Looking to Buy a Brand New Car (~ $80,000) - Recommendations?

chickensaltfrie on 31/10/2016 - 19:09
Last edited 31/10/2016 - 23:11 by 1 other user

Uni graduate soon (21), will be entering Westpac as an Investment Analyst.

Private use, travels around 13K a year. Most of the time My girlfriend and i in the car.

Only considers SUV, Coupe or Sedan.

Not looking for a performance car but can't be underpowered.

Priority in decending order LOOK>Quality>Comfort>Performance>Technology>Resell>Safety

Currently considering MB GLC Coupe>C class coupe> CLA/ AudiS3.

EDIT: CX3 wasn't mine to begin with. It's more like a family car where I did the majority of driving but ultimately my mom bought it for my sister.

Camry was already sold.

Automotive

closed Comments

        • DWH on 04/11/2016 - 16:28

          Congratulations. Personally I would look at the Infiniti Q50. I really like the look of them, and think that Japanese luxury cars are better value than German luxury here in Australia.

    • yoyomaster123 on 02/11/2016 - 17:07

      I guess this is how people make up for the fact that they couldn't make it to any decent Bulge Bracket investment bank and had to settle for a low ranking retail bank.

      It's pretty common for people who "nearly made it" and it shows in his post, he could have made it without mentioning his graduate status, income or job.

      • zealmax on 02/11/2016 - 19:46
        -1

        That's a bit harsh isn't it? Westpac is not a small bank, besides OP never stated that it is a trader role.

        Leaving my hind site behind for a second. I would of loved to of driven an 80K car straight out of uni. Imagining all of the girls on the streets actually gives 2 cents that I am driving an entry level luxury car.

        • yoyomaster123 on 02/11/2016 - 20:53

          Westpac isn't known for its "investment banking" arm, I don't believe OP would work on projects more than $1M in value. If you compare that to any decent bulge bracket firm like UBS or JP Morgan where people usually work on multi million dollar projects its a big jump.

          Just compare net incomes between Westpac and JP Morgan/UBS which are huge multinational firms. The "Wolf of Wallstreet" -esque lifestyle is real and is common in these huge multinational firms, but in retail banks like CBA, Westpac, NAB etc I seriously doubt it exists.

          A real banker wouldn't be posting on ozbargain asking them what the best price is, a real banker would have already bought himself a nice C63 AMG last week.

          EDIT: Note: Graduate salaries for those Multinational firms are around the same level as OPs - 70-90k P/a first year in

        • zealmax on 02/11/2016 - 22:07

          @yoyomaster123: Analyst role at westpac pays 70-90K for first year? That is news.

        • Baghern on 02/11/2016 - 22:49
          +1

          definitely not a trader…

          The downside of saving is high opportunity cost. Where do you put your saving if I may ask?

        • bolt on 03/11/2016 - 13:56

          @zealmax: ~70k give or take is very realistic for analyst level roles in Westpac, even in first year.

        • yoyomaster123 on 04/11/2016 - 15:07

          @zealmax:

          Westpac probably only accepts 5-10 graduates nationwide (at best) for OP's role so they can probably afford to pay them well.

          Base is probably around 60k + bonus 10-15k.

          Its even more extreme in the firms I mentioned before, UBS hires 1-3 graduates nation wide - same pay first year but most likely outperforms retail banks over time.

        • serpserpserp on 04/11/2016 - 20:21

          @yoyomaster123: Westpac doesn't have an Investment Banking arm period.

          They do work on multi-million dollar projects, sometimes multi-billion. All the big 4 banks do. It is in the institutional arms of the banks is where they do that.

          Doubt the OP would be getting 80k plus super for his grad role, probably rounding up about 10 grand.

        • serpserpserp on 04/11/2016 - 20:23

          @yoyomaster123:

          Westpac doesn't hire Investment Analysts as grads (I'm assuming he is talking about "Investment Banking" which doesn't exist at Westpac). UBS hires many more grads than 3 a year.

