed, but these cost more.
2. Fiat 500
Avoid the Dualogic, the Fiat 500 also came with the traditional 6-speed Aisin gearbox (Photo: Fiat | Disclosure)
A more urban option is the Fiat 500, which was sold with a Dualogic automated transmission or the 6-speed Aisin automatic. Our recommendation is the second, which brings smoother operation, is more reliable and better resale.
The Fiat 500 is a well-equipped car with a good finish and fun to drive. However, its use is recommended for those who don’t use the rear seat much, the space is only good in the front.
The versions with automatic transmission start at R$ 50 thousand and are worth the extra investment when compared to the automated ones. If you look hard you can even find the convertible model.
3. Chevrolet Onix and Prisma
The Family 1 engine is cheap to maintain and the 6-speed gearbox doesn’t usually give problems either (Photo: Chevrolet | Disclosure)
The Chevrolet Onix hit the market after the Hyundai HB20 following this trend of improving the quality of popular cars. The automatic transmission only appeared in the 2018 line, along with a face-lift.
It combines a well-functioning six-speed gearbox with the reliable 1.4 Family 1 engine, which in 2018 already had updates to consume less. It is an option for those who prioritize ease of maintenance, which is one of the assets of its engine. The request starts at R$ 55 thousand.
4. Honda Fit
The second generation was the only one not to use CVT and this is charged on consumption (Photo: Honda | Disclosure)
The first-generation Honda Fit with CVT transmission is an affordable two-pedal car option, but it is already a car over 20 years old and it is difficult to find one with a good track record. That’s why we indicate here the second generation, which shares most of the trump cards and can be found from R$ 45 thousand.
The Achilles heel of the second-generation Fit is in the gearbox. Honda adopted a conventional five-speed automatic gearbox, which hampered consumption when compared to the old CVT.
But the problems end here, as it is a gearbox that does not give problems if maintenance is respected. As for the Fit, it is a more spacious car than many current SUVs and with compact exterior measurements.
5. Nissan Sentra
With a budget of R$ 50 thousand, the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic found are older, the Sentra is as reliable as it is and less valued (Photo: Nissan | Disclosure)
To represent medium cars, we chose here the penultimate generation of the Nissan Sentra, which was launched in Brazil in 2013. It has depreciated more than rivals Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic, but maintains its good reputation as a Japanese car.
This generation of the Sentra has already arrived with a flex engine and the gearbox is the CVT. It stood out for its interior space and came well equipped, with the top-of-the-line SL model offering two-zone air conditioning and a sunroof.
6. Ford Ka
The Ka has never used the problematic Powershift, its gearbox is traditional with a torque converter and the same used by the Chevrolet Onix (Photo: Ford | Disclosure)
The Ford Ka took a long time to receive the automatic transmission option, it was only in 2018 as part of the 2019 line. On the other hand, the automaker adopted a traditional gearbox with a torque converter and six gears, it was not the infamous PowerShift of the Fiesta, EcoSport and Focus.
This automatic transmission is the same as the Onix and was associated with the 1.5 Dragon three-cylinder engine, with 136 hp. The price range of the model already starts at R$ 50 thousand and there is also the option of the sedan.
7. Volkswagen Gol
This version of the Gol is little remembered and had the same mechanical set as the Virtus (Photo: Volkswagen | Disclosure)
Another compact that received an automatic transmission only at the end of its career was the Volkswagen Gol. This model appeared in 2018 in a configuration that combined the 1.6 16v MSI engine with the 6-speed Aisin gearbox, the same set used by Polo, Virtus and Golf.
The automatic Gol is little remembered, but it is a reliable option with no chronic problems. Its price range starts at R$ 55 thousand, we recommend looking for units that brought the only package of options that added a reverse sensor, multimedia center, alloy wheels, electric windows on all four doors and alarm.
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