Which Car? Budget $40k

hey all

I plan to buy a car (new or used) in the next few months, but with so many brands and models I dont know which one to buy.
Basically, what I want / need are:

  1. Not lousy in terms of its performance
  2. Interior is modern and full of tech – I love tech and gadgets
  3. Looks good
  4. Ideal for family of 3-4
  5. Good boot space
  6. Low running cost/service/fuel economy, etc.
  7. Great record of reliability/durability
  8. Budget 40k max.

My partner and I have a sight on Mazda 6 wagon.
I like the look of sedan better, but wagon looks like has more space. Is that correct?

Initially, I am looking at mazda 6 from few years ago e.g. 2013 or 2014 so that I dont get hit much by depreciation.. but I read that the current model 2015 has much better interior and infotainment than the previous model.. so that kind of swing me to get at least 2015 model for mazda 6.. (but I will get stung by depreciation more..)

What are the other alternatives for me?
I don't mind SUV either, e.g CX-5 or Subaru Outback but it seems that SUV boot space does not actually look spacious compare to wagon (?), the same as sedan's boot space?
I never had SUV before so I dont mind trying to drive 'higher' on the road.

Also, which month(s) is best to buy a (new) car? e.g. End of March (for Jap cars since Jap financial year ends) vs end of June vs end of year..
Things like 3-year-warranty or capped servicing, are they dealer-specific deals or all dealers will have the same thing based on the model purchased?

Advice/suggestions will be appreciated much. Thank you

Comments

        • You do not need the Astina unless you are looking for radar cruise control, blind sport alert etc. The SP25 GT comes pretty much super loaded.

        • @dealsucker:
          Radar cruise is great for city driving. Makes for very lazy driving but is great for slow moving traffic.

  • +4

    I got a subaru outback after going through the list of

    Kia Sorento
    Honda Civic
    Mazda CX5
    Nissan XTrail
    Toyota Rav4

    Premium (43K - Included front+rear sensors / rubber matts / boot liner / 5 year factory warranty)

    Remove sensors and you could prob get for 41?

    Great drive and inclusions

    • Subaru engineers make great cars mechanically and drive well on road but ugly.

      • I think my outlook was pretty sexy compare to quite a few of cars listed above..

        Honda CRV is like a box on wheels

        • Honda has not made any great looking cars of late, the only nice looking car will be S2000, if it makes a come back. Subaru jut don't make modern looking cars, they are pure driving pleasure though.

          Outback is not a bad looking car from the list above, probably number 2 after Kia Sorento as far the looks are concerned. As they say the beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

        • Honda has not made any great looking cars of late,

          <cough> NSX <cough>

    • +1 for the Outback

      Drove a Subaru L Series wagon from 93-2004 and have had a 2002 Outback for 11 years since then. Will get a new Outback maybe in the next two years but could realistically just keep driving my current one for years - rock solid, very useful car. Sold the old Subie to a colleague and I believe it's still chugging along up north somewhere.

  • +6

    Xr6 turbo

  • +4

    Wait for the Subaru Levorg at the end of the year.

    • Only downside of the Levorg is a CVT and no manual gearbox

      • +1

        Well it's a family car the OP is looking at, I don't think a manual gear box even matters. CVT in the Subaru at the very least is more reliable because of the chain used in their "Lineartronic" system, you still get the slight delay in responsiveness but torque isn't really hampered by the CVT system.

  • I'm in a similar boat, but only want to spend around $35k max on a new car.

    With your budget, I would start with a model that has a base model price in the low $30k and then upgrade to the premium model. I'm looking at the Xtrail or CX5 or RAV4.

    • +1 for the xtrail, I dont know about the latest design change but my 2012's box shaped boot seems to be able to fit anything that I try to get into it, sometimes with a couple of mm to spare!
      In my business I needed to make sure that with the rear seats up I could fit something 1m wide and 1m long in the boot which the xtrail can do. Some other cars narrow down at the wheel wells..

    • Recently bought an x trail and highly recommend it.

      They are doing 2015 model clearing out at the moment and on top of that you can get someone who recently bought a new car to refer you and both get $250.