        • yoyomaster123 on 05/11/2016 - 19:26

          @serpserpserp:

          Really depends on what you define as "investment banking", I'm sure that Westpac do work in MnA and corporate finance etc. If OP was working any of those fields the scale of projects done by Westpac (which AFAIK is not big on the above) would be much much smaller (see sub millions), than the firms I have mentioned. Obviously a retail giant like Westpac would work multimillion/billion dollar projects so not really sure what you're trying to say here.

          How do you know they don't hire Investment Analysts as grads? OP doesn't need to filter through a grad program to be given the investment analyst role, its entirely possible to bypass that step if you have accumulated your experience elsewhere.

          Yes, UBS hires more than 3 grads a year - however UBS most likely does not hire more than a handful of graduates (probably 3 or less) in their investment banking line. How many bankers do you think UBS needs to pitch a project? At most 5 - 8 with support staff.

        • serpserpserp on 05/11/2016 - 21:24

          @yoyomaster123:

          I dunno what point you are trying to make. Investment Bankers are people who work for Investment Banks, people who do corporate finance at the big 4 banks are not Investment Bankers. Big 4 banks do not officially advise on corporate mergers (advising for a fee).

          On the UBS thing, yeah I already know I'm right.

        • sillyguy on 05/11/2016 - 23:13

          Hooking up with girls using luxury car, this will help: http://www.sydneyluxurycarrentals.com.au/our-fleet/

        • yoyomaster123 on 13/11/2016 - 22:04

          @serpserpserp:

          Honestly, I'm almost certain that you don't know what investment banking is, nor did I say that he was an investment banker.

          UBS hires only a handful of investment banking graduates a year - hands down a fact. You were not one of them - also a fact.

        • serpserpserp on 15/11/2016 - 21:36

          @serpserpserp:

          You keep changing your point so I don't really understand what you are trying to say. But let me reiterate my points for you once again:

          I said Westpac doesn't do Investment Banking. Unless you want to include stuff like Hastings etc. which is a bit of a stretch. I think you agree with this point? So what is the issue?

          I don't think you disagree with me on the Westpac doesn't hire Investment Analysts as grads or that they even really exist inside a retail bank unless you are thinking about portfolio investment analysts in BT or places like that. Investment Analysts in my mind are buy side analysts, maybe they mean something else to you.

          I said UBS hire more than 3 grads a year, I am correct. I don't need you to back track and say they hire this many of this type or that type, not debating that point.

      • chickensaltfrie on 02/11/2016 - 22:46
        -4

        You people sound very accomplished.

        • zealmax on 03/11/2016 - 07:12

          Not me. I am just old.

  • tomleonhart on 31/10/2016 - 19:23
    +2

    Mustang GT.

  • Marcsie on 31/10/2016 - 19:54
    +22

    Subaru WRX STI :)
    But I rather use it as deposit for a house :)

    • freakthe on 02/11/2016 - 22:54

      Or go with WRX ~

  • oscargamer on 31/10/2016 - 20:15
    +2

    (profanity)

  • mskeggs on 31/10/2016 - 20:26
    +73

    I think you are on the wrong website.
    On the bright side, it looks like your personality will be right at home in finance (apologies to any finance people out their who aren't arrogant know it alls).

    Are you sure that a budget of only $80k will achieve your outcomes? You don't want people thinking you are just an also ran. You should spend like a leader, not a follower.
    As my 7yro says "I'm better than you because I have more things." Of course, she is joking though.

      • Mad Max on 31/10/2016 - 21:06
        +52

        next stage of my life

        At 21???
        Love your style.
        Who are you? The Wolf of Wall Street? Or his son?

        PS: greed is good!

        • mskeggs on 31/10/2016 - 21:19
          +5

          The high ups know the new grads are players if they have a serious car.
          What bank CEO would respect a new grad with a car they saved up for?
          Maybe at some building society or credit union that would fly.

        • khomeini on 04/11/2016 - 12:21
          +2

          I agree Chickie. I hate mskeggs!

          How dare he make fun of your goals and ambitions in the next stage of your life with his "common sense" and "reasoning".

          Chickie - if you want a powerplay go for a Mitsubishi Magna (1989). That'll show all the hoy polloi you mean business.

