Buying a car

I will be buying a car mostly next year when I come to Auckland. I do not want to spend too much money on a car as I will later eventually get a better/dream car. This car will be for commuting in and around the city if needed. I need to understand one thing -
1) How much of Auckland is cycle friendly? Like going from the city to the North Shore, crossing the bridge?
2) I have been hearing a lot of bad mouthing of AT, Hop card and public transport in general? Is it true or does reddit really makes everything look bad?
3) While I do know what kind of car I want? What would be a mundane or simple car that an average Aucklander would have for work (I might get something SUVish or a big sedan for space)