Hi I'm looking for a car that includes somewhat of the following:
-under $30k
-relatively new
-Low kms
-sedan (5 seater & 4 door)
-packs a punch with power and torque
-long term reliability
-manual
-biggish boot
-technology in car relatively modern
no Holdens or Fords
Mazda 6
Octavia RS, but finding manuals is hard.
WRX sedan?
The smartest option is to swollow your pride and look at and look at a ford/holden.
FG XR6 turbo ticks all the boxes
Holden Commodore
Toyota Yaris
OP is after a car that packs a punch, not one just to pack his lunch.
Hey OP, can you advise why local made cars are out? Maybe someone can confirm or rebute your reasons for exclusions!
Probably because they are ancient technology that nobody buys. Hence stopping production. Unless you want an SS or XR-6t which is heaps of power for not much money they are bland heavy uneconomical and too big for most without beinn a soft roader which most people buy instead. As for reliability and being able to fix them with a handful of cable ties and some tape, nobody who buys a car new keeps it for 10 years so who cares if it can do 500000 kms.
$15k on any car Camry etc to move people and luggage,
+
$15k on 2 year old jap super sports bike 1 litre class, GSXR 1000, CBR1000 etc, to not be sluggish !
I think the OP wants to remain alive for a decent period of time
Thats the wankiest thing to assume of motorbike riders.
That's not an assumption.
http://www.tac.vic.gov.au/road-safety/statistics/summaries/m…
There is a reason why emergency room doctors call motorcyclists organ donors.
Reason they are organ donors is because of the lazy people who drive cars that indicate at the same time they change lanes…. no blind spot checking… on mobile phones, simply not paying attention or not giving a flying fsck about other road users.
If people paid attention it wouldn't be the case.
@Bammers: Yeah, but they don't. So my point is remains a fact. If a car runs into you at an intersection, while you are one a motorbike, and you are stationary, and the car is travelling at 50kmh, you are dead. If you are in a car, you will walk away from the crash, and just have to get a new car.
Get yourself a B8 Audi A4. 2.0T is enough for most people. Very nice car. Don't listen to the haters saying they are unreliable. Nice low km example for around 20k. And fits your criteria of being manual. Another interesting option is a Subaru liberty tune by STi. Bit older however
Do you mean powerful that can tow a boat or something that is quickish?
Needs powerful engine under the bonut.
So are you recommending a Kia Carnival?
Got a Mazda 6 MPS as my daily drive, definitely packs a punch, fits most of your criteria other than being relatively new (the turbo petrol version went out of production in 2008 or thereabouts), and low km, though you can find a used one that have done 80-90, 000km for under $20k..
I'm thinking of getting an MPS6 atm, mostly concerned about age and maintenance issues typical for a 10yo vehicle. How has yours faired - any issues or things to look out for? How's the AWD system? Thanks!
Bought it near-new at the end of 2008, must've been one of the last ones in production. Had the turbo seal replaced when it was under warranty, also had the airbags sorted out as it was part of the worldwide Takata airbag recall. Aside from that, no real issues…mind you, I only pump 98RRON fuel and have kept up with regular services. However, it does have its own, I suppose, intricacies:
The clutch is pretty heavy…I've gotten used to it after all these years, but it can be tricky to get the friction point initially, so don't be surprised if you do stall the car in your first attempt to take off!
For whatever reason, it is not kind on car batteries…have had to replace mine at least 3 times, and I've done around 95,000 k's, so now I've gotten into the habit of charging my batteries every now and then..
When you drive between 70-80km/h, you may hear a "whine" of some description. Fairly common for the 6 MPS's, doesn't affect anything though..
In terms of the AWD in operation, have a look at this video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?&gl=AU&hl=en&client=mv-google&…
Hit up the ozmpsclub.com if you have more questions, as I'm sure that there may other things I may have missed. Overall, I'm really happy with the car, will probably drive it til the day it dies..:) Trust me when I say the turbo (which kicks in around 2500 rpm's) is bloody addictive…good luck with it anyways!
2nd vote for the mps. I'll probably also keep mine until it dies. You just reminded me that I still haven't heard back from Mazda about the airbags. Got the initial letter about the recall a year ago but that was it.
@lemonato: Got my airbags changed the last time I got my car serviced with a Mazda Service centre, so can just bring it up with them at your next service…
I love our Mazda 3 MPS. Sure it doesn't fit the mould for the OP.
I also indeed to keep it till she's dead. Doesn't appear to be depreciating. Bought it at 2 years old for 23k with 22k on the clock… not sure it's dropped a dollar. Amazing fun car to drive with plenty of power whilst being economical when needed.
Perfect!
Mazda 3 is good. looks good, powerful, fun to drive and price range is wide due to customizations, accessories and sub-models available.
30k? easy
VW PASSAT R36
Subaru Legacy / oh wait oz called it Liberty - lame… opt for the lux model such as leather interior etc..
