Which Car? Budget $40k

OzFrugie on 26/01/2016 - 10:05
Last edited 26/01/2016 - 10:16 by 1 other user

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

Automotive

Comments

    • [Deactivated] on 28/01/2016 - 19:46

      How is that a nice interior? Its plastic city

      • ShortyX on 28/01/2016 - 22:33
        +1

        I like the interior. Other critics tend to agree.

        http://www.carsguide.com.au/car-reviews/2015-kia-sorento-pla…

        "The best thing about the car, among many good things, is the cabin. It’s a cut above anything that’s come from Kia in the past and is getting close to an Audi from Korea. That’s reflected in the design work, but also the choice of materials and the way they go together."

        https://practicalmotoring.com.au/car-reviews/2016-kia-sorent…

        "The interior is a clear step ahead of this vehicle’s predecessor, with soft touch plastics and contrasting gloss, piano blacks giving the interior a conservative yet classy feel. Indeed, I’d go as far as to suggest that Kia has managed to out-VW VW in the quality of its interior, both in styling, materials and fit and finish. Beyond this the plastics and carpets used seem robust and should handle everything a busy family can throw at it."

        http://www.caradvice.com.au/358408/2015-kia-sorento-review/

        "The interior has also undergone significant improvement compared to not only the previous Sorento but any other Kia (bar the similar Carnival) before it. Gone are the days of base models equipped with bugger-all features, as even the entry point petrol Si (priced from $40,990) gets a decent 7-inch touchscreen with full satellite navigation functionality and decent interior trim."

        "Speaking of the inside, the folks at Kia have essentially taken what BMW used to do well – simple and classy interiors – and applied that theory to the new Sorento.

        The switchgear, the buttons, the surfaces, it all feels great to use and touch. There’s a level of luxury-feel to the way the buttons on the centre console respond when pushed. If you were to remove all the badges of the Sorento and an X5 on the inside, the uninitiated would find it hard to tell one is meant to be a luxury car while the other comes from Kia."

        http://www.motoring.com.au/kia-sorento-2015-review-53124/

        "The Sorento’s cabin is very presentable and appears to feature higher-grade materials than was previously the case. The use of monotone hard plastics is now less evident, broken by carefully crafted geometric lines and trim garnishes. The layout of secondary switchgear is logical and the infotainment and ancillary systems easy to use. Though I did find the lack of turn-by-turn instructions in the instrument panel a little disappointing considering how lavish it otherwise looks."

  • abovethelimit on 28/01/2016 - 13:31
    +2

    Currently own a Kia Optima platinum for the last 3 years with no issues at all. The bloody thing just runs and runs. 150KW power ain't that great but its enough to keep up with the rest of the traffic. 2016 turbo is the real deal, all the tech gizmos u want for 42K driveaway. Haggle a bit and u can get it under 40k. Right now the best package and value for money. I have my 5 year warranty extended to 7 years automatically (Thanks Kia) along with roadside assistance and capped price servicing. 269$ per service once a year or 15K and coming up to a major service and was told by the dealer that its 350$ no more to pay.

    Never would I have imagined being caught dead in a Kia but I am sucker for value for money and the kia takes the crown in that department. Planning on upgrading to the 2016 model this year and still stick with the brand as I just cannot find anything else closer or equal to what the Kia is offering and the thought of worry free motoring. Btw, forgot to mention that I did have drivers electric side mirror faulting once and refused fold, one phone call to get booked in for assessment and was called back in once the parts arrived (within 3 days) for free replacement under warranty. Try that with the european cars, double dare you to do it after the warranty expires. Good luck in your car hunt. Cheers ;-)

    • JimB on 28/01/2016 - 14:07
      +1

      Kia Optima is a decent car, great value for money.

      However why would you want to trade in the car for what is essentially the same car?

      "electric side mirror faulting once and refused fold, one phone call to get booked in for assessment and was called back in once the parts arrived (within 3 days) for free replacement under warranty. Try that with the european cars, double dare you to do it after the warranty expires."

      Not really sure what you are getting at, are you saying that European brands won't fix an faulty electric side mirror under warranty? Their inventory system is pretty good so they will fix it the same day you bring it in.

      Outside of warranty, European brands are pretty good at fixing things free of charge (up to say a 1 outside warranty) however warranty lasts 3 years instead of 7. This is based on my experience. No way are they as reliable as the Japanese or Korean cars, but European cars aren't lemons as soon as they turn 3yo.

      • Speckled Jim on 07/02/2016 - 15:14

        No way are they as reliable as the Japanese or Korean cars, but European cars aren't lemons as soon as they turn 3yo.

