Haggling on Hyundai i20

L[Deactivated] on 21/02/2015 - 14:02

Hi everybody!

First post, please be gentle :)

I want to buy a brand new Hyundai i20 3 door in the automatic transmission. I want the following options on my car:

fuel
mats
cruise control
colour
manufacturer rear park assist and sensors

I am trading in my 2000 year 5 door auto Barina and have been negotiate change over fees with 2 dealers. I do not expect very much for it.

My local refused to go below $13990 for a white 3 door i20 with no add ons. They are willing to give me free fuel & mats. Manager refuses to add on cruise control.

Second dealer who is 30 mins away accepts $13000 change over. He does the valuation over email, as I tell him how disappointed my experience at the local dealership was.

Have I got a good deal at $13000 change over? Or should I wait until the end of next week (which is the end of the month?) to shop around?

Automotive

Comments

  • Ughhh on 21/02/2015 - 14:19
    +1

    My local refused to go below $13990 for a white 3 door i20 with no add ons.

    Im confused, either you mean above instead of below for the new car, or $13990 for the trade in Barina (which I doubt).
    If you get a good price for the new car, you wont get much on your trade in and vice versa.
    Im sure there's already a thread in Whirlpool listing the price people got for their i20, google that thread to get an idea.
    Also, I thought cruise control would be a basic feature automatically included in all base models, like how A/C is now, how disappointing of Hyundai.

    • [Deactivated] on 21/02/2015 - 14:32

      They refused to decrease the change over figure of $13990 after inspecting my trade in Barina.

      I haven't found any new posts about Hyundai i20. I do frequent Whirlpool all the time though :)

      I agree that cruise control should come standard!

  • 2shoes on 21/02/2015 - 14:19

    Just so you know, Hyundai don't (or didn't, 1yr ago) offer cruise control on the i20. The dealer would have to install a 3rd party product.

    • [Deactivated] on 21/02/2015 - 14:33

      I have done my research and have read through the Hyundai accessories catalogue.

      Cruise control does not come standard with the i20. But you can purchase manufacturer fitted cruise control for around $980. I factor this into my haggling.

      • 2shoes on 21/02/2015 - 17:00
        +2

        That's ok, just know that it isn't a Hyundai genuine accessory.

  • npc on 21/02/2015 - 14:50
    -4

    Sorry for a bit off topic. For $14k you would be 500% better of buying 3yo camry and keeping your Barina as flower pot in the garden for example.

    • [Deactivated] on 21/02/2015 - 14:56
      +3

      I am a single lady that lives 8km from Brisbane CBD and I have to commute by train into work.
      I only need a city car. I don't see how a 3 year old Camry would suit my needs?

      • Cheeper on 21/02/2015 - 15:37
        +11

        Re the used Camry suggestion.. It would last you twice as long if not more, cost you less to buy, be safer & better built, cost a lot less to service, maintain and insure, etc etc … In all it is the smart choice.

        re the Hyundai…It is foolish to expect any dealer to assess your trade in without seeing it. What they quote over the phone or otherwise will always be subject to inspection.

        The cruise control you want Hyundai to fit will not be a Hyundai factory unit. You would be better off getting one fitted afterwards for 1/2 the price they have quoted. It will not affect warranty if done by a licenced mechanic. Same for rear park sensors.

        Mats fuel colour should always be a gimme with every new car sale… if the dealer baulks at them just say if you want the deal then include them. Make sure the contract staes the car is new, not a demo, unless you want a demo at a reduced price, and that the mats, fuel and colour are included in the drive away price. Double check their maths… convenient accidents happen all the time. My last purchase had almost $1,000 of them.

        The 3 y/o camry is still the best way. :-)

        • Ughhh on 21/02/2015 - 15:55
          +2

          How often do you see a single lady driving a camry? Maybe a for guys. OP is looking for a small city car, Camrys arent exactly small or a 'city' car and would probably use more fuel. A Corolla would probably be a better recommendation.

          But yes, OP would probably get a better quote if her trade in was brought into the dealership. The dealership is probably assuming average at best condition, when (maybe) your Barina is in pretty good condition. Also, the dealership will probably take you more seriously thus give you a better deal.

