Hi all,
Let's say that you have roughly $25k - $30k to spend on cars, which type of car would you choose?
A brand new/Demo car that has all the latest technologies, features, warranty and you're gonna be the first owner.(eg. Kia Optima, Mazda 6, …)
A used fancy German car that has better drive and performance, though the maintenance aren't cheap and may lack some technology.
A boring but reliable car that can last (Corolla, Camry)
Please vote and express your opinion.
Oi! My 1990 Camry (Exec station sedan) was 21 when I finally heard to part with it, even though the motor wouldn't die. Too many little things needed attention and it's market value was only $1,000 at the time. Most reliable car I have ever owned. If we had known then what we know now would have bought two of them back then.
So what Volvo did you buy and what price ?
Volvo S60 T5 Luxury, bought it 13 months ago, brand new only deliver kms on the clock (less than 20), paid $45K driveaway.
Brand new $25k or less boring and reliable car and keep it for a minimum of 10 years. Expensive servicing, parts and downtime outside of scheduled servicing I can do without. And I don't want to sit on someone elses farts in the seats.
And I don't want to sit on someone elses farts in the seats.
Lol, I've never thought about it like that.
$25k
probably could get 8 2004 camrys for that.
I retained my old 1990 version for 21 years … and the motor was still running well.
Worthwhile checking out the new Holden Cruze range (from $17,888). The South Adelaide production plant (that is closing down next year) has ceased making the Cruze models last month and the dealers are selling them as low as possible to clear the stock. They will be replaced by a newer versiom of the Astra.
Disagree with buying the Cruze, it has the single largest safety related recalls of any major brand since the start of this century.
The Captiva is second.
Turbos failing at 60k, mylink console unit colours fading, transmissions and water pumps, not to mention a number cruzes caught fire.
Too risky, buy anything but a cruze or focus with a dual clutch transmission.
Oops. Hopefully they have sorted out those recall problems of the last 16 years by the time i pick one up next week. Fingers crossed. Thankfully it is not a turbo either.
I drove a rental Cruze whilst on holiday 2 years ago and was very impressed; other cars not so. Perhaps some things depend on rely how they are driven. I was bagged for buying a Camry years ago as they supposedly had issues too but mine gave me 21 years of reliable running. By that age a few things needed replacing, but not the motor.
Reminds me of the Telstra versus Vodafone saga. I have several mobiles and 1 wifi with Vodafone. Vodafone had a few hours of failing service last month we did not even notice; we were each given an apology and 2 GB data. When Telstra lost service to my mothers household phone for almost a week recently; no apology or refund for the days lost. We shall stay with Vodafone. I had to ring Telstra as their website said no outage problems across the state. Tbe operator said most of Victoria had lost their services … but apparently no one bothered to update their website.
Hopefully, for your sake my friend. it doesn't have any of the issues.
@bradsmrbetty: Thank you for your well wishes. They do have a big markdown with the end of this series, so if it was not for that I would have waited to save more for something else. They should have fixed any issues by now. Have been saving and looking around for some time. Bought a "Sports" (don't get the sports bit) wagon, white (as last 2 cars have been white which seems to have prevented visibility issues with other drivers). Second visit and many calls around. Even though an apparent fair price, I repeated that I was going to have more time to consider … several times .., and each time they reduced another $500 further, mud flaps (not standard today?), mats, full tank petrol, (premium or so they say) tinted windows, etc. It did drive nicely.
I have own quite a number of cars and I do most of the servicing work myself. Yes it's true Euro luxury parts are more expensive but it isn't terrifying expensive. If you are a car enthusiast you should own a German at least once in your life. They are offer different drive and experience.
True OzB way. I either buy brand new or out of warranty. Seeing service invoices for an underpowered, underspeced ecobox with a luxury badge going north of $500 is just sad.
And when a mate tells you they're paying $500 for a "specialist independent" service with software logbook, and you see that full synthetic oil is a value added option. So they declined and they got the mechanic's default 20w-50 mineral oil for trucks instead. True story.
Self service - $6/l full synthetic 5w30 and $10 oil filter.
We also have a 14 year old 4 cyl Holden Vectra (hear the outcry). Running rather well so have passed it to son. I was advised to use Premium petrol in it some time back; perhaps that is why. Only complaint was the cost of the 120K service … and why, oh why, does it really need a more expensive (and elusive) battery, that failed me on New Years Day lol.
Premium 95 has added detergent that keeps the fuel systems running clean. I DIY car work not because of cost but I wasnt happy with the monkeys they hire for apprenticeship. A basic routine servicing end up the customer pay for repair caused by the banana munchers. Also a lot of dishonesty if you are new in town.