  • +2

    Wait for the Subaru Levorg…!!

    http://www.subaru.com.au/new-levorg

  • +2

    Volvo mate

    • -4

      Volvo changed hands from Swedish to Chinese. Not sure if there is any change to the quality/safety one comes to expect from Volvo. I suspect not. But still best to do some research on it, if one is thinking Volvo.

      • +3

        Research and development of Volvo is still based in Sweden. The new XC90 is a brand new platform exclusive to Volvo and developed in Sweden.

        • +1

          Thanks for info.

        • +1

          And 3 the times the OPs budget

        • @thorton82:
          And that… Not really a car for casual enthusiasts like myself.

  • -2

    Get a Demo Mercedes. :)

    A demo B200 is selling for around $42-45k with 2-3000km on the clock. Quite a bit of tech in the 2015 model.

    http://carsales.mobi/cars/details/2015-Mercedes-Benz-B200-No…

    I have went thru a previous mode of B200 and happy enough to upgrade to latest mode of B250.

    • Forgot to mention the fuel economy of the car. Drove to the snow from Sydney for $40 on premium unleaded. In city driving is a bit more, around 8L/100km.

      Leg rooms are very good, we can comfortably fit 4 people and without car seats 5 people are ok too.

      The gadgets are good here, gps, front collision radar (I doubt you can get a Jap car with radar for this price), blind spot monitor display on side mirrors and you should check the specs out yourself.

      Running costs is lower than my previous Honda, we service it once a year and normally costs around $600 and depends on your dealer, you might get a loan car. (Which we normally get from our dealer).

      We love the B class. :)

    • -6

      Overpriced by a longshot and only people with very very tiny penises drive this car as you pay for the badge and not the engineering.

  • +6

    If I have $40k to spend, I would buy a 2-3 years old car at a dealership and save $20K. Then spend $1k to buy 3 yrs extended warranty from that dealer. Almost as good as new car warranty. Then spend the rest of the money on mortgage.
    Also, don't be afraid of European cars, Renault for example, offers 5 years warranty and roadside assistance. Very good value for money!

    • but in 4 years you have a 7yo car.

      • +13

        and $20k to spend

  • +7

    VW Golf wagon Alltrack 1.8T 4 motion- wagon, leather, dual climate control, reverse camera, front and rear sensors, apple car play, android auto, stop/start.
    heaps of low end torque from the turbo, AWD when you need it. capped price servicing at 15k intervals.
    $39990 driveaway, or haggle a little.

    • +2

      I actually saw a VW Golf Alltrack today when I went to visit my bf. They look fantastic! VW Passats are very nice too, though I am not a big fan of the weird interior dash cam they have going on.

    • +2

      Just picked up one of these with the safety and luxury package (with tinting and mat for the rear) for $41,150 drive away.

      Absolutely loving it at the moment - just not getting to drive it as much as I'd like. Compared to what else was available at that price point, the finish and feature level in my opinion is at much higher level.

    • +2

      Didnt know this had come out.
      Pretty good value car. Finally a golf with the 132KW 1.8, with 280NM and 6 speed to boot!
      I think my idea of the Octavia has just been blown out the window…

      • I really really wished my 103tsi had that 132tsi engine

    • +1

      bixennons too!!!

      • yes, the lights are amazing!!

        • I think the bi xenon option for my 103tsi is money well spent. Looks much better and visibility is a lot better too. This car has been on the market for over 2 years and still look brilliant

  • Merc E-Series 2012

    • +1

      Do you have any idea what an e class costs to run? It's not $40k car money.

      • -2

        20k/per year

  • Nissan Pulsar? great boot space - not sure about the options

    personally i would get a used Chrysler 300c.These cars are BIG and turn like a small ship so be sure to test drive before you buy.

    • +1

      I drive a 300C, great car, little to complain about after 6 years, but I don't think its what OP is looking for. Too expensive to run!

  • +1

    How about a Toyota Kluger? You could pickup a 2015 badge GX for around 42K. Same engine as the Grande, great for family road trips. Like a lounge on wheels.