        • Cheeper on 21/02/2015 - 16:04
          +1

          @JLove:
          If economics of car ownership is the focus then look at the whole picture… the cost price, the depreciated value, the frequency of failures, the cost of servicing, insurance, etc.. Sometimes a few $'s a month on fuel fades into insignificance when you look at the entire outlay during ownership.

          I know on one popular make that their dealers charge $500 for an oil & filter change. It will take some petrol guzzling to scoop those $$'s back :-) Other common makes are plagued with major engine failures, gearbox and other expensive fixes. While they may be repaired under warranty sometimes surely the inconvenience must be of some consideration. Mind you, some people don't mind paying insane amounts for their servicing.. something I cant comprehend, but the dealership really like them :-)

          Another recent incident with a well known Euro car… timing CHAIN stretched at 3yrs, 100,000k & has caused major damage to motor. Repair cost to the owner after the maker makes their generous contribution… $2000 plus. Choose wisely, not because of image, how pretty the dash looks at night, ipod connectivity or the myriad of other reasons why people make silly choices. If the car itself is garbage then you are stuck with it.

          As for "females" not driving Camry's because they are too big? They are not that large and overall much safer than a tiny car when they have that inevitable accident.

        • Ughhh on 21/02/2015 - 16:25
          +9

          @xywolap:

          See you dont understand how females think and I dont think men ever will. You dont think they're too big, but I do as a young female. Camrys are big compared to i20, Ford Focus etc, it does influence the difficulty of parking, especially reverse parallel parking. When I had to drive an yr ~2000 Camry, I couldnt wait to get rid of it, despite it being perfectly fine.

          Yes I do agree with economics and cost and all that, but life isnt always just about money. Some people are willing to pay a little more to love and be proud of their possessions, whether its a new dress, top, phone or car. Would you buy a $20 kmart suit to wear to your bosses wedding and probably be judged, or would you buy something a little better (not saying top of the range $10k suit).

          I see you've edited your post. As for the Euro car thing, Im not saying dont do your research and buy just for image.

        • npc on 21/02/2015 - 17:11
          +9

          @JLove:
          I guess xywolap (and I also) are assuming the if lady is here asking a question about the deal - she is waiting for a feedback.

          The feedback is that paying $14k + old Barina for a new i20 is not the best deal. There are plenty of better options, well, I'd say most of other options are better.

          Also why on earth OP needs Cruise Control driving in City? i20 is intended to be a city car, right? This is beyond my understanding. Perhaps another instance of female logic as you said.

        • Ughhh on 21/02/2015 - 17:32
          +2

          @andyvolk:

          My comment was only in response to the Camry recommendation and perhaps why OP (or any girl) doesnt want a Camry (maybe we view it the same way?).

          Whether $14k + old Barina is a good deal or not, idk, the i20 doesnt appeal to me, I would chose another car if it was me.

          But I do agree with having cruise control when you're only driving in the city. Good as a freebie and/or maybe worth it if its only a tiny bit extra. I hope the OP doesnt think cruise control means the car drives itself, don't want the van incident in Anchorman 2 to repeat!

        • Schezwon on 21/02/2015 - 20:21

          yeah

        • Schezwon on 21/02/2015 - 20:23
          +1

          She meant cruz'n with her b##ch##….(humor).

        • AlanHB on 22/02/2015 - 14:46
          +3

          @JLove: Just as an FYI, Hyundais used to be crap, but since the advent of the "i" series they've really lifted their game. i20s are actually really great cars. I've driven a couple, they're great.

          Kinda shocking considering it was the same company that made the Getz.

          As for Camry's, ever since they stopped putting V6's in them (changing over to Aurions) they are not my favourite car. They are big, so not fun in the city, and underpowered, so not fun on the highway.