That experience got me roll up my sleeves and get under car crawling, never had to look for a mechanic ever again.
The reward is great, get to buy a house with big garage to hold all the tools. Get to own all the tools. Get to rent engine hoist. Get oil spilled on your face. Heaps of scars on my princess hands. Countless hours spent on the net researching for potential issues of a specific car model. As a result I did more preventive maintenance than actual repair.
However, I dont think I saved time doing so because I'm mostly learning along the way so it takes two to three times longer to get things done. Definitely not suitable for a busy person.
Many here is right about Japanese reliability and cost. That's the best option Ozb can have. But if you are into cars then you have sinned and you are missing out heaps.
When I look into buying a used car, all that worries me is parts availability. Luxury Euro models is actually very good for servicing because they only have one standard model for various regions so you get less surprises when replacing parts.
I am in total awe of people who can skill themselves up like you have done. Not for me with a gammy back though. All the electronic servicing and codes for everything leaves me for dead. The only thing that really annoyed me with Holden was that I had to pay $20 for a sheet listing the codes I needed (even though I showed rego as proof if ownership and licence). Surely they should provide the codes as a gesture of good will.
Yes I like the Toyotas too. Had a 72 Celica (sold it 8 years later at a profit) and later on a 90 Camry. I had a basic service with Toyota once and they gave me a St Johns first aid kit too; still have that.
my 2011 focus was built in Germany.. does that count? :)
A brand new Camry, $28k drive away, with lots of technology in it. A big highway cruiser that will last forever - no brainer. (Better still get the 3.5 litre Aurion if the budget will manage it.)
For that sort of money a new car with the usual 5 years warranty is always better. There is nothing like the smell of a new car!
IME anything out of warranty that is Euro, Korean, Honda or Subaru will be a money pit long term…
Let me guess…Suzuki then?
What do YOU like? You are spending thousands of dollars, don't forget what you actually like.
I would choose a 'luxury' car.
I would rather have good performance and handling. I don't care about Bluetooth radio.
Get a common one ( nothing exotic like an alfa ) and source your parts from USA. You will be spending the same on service as all the 'responsible' people in their mazdas.
If you can't be bothered with this, then buy a boring car.
My girl friends corolla is a 2014 and it's falling apart I told her to get a civic oh well Toyota quality lol.
2nd hand lơw kms Subaru WRX, Manual :)
2nd hand wrx, I cringe
6k rpm, foot off clutch
Lexus = Toyota. Fairly reasonable second hand and generally rear wheel drive.
I always go reliability. Several members of extended family have euro luxury cars and the upkeep is horrifying. Brother in law had a 3 series diesel out of warranty and the engine suffered timing belt failure. $10k fix.
I don't recommend used luxury car, especially if it is out of warranty. The cost of getting it repair is a robbery. Is good if you can do the repair or have friends who are willing to help you, but if you don't then I suggest you get something else.
have a look at the hybrid Corolla.
V8 commodore don't think twice
Thats a no brainer ;)
I would get a used car - non luxury but with all the extras (leather etc…). Will hold value better and give more enjoyment
Those luxury cars are expensive to run and will be out of warranty.
If you're money conscious get a used reliable car.
I would get the car I got: My16 Polo GTI for 29300 drive away.
What are your circumstances? Single/married, dependants, age, income, etc. reasons i ask, if you are an aussie battler doing it tough id say go boring and reliable. But if you have cashed up parents buying you a car id say go for the most expensive wanky piece of shit you can get.
Hahahaha! I though now days a SS was a battlers car?
I think there are problems with your question
1. A new Corolla has the new tech in it at your price range (so satisfies both option 1 and 3)
2. For 30K you're looking at a German Car that sold for 80K driveaway new about 6 years ago and I don't meet many people deciding on whether to get this type of Car or a Kia Optima/Corolla
Personally since you can only afford 30K then I wouldn't go used German as you should probably spend 20-25K and save the remainder for maintenance cost because you will need it (I have had Mercs, BMW, VW before and major problems usually occur after 5 year 80km mark so I always trade them in at this point)
I would personally buy a Toyota Aurion. Very high build quality and cheap maintenance and very reliable. You get a V6 engine but still very economical, i used to own 2012 Aurion ATX and you can easily achieve 550-600km per 55litre tanks. You can easily get a used one with low kms for around $12-$15k, limit your search for years over 2013 and less than 50000km. If you want a fancy one then look for the Sportivo ZR6, looks very sexy with sport kit and leather seats and sunroof and GPS(But this one is bit pricey but still within your range for a used car). I bought the Aurion 2012 as a demo car with 5000k only for $25k in 2013 and it was the cheapest advertised in WA(Brand new was $32k drive away).
