NEW CAR: Holden Barina Spark vs Mitsubishi Mirage

Hoju on 12/08/2014 - 20:35

Hey guys,

We have a Mercedes A Class, 2001 and while it's so well designed it's a bit like a tardis (small on the outside, heaps of space on the inside), the bloody thing keeps having problems and goddamn if parts aren't ridiculously expensive. Last time I managed to source a $3000 part from a wreckers for $250 but that was just luck, as I made about 15 phone calls to find it.

So we're thinking let's go new, get something with a warranty for under $13k that will be cheap to service, cheap to fix and cheap to maintain.
I know Toyota is known for having really affordable parts and servicing, but what about Holden and Mitsubishi?
I'm specifically thinking of the amazing deals they have on the Mirage at the moment, and maybe the Holden Barina Spark.

@starionx (does that mention thing work here?) bought the Mirage a while back, wondering how you are finding it? Only problem is we'd have a baby seat and booster seat in the back…

Any thoughts would be awesome.
Thanks

Automotive

Comments

    • Hoju on 17/08/2014 - 17:42

      Funny how that all makes total sense but some people will still baulk at buying a Thai made car. Very interesting though!

    • Cluster on 17/08/2014 - 23:22
      +3

      Generally speaking, car manufacturing is highly automated and the production line, car design and engineering is done by Honda people back in Japan. They'll of course often send out employees to the factory to inspect everything.

      A friend worked for Mitsubishi in Thailand. He had generally positive things to say about the people working there and the products being developed. Another note is that car manufacturing jobs in developing countries are well paid and sought after. People take pride in their work. Recently I overheard the conversation between two former Holden employees in Adelaide. One boasted to the other that they would go drinking at lunch time and then head back to the production line. I was floored by the stupidity of this. No pride in the work at all.

  • rodericb on 17/08/2014 - 18:57
    +2

    There are probably better options out there than a spark or mirage. One thing you may try is plug in your criteria into car sales.com.au and see what comes up. So, four cylinders, four doors, front wheel drive etc. Maybe select some brands, transmission (auto or manual) and 0 to 40,000km in the kilometers selection. Put in your price range as well.

    Let someone else pay for the first two or three years depreciation!

    See how you go!

  • BoomTetrisForJeff on 18/08/2014 - 01:28
    -1

    mate get a supra

  • Gina Rinehart on 18/08/2014 - 01:56

    I haven't read the whole thread/other people's suggestions, but maybe a late-model used car would suit you better? You could get a reliable Holden Astra, Toyota Camry, really anything in a bigger class than a small car for $13k with low KM and 2009+ year model.

    • Dr Techno on 18/08/2014 - 17:02

      Avoid Astra unless you know how to fix them yourself.

  • Hoju on 19/08/2014 - 10:36

    Thanks for all the input guys. After test driving the i20 today I decided that the subcompact range is probably going to be a disaster for my family. After all, even though the A Class is tiny, I can still fit my road bike on the floor at the kids feet when I need to (it's the long wheel base model).

    I'm going to follow the advice of a few of you and look out for a used new car still under manufacturer warranty. Set up a search in carsales for my criteria and see what comes up over the next 6 months.

    At the moment I have a preference for the Jazz but I'm still a bit unclear on parts and repair costs for the Hondas vs the Toyotas and Hyundais of this world. Any ideas if there's a substantial difference? Servicing costs are at least similar.

  • [Deactivated] on 19/08/2014 - 20:57
    +1

    Honda servicing costs are capped and listed on this site:
    http://servicing.honda.com.au
    For a manual Jazz $236 or $272 plus additional items all spelled out.

    Toyota Yaris: $130 per 6 month service for first 3 years
    https://www.toyota.com.au/owners/service/service-advantage/e…
    In my past experience with a corolla they tried to upsell tyre rotation and certain fluid replacements as extras. Might have just been that dealership but wasn't impressed.

    Hyundai have a comparison table with a few of their competitors in each segment:
    http://www.hyundai.com.au/ArticleDocuments/783/HMCA5756_iCar…
    Seems to be the cheapest at $189 per yearly service for first 3 years for the i20.

    You might be able to get a rough idea which will be the cheapest to repair by running comprehensive insurance quotes on all 3. Parts shouldn't be a headache since these are all popular models.

    Whilst cost is important I think if there's one you have a preference for it's sometimes worth shelling out a bit extra for it.

  • modsec802 on 19/08/2014 - 22:32

    The new 2015 VW Polo is launching this week with a promotional price of 15,990 drive away: http://www.caradvice.com.au/302240/2015-volkswagen-polo-pric…

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