Looking to buy an used Car/SUV meeting the above criteria. Inclined towards Mazda CX-5, though we are open to any big car. The kids have grown up and we need a big car now. Would like not to pay for the depreciation of a new car. Appreciate the input from forum members that will assist us with the process. Thanks.
Used SUV: 3 to 5 Years Old: under 40K/ $30K
pinnacle on 20/04/2016 - 08:17
Comments
Have to agree.
do you think a wagon will offer more space than the equivalent SUV?
Absolutely.
That's exactly why the only 'SUV' (I really hate that term BTW, it refers to a very different American class of vehicle) I would rate for space is the Ford Territory…because it's essentially a taller version of the Falcon wagon! :)
We recently offloaded all of our fleet X-Trails
I haven't actually driven the new one, but want to in order to be able to compare. Were they the new shape or old box shape?
New shape…they drove OK, and seemed to have a lot of inclusions like proximity keys & other knick-knacks…and to be fair they were slightly better than the old shape (we've had those in the past too) but like any large-ish vehicle with a small-ish engine, acceleration was not exactly stellar. Probably not an issue if you never leave an urban area, but out on the highway overtaking can be somewhat problematic unless you have a good head of steam up!
What really floored me though, was the mediocre boot space for such a large (externally) vehicle, looking at it you'd think you could cram a heap of stuff in there, but when we took one away for a PD event we really struggled to get all our gear in…the same group had no problem when we've used a Focus, Corolla or even a dreaded i30 with the same luggage. By comparison, all of the hatchbacks seemed like a Tardis! ;)
Will you be towing anything?
5 or 7 seater?
4wd?
No towing and a 5 seater should be enough. 4WD is not mandatory but will be good to have. Thanks altomic.
Subaru Forester if you want a genuine AWD SUV; base model Mazda CX5; Honda, etc are all 2WD.
what about a Territory?
VF SV6 Commodore wagon. Fits the same amount, if not more. Drives better, has more driving aids, more features, and can pick up a 1yo one for $30-40k (brand new around $45k). Fuel average around 10-11L/100km, better than some bigger SUVs
Or go all out and look for a Caprice, V6 or V8. Long wheel base, so tons of room for the kids on the back seat, and a huge boot.No need for the SUV at that price point if you're not using it offroad (which you mentioned CX5, so you're not!)
Thank you, anonymous neg voter, care to explain your neg vote or just gonna stay in the shadows?
Don't worry, I've got a couple of secret admirers that follow me around too…
Good choice for a family car.
I'd get the V8, well because in future, you'd never be able to buy a new V8 wagon unless you could afford an AMG C63 or RS6.
The current model Skoda Octavia RS Wagon.
Or if you are keen on a Mazda, the Mazda 6 Wagon is good too.
I'm not a fan of the way SUV drives or the running costs but my wife likes them and it's easy to fit our kids into the baby seats.
We have a Volvo XC60 which I recommend as a SUV. Super safe and well built. We had one or two issues within warranty, but touch wood nothing outside warranty. It's 6 years old now and has done 90k, still feels tight as a drum and there's nothing else I'd like to drive my toddlers around in than a Volvo. Servicing cost at a specialist isn't too bad and maintenance parts aren't any more expensive than a mazda. I'll be keeping the XC60 for at least another 5 years because it's still a good car and toddlers don't take care of cars.
Yup, SUVs have higher running cost than an equal sized wagon/sedan due to weight. Extra Weight = Extra fuel/ Extra brakes.
I sleep very well as the Skoda is a great car. I'd have one if it wasn't for the fact my wife prefers a SUV.
Here's an interesting video comparing the luggage space of a wagon (Scoda Octavia) to an SUV (Honda CRV) -
http://www.caradvice.com.au/videos/wagon-v-suv-best-40000-pi…
Check your local car auctioneers for ex-fleet jacked-up hatchbacks!
We recently offloaded all of our fleet X-Trails; they were in good nick with low kms, but I don't rate them, under-powered & poor handling, and TBH I reckon there's actually less interior/luggage space than our Foci or Corollas! ;)