        • wozz on 23/02/2015 - 19:48
          +1

          I think Hyundai have lifted their game in a back way since the ixx models began to come out. They back them with massive warranties now. I'm not sure how accurate it really is to say a Camry would last twice as long these days.
          Not sure if the Camry would really cost less to service either vs fixed cap servicing for lifetime to Hyundai.
          Agree big time regarding the mats though, and can't argue with the safety factor.
          Lots to consider I guess, any second hand car with low kms is usually a much better option financially if the car hasn't been thrashed, or have known reliability issues.

      • npc on 21/02/2015 - 15:49
        -1

        Appreciate your choice. Please explain how i20 will suit your needs?:)

        It is my opinion only, but I can't see why:

        • Camry is not good for someone who uses train to get to work
        • Is not good as a city car. Parking space may be a reason, but hey, 99% of parking spaces are of the standard size and suit 99% of cars.

        It is not like I'm saying camry is the best. There are plenty of options for your money without going into stress with funny stedealers.

        • zeomega on 21/02/2015 - 22:03
          +8

          Parallel parking a 4.8m long car vs a 3.9m long car.

          Not being sexist here but rather factual. My wife and my friend's wives all prefer a small car cause it's easier to park. 0.9m is a SIGNIFICANT amount of space.

          Lastly, women and needs. Being eye pleasing is something that they need and it's a big factor for how they choose things. A Camry looks like crap in my opinion and will never buy one. The i20 is actually somewhat decent. But then again, it's all down to personal preferences…

          Everytime i see a camry, all i can think of who is driving is would be a stereotypically boring person who always takes the "safe" approach in life. i don't mean safe is all that bad… it's just….. boring.

        • [Deactivated] on 22/02/2015 - 18:10
          +2

          @zeomega: you just hate Camrys as being boring because you don't have one. As someone who moved from an unreliable Euro car to a Camry I can now appreciate that unexpected and costly breakdowns are not the best source of amusement and 'fun' and I would rather not be "boring" in other ways that do not put my mobility, livelihood and budget in jeopardy.

          If you are into that then maybe something like an Alfa Romeo or a 1997 Ford Mondeo would be more exciting for you, in fact I still have the Mondeo if you want to buy it from me for cheap (cheap upfront, expensive thereafter)

        • zeomega on 22/02/2015 - 20:02
          +1

          @The Land of Smeg:

          My family has owned 4 generations of camrys, 3 generations of Mercedes E, 5 generations of Volvos S80, S70, and a few other oddities here and there, BMW 5 series, Nissan Pulsar, Toyta Rav 4 etc over the past 15 years

          By far the most boring vehicle was the Camry. Sure i didn't own it, but i drove every one of those vehicles at least twice a week and hated driving the camry.

          I don't know what's wrong with your vehicles, but none of the vehicles ever had a breakdown. Maybe the fact that they were all less than 5 years old before we got rid of them.

          I've had a few 1990s performance vehicles (mazda, bmw, nissan) tuned and tracked, also no breakdowns ever other than punctures.

        • [Deactivated] on 24/02/2015 - 00:16
          +1

          I'm just chiming into say my girlfriend parallel parks her 2001 Avalon like a boss; even under pressure!(You know the pressure… cars waiting, people watching - the stuff that usually makes people choke). Anyway, not sure what my point is, but yeah it's a big car. I call it the frigate and she calls me le capitan.

        • Serapis on 25/02/2015 - 02:47
          +2

          @zeomega:

          +1 for Camry's being boring. Dad has an Aurion as well, mum has a Corolla, same thing. Yes they are reliable, have parts available everywhere and decent fuel economy. However they are for people who have given up on their will to live (every now and again someone puts a spoiler on it to try show a part of them is still there and it's a bit sad.)

          I'm sticking to my MY11 WRX as a daily, adds a bit of fun to my morning commutes on the freeway…

      • Joxer on 24/02/2015 - 03:31

        Back on topic… If the budget won't stretch then you could consider a demo or 1-2 year old low km vehicle. The margins are very low so Dealers can't discount much On small cars.

        Also consider substitutes such as micra, yaris, Rio. I would avoid euro (e.g. Up, fabia,astra) due to operating costs and reliability issues. Mazda 2 and jazz hold value better but expensive up front. Worth remembering they are new models and the i20 is set to be replaced soon. You're buying late in the product cycle.