        I have a 14 year old Hyundai. A neighbour has a newish (3-5 year old) diesel Euro sedan that, at various times in recent months, was emitting a loud transmission whine that you'd normally associate with a manual car going in reverse. But the car was moving forwards!
        Yep, another dodgy DSG. Oh, and it's a TDI so there's that little matter of it being almost worthless.

        Let's see what becomes of that car ten years from now. My Korean "lemon" (213500 km) is running like new.

  • Dogfight on 28/01/2016 - 13:48

    Honda Oddasy

    • jaypeee on 29/01/2016 - 15:29

      I'd go the Odyssey

  • shazam7 on 28/01/2016 - 13:57
    +1

    OP should also research
    - what resale value the vehicle would be after x years.
    - servicing costs would be like after warranty ends esp with Euro and Korean brands.
    - availability of spares. For example, a friend got into a small bingle in his Koleos. Took almost 8 weeks for replacement to arrive.
    People may flame me, but the Jap brands tend to be the most reliable and cheaper to fix.

    If u r about performance, looks, torque etc. every man and his dog will have an opinion and the debate will go on endlessly.

    Otherwise, Toyota Camry, Rav4, Mazda 6 and CX5 will do the job nicely.
    Test drive each and see if u like it. And source for the best deal.

  • Findo on 28/01/2016 - 14:22
    +2

    Ford falcon XR6

  • akqrate on 28/01/2016 - 14:35
    +1

    Subaru Forester XT. Lovely and lively for the money.

  • cooni on 28/01/2016 - 14:45
    +3

    I don't know how anyone (that wants a car to be zippy) can deal with driving a small displacement naturally aspirated car.
    Even a 1.4L turbo Golf is much more of a pleasure to drive than any modern 2.0L NA car. The huge torque you get off the line means the car feels quick without you ever having to rev the tits off it.

    • hellbound on 28/01/2016 - 16:50
      -1

      The turbo lag on the 1.4l is pretty terrible though. I'd take the 2.0l boxer in an 86 any day

      • [Deactivated] on 28/01/2016 - 19:47
        +1

        What are you on about? The VW 1.4 has almost no turbo lag at all.

  • astroe on 28/01/2016 - 16:02

    Lexus RX350 Sport Luxury - from around the 2009 mark onwards.

  • BoomTetrisForJeff on 28/01/2016 - 16:34
    +2

    Golf GTI mk6

  • grammarstickler on 28/01/2016 - 16:36
    +1

    Have a look at the Ford Falcon OP, it ticks all those boxes. They are particular bargains when bought at one or two years old. Traditionally, new Falcon buyers got hit with an inordinate degree of depreciation after a year or two. That may change with the 2016 model being the last ones available, but a 2014/2015 model is a steal.

    • spackbace on 28/01/2016 - 17:27

      Yeah a steal because the FGX offered stuff all over the older FG2. At least Holden stepped it up with the VF, where Ford just basically left the interior alone on the FGX.

  • Powershopz on 28/01/2016 - 16:50
    +3

    Get a 2015 Mazda 6 Diesel. It's an excellent car.

  • ju2au on 28/01/2016 - 16:57

    For each car under consideration, go to Google, type in the car name followed by the phrase "horror story". Some car brands/models will have pages and pages of "horror stories" while others will have very little hits. Use the results in your decision making.

  • Ivan Krazy on 28/01/2016 - 17:21
    +2

    I recommend Skoda Octavia style with tech and comfort pack. Got it for $40,500 and picked it up last week. Superb turbo engine (DSG - engine of a GTI), huge boot space and just a nice car to drive. More bang for your buck too when you compare to Volkswagen with more features too!

  • Mumbles on 28/01/2016 - 17:34

    The Mazda 6 has a deceptively higher running costs than its competitors. Service intervals are shorter so you have to take your car to do more warranty servicings.

    I read that you are unsure about Korean cars. I think you should at least test drive a Hyundai + Kia. They have 5 year warranties. More gadgets and accessories than their competitors. Interior space is good. Engines and gearboxes are developed inhouse. Suspension is tested and developed in Australia. They have low running costs.

    If low running costs are a concern then I would stay away from SUV's and All-Wheel-Drive vehicles (eg. Outback). They are heavy on fuels/brakes/tyres.

  • bennos on 28/01/2016 - 18:34
    +1

    Lexus RX350 or rx400h.

    Most reliable car manufacturer in the world.

    Great size, quite narrow so good for city driving.

    Very quiet interior, full of tech and leather.

    Can't go wrong.

    And yes I know it is just a Toyota, but it is a special Toyota.