    1. Not lousy in terms of its performance - Fastest? SUV on the market.
    2. Interior is modern and full of tech – I love tech and gadgets. - OK gadgets.
    3. Looks good - Subjective
    4. Ideal for family of 3-4 - Will fit your family plus 3 of your kids friends.
    5. Good boot space - Kluger is king when it comes to boot space.
    6. Low running cost/service/fuel economy, etc. - $180 per service. Expect 13-14L/100KM city drive and under 10L/100K highway driving.
    7. Great record of reliability/durability - It's a Toyota.
      Budget 40k max. - Friend bought the GX for 41K.
    • Not even close to the fastest SUV on the market.

      • +2

        Well I drive the 2015 Kluger AWD V6 Grande and I can certainly say it is not a slouch in terms of performance. Did a couple of 0-100 runs on private roads and average time was 7.4-7.6 sec (GPS timing equipment borrowed from friend). Keep in mind you should engage the AWD system (delivers 50-50 power rear-front for up to 40km/h or 50km/h), this definitely helps with the launch. Furthermore, shift gears using trip-tonic shift.

        It is pretty quick for a N/A V6 SUV which has a kerb weight of 2100 KG.

        • http://www.wheelsmag.com.au/reviews/car-comparisons/1510/lar…

          Kluger beat Pathfinder (just), Santa Fe, Territory and Sorento.

          Not sure about the Grand Cherokee and the Euro models (BMW, Mercedes, etc)

        • @Stix: Yep it only beat it marginally. Pathfinder is a great car too I must say, but it is let down by its handling (drove my cousins 2014 Pathfinder) and it handled like an Ox drawn cart. The fully spec'd Koreans are great cars too at a lower price range than the Kluger, but when you really need the space for 6-7 people Kluger/Pathfinder or maybe Grand Cherokee are the way.

          Comparing it to the Grand Cherokee: I has a test drive of the Grand Cherokee Summit before making any purchase. Ride in the cherokee is almost equivalent to the Kluger if not a little better (due to the cherokee's quadra-lift suspension which lets you adjust suspension modes etc). Handling felt better on the Kluger even though it has a little heavier steering. Plastics felt cheap and were not worthy of a Premium $75k Grand Cherokee SUV. Space is pretty much equal. I enquired about the reliability, and the dealership already had two grand cherokee limited badge cars in the workshop due to the engine and transmission. Kluger would most likely be a safer bet over any Grand Cherokee.

          Klug Vs Euro: Comparing brand new models in the same price bracket, you'll be looking at a fully spec'd kluger and maybe a basic pack or mid-range pack Euro. Here it's personal preference. Kluger is relatively easy to maintain and low service costs vs. Euro with costs that will continue to hurt the back pocket over time. In terms of power, in the same price brackets we're talking a punchy and grunt V6 in the klug vs. 4 bangers in the the Euro's that are less than impressive.

          This is all subjective though, so take everything with a pinch of salt.

        • -1

          @FaultyMango: These cars are not comparable at all. The Kluger is a SUV, its a glorified station wagon. The Grand Cherokee is a 4WD, it is a far superior car mechanically, it has a full 4wd system with low range and diff locks. Comparing a steel sprung car to an air sprung car and saying they are the same is simply delusional. The Grand also has almost double the cargo volume (1028L Vs 529L in the boot) and 60L more total when all the seats are folded. The Kluger is for all intents and purposes a soccer mum people mover. The only thing comparable is the price, but I doubt the cross shop is high.

        • @thorton82: My apologies man. As I said, take everything with a pinch of salt. What I should've said is take it with a shovel of salt as I don't delve as deep as some.

        • @FaultyMango: No need to apologise.

        • @FaultyMango: comparing a Kluger to a European SUV, or even the GC. Serious?

        • +1

          @thorton82: The boot space is not double. Kluger is measured up to the window, whilst Grand cherokee is measuring from bottom to top of the boot. Take a look and you will know.

        • @zealmax:

          Realistically, any Grand Cherokee buyer will compare with Prado, not Kluger…

          Not sure why anyone would buy a $60k Kluger over a $60k diesel Prado. Better economy and better resale (so lower cost of ownership) and more capable.

          this mainly in reply to the rest comparison comments of the 2,not of your initial comment about a $42k Kluger :)

        • @Spackbace: Kluger GXL 55K, Prado GXL 63K. Kluger GXL much better interior including leather seats. To get leather seats on a Prado you are going to pay a lot more. Kluger is significantly cheaper than the Prado. Internal space is very similar. I agree, Prado allows for adventure. Offers diesel engine. The average person doesn't know the difference between AWD and 4WD or low range and differentials. For them Kluger is an attractive option.