        You could also sell your current vehicle privately as most car yards are now split second-hand /new cars and they don't budge on the wholesale value of your car. That's probably where you could make up the most but that could take time and counter-productive if you need to e.g. Renew rego.

        Good luck.

  • Wampus on 21/02/2015 - 15:43

    It looks like the standard price for the i20 with auto/white paint is about 15k. So you're getting $2k for the Barina, not including bringing the cruise control and the other extras into it.

    I think $13k is a decent price if they're throwing in the extras, as you'd only get about $2000 for the Barina if you sold it privately by my reckoning.

    Good choice on the i20. They have a great warranty and drive quite well compared to comparable cars of other makes.

  • nephilim on 21/02/2015 - 15:46

    We had issue with them in SA also, threw up floor mats and stuff for free, refused to give any large sum off.

  • Wampus on 21/02/2015 - 15:51

    Can I suggest avoiding Keystar Hyundai like the plague, by the way. Got ripped off by them 5 years ago, google 'keystar Hyundai dodgy'.

    • Cheeper on 21/02/2015 - 16:07
      +2

      Most car dealerships are dodgy, they only exist to move cars and make money, not to be your best buddy. It is always up to the buyer to cover all angles & traps, if not confident then get a family member or friend to assist also.
      Go in with your fingers crossed hoping they will be nice to you and you can be sure you will get stung, new or used.

  • Schezwon on 21/02/2015 - 20:17

    Have you considered the Kia Rio or the Fiat 500?

    • [Deactivated] on 22/02/2015 - 16:13

      The new kia rio would be a good bet. Drove a couple around and its extremely easy to drive. The oversteer is terrible compared to the fords though, but I don't think that will be trouble for you.

      I would not go with the Fiat, too small, but it is very competitively priced.

    • goraygo on 22/02/2015 - 16:42

      I think the Fiat is manual only though..

  • j5ive on 21/02/2015 - 21:14

    Best way to haggle on anything is not to ask for 'best price'. But to lay a price on the table. 'I only have 12k' for example.

    • AlanHB on 22/02/2015 - 14:49

      Yeah, or offer under the price that you're prepared to pay. Hopefully they'll then counter-offer with the price that you're actually prepared to pay.

    • cisco on 23/02/2015 - 01:39
      +2

      Someone I know offered 54k for Toyota Kluger GXLthe sales person laughed at him saying you dreaming, two weeks later he got the car from another toyoto dealer for 54k. He drive back to salesman A and told him look I'm dreaming.

  • Pinchy on 22/02/2015 - 02:40
    +5

    I tried to buy a new Subaru last yesr during a sale. The guy told me there were no new Subaru imprezas left in Australia and wanted to sell me a demo car for more money then a new one cause it had rims on it..

    Anyway rang up another Subaru dealer and he said they had hundreds in the state…

    Wouldn't trust anything they say really..

  • Gelf54 on 22/02/2015 - 11:02

    Some useful tips here that might help…

    http://autoexpert.com.au/buying-a-car/new-cars/top-10-ways-t…

    and I suspect that even the price from a car broker might be negotiable.

    I think I've seen research showing that men often get a better deal, just because of the salespersons' subconscious prejudices, so don't go in alone if you can avoid it.

    • spackbace on 22/02/2015 - 19:57

      Lol @ the car broker

      They don't get the best deal, and never can because they all charge around a $500 fee (which has to be included in the dealer's 'best price')
      They dont know what theyre actually selling, just that its a car. Wanted this years model? Tough luck he just put you into last years model. This years model was only $500 more? Tough luck, he didnt know that he just went for the cheapest option.

      Example (true story): Customer orders a Swift (through a broker) at a time where there's a model change. On delivery from the dealership, he drives away, gets down the road and calls the dealership "hey, isn't this supposed to have cruise control?" Gets back to the dealership…Nope, you didn't order that one, you got the outgoing model. No recourse, nothing we could do.

      You think car yards are car salesmen are low, they're much lower!