          If you're really after turning heads in that budget then you can always try this http://www.beyondcustom.com.au/replica-cars/

      • geoffs87 on 01/11/2016 - 08:48
        +1

        Haha, you can achieve that goal later in life, after you've saved up for a car… not at 21.

  • foxmulder on 31/10/2016 - 20:28
    +42

    I heard about this tale about someone who needed to choose car or deposit for new home and chose car and after 20 year still has no home.

    • Elision on 01/11/2016 - 16:46
      +4

      Mm, guy I know did this, spent 50k on a car.. regretted it majorly and sold it 6 months later

        • Elision on 02/11/2016 - 23:36

          Nope, not a fan personally.

        • [Deactivated] on 08/11/2016 - 23:20

          Interesting post, so many people commenting.

          I am more curious on how a 21 years old can afford an 80k car. (Sorry, a loan doesn't count).

          So… what sort of pay cheque does investment analyst get nowadays as a grad. Doesn't sound like a graduate role because they rotate around and being known as "that graduate" in the bank. Assuming it's in reference to the BT "investment analyst" on $60k + bonus, still a pretty big loan to take on. (Only if the bank will lend you, $40k-50k is a better bet).

          WIB used to start at 65-70k (70k is rare, usually when multiple banks are competing for one person, those are usually humble and drives a rolla) with upto 5k variable bonus, depending on which part of the the bank. BT guys get a slightly less.

          The maths just not adding

          You also don't sound much like coming from a well off family. Because those would just have one SUV and Coupe, used for the suitable occasion. Nor sound appear that you make the big $. The boy on the floor would usually go out and buy what's expensive (yes, competitions the others that has scored a bigger bonus). No questions asked.

          Not trying to offend you. Just that my curious mind can't add the numbers up.

          PS. Nothing wrong with the 50% domino's deal, as well the $4 printers TGG was selling earlier today.

  • bion83 on 31/10/2016 - 20:32
    +1

    BMW 435i something to consider

    • chickensaltfrie on 31/10/2016 - 20:40
      +1

      I was a fan of the 4 series before, but I just seems like the interior is not on the same level as MB, and the appearance has been looking very similar for the past few years..

      • bion83 on 31/10/2016 - 20:45

        Well in that case have a look at used CLA45 AMG yiu can get them for around $80k

        • chickensaltfrie on 31/10/2016 - 20:53
          +5

          It was my original preference but comfort is an issue. Hahaha. I know I am annoying.

        • bion83 on 31/10/2016 - 21:12

          What about XE Jag? Drives good, its comfy and you'll still blend in 😂

          If I was you I'd shortlist 2-3 cars and go for test drive and go from there.

        • geoffs87 on 01/11/2016 - 08:48
          +9

          @chickensaltfrie:
          I plus 1'd for the annoying comment

      • susu abis on 01/11/2016 - 12:44
        +1

        For Style, I'd go with a MB. For driving and responsiveness I'd go a Beemer. Don't do Audi they are nice engines at first but break down within 5 years and you'd have to spend big to fix.

        What about Lexus? Have you looked at the new SUV Jag?

        • ruddiger7 on 01/11/2016 - 13:09

          Yep agree with you on the aldi, old man had those problems before trading in.

        • vinster55 on 01/11/2016 - 22:31

          Nope Audi's don't
          I have the opposite experience with mb and bimmers.
          My Audi still going strong with 230,000 kms on it for 8 years and counting.

        • [Deactivated] on 08/11/2016 - 23:22
          -1

          @vinster55:

          None of those gadgets are wanky enough. Sydney roads are overloaded with mercs, bimmers and Audi's.

          :) Boxter is the entry point to today's Sydney wanky club.

  • gobbledegook on 31/10/2016 - 20:34

    BMW 4 series, Gran Coupe. Merc tends to have the nicer interior though, depending on your preference.

  • captobvious on 31/10/2016 - 20:48
    -1

    200 series landcruiser.
    Incredible resale value
    Good fuel economy
    V8 twin turbo grunt, leaves most cars for dead
    Comfort
    Made in japan quality

    Technology not so unless you get the sahara.