        • @zealmax: Thanks, I was trying to figure out how a GC could have double the cargo volume of a Kluger!

    • Second Boring SUV

    • The Kluger doesn't exactly fit the bill in terms of OP's requirements. Having driven the Kluger AWD, it is not the most economical thing on the market. On long haul highway drives (110km/h speeds) I've managed to average around 8.6L/100KM. There are more economical SUV's out there with 4 banger engines.

      But the rest of your points are pretty spot on, Zealmax.

      • Good resale value?

        • Yes Klugers hold their resale value pretty well actually. I purchased the 2015 Kluger AWD fully optioned with metallic paint, factory tow bar, weather shields, factory mats for all seats and boot, tinting on all windows (privacy tint on rear), side steps. Also 1 year rego and ctp, plus full tank of 98 fuel. Purchased new and haggled a price of $69,000 (with all the options included it is valued at $79,990). Now that it's been driven 9000 KM, it would probably resell at no less than $61,000 considering similarly spec'd cars on carsales with similar or more Km's.

    • I was deciding between a Sorento or Kluger but went with the Sorento mainly because of the thirsty petrol engine in the Kluger. I probably prefer the exterior of the Kluger (even though it looks like a Yank tank) but the Sorento design is growing on me.

      I guess time will tell if I've made the right decision in terms of reliability but a 7 year unlimited km warranty offers good peace of mind. The Korean cars seem to be creeping up on the Jap cars in terms of quality.

      • I wouldn't be worried about reliability of Korean cars anymore. Sorento diesel averages about 11L/100KM city drive which isn't fantastic for diesel, but not bad either for the weight of the car. For the price of a Kluger GXL you can get the top Sorento Platinum, which has all the bells and whistles. Both cars look good in their own way.

        • Ta. I ended up with a second hand 2015 black Sorento SLi with 6000kms on the clock. It doesn't quite have all the features of the Platinum but since I'm quite tall, the salesman mentioned that my head may hit the roof due to it being lower with the sunroof. I didn't get a chance to sit in a Platinum but overall, I'm very happy with the SLi.

  • Based on what you want and ready to spend, Id vote, Kia optima or i40/45. Anyone who says Koreans are not value for money has been living under a rock!

    I agree with thorton82 that the grand cheeroke is a good car (I drive a Chrysler and would buy a Jeep anytime), but not what you are looking for (unless you spend 60k+ you wont get performance or nice looks), and Jeeps are not cheap to service and parts don't come cheap (cost me bloody $330 to change a mold).

  • Ford Mustang

  • +2

    Get a Volkswagen Golf TDI mate..

  • +1

    Currently have a Rav 4 base model ( pretty sure they are under $30k) good car. Recently purchased a Ford Kuga, 7 year warranty, syn2 entertainment system, rainsensing wipers, reverse camera/sensors. AWD, ecosport 2 Litre engine, capped price servicing, 200k extended warranty. Free roadside assistance. For $39k (extended warranty upped tge price a bit) but the cars performace is fantastic! Not as spacious as the territory/kluger etc. Though. If i was going up to the next size SUV i would probably go with the Kluger

    • I hired a kuga once. It drives very well. I hear the awd system on it is very good.

  • +9

    Off topic - I know the economy would tank if everyone was like me but I really can't bring myself to spending 40K on a car. I have a very decent income and in my 20+ years of driving I haven't spent more than 10k on a vehicle. Just can't do it. Much rather put that money towards an appreciating asset. Anyway that's just me.

    • +2

      What second hand vehicles would you recommend under 10k that will last a while and won't be a lemon? I haven't had the best of luck with second hand vehicles myself, despite paying extra for all the race and other checks

      • +2

        Yeah, 2nd hand vehicles can be a little hit and miss and RAC checks etc don't necessarily predict any future issues. Personally I'm not too excited about cars so happy to go with something utilitarian like an old-ish Toyota Camry which is as reliable as it gets imo. Sure you'll have to pay $$ for some maintenance/repairs here and there but I still think I'd come up on top by a mile.Even bogan old commodores would be a good choice if someone wants to be 100% pragmatic.
        Again, I'm just old school and have a particular aversion to SUVs that have become the de facto choice for families with kids and almost treated as some sort of necessity. I'm happy to squeeze my kids into a hatchback personally and not feel guilty that I'm somewhat depriving them from anything. Anyway I digress.
        On the other hand I'm happy to have been completely debt free at the age of 35 so I'm doing something right I guess. Probably boring.