  • opt on 22/02/2015 - 12:19
    +5

    You can almost always get a better deal if you sell your old car privately. Looking at carsales.com.au, $13,990 is close to what you’d pay without a trade-in, so looks like your local dealer is valuing your old one at around $500 or less. But you should be able to get at least 2k for it privately (if its in a decent condition with less than 200k kms). Then go and haggle the price of a new one down to 14k, that way you can walk away with a change over price of 12k or probably even less.

    • [Deactivated] on 22/02/2015 - 16:15

      Agreed. If you are getting finance done try to avoid in-house as well. The less components of money exchange being done "together" the better. Chances are if you feel good on one, the dealer is ripping you off in the others.

  • [Deactivated] on 22/02/2015 - 17:25

    On the i20 vs Camry being cheaper to own/run, the facts disagree: http://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/2014-most-affordable-…

    Hyundai i20 Active 1.4L 6sp Manual 5dr hatch
    8.16 cents per km (fuel)
    47.28 cents per km (overall)
    $136.39 per week (overall)

    Toyota Camry Atara S 2.5L 6sp Auto 4dr sedan
    12.00 cents per km (fuel)
    76.96 cents per km (overall)
    $222.01 per week (overall)

    The annual research looks at each car's price, depreciation, the interest on a loan, fuel, tyres, services and repairs, the average overall cost per km, average per week, annual cost and five-year cost.

    Now you could argue that a 3 year old Camry would be a cheaper upfront cost. But so would a 3 year old i20.

    • npc on 23/02/2015 - 12:42

      Depreciation of 3yo car (Camry in this case) would be heaps lower compared to the new one. Figures above are not applicable for the case we are discussing here.

      Pls read the text of your post below weekly expenses carefully.

      • [Deactivated] on 23/02/2015 - 14:57

        It mentions depreciation and I mention buying a 3 year old car instead of a new one.

        • npc on 23/02/2015 - 15:18
          +1

          The funny thing is that topic starter never really commented here and is disabled now:))) No i20 nor Camry for her, only old Barina:)

  • Titus Afishes on 22/02/2015 - 18:14
    +1

    If you're willing to step up a model, there's a pretty impressive deal in today's Sunday Mail, page 70. i30 manual, with cruise etc, etc for $17990 drive away. Of course you'd need to see what changeover price with your trade would be.

    • jason101 on 22/02/2015 - 18:53
      +2

      I'm with John, I have to drive a heap of these little boxes as rentals when I travel interstate (I rent say 20 per year) - there is a WIDE gap between the i20 and i30 - Similar to the gap between the Yaris and the Corolla, if you can stump up the extra $$ go the i30 any day of the week, the difference is remarkable and the price gap minor.

      Also remember that any Hyundai you are buying at this time of the year was probably built in 2014 - this would have to carry some negotiating weight.

      • GourmetFoodie on 22/02/2015 - 19:30

        I agree that the i30 is fantastic for the price.

    • lambsie on 22/02/2015 - 20:31
      +1

      An good deal that is, however it seems like the OP would like an auto box. So that $4000 difference is now $6000 if she options an auto unfortunately.

  • AG_ACT on 22/02/2015 - 20:40

    If you like the car, great, otherwise, do your homework on depreciation. I made the mistake of buying a Hyundai a few years back, and couldn't believe that a 5 year old base model car depreciated by 75%. Not saying this will happen with you, just a word of advice.

    Also, consider a car that has everything already built in rather than getting accessories fitted. Probably too big for what you need, but a Lancer would fit this bill perfectly, and they'd throw in everything you want… not the hottest looking car inside though.

  • Champagne Comedy on 22/02/2015 - 22:25
    +5

    Just a tip to save a bit more in true ozbargainer style. Hyundai sponsor Carlton in the AFL and give their members $500 off the cost of any new Hyundai (over and above what you negotiate with the dealer). So if you're set on buying the i20 you could take out a $50 True Blue (no match) membership, claim the $500, thereby saving $450. You'll also be a member of the best team in the AFL. http://www.carltonfc.com.au/club/corporate/hyundai

    • jdf on 23/02/2015 - 14:07

      That's a great piece of info, but the current one expired on the 31st of Dec. according to the T&C's.

