Good Value Small Car Aprx $20,000

LiFruit on 09/10/2014 - 14:57

Hi All,

I will be finishing University in 1 month's time and my trusty hand-me-down 1996 Lexus ES300 has finally given up the ghost, considering it would get barely 15L/100 and was over 4.8m long it certainly wasn't the most economical, nor easy to park car to own as a student but it served me well!

In light of this i have begun searching for its replacement, Being young and without a family on the horizon, i don't feel like i need a particularly large car however i myself am 193cm (6ft4inch) so ideally a somewhat spacious driving position is preferred.

Budget wise as indicated above i am looking around the $20,000 +/- $1-2,000

My summary reading has drawn my attention to the 2015 VW Polo 81TSI + Driving Comfort Package, for the following reasons:

  • 4.8L/100 -(far cry from my 15L/100!!!)
  • Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Rear Parking Camera
  • Climate Control
  • Touch Screen Media Panel
  • Auto Headlights
  • Auto Wipers
  • 5Star ANCAP
  • Alloy Wheels

It seems quite well priced @ ~$22,500 before negotiating considering it's feature set and looks to review quite well: http://www.themotorreport.com.au/59641/2014-volkswagen-polo-…

I understand there is quite a lot of (and probably deservedly) bad feelings toward the 7spd DSG Automatic gear boxes VW and others use in regards to its reliability. I have recently driven in a brand new Golf GTI R and was very impressed with the DSG vs typical torque converter gearbox. Which leads me to wonder, are the issues in the 2015 version likely to have been sorted out by and large? Would negotiating for a 5yr warranty on the gearbox help alleviate these concerns or should i just learn to drive a manual?

I have used the Polo above as kind of a yardstick as to the features i would like in the car but certainly don't have my heart set on it so gladly will listen to any input anyone has as to other cars they feel would be more suitable as well as thoughts on the 2015 iterations of their dsg gearboxes and the polo itself.

Thanks in Advance!

Automotive

Comments

  • skyva on 09/10/2014 - 15:19
    +1

    First, have you driven the polo? Very different driving a small car to a large car. I would drive one first, in city traffic where stop start driving is handled quite differently in a dsg compared to a normal auto.
    Ask for the cost of servicing for 3 years as well.

    In that rough price bracket the mazda 3 is meant to be good. I test drove a 2013 model and it was fine. Does everything you need.
    No need for new car either, demo or near new would probably suit.

    How many km a year do you do, and what sort of driving, mostly city or freeway as well?

    The Polo is meant to be a nice car but it is small. Whilst I applaud their innovation, despite what VW say about fixes, I don't trust their reliability just yet in several departments. Couple of more years with the dsg I reckon. Some people don't value absolute reliability that highly so you might be fine.
    For practicality, especially if finishing uni means moving or buying/transporting stuff, a hatch is my preferred option.

    • iFruit on 09/10/2014 - 17:38

      Driven a friends 2012 version and found it really quite satisfactory to drive, i am far from a speed enthusiast so fuel economy is the real contributing factor

    • nikey2k27 on 10/10/2014 - 08:32

      Polo is nice car. i would Hatch back. i my self have a Yaris and total love it. It 2006 went replace in next 2years as come up to 10years old. i will get hatch back.

  • martyn on 09/10/2014 - 15:45

    Personally I would get a Mazda 3 for the fun factor or a Kia Rio for the 7 year warranty…

    FYI I have a current model Polo. Really nice car to drive, very different to a big car yes but in a good way, just feels more nippy. Interior is so much nicer than other cars I have had too. Having said that I have had DSG problems and so I will never 100% trust the car, probably would not buy again.

  • shadowarrior on 09/10/2014 - 15:49
    +1

    VW auto gearbox is known for being unreliable. I'd test drive the Mazda 3/Kia. Mazda/Kia would have cheaper parts as well I am assuming compared to a VW.

  • pao2x on 09/10/2014 - 16:50
    +2

    Officially the polo is a light car. Consider the Mazda 2 and Renault Clio as VW still has the ghost of the DSG failures plus the inept and rude dealership and company attitude to it's customers.

    Personally I also like the VW polo, but between it's high capped price servicing, DSG + turbo failures and electronic gremlims the Clio might just edge it.

  • OldBugger on 09/10/2014 - 16:52
    +1

    A new car is better than Datsun 200B which had a gear stick which would sometimes fall out in fourth gear. Are you set on a new car?

    You would think the DSG gearbox would have been sorted by now but it seems some are still experiencing issues with it. I'd say go manual or try and get a 6 speed which have been more reliable, but these are only in Golf vehicles and up. Or just don't keep it beyond warranty.

    If you aren't after a new car, I'd go take a look at this Golf. You would probably get it down to $14K at the auction. I have been buying there for quite a while.

