As someone who is pretty tight I find myself in a weird place.
I need to buy an expensive depreciating asset (Car) that I do not need.
It needs to be a new, or hopefully a demo.
I think I have narrowed it down to a BMW X4 35d or Audi RS Q3.
I want it to do ok in re-sale as we'll probably only hold onto it for 3 years.
If it was up to me we'd be buying a 4 year old mazda 3 diesel hatchback.
I realise how ridiculous this is, but I am pretty grateful of the chance to own a nice car I otherwise wouldn't.
Ok, we have a very small car (mini) that we need to give to another family member in the next month or so. As a result we need to get a new car and family is paying for ~80% of the new car with them wanting us to get an X5 or a Range Rover. We are a couple in our mid 30s living in the city with semi-regular regional commutes. The car needs to be new and flashy, read european label and large in size, as the family puts a big importance on this, but I have convinced them to accept a demonstrator (which I can probably extend to dealer "near new" under 3,000km). It can't be too big as to be a nuisance, which is why i'm ruling out the X5 or range rover. Maximum size is probably an X4, even that's a stretch. I'd like something that can hold some of its resale value, as well as can be expected in the circumstances, because we may trade it in down the track (in 3-4 years) for a more practical car. Mrs wants a sunroof (not negotiable) and heated electric seats and can't stand wagons or hatchbacks. I'm a fan of the new BMW diesels for the freeway Ks and $ filling up the tank, I like hatches but a small SUV is probably the compromise.
Budget is around 90-100k and we can't wait 4-5 months for one to be built and shipped, which helps acceptance of the demo. I still want to be as tight as possible, so looking for the best price available, but I've never negotiated with a dealer before except on an old second hand toyota. What are the traps with buying a demo, what's reasonable to negotiate off the asking price? I've never even seen a new car sales brochure…. Should I look at one of those car buying services? I'm a bit annoyed these "premium" brands only give you 3yrs warranty, what a joke when you're paying this much, so I'd like to get a 5yrs with the car but what's the best way to do this? Should we get pre-paid/capped servicing?
Either the mrs or I think these cars look fugly:
X3, X1, 2-series active tourer.
Mercedies GLA45, GLE. Or pretty much any merc. They're old people cars.
Range Rover freelander
My short list so far would be the
X4
I like the look. It has a superb diesel engine and drives pretty good for an SUV. I think it will hold its value the best. But it's right on the maximum size. Deciding between a 30d/35d.
RS Q3
I figured this would hold its value better than an optioned up regular model? I have also heard the smaller diesel in the Q3s isn't great. It also drives really well. Don't like the fuel usage, but that's the trade off for something fun to drive i guess. I don't think it will hold value as well as the X4.
I'm also considering
Landrover Evoque (haven't really done enough digging because sale people ignored us)reviews not so good on safety, plus engines a little dated.- BMW 4series 4 door Coupe (IMO looks stunning, mrs not a fan as it "looks flat like a pancake")
- SQ5 (heard good things about the engine, but might be too big)
Porsche Macan diesel ($$ options list is longer than my… + would need negotiating skills)too expensive, unless they're going to do very well in resale, not worth it.
Are there any others I should be considering that fit the brief?
TL:DR
Help me pick an new, around X4 size european car, that will hold its resale and is good to drive. How should I go about negotiating?
Get a Rav 4 and spend the rest on Cigarettes and Alcohol.
The in laws will totally respect you and celebrate you for bringing class and face to the family.