      • Champagne Comedy on 23/02/2015 - 22:41

        I think there are updated terms and conditions here.
        http://www.hyundai.com.au/ArticleDocuments/567/Carlton_Loyal…
        Reading it more closely it looks like you'll need either an 11 game membership (adult $210, concession $142) or interstate membership (adult $140, concession $105) to get the $500. Still a saving but not as much.

        • Joxer on 24/02/2015 - 03:19

          Then sell the tickets each match.
          ????
          Profit

  • greencomet on 22/02/2015 - 22:53
    +1

    I'd wait and get the all new i20 which will be releasing here very soon. It's a much nicer package compared to the current i20.

    http://www.themotorreport.com.au/59753/2015-hyundai-i20-deta…

    Its already out in Europe and has been getting good reviews. YouTube search "2015 Hyundai i20".

    • This Guy on 23/02/2015 - 01:19
      +4

      Or wait and get a run out deal on the old model.

    • pao2x on 25/02/2015 - 08:35

      It has not been confirmed for Australia release.

  • SupeNintendoChalmers on 23/02/2015 - 15:22
    +1

    If you can handle the look you can guy a Toyota Yaris YRS Sedan demo Auto for under $15K Driveaway. Servicing is very cheaper, as is insurance. Plus once you factor in changeover price you may be able to get it for under 13K

    • [Deactivated] on 23/02/2015 - 19:37

      Yuck. It is super unsafe. I'm not sure if you ever drove more than a few cars before - but I have to say the Yaris sways left/right when other cars drive past. Unsafe on freeways too.

      • SupeNintendoChalmers on 24/02/2015 - 08:41
        +1

        Rubbish. I had an Echo for over 5 years. Drove it daily it on highways. NEVER an issue. Of course when large trucks zoom past you it will sway- this happens with just about any car <1100Kgs.

        I suspect the Yaris Sedan, being lower to the ground and heavier would be even more suitable.

        • [Deactivated] on 24/02/2015 - 10:19

          NEVER an issue -> Of course it does sway

          So you disagree and then you agree with me?

          No - this does not happen in a well designed small car.

          It's nice that you never got in an accident - it's when you DO get in accidents that the behaviour of your car is important.

        • SupeNintendoChalmers on 24/02/2015 - 14:52
          +2

          @Michegianni:

          Crap once again. I used to drive a VW Polo at a place I did short term work for and then drove a friends BMW 135i.

          Guess what? They still swayed!!!

        • npc on 24/02/2015 - 17:30

          @rodripa:

          +1 - 120d is easily swayed by trucks, Smart will almost change lane if truck is passing you.

  • yoonibear on 23/02/2015 - 15:52

    If you know anyone or have family members that have bought from a Hyundai dealer, drag them along and say that they referred you. Some dealers may value repeat business

    The price I got from mine was about $3,500+ cheaper than what another dealer had quoted me.

  • [Deactivated] on 23/02/2015 - 19:35

    I don't see why you would pay an extra $980 for an aftermarket cruise control…

    You seem to be in CBD area what do you need it for?

    The i20 is an ok car I drove it a few times - but you have many options.

  • [Deactivated] on 23/02/2015 - 19:44
    -8

    What is the point of cruise control on this car? You will not be wanting to drive this car on the freeway, especially for any extended period of time that might require cruise control. It will sound like a box of bees under your bonnet, your head will explode. Add to that when every car passes you, you'll get blown clean off the road.

    • zeomega on 25/02/2015 - 23:56
      +1

      ahhh…. thorton… wealth of contumelious knowledge as always.

      Here… have a complementary down vote.

      Oh.. have you noticed how badly Jeep Grand Crappys are depreciating these days? FYI, my colleague was whinging that almost 1 year on… jeep have yet to be able to get jeep to rectify a simple parking sensor issue… the joys of owning a grand crappy.

  • iampoor on 23/02/2015 - 20:16
    +1

    Cruise control can be used at 40km/h, 60km/h or any other speed you can think of. If you know the road you are driving on is of moderate length and has the same speed limit, cruise control can help you control your speed.