        • +3

          Certainly nothing wrong with what you are doing - as long as you're happy and feel like you're not missing out on anything and content with what you have.

    • You should try it one day :)

    • +1

      I am the same as you, for me a car is just a vehicle to commute from point A to point B, that's it. I wouldn't want to spend too much on a car, that's why I still keep driving a 12 year old Corolla (costed me just $6000).

  • +1

    Subaru Forester. ;)

    • Subaru Forester +1 recommended two of my works mates with family to get one they both did and they love them.

  • The obvious choice (based on your requirements for space, performance, fuel economy etc) is a Mazda CX5 Maxx Sport with a Diesel engine. Approx 420nM of torque will put a smile on your face :)

  • +2

    Auto or Manual?

  • i'd get the best used R36 you can find.

  • -3

    Wow hipsters giving advise pulling out numbers of this and that!
    Numbers mean nothing! All torque and horsepower number are done at the crank! What about drive line loses? What about how the car feels inside and out? Spongy breaks and soft suspension?

    Hollow plastics inside that Creek and look and feel cheap? (Hyundai) no one car is perfect for all! Toyota needs to step up their game. Honda is a company who doesn't care about what the customer thinks and wants they build cars how they want it! People still buy Honda because its quality! Mitsubishi always has good and bad years but all car companies have lemons not just them!
    Mazda has always been the same rebaged fords! You pay a premium price on a Japanese car like a Mazda and its quality is not up to scratch. Not a big seller in Japan for a reason?

    People pulling out numbers why does the Rolla and civic have almost the same spec engine but feel so different? The Honda loves to rev and the Toyota has bottom end torque.

    • +3

      I'm not really sure what you're getting at here other than Toyota needs to step up their game.

      • Toyota has stepped up their game to be honest. Have a test drive of the 2015 Kluger V6 AWD (GXL or Grande trim if you're concerned with Toyota interiors being crappy; which they are not in the latest models.)

        • +1

          Yea my mate bought a 2015 corolla feels the same as my mums 07. Engine noise is horrible steering feels bland not to mention all the returns with the gearbox issues

        • @aussieprepper: Engine noise on my 05 isn't bad at all. How much do you rev the poor 4 banger?

        • @FaultyMango: jump in a new one and the engine breaking on the CVT is horrible. Road noise inside the car is bad also.

        • @aussieprepper: Damn that's no good. Won't be jumping in one any time soon ;) after reading that lol

    • You really have no idea, do you?

      http://www.wheelsmag.com.au/reviews/car-comparisons/1510/lar…

      TLDR: The Kia won, beat the Hyundai, Ford, Nissan and Toyota.

  • +2

    Heard that Telsa will be launching a affordable model soon, better wait till then

    • Tesla? or did you mean Telstra car?

      • lol

      • I'm ashamed of my spellings :'(

  • +2

    KIA OPTIMA Platinum 2015, full of safety features, 7 years warranty
    KIA OPTIMA Turbo 2016, even more safety features, 7 years warranty

    Both around 40K

      • I myself more am a black fan.

      • +3

        You are entitled to your stupid opinion.

        • -8

          And you are entitled to buy a stupid car, doesn't change the facts.

      • +5

        Nothing says loser more than judging a person so severely on the styling of their car.

        • -3

          Not just the styling, the whole ethos. It's a Kia dude.

  • Ford Territory for me. You can get some good pricing on a couple of year old Titanium models.

  • +1

    If you look in the large SUV range, take a look at the Kia Sorento SLi - normally $49k drive away but you should be able to pick up a second hand or demo with low kms for a little bit over $40k. Good ride, nice interior, loads of space for the family and 7 year unlimited km warranty.

    http://www.wheelsmag.com.au/reviews/car-comparisons/1510/lar…

    All the best with the decision! :)

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