    • ShortyX on 28/01/2016 - 18:57
      +3

      For $40k?

      • bennos on 30/01/2016 - 19:28

        Yes for 40k, second hand of course.

    • [Deactivated] on 28/01/2016 - 20:03
      -6

      Lexus are luxury cars for people who know nothing about cars. There is literally a better option for every product them make. Especially the RX, pretty much every luxury SUV on the market is better than the RX.

      • Marcsie on 30/01/2016 - 12:08
        +1

        You have absolutely know nothing about cars,so keep quiet :)

    • Marcsie on 30/01/2016 - 12:19

      Of course, it's Toyota,that's why they are so good,keep the feeling, Toyota :)

  • DoddLad101 on 28/01/2016 - 19:48
    -2

    Mazda MX-5 or Volkswagen Polo GTI. I know the MX-5 is a strict two seater convertible, but as they say, yolo.

    • ShortyX on 28/01/2016 - 22:35
      +5

      MX-5 is a perfect family car. :|

  • 01011010 on 28/01/2016 - 21:14

    Go and have a look at the Suzuki S-Cross GLX (you'd get the prestige model for your budget).

    http://www.suzuki.com.au/vehicles/suv/s-cross

  • [Deactivated] on 28/01/2016 - 21:15
    -1

    full of tech = someone breaks every year

  • paloverde88 on 28/01/2016 - 22:00
    -2

    Peugeot 2008 or 3008 Turbo or Peugeot 4008
    both SUV. European styling lots of electrics gadgetry and Economical. The 307 is the European car of the year 2015

  • GameChanger on 28/01/2016 - 22:17
    +2

    Lol people talking about their 4WD speed.

    It's never going to be a proper sports car loll

    • zealmax on 29/01/2016 - 22:21

      Certainly be faster than a sports car off road :p

  • Sydgun on 28/01/2016 - 22:29
    +1

    Subaru Outback 5th Generation Premium

    • PPrem on 25/02/2016 - 09:09

      howmuch did you get your outback for? i am looking at them now the prices are around the 45k mark..

  • User166092 on 28/01/2016 - 22:31
    -5

    Subaru WRX
    -you can drive them to hell and back and they will still run
    -fast
    -4wd
    -safe
    -turbo makes a nice noise when you go fast (get a 12 STi and they make an even nicer noise)
    -interior looks decent
    -not an suv so you won't be mistaken for someone with an extremely small penis

    Don't get a Hyundai or a Kia like so many people suggest. Hyunda/Kia drivers deserve to have their cars burned.

    Pretty much what I'm saying is don't buy a wimpy car, man up and buy a manual, man up and buy a car with a turbo, don't buy into this foolish <1.4L diesel business, don't buy an suv/Hyundai/kia unless you have an extremely small penis.

    • spackbace on 28/01/2016 - 23:36
      +2

      WRX STi - have driven one, manual. Yes she has balls, however in 2012 it was a 5 speed manual. Basic stereo with no usb, shit audio quality.

      It's a basic car with a powerful engine, that's all!

      Certainly not worth it as a daily.

      And unless you're a midget, good luck finding a comfy seating position.

      • aussieprepper on 29/01/2016 - 01:00
        +1

        Yes we will call it "weight reduction" and charge you more sir lol

      • goraygo on 29/01/2016 - 20:52

        Agreed with the comment about basic interior. No tech in the WRX as per Ops requirement. And this thing drinks petrol, not a economical car either.

        It goes fast and that's about it.

        • User166092 on 29/01/2016 - 23:58
          +1

          you forgot to mention the nice noise from the turbo

        • Marcsie on 30/01/2016 - 12:13

          Nah,it doesn't drink much petrol, I get 100km out of 9.1l with 2014 WRX for city driving :)

        • TurkishDelight on 02/02/2016 - 09:48

          @User166092: Hey car guy here. Can't PM you, just inbox me.

    • Speckled Jim on 07/02/2016 - 15:22

      The WRX was neatly summed up over 20 years ago thus:

      "40K buys you 60K performance in a 20K shell."

      The formula remains the same.

  • FunkyChunky on 28/01/2016 - 23:04

    I am a driver of a Renault Megane hatch GT-Line; i can honestly say that the fuel economy is insane (usually about 7-8L/100km in urban areas and i drove at around 5.5L/100km when doing some freeway driving). Runs on diesel so it's none of that super low fuel economy but actually uses premium petrol crap that european dealers sell to you.

    As a family car they have a sedan version which could be much more suited to your needs; but i will review it based on my experience.