Audi S4 - B5 or B7 model..
Mazda 6 MPS -
Mitsi galant VR4
or Skyline R33 GTS 4 doors - packs with RB26, manual RWD..
BMW E60 M5 is possible or M3
or BMW 325i E90 model
Good luck :D
-relatively new
-relatively new
is subjective.
Please, tell me how a mid-90s skyline is considered 'relatively new'…
Are we using the Ford Model T as the comparative car to determine what is/isn't new?
Please, tell me how a mid-90s skyline is considered 'relatively new'…
r36 is only 8ish years old.
or Skyline R33 GTS 4 doors - packs with RB26, manual RWD..
Even 8yrs old wouldn't be considered to be anywhere near new.
If you even think you can consider that as somewhat new, would you like to buy the Big Mac, it's only been sitting in the fridge for 2 months… It's relatively new…
Even 8yrs old wouldn't be considered to be anywhere near new.
b7 was only replaced in 2015. you may consider that old. others may not. like i said. subjective.
skyline
ohh. we're talking about two different vehicles. yes, the r33 is old. the vw r36 relatively new.
So where it is said "post 2014". With all these restrictions OP is getting nothing.
Passat. The newer one. Sleeper. 0-100 in 5.5s, V6, AWD, DSG, adjustable suspension, all the fruit.
Hey R33 is just suggestions.. and thanks to Australia strict import laws.. you dont have much choices..
or else Lexus IS250 manual is a bit rare to come by
How often are the 5 seats being used? If you regularly want 3 adults in the back or 2 kid seats and another person you'll need a big car. I'd put Falcon and Commodore at the top of that list under powerful and roomy, despite the OP preferring not to. Mazda 3 and WRX sound too small.
Z
I too would add that it is hard to find a car that ticks all those boxes. There are good candidates but you sacrifice a few of those listed.
Go get yourself a v8 commodore. either the 6L (L76, L77, L98, LS2) or the LS3 6.2L. plenty of power & if you after more power HEAPS of performance options available. (Camshaft upgrade, OTR cold air intake, re-tune, exhaust & the list goes on.) Plus the added unbeatable sound of a purring v8.
I hit 260 rear wheel kw in a VX v8 5.7l ls1 commodore with camshaft, upgraded valve train, exhaust, otr & tune. will get well over 300rwkw in a 6L
I was going to recommend this myself but saw your comment. The new V8 is a great car! It will also hold its value well over time as this will be the last locally made commodore.
Unfortunately no car exists with your criteria. if there was i would have bought one as well.Toyota Aurion…..how boring and predictable.
G3 WRX Premium
0-100 in 5.2s
0-400m in 13.3s
-under $30k
tick
-relatively new
tick-ish
-Low kms
tick-ish
-sedan (5 seater & 4 door)
tick
-packs a punch with power and torque
big tick
-long term reliability
tick, unless someone can provide reliable sources that state otherwise
-manual
tick
-biggish boot
wagooon
-technology in car relatively modern
tick-sh (you did say relatively…)
Good luck.
evo, wrx, staega
Take away no Holdens or Fords requirement and the world is the OP's oyster. Lol at some of the suggestions in here for roomy powerful manuals.
Yeah, absolute lol as well at all the suggestions of non-RWD vehicles.
go to carsales.com.au
apply the following filter:
-under $30k
-relatively new
-Low kms
-sedan (5 seater & 4 door)
-manual
Buy whatever comes up
Hope a Yaris isn't top of the list.
like everyone else said, toyota aurion
but you said manual so ahhh wrx? last gen, they look great too
150% WRX G3 manual, there's really no other car that fits your criteria.
If you could stretch the budget up a few k ive got a 2015 Ford Focus ST that im about to sell, meets all of your requirements, has 250hp and its practically brand new (have only had it 10 months)
One of the best looking hatches around, IMO.
Perhaps take a look at the new Hyundai Elantra SR that is due to be released in the next week or so. Reviews of the other models in the Elantra range have noted a roomy cabin, big boot, comfortable ride and pretty decent levels of kit - and the SR will have a more powerful 1.6L turbo on top of this.
Do us all a favor and go buy a Honda civic
Chrysler 300 fits all your requirements. Test drive before buying the beast!!
I just brought a 2012 Commodore Sportswagon for $8k. They run great and cheap on fuel. You can get the lastest shape for around $12-15k now. They are fair quality too. Not like everything else holden sells. Also just be careful with Fords 6 speed boxes if you plan to go that way, I looked at one first, but after reading they seem to have massive issues. They are still both a fair gamble as parts are cheap (wreckers)
@supnigs: a Honda Accord euro would have most of these features and would be under 30k but does not have the I6T of ford.
Ford did not bother updating tech on a car that was at end of life. Even the last gen XR8 /sprint editions did not have these features which was lame.
Hence my statement it's outdated tech!…