Not a lot of cars that would have CarPlay from the factory will have depreciated down to the $10k mark quite yet, but you could do some research on which models have easily upgraded stereo systems that would allow for a CarPlay unit to be installed painlessly. Some options even look like direct fit factory radios.

I would just upgrade the head unit with Apple CarPlay in whatever car you get in that price range

So I'm going to ask What Aspects of carplay do you want? because there are many kits to swap in a 7 inch tablet for the radio display etc. so if you only want an updated display look into those kits / after mods.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmkdW9O6iwY

Or the cheap DYI less permanent option.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFGFf0PkhgY

Maybe a newer Hyundai Sonata if they’re cheap enough

The only car I can think of is the Mitsubishi Mirage, but it is such an awful car that no - just forget I said anything. Do what the other dudes said - get a car you like, then slap a CarPlay unit in it. Of course the issue with that advice is you're looking for MPG which to me means hybrid, and hybrids have these integrated infotainment systems that I wouldn't exactly go replacing with an aftermarket unit.

jetta!

Chevrolet Spark

Honda Fit, Kia Rio, Kia Forte, Hyundai Elantra would be a starting point

Literally any car.

Just buy an android auto/car play head unit and put it in a car. Max, $500.

An iPhone and a bicycle will be your least expensive option.

Mitsubishi Mirage or Chevy Spark can be had for ~$10k and come with Car Play. I wouldn't buy either of them, but that's what it is. Cheapest I would buy is an Elantra at around $15k nicely equipped (although lesser trims can be had for ~$13k).

Buy a used car you can afford, go on Crutchfield and purchase an aftermarket radio with apple play.

You can add CarPlay to most cars for about $150. (Check Amazon for portable wireless CarPlay) It’s easier if they have an aux port or tape deck.

Mazda3
3rd gen Mini S

Hey there! For an 18-year-old in Australia looking for a first car, I'd recommend checking out the Toyota Corolla or Mazda3. Both are super reliable, have great fuel economy, and usually come with modern tech like Apple CarPlay. The Corolla especially is known for being bulletproof and affordable to maintain - perfect for a young driver.

If you want something a bit sportier, consider a Honda Civic or Volkswagen Golf. They've got a bit more personality while still being practical. Look for models from around 2015-2018 to get that tech compatibility you want without breaking the bank.

Pro tip: When shopping, definitely get a pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic. Even reliable models can have individual lemons, so it's worth spending $100-$200 to make sure you're not buying someone else's problem.

Also, check insurance costs - they can vary wildly for young drivers. Some models are way cheaper to insure than others. Facebook Marketplace and Carsales.com.au are great places to start your search, and don't be afraid to negotiate. Good luck with the hunt!

you can get a car without apple carplay and get a carplay screen installed at best buy for like $350, which really expands your choices. the biggest thing that we'd need to help you is, what type of car do you want? coupe, sedan, suv, truck, or don't care

Ya to everyone apple car play isn’t a deal breaker to me at all

Backup camera is one thing but apple carplay mostly is in newer cars. With 7000, You can't really find decent car with ACP at least to my knowledge. Either get aftermarket one and install it yourself or stick with car with just backup camera.

Those things are only in newer cars and your budget won't get anywhere near that. You can add it aftermarket, tho

So like anything else cheap but also kinda nice a little bit

FYI, it's not expensive or difficult to retrofit a new touchscreen stereo with CarPaly and backup cam into an older car. You do not have to limit yourself to used vehicles that have CarPlay and backup cam.

You can buy a $200 aftermarket CarPlay system so don’t limit yourself to good cars that don’t have it.

Your choices are good but I’d also look at the Prius for good MPGs.

You are on the right track for sedans, for suv try

Mazda cx5, Toyota rav4 and the Honda crv

Sounds like you are off to a great start! Another car you could add to your list is the Subaru Impreza.

Fwiw, you can add apple car play to any vehicle now for $300-700 and have a local stereo shop or similar install it for you.

If you are fine with American specs then any Kia Hyundai mid trim above 2016 the price range would be starting from 20k You can get a decent 2016-17 sonata limited for around 25 k

Get a Suzuki Vitara or MG One

Geely Coolray GF

I recommend you put more effort in specifying the needed features, e.g.: sedan, suv, 7 seater, off roading, economc, powerful, new, used..etc

Based on the limited criteria, I'd recommend the following: Chinese cars, captiva (which is actually just a chinese car), Mitsubishi attrage, asx and expander, toyota veloz (also not a real toyota but anyway).

This is a really terrible way to choose a car. What if the seats are terribly uncomfortable? What if the interior is just full of cheap plastic? What if it's so low on power that's it's actually dangerous on SZR? What if it feels like an unsafe tincan?