    Although it's a small car; we paid 28k for it brand new (our colour choice etc.). Comes completely kitted out top of the range as standard (just no reverse camera; but has sensors anyway and camera is optional if you want it). uses tomtom navigation which is much more userfriendly than a lot of other stock navs, voice control actually works 80% of the time (albeit limited to only calling people). Complete sports interior with leather trimmings. Really looks like a top-end car despite its very low price.

    At the very least i recommend checking it out! We were set on Volkswagen or even skoda before we went to renault. Can honestly say car is great :D

    • milobob on 29/01/2016 - 17:40

      Renault make good cars, though build quality is somewhat questionable (though mechanically they seem to be fine).

      Personally I would wait for the new megane to come out - its definitely a much better car all round. The interior is finally on par or even better than VW from what I've seen.

  • yasindesign on 29/01/2016 - 12:07

    I'm surprised no mention of a Honda HRV-L. I'm picking one up on the weekend with the ADAS tech pack included for $36,500.

    • abovethelimit on 29/01/2016 - 12:20

      Good choice, I for one felt that the engine is underpowered @ 105kw on a heavier vehicle when I took my mates car for a spin. Car was struggling uphill when fully loaded….Seriously missing a turbo. Why Honda Why?

      • yasindesign on 29/01/2016 - 13:53

        My wife will be driving the car and don't really want her to be driving a car with too much power after I have seen her drive my Polo GTI

        • nafe on 29/01/2016 - 17:06

          The HRV would be better with a normal auto or DSG rather than the CVT….. I hate them with a passion.

  • milobob on 29/01/2016 - 17:38

    Unless you need the height of an SUV, a wagon will give you the same or more space. Also probably less servicing costs/fuel as they tend to be lighter and usually are not AWD.

    $40k will land you in a very nice Skoda Octavia wagon. Just bewarn the possible DSG problems - would get extended warranty if I bought one.

    Otherwise, go with one of the Korean/Jap/Ford brands. Can't go wrong.

    I know which Wagon I would get if I could - CLA45 Shooting brake for me!

    • [Deactivated] on 29/01/2016 - 17:39
      +1

      6 speed DSG and current 7 speed DSG is largely problem free

      • milobob on 29/01/2016 - 17:41

        The DQ200 is not problem free… yet..

        No idea if this is used in the Octavia though.

  • brianki on 29/01/2016 - 18:44
    +2

    No question and it has not been mentioned yet, get yourself into a 2014 end of MK4.5 Ford Mondeo Hatch, TDCi Titanium X if diesel is acceptable to you otherwise go for the EcoBoost petrol.

    More toys than you can shake a stick at, plenty of get up and go, close to the biggest boot in class, fantastic rear seat comfort, gearboxes are solid now, timing chains in all models and comparatively low service cost since it is a Ford.

    I cannot rate them highly enough, not popular here yet but sit in one and drive it and you will be converted.

  • Apothecary on 29/01/2016 - 18:50

    Fiat 500X!

  • Donaldhump on 29/01/2016 - 20:13
    -1

    Korean cars are junk, compared to Jap cars. Hyundai resale value is pretty bad compared to a Mazda, Toyota or Nissan.

  • Sheez on 29/01/2016 - 20:22

    I miss the Mazda 6 hatch, you get so much more usable space then a sedan without having to go with a wagon.

    The only comparable car I have seen is the Skoda, which is actually a hatch similar size to the old Mazda 6. Might be worth a look.

  • turbo77 on 29/01/2016 - 21:58

    How about a Nissan Qashqai(Dualis replacement)?built in the UK great resale value apparently very popular overseas and demand was also high here too. You also have to keep in mind even most japanese and european cars are not always made in their home brand name mother land, but made else where.

  • educalifa on 29/01/2016 - 22:29

    Despite the SUV frenzy wagons are still the wiser choice unless you actually take it off road. Better space, lighter and you can usually negotiate more on them than on a SUV. The Mazda6 wagon would probably be my pick too… such a gŕeat vehicle. I do have a soft spot for the SV6 LPG but to be honest those are hard to find and depreciation would be a killer.

  • offthecliff on 29/01/2016 - 22:31
    +1

    Ford Mondeo Trend Petrol - Sedan look, hatch back.
    40K RRP, should be able to get 38+k Drive Away new (few months wait), cheaper if going for ex demo / used .. also come in wagon, will cost extra.
    January finance offer 1.9%
    Only thing is fuel economy, unless you drive a lot of long distance don't think will make much difference.

    Hard to get performance (power) + boot space (size) and fuel economy unless you go diesel.

    If trunk space is a real must then go for 1 - 2 year old 7 seater or larger SUV.