    • [Deactivated] on 01/11/2016 - 09:44
      +1

      The V8 in the landcruiser is a joke, it makes less power and torque than 3.0 6 cylinder german diesels, and does not have good fuel economy. Plus why would the OP want an offroad machine? He didn't specify that at all.

      • captobvious on 01/11/2016 - 20:13

        Only considers SUV, Coupe or Sedan

        I see you are still struggling with reading. There is a hotline you can call

    • zeomega on 05/11/2016 - 01:35

      Good fuel economy
      V8 twin turbo grunt, leaves most cars for dead

      I'm assuming you're talking about the V8 diesel. Fuel economy is terrible for a V8 diesel turbo vs other euro makes.
      0-100 sprint of 9.2seconds is SLOW AF for this time and age. Most entry level eruo is faster than that these days. A Golf 1.4tsi is 8.5s. BMW f10 320 is 7.3s.

      I can imagine you flooring off the line thinking you're quick but everyone's just shaking their head at the slow ass whale, no one even bothers.

      • captobvious on 05/11/2016 - 02:09

        Oh good on you for reading the brochure completely upside down.

        A Golf 1.4tsi is 8.5s. BMW f10 320 is 7.3s.

        The f10 is a 5 series not a 3 series.
        The tsi is a petrol not a diesel

        You obviously have some flawed comparisons and no idea. In reality your 1.4l from a poverty pack small car is not going to move a 3tonne landcruiser. I also have a euro f15 bmw, that could have made a better comparison.

        I can imagine you flawing off the line in your mommys car thinking how you are going to explain the fuel consumption in her car.

        • zeomega on 05/11/2016 - 21:04

          Typo, i meant f30.
          It doesn't matter diesel or petrol or capacity, this comment was in response to your comment of "leaves most cars for dead". The fact is, the average euro these days, which are plentiful on the roads, is faster than 9.2s for the 0-100 sprint.

          Fine, if you want to compare diesels to diesels and V8s to V8s, it still is SLOW AF in comparison to other euro v8s, and with worse fuel economy. Everyone uses the ZF 8 speed or some form of DCT for better transmission efficiency. The landcrusiser uses a 6 speed box traditional torque converter box, i guess don't fix what's not broken, or rather let's not innovate and move with the times?

          You claim to have a x5, even the "poverty spec" x5 s25d is faster than the landcruiser at 7.7s century sprint, but you can't even comprehend how slow the landcruiser is. I own a ferrari… only the toy car…. at least i'm honest.

  • chumlee on 31/10/2016 - 21:28
    +1

    BMW M2. Don't bother with anything else.

    • chickensaltfrie on 31/10/2016 - 21:35

      It's impossible to test drive at my local dealer. And I think it's over 100k.. Even with a lot of haggling, as being a new car it's gonna be hard to negotiate. Numbers showed it's a very powerful car but that's not my main priority, but pictures also showed that the interior is just okay and exterior is not that sporty or fierce considering it's price tag..

      • ozeebee on 01/11/2016 - 02:52

        BMW M235i

        • bluesix on 01/11/2016 - 10:34
          +1

          Just been replaced by M240 - much nicer engine (250KW!)

        • plentifoo on 01/11/2016 - 21:01

          @bluesix:

          Yes! I'm saving up for when it's 50k in 4-5 yrs

        • bluesix on 02/11/2016 - 12:53
          +1

          @avexdevil: I reckon you'll be able to pick one up in 12 months for $50K

        • plentifoo on 02/11/2016 - 13:16

          @bluesix:

          eastern states perhaps, i'd say 1-2 years here in WA.

          I think the m235i came up on top of the m2 for various 'fun' and 'value' factors on reviews.

          The m240i might be more of a blast.

  • ATangk on 31/10/2016 - 22:00

    You can get a used Porsche Macan. Cant say i've test driven one but its snazzy and sporty without being too big.
    Edit: Ok its a little more than 80k…

    • chickensaltfrie on 31/10/2016 - 23:13
      -7

      I'll probably skip that. But thanks.