    • drewbie on 10/10/2014 - 09:41

      I had a 2009 Golf TDi with the DSG gearbox (until I totalled it but that's another story) that I loved as much as my very first car. I had no problems at all for the 1.5 years I had it, other than a leaking coolant hose which was fixed under warranty. The DSG gearbox is a total dream IMHO. The 1 => 2 shift under full throttle was nearly imperceptible - just a brief blip and now you're in 2nd gear. Zoom, zoom indeed!

      EDIT: Just realised that you linked to my exact car. Now I want to go buy it… so thanks a lot lol

      • Kkuba on 16/10/2014 - 12:48

        "(until I totalled it but that's another story)"

        "you linked to my exact car"

        From link:

        WOVR:
        No WOVR Record

        What do you mean totalled?

        Or did you mean "identical car" instead of "exact car"

        Don't mean to be nitpicky, just curious.

  • iFruit on 09/10/2014 - 17:35

    Thanks to all for your ongoing advice!

    I have had a look at the Mazda 3 as suggested above and to get the features i listed previously,cliamte control auto headlights wipers camera etc i would have to go pretty much to the top of the line which is $32,000+ are the VW issues so pronounced as to warrant such a leap to avoid them.

    Also, i have just gotten a graduate job so this car is more of a stop gap for me until i save a but more for a higher end car. My thoughts were to Angle for an extended warranty taking it to 4 or maybe 5 years then after 3 years sell the car while it is still low K's & has a dealer warranty what are people's thoughts on this? I am to belive the issues start day 1 or are they likely to evolve later in the cars life?

    Me learning a manual is also an option, making the Polo with the above specs very reasonable @ <$20,000 or are the issues bigger than the DSG gearbox?

    I am certainly not set on a brand new car it must be said, I only suggested the 2015 Polo as i thought the designers would be further down the line in resolving the DSG issues, does anyone know by the way if this is the exact same gearbox used previously or an updated version for the MY15 range?

    Thanks again!

  • offal spokesman on 09/10/2014 - 17:46

    1) Dont buy a new car
    2) Be sure to test drive a ford to get that free $200
    3) dont know what car to suggest :)

  • shadowarrior on 09/10/2014 - 17:55
    +2

    Learning to drive a manual is always a necessary skill IMO.

    If you just got a graduate job, buy a decent second hand car…within 5 years old. Getting a new job and splashing out on a brand new car is a rooky mistake. Build up your savings, bring some stability to your career. There's way more stuff to save and spend money on than buying a brand new car. Everyone loves a brand new car, don't get me wrong. But is it worth it for you right now?

    Something that's reliable and gives you good mileage. The features you are mentioning are not even mandatory features when looking at buying a new car. They are secondary. A good AC is a good ac, you won't melt if you don't have climate control. People have been driving cars for decades without a wiper on their headlight, and for all the reasons they would have had an accident or low visibility, am sure not having a wiper isn't one of them. Make sure you polish your headlight once they go dull, takes 45 mins and bit of hand buffing and sanding and they will be brand spanking new.

    Yes, having a gearbox known to be unreliable is more of an issue compared to having a car which doesn't have headlight wiper and climate control. If your car doesn't move anywhere, yeah, you might have to sit inside waiting for the tow van, and can use the climate control. I can see that come handy in this case.

    Short list some cars which have good reliability, cheap servicing and parts costs, good mileage and find them in carsales, go test drive them and buy one within your budget without taking out a loan.

    My 0.02c

    • [Deactivated] on 09/10/2014 - 22:11
      -1

      Exactly. Plenty of $$$$ to be saved, far more than any fuel saving will deliver over 5 years.

      Auto headlights and wipers, alloy wheels etc are already limiting your choice or adding unnecessary expense. The various small car coty awards pretty much all mention the same half dozen cars in the last 3 or 4 years. Pick the one which fits your size, price bracket, current requirements and desires.

      Personally I'd look at 2012+ Mazda 3's, Hyundai i30's, Honda's and possibly even Subaru's, although they can be expensive service wise. If you live in a large city auto is the only way to go.

      • [Deactivated] on 11/10/2014 - 11:56

        We have some very juvenile people on Ozbargain. "1 User" in particular must be running out of negs, obviously ran out of arguing ability long ago.

        • shadowarrior on 11/10/2014 - 16:56

          Seriously, this practice lately has been so annoying. Instead of debating, they hide behind a negative vote. This is simply ridiculous. I think we should show the users username who negative votes. Imo that's the only way people will stop abusing the negative voting system.

        • [Deactivated] on 11/10/2014 - 18:58
          -1

          @shadowarrior: Yep I agree, the kiddies know no other way, but exposing their juvenility is a double-edged sword so I understand why OzB gives them protection. Perhaps they shouldn't be afforded such undeserved anonymity on forums. In the case above I think I know who the culprit was.

  • JimB on 09/10/2014 - 17:57

    The 7 speed DSG in used in low powered VW's and Audi's are lemons and/or ticking time bomb.

    The 6 speed DSG in the Golf GTI and Golf R (not sure what a 'Golf GTI R' is :)) is a much better DSG that is quite reliable (I have one myself).

    The reason the 7 speed is unreliable is because they cut costs when designing it.