  • fritz and sauce on 29/01/2016 - 22:46

    If tech and gadgets are important, you should at least look at a Lexus GS or the 4WDrive. Second hand of course. Too expensive new but a good buy used.

  • grabngo on 30/01/2016 - 08:31

    Buy new Subaru Forester Diesel
    Sydney to Melb on 1 tank
    Powerfull too
    Sub 40K new

  • CleverCounter on 30/01/2016 - 10:33

    That's a lot of dollars… Have you considered second hand (2 years old)… You'll save heaps of $$$ and get higher specs.

  • shamid202 on 30/01/2016 - 13:23

    Sedan= Mazda 6
    Station= Mazda CX5 or CX9

    Mazda has much longer history than cars like Hyundai, if you want something with 5 star safety and having a car with a great driving control Mazda is definitely much better than Hyundai and Toyota

  • Lucky13 on 30/01/2016 - 19:58
    -1

    Toyota or Mazda. Supposedly someone on OzB said Toyotas after 2009 are crappy, but dont know too much about that so you should look into it. Hyundai's are only good til just past their warranty then have issues.

  • rowexiao on 30/01/2016 - 21:13
    -1

    Benz B200. My wife has one. That's a fantastic car. Capped service. Very good quality. Bigger enough for 4 people.

    • Lucky13 on 31/01/2016 - 09:56

      European cars are costly to service and repair as parts have to be imported

  • billy_bob on 31/01/2016 - 00:18

    If Mazda 6 wagon is at the top of your list, you really should not buy one until you test drive a Ford Mondeo diesel wagon, which is very similar to the Mazda, but has more power, better fuel economy, more space, more tech and safety features.

    • Lucky13 on 31/01/2016 - 10:01

      I read lots of reviews on cars before I purchased mine. Toyotas and Mazdas got amazing reviews whereas Holdens reviewed terribly as in people regularly needing to fix them for various reasons and the Fords still were bad just not as bad as the Holdens. Hyundais were amazing up until just after there warranty ran out then started having issues.

  • [Deactivated] on 31/01/2016 - 10:51

    40K is enough to get a used but well serviced Lexus IS250.
    You may not fell in love with it when your first drive, but you will after a longer time.
    For new car, Mazda 6 is a good choice.

  • TurkishDelight on 31/01/2016 - 12:20
    -2

    The best you can get is This for that price.

    Pros-
    -A life full of joy.
    -Happiness, smile & satisfaction on your face.
    -Daily and track day.
    -Is wife asking for a long drive? Well, you will be the first to ask from now.

    Cons-
    -It just won't check your 7th box; the rest are beast stats.
    -Sorry about the km, a little high.

    Note- I know you have mentioned 40k max, but if you can push it till 65k then you can get this fabulous, mind-blowingly gorgeous, great sounding, a beast which is 2015 model 4 door saloon (AUTO) and comes with AUDI PERFORMANCE PACKAGE. It has a 2.0-litre 210kw engine power @6200rpm, making 0-100 in just 5 seconds, producing about 282bhp . Despite being a four cylinder, it makes such a good music. And it's not over yet, with this car you also get three years of free servicing. Read the full spec on the car listing, the seller has mentioned every great thing about this car in the description. Great Buy!

  • kzrocky on 31/01/2016 - 18:57

    Hilarious.
    You List 8 points of what your looking for but safety is not one of them.

    • TurkishDelight on 02/02/2016 - 09:49

      all cars are safe, depends how you drive them.

  • OzFrugie on 25/02/2016 - 00:28

    Thanks all for your feedback.

    Based on your feedback and checking specs and reviews, it looks like it is between Mazda 6 Wagon and Skoda RS Wagon.

    Skoda seems to represent more value by having more tech/equipments included and faster (?).
    Though feel a bit iffy with the brand (people told me Jap cars are most reliable..) esp with resale value (plus Skoda is under VW with history of 'cheating' and DSG problems).

    I am going to test drive both still anyway, and see which one I like better, although at this point Mazda 6 is probably slightly ahead (and expect to win out at the end). Thinking of getting the Touring 2.5L Petrol one..

    On Mazda 6 though, has the the new / this year 2016 model been released / available to purchase from dealers?
    Or dealers are still selling / clearing 2015 ones? If so, when do they usually stop selling last year's model?
    The reason I am asking is that I am hoping/expecting that by getting last year's model, I can score a good deal..

    Would the discounts be significant enough for me to justify getting last year's model over the new model from dealers though? Or better get the new model since the savings will be insignificant?
    How much discounts can I expect of getting the last year's model?

    Apologies with so many questions since I have no exp in purchasing a car before..

    Thanks in advance.

    Cheers

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join