    • DjSmokin on 02/11/2016 - 17:25
      -1

      I have purchased a Porche Macan GTS loving it but have not serviced it so maybe tears will flow soon. I'm an ozbargain fan and check the site minimum 5 times a day.(so don't vote me down ppl)

      I was looking to purchase a Mustang GT but my family vetoed it.(too crazy for a mid life crisis) Your 21 so you'll get away with any 20k car and buy a new car every 2 yrs with the income from your $60k investment with 10% return + trade in.

  • ATangk on 31/10/2016 - 22:07

    Also, how long can you wait? The Toyota FT1 is coming… soon….

  • Zondor on 31/10/2016 - 22:15

    To clarify is this afforded by getting a loan or have you saved?

    • chickensaltfrie on 31/10/2016 - 23:13
      -2

      Saved. But I do need to sell some asset such as shares and bonds.

  • eoj on 31/10/2016 - 22:16
    +1

    What happened to your mazda CX-3? Really don't see the point of splurging at this point, but its your choice.
    I'd probably go for a CLA45 amg.

    • chickensaltfrie on 31/10/2016 - 23:14

      I've updated what's with cx3. 45AMG is too expensive. Not keen on second hand or near new. Thanks.

  • oztite on 31/10/2016 - 22:24

    For your reasons and from the list, def the new C class coupe above all else. It's the only car from the list that you can say to people you had more budget but you really liked the car so you went by style rather than restricted by budget. GLC = can't afford GLE. Same for CLA, = can't afford a c-class coupe. S3 = can't afford an S5. There are definitely valid work reasons to upgrade the car depending on what field you are in. It's a bit sad but true. Once you have truly made then you can get a Jazz like Zuckerberg.

    • chickensaltfrie on 31/10/2016 - 23:16

      Not really. I won't go for GLE even if I can afford it. It's too big. Size matters. C class coupe is relatively new and lesser sportier compare to CLA. There are some trade offs.

      • goraygo on 01/11/2016 - 22:23

        C250 coupe looks way more sportier than CLA250 dude. Not to mention the power it pull out over CLA.

        Also, C rear wheel drive vs CLA front wheel drive. There isn't comparison. :)

  • t_c on 31/10/2016 - 22:46
    +1

    If I knew of someone in finance driving this, yep I would 100% invest with him.

    http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Lamborghini-Gallar…

    • macrocephalic on 01/11/2016 - 14:44
      +2

      I used to work for a guy who had a Gallardo at about 26yo. He also had a huge yacht and a $20M house on the Gold Coast. Funnily enough he made a stupid decision which essentially gave the entire companies revenue to someone else (based on a verbal contract), the company went bankrupt, 100+ people lost their jobs overnight, he was arrested in Vegas and had to turn state's evidence and go into witness protection to a) not get 70 years in jail, b) not get killed by debtors who never recovered close to $100M.

      I'd say that the OP was on the same track, but I honestly don't think he's as intelligent as my former boss.

  • spackbace on 31/10/2016 - 22:53
    +10

    Lol upgrading your Mazda after less than 6 months? Do you enjoy pissing away your money?

    Get a V8 VF Commodore and have some money for a holiday.

    • more power than any Euro you'll find in this price range
    • more features (boss has a $70k Mercedes, says he prefers the MyLink on the Holden)
    • Cheaper servicing
    • better reliability
    • likely stronger resale

    But hey, that's what you'd get if image wasn't the number 1 priority.

    • chickensaltfrie on 31/10/2016 - 23:17
      -3

      I've updated on what's up with cs3, I won't buy Holden. I don't know why I just don't like it. But thanks for the input.

    • ozeebee on 01/11/2016 - 02:55
      +1

      I really like the last gen Commodores and would buy one if I could as a collectors item. But it's hard to get away from the stigma of taxi like interior. And appeal seems to be a huge part of the OP buying decision.

  • ShamelessBargains on 31/10/2016 - 22:54
    +4

    Whats wrong with your good ol Camry?

    Just remember when buying luxury cars, that the servicing costs will be higher and that you will probably want to sell it within 4-5 years due to the high costs of replacing stuff like brakes and be prepared for insane depreciation.