    I would steer clear.

    The manual Polo's are a good car.

    But if you're not a car person, I'd recommend a Mazda 3, or Corolla, as these cars will cost much less to run and repair compared to a Polo.

    If you plan on replacing your car within 3 years time, then get a Polo. But changing cars every 3 years doesn't make much sense/

    FYI- I own a VW with a DSG, so my advise isn't biased against VW DSGs without good reason.

    • iFruit on 09/10/2014 - 18:26

      I realise buying and selling cars every 3 years doesn't make much sense and going forward that wouldn't be my intention. But my rationale is that after quick look on car sales, the average price of 2012 Polo's are roughly $17,000. after haggling probably $15,000.

      So if i can get the new polo for 20 grand and then sell it 3 years later for 15,000. In reality i've spent 6 weeks pay to get three years worth of what is a very well appointed car comparitively. Then if you compare the fuel efficiency of the 4cyl 1.2L Turbo in the Polo versus the engine in a 5yr old car this probably brings the effective cost much closer does it not?

      Furthermore, most if the issues are with the DSG gearbox, would me learning a manual make the polo a more viable option?

      • pao2x on 09/10/2014 - 19:20

        Manual polo would be a good compromise. Excellent car with reliable transmission

      • JimB on 13/10/2014 - 09:41

        Yup, buy the manual. I think the Polo is a good car.

        You just have to accept you're not going to get $15k for a 3yo car you purchased for $20k.

        Would would someone by a 3yo car just to save $5k? Less than than once you pay stamp duty.

        "the average price of 2012 Polo's are roughly $17,000"- the average asking price is very very different from the sales price. They could sit on the market for years, it cost nothing to keep it on carsales so owners don't car if they sell of not.

  • raymond y on 09/10/2014 - 20:16

    The Polo is the only car in it's class with the Adaptive Cruise and City Emergency Brake which are probably really good features. It sounds like you've done your research and put these on your "desired" list.

    Granted, a Mazda 3 or Corolla are probably both very good cars but as pao2x, nether are in the same class.

    I have a Mk7 Golf, well I'm on my second one (first one was written off), granted I haven't done many kms but I haven't seen any issues yet. I got to 10,000km on the first one and am on about 3,500km on my second one.

    Reading your comments, you sound like you know what you want. You'd done the research and crunched the numbers. If your heart says Polo then go Polo, but do give others a try so that you can make a valid decision. If you plan to keep the car for 3-4 years, most new cars should be up to scratch to last that time.

    Here's a service schedule:
    http://volkswagenaustralia.com.au/CappedPriceServicing?Model…

    Don't forget to factor in service intervals. Some cars are still serviced every 6 months.

  • adn on 10/10/2014 - 00:00

    yaris

  • rigby75 on 10/10/2014 - 08:01

    Get a mazda 2 it will do you for years and ongoing cost will be less then a vw.

  • dp1 on 10/10/2014 - 10:28
    +1

    Red book value of a 2012 polo 77 tsi is $10.5 to 13k. People asking $17k for them on carsales are dreaming.
    What about thinking out of the box like a Smart car? Park sideways, high driving position, plenty of headroom, you won't end up being the taxi on a night out.

  • elf888 on 10/10/2014 - 11:27

    Did the POLO still Built in China? I knew it was around 10 years ago…

    • modsec802 on 11/10/2014 - 02:10

      Built in South Africa

  • Fizzgig on 10/10/2014 - 11:57

    Yaris, Great on fuel! Easy to drive especially in the city. Great for squeezing into small parking spots! I have a 2006 model and its still going strong.

  • Olga on 10/10/2014 - 14:00

    I test drove the SKODA Fabia Monte Carlo on the weekend and was very surprised how well it drives.
    Its owned by VW and has an audi engine. worth looking into, manual is around 20k auto 23k I think….

    cheers

    • Olga on 10/10/2014 - 14:05

      Forgot to mention skoda financing has a deal 2.8% + add 2 yrs warranty to the already 3 yrs from SKODA.

  • Sober Thoughts on 10/10/2014 - 18:47

    We just got a price for a brand new 2014 Nissan Pulsar ST Auto sedan. $20,000 drive away…Hatch maybe a little cheaper.

  • modsec802 on 11/10/2014 - 02:16

    I recently bought a new small car. Test drove the Polo but went with the Mazda 2 as I got a much better deal and there were some other factors:

    • Polo takes premium over Mazda2 standard or e10
    • Polo made in South Africa vs Japan for Mazda2
    • Polo about double servicing costs driving 10k per year
    • Doubts about VW realiability (speaking with friends)

    Wrote about it in detail here:

    There's an all new Mazda2 arriving the end of the month it might be worth checking out. It should have some of the features you mentioned.

    • iFruit on 11/10/2014 - 15:03

      Very interesting, aside from the value what else about the test drive pushed you towards the mazda over the VW?

  • sauce2k on 11/10/2014 - 10:39

    Check out Honda Civic

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