New automatic cars priced under $20,000 in Australia

There's an old saying that you should spend three months' salary on an engagement ring. According to consumer advice site finder.com.au, a similar rule applies when buying new cars. Ideally, it suggests, you shouldn't spend more than 15 per cent of your annual income on the purchase price of a car. That would mean someone on a salary of $100,000 (far more than the average Australian income) should be aiming for a car around $15,000 – not exactly achievable.