    My picks for around ~$80k with great reviews and decent expected resale for a luxury car :)

    • The new model Audi S3 which just came out recently looks great in the wagon. (~$70k).
    • Also the 2017 update of the BMW M2 looks like an amazing car. (~$85k).
    • If you were thinking the Benz, then the A45 AMG is the pick in your price range. (~$85k)
    • chickensaltfrie on 31/10/2016 - 23:21
      -3

      I've sold the Camry. A friend of mine who owns brand new expensive car always sell at around 1800km, and then change to another one. I'm not really close to him but once he mentioned it's costly to keep them longer and he think that's the optimum time to sell for highest value. I do wanna gain more knowledge on the correct time to sell this expensive cars.

      • ShamelessBargains on 31/10/2016 - 23:41
        +1

        End of lease at around 4-5 years is optimal. Right before the brakes need to be replaced and stuff starts going wrong.

        Depreciation will still be about 50% but if you buy the right car and don't do over 100k, it could be higher.

        Also consider a dealer buyback after x number of years but this probably will be a lowball figure..

  • zeomega on 31/10/2016 - 22:56
    +1

    Priority in decending order LOOK>Quality>Comfort>Performance>Technology>Resell>Safety

    Currently considering MB GLC Coupe>C class coupe> CLA/ AudiS3.

    1. Look is subjective.
    2. Comfort > than performance = Merc > Audi > BMW. The higher series you go the more comfortable the ride is. S > E > C > A, 7>6>5>4/3>2/1.
    3. Tech > The higher series you go the more tech options you'll be able to choose.
    4. Performance. This is a topic close to my heart. My euros are least 280KWs, and really you got to pay to play. Best you can do with that kind of cash is S3, and possibly the AMG45s. You won't get ride comfort like a E63 or a C63 tho. Short wheel bases with light chassis tend to give a very bumpy ride. although nippy. Unless you've driven sub 5 second cars before, any of the current middle performance cars like the 328 and C250, Quattro A4 are 6-7s cars. Plenty for most people and traffic light warriors.

    IMHO, C250 or similar would do, albeit it's a 7s car vs about 5.9s for 328 or A4 quattro. But it makes up a lot for it in comfort and style.

    Now that's all said and dusted, TBH, do you really want to start your life so heavily in debt? What if, you lose your job due to a mistake you made and can't find another, are forced to sell the merc and drive a shitty box to get around, whilst bearing the 20k depreciation you've incurred in the first year from selling the vehicle. Start slow, start low. build equity and buy the cars of your dreams later in life. Lastly, people are just going to assume it's your parent's car and not yours based on substance.

    Just my 2c….that you can invest into diversified portfolio of high yield bonds, making you a millionaire in a month. Maybe i should become a FP too… too easy.

    • chickensaltfrie on 31/10/2016 - 23:07
      -5

      I don't need finance and therefore will not ended up in debt. And to be honest, I hope in some stage of my life where I fail, I don't like smooth sailing life, that's why I chose finance and I find it suits my personality. In the event I failed and have to sell the car and everything else that belong to me, that's okay. I believe I can make a come back. If not, I don't deserve it anyway. Unlike the majorities who like hedging, I prefer tackling risk and accepting risk. You can always invest all your money and not improve your life at all to obtain the full potential. At the end of the day, I see this as a little reward and a milestone for the last 15 years of hard work.

      • leeroys_dad on 31/10/2016 - 23:32
        +21

        You were put to work at 6 years old?

        30 year old you will look back on yourself and think what the hell were you doing. Hang onto the shares and ride the wave

      • murkywater on 01/11/2016 - 16:43
        +4

        How do you have 80K saved up at 21?

      • zealmax on 01/11/2016 - 19:24
        +1

        Going to take 3 years of living on instant noodles to save up the 80K, on a entry level analyst role. Just don't go blaming the Baby boomers and Gen X when you can't afford to buy a house.

      • Zaenille on 02/11/2016 - 16:42

        You have been working since you were 6?

      • Bludgeman on 02/11/2016 - 21:00
        +3

        Me fail English? That's unpossible.

        • khomeini on 04/11/2016 - 16:12

          You meant "England".

  • Mysterious Laptop on 31/10/2016 - 23:08
    +1

    CLA45 amg without a doubt

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