    It works for me, I just travel at the speed limit and get to go about my life without worrying about those damn speed cameras.

    • [Deactivated] on 23/02/2015 - 22:32
      -4

      Using cruise control on anything but a motorway is stupid and dangerous.

      • iampoor on 24/02/2015 - 06:47
        +1

        To each his own, no one can argue with your personal feelings.

        Just know that driving like this has resulted in no accidents and ZERO speeding fines :)

      • Serapis on 25/02/2015 - 02:57

        I use it a lot when they have double demerits, stops me from getting caught going at a few kms over speed limit and getting fined $200-300.

        Pretty safe to me and have not had an accident with it on. However I have buttons for it on my steering wheel and it takes 2 pushes to turn on, can alter the set speed with 1 button and when I brake it turns off so it's pretty safe. Does not make the car any louder than normal. Not sure about other cars.

    • victorwilson on 24/02/2015 - 01:35
      +2

      Cruise control is very useful at low speeds, especially when driving through 40km/h school zones with speed cameras, so you can actually pay attention to the road and your surroundings rather than staring at the speedometer and braking constantly to stay under the limit.

      • [Deactivated] on 28/03/2015 - 19:22
        -1

        LoL - I'm sorry but let's break it down here:

        Firstly you have to turn cruise control on - so you look down to find the button and press it to switch it on.

        Then - you have to monitor your speed limit anyway because you can't magically set your cruising speed unless you're already doing that speed - so again you have to stare at the speedometer and break constantly to get the correct speed before you again have to press another button to set the actual cruising speed meaning that you may actually have to look down twice to be able to find the speed you want and then set the speed you want.

        Then - you have to hope that there are no obstacles / changes in hill steepness because if there are - then you have to break effectively turning the cruise control off. If for any reason this was to happen you would have to rinse and repeat the 3rd paragraph of this post to get it working again.

        Because in 40 and 60 zones the speed changes so often you would actually have to rinse and repeat all the bloody time - unlike a highway where you could be cruising at a set speed for a lengthy amount of time.

        Explain to me how this could possibly be safer than to look once / twice at your speedometer and adjust your speed accordingly?

        There's a reason why it's called cruise control - in 40 and 60 zones you would use it for 10 or 20 seconds and then have to change speeds anyway. Cruise control is not made for low speed driving and to use it as a "safety" mechanism at low speeds or in traffic is absurd.

        Oh and it would cost you an extra $980 in the hope that some aftermarket controller even works properly (hopefully it doesn't void warranty or insurance?) for something that would be unsafe to use the way you want to use it. YAY!

  • Daabido on 23/02/2015 - 21:12
    +4

    If the OP frequents Whirlpool all the time, they know there is only one option; FOG (Falcon on gas). Don't worry about what you want to drive, worry about what everyone else would have you drive but not drive themselves; an old Camry.

    I have no idea what is a good price for your new i20. I just love the indignation of the experts who know how to spend your money better than you do.

    • Wampus on 24/02/2015 - 12:37

      Exactly. Absolutely amazed at a simple request from a new user and the responses that are completely off topic and ridiculous. I note the OP hasn't replied since someone insisted they drive a second hand Camry instead of their choice of car.

  • xyron on 24/02/2015 - 15:19
    +1

    Check out the new Mazda2 as well - base model is $14,990 (add whatever it is for auto) and I'm pretty sure they come with cruise as standard. Wheels named it #1 best new car bargain of the year (so far) in this month's issue (and it came second in Wheels COTY last month)

    • pao2x on 24/02/2015 - 15:56

      Since when is the new mazda 2 15K?

      • xyron on 24/02/2015 - 16:19
        +1

        They're $14,990 RRP plus onroad costs, plenty of dealers doing them for $15,990 driveaway at the moment (again though, price for manual).

        Honda Jazz VTi is also $14,990. Both are much better small cars than the i20. Kia Rio and Fiesta also worth a look.

