Looking for advice here team. Just started a new job, in my last job I worked from home to a boss interstate and didnt really need a car so I sold my WRX, took my wife's old Commodore (2004 SV6) and bought her a new car (Passat Diesel). I have just started a new job and I need to do a bit of travelling to visit different work sites. Without revealing too much personal info, my accountant informs me that novated leases are definitely the way to go.
Requirements:
Wife has the Passat so we will use that for any family trips or trips that need room for more than 2 people. For work trips normally I am the only person in the car. I wont need much luggage space. Small car is OK with little need for space.
Sites I will visit are all urban/office based, no offroad/dirt driving needed so 2WD OK. I dont have a need to tow or carry around 8 kids, not interested in 4WD tank!
I am a frustrated boy racer going through a midlife crisis so something sporty is definitely required.
As a committed Ozbargainer, getting a deal that pulls somebody's pants down will be almost as important to me as the car that I eventually buy.
I know that depreciation is normally the biggest cost in buying a lease car. I need to find something that will depreciate slower than expected to maximise the car's value at the end of the lease. A 2 or 3 year old car would be OK.
In the past when I have bought a lease car I have managed to get a fleet discount and then the lease company has worn the GST component of the car's cost as an input credit; often saving me thousands off the amount I have to finance. With both I could potentially save up to $10K off a new car price which may make the benefit of a 2 year old car less attractive.
I HATE!! fake sporty cars, the type that has a 'sports pack' including a decal, floor mats and a leather steering wheel etc. I want the genuine article and the better engineering/handling and performance is what I am after.
Candidates:
2nd Hand
BMW 135i - Looks like there are some 09/10 models going around $39k ish. New model/shape out soon. Looks OK with serious performance. Likely to hold value over the next 3 years I think. An option.
New
Toyota 86/Subie BRZ - Looks like Tarzan goes like Jane. Looks well priced and goes well but underpowered for what it is. I am kind of interested but wonder if the sinking feeling when I hit the go pedal will annoy me.
Volkswagen Golf Gti - Once again probably underpowered and common as muck. Good reputation and potentially hold value but new model out end of year will slaughter retained value of one I bought now.
Opel Astra OPC - Looks OK but new brand/model. Will probably be hard to find a buyer in 3 years time.
Reanault Sport Meganne - Drool!!!!! Looks and goes great but probably overpriced. I have also had an RS Clio in the past and whilst I rate it as the best car I have ever owned, it was very hard to sell at the end of the lease.
VW Polo Gti - Maybe a bit small?
Renault Sport Clio - New model in Jan 14, looks great, would love one but cant wait that long. Not interested in the current model.
WRX - Had one, was OK, don't want another one now.
Focust ST - Underpowered again, looks like a great value package but I worry about the resale value.
Mini Cooper S - Not sure I like the Mini look, certainly not as much as some of the other options.
Veloster…..not even going to comment…just No!
Budget that I am prepared to finance is about $40K. I say prepared to finance as if I buy new, as stated I will look for a fleet discount and have the GST paid elsewhere. Any servicing, fuel and other running costs etc I pay out of pre-tax income so deals that include free servicing or fuel etc aren't of great interest, I'd rather a cheaper price.
Any recommendations or advice?
Have you looked at Mazda Sp25. Looking at some cars on the list I guess you may be interested in a Mazda.