        • spackbace on 24/02/2015 - 16:46

          Plus on-roads is a considerable amount, and as you've said it's actually more like $15,990, with auto maybe being $17,990. OP posted about a $13,990 car, and you're recommending spending at least another $4k? Wow, way to miss the mark!

        • xyron on 24/02/2015 - 17:12

          @Spackbace: The OP is quoting prices after haggling and after consideration of a trade in (worth probably only $1000-$2000 depending on what state she is in). I'm just suggesting the OP should look for some other options - the i20 isn't exactly known as a particularly cheap car in its class (its RRP is on par with all the other models I have mentioned, all of which are considerably better cars).

          Also, if the Mazda2 Neo comes with cruise standard, then that's already another $1000 saved (OP was going to spend $1000 to get aftermarket cruise fitted to an i20, which was not included in the quotes she had already received). I think the overall changeover prices would be very similar between an i20 and a Jazz/Mazda2/Fiesta.

          I echo the advice of spending that $12-$13,000 on a slightly older, slightly bigger car though (Corolla/i30 size). They're safer, and she'll more likely get the higher outlay (if any) back on resale in any event.

        • spackbace on 24/02/2015 - 17:17

          @xyron:
          All pointless arguments because OP has gone, possibly after being harrassed to buy a Camry over their chosen model! ;)

        • npc on 24/02/2015 - 17:20

          @Spackbace:

          People are so sensitive these days, easily can be harassed with Camry offer:))

        • xyron on 24/02/2015 - 17:40
          +2

          @Spackbace: We all know the only car worth buying for $10-12,000 is an FG Falcon.

          (in truth, I have a BF Falcon XR6 Turbo and love it, my next car will likely be an FG Series 2, although perhaps I understand better than some others above that not everyone wants a big, powerful car!)

        • npc on 24/02/2015 - 17:52

          @xyron:

          Do not tell anyone that Falcon is good, they won't believe you because large, smooth and powerful car can't be any good for the city nor for lady:)) Only i20 is capable to park there properly and sit on the traffic lights!

        • spackbace on 24/02/2015 - 18:22

          @xyron:
          BF - Roof lining sagging yet? :P

        • xyron on 24/02/2015 - 18:29

          @Spackbace: Embarrassingly yes it did sag a little at the front and back, but I have fixed it with a $5 can of spray adhesive, looks as good as new. :)

          No car is immune to niggling problems like that. I'd like to see an i20, Jazz or other such tiddler still drive as smoothly and faultlessly as an AU/BA/BF/FG Falcon after 300,000+km.

        • spackbace on 24/02/2015 - 18:35

          @xyron:
          Haha all good, highly common fault ;)

        • xyron on 24/02/2015 - 18:41

          @andyvolk: It's interesting, I live in Adelaide where the streets are so wide and traffic so low that I've got no problem hooning my Falcon around the place, even in the city in peak hour, but when I was in Sydney recently I was grateful to have a much smaller car (not that I couldn't have handled the Falcon there, but I found it much less stressful with my little i20 rental in the CBD). So I can understand why the OP might want a small car, especially if she lives in Sydney or Melbourne.

          (Actually now I think about it I've driven my Falcon to Melbourne a few times and never felt constrained or nervous about space there, even in the CBD. Melbourne and Adelaide are much better planned cities than Sydney, though).

        • npc on 24/02/2015 - 20:09

          @xyron:

          Agree, Sydney CBD area is better suited to smaller cars. But this is probably the only area in Australia like that.

          These smaller boxes came mostly from EU where in major cities you really can't drive anything larger than Golf. Otherwise you will not be able to park or even drive in some streets. I recall parking bmw 1 series on the hotel parking in Brussels - was able to open only either right or left doors and had to park with 0mm gap between front bumper and wall. Older Italian cities have lots of tiny streets where even i20 won't physically fit. Also petrol price is around 1.5 EURO, so people are driving cars with engine capacity = can of coke.

          It is very different in Australia compared to EU, so I don't understand why all these cars designed for European conditions (read small with small engine) are so popular here.

  • geebee on 25/02/2015 - 22:08

    I20 just dropped to $15,990 for automatic.

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