I wouldn't say Aurion is economical to run unless you do long distances. It's a killer for my everyday commute(15 mins peak traffic,numerous traffic lights etc). But I must agree it drives really nicely. It has low re-sale value due to the size, which is perfect if you buy it second-hand and plan to keep it for a while.
We got a low mileage 2008 Aurion Presara for a bit over 10k, it was a steal :P
I spend as little as I can get away with for a reliable car that does what I need. For the last 5 years that's a 2007 Ford Falcon Wagon. It's a car. I have other things to spend money on.
for $30k, you could get a very average new car, or a much nicer used car.
eg: 30k will get you a brand newbase model mazda 3
OR
$30k will get you a fully optioned lexus\bmw which is only a few years old
have done both, and would go the 2nd car option every time. the whole new car feeling\smell etc wears off after a few weeks, and your left with a base model car. its much nicer to have a really nice car, thats only a few years old. 2nd hand doesnt necessarily mean thrashed and in bad condition.
62k for a Ford Mustang and 59k for a Ford MY17 Wildtrak.
Good enough for me.
ha ha ha
I paid $300 for my last car, 10 years later I'm still driving it. most expensive thing I have spent on it was new rotors and a clutch (both <$200 each) that I changed my self.
god people waste money on a->b cars.
If it's that old, you're probably just polluting.
Different people buy cars for different reasons. Some only need to get from A to B such as yourself, which is perfectly valid.
Some love their car and enjoy being in it, have pride in it. Those people spend more on cars.
No need to judge others for having different priorities.
not really any more polluting than a new car (if you really want to get into that argument)
i have my weekend car that is worth twice as much as the OP but it's the type of car you don't take to the supermarket as every other ****wit will play dodgems with it. personally don't see the point of spending so much money on something that is going to get ruined by idiots on our roads.
as others have said the most expensive thing in a car is depreciation
neg away neggers
Just curious. What did you use the weekend car for? Where do you go with it?
You're criticizing people for wasting money on a-b cars compared to you who spent $300 for a car. But then you spent $60,000 on a car that you only drive on weekends and is too precious to park anywhere?
That sounds like hypocrisy to me.
@lostn:
LJ 2 door torana ;)
not so much being a hypocrite but you can't enjoy nice cars anymore like you use to be able to.. nobody gives a shit about your car and will happily open their door into yours.
walk into a dealer and buy something new for 30k or buy $5000 standard run-of-mill car. which one would you be more unhappy about having a door flung open into it?
it is clear in the poll where common sense lies. im not saying to buy a $300 car but there is shit tons of reliable, safe, eco cars <10k
I had similar dilemma a while ago, about 10 years ago to be more precise. I have decided to follow the second path - used luxury cars, and I don't think I will ever change that. Since then I owned a 5 series BMW, Audi A6, Volvos S80 and S60, now my latest acquisition is beautifully looking 3 series E92 coupe, 108kkm, with M-sport package. The car was - I estimate - about $70-75k new, got it for $16k. Bargain.
The key always is - low mileage, excellent service history and condition and of course - thorough mechanical inspection (or inspections, I sometimes let 2 different experts to check the car). New NSW laws give you 3 months warranty on a second hand car bought from a dealer (assuming car age 10 years or less and mileage < 160kkm), which should give you enough time to fix everything - as I just did - and enjoy trouble free motoring for another 1-2 years.
I agree it's a bit risky approach - as if something fails you can expect bigger than usual bills (I occasionally perform minor repairs myself to avoid the cost - YouTube your best friend, if you have a bit of engineering skills) - but overall it's worth it, given the pleasure of driving and owning an amazing driving machine at a fraction of the cost :)
good work, youve got a similar mindset to me. the E92's are, in my opinion, one of the best looking cars bmw has ever made. its just a shame that the 335i has so many mechanical issues, otherwise i would be in one. bmw's tend to age well, as in, even though it is now 10 yrs old, it still looks modern, merc's on the other hand…
The current models look ugly if you ask me.
If you buy a reliable car that is 3 years old, it will be 50% cheaper than buying new.
The most expensive cost of owning a car is depreciation. It loses about 20% of its current value per year. After 3 years, that's roughly half its value lost. So if you're trying to be cost effective, go for a car that's about 3 years old. But make sure it's a reliable car because you're probably out of warranty unless it's a make with 5 year warranty. Make sure it's inspected by someone knowledgeable and the condition is good.
I just went through this.
I had $17k to spend after selling my 2007 Lexus IS250. It was manual and the girlfriend hates manual, so needed an auto.
We test drove a heap of 2012 Mazda 3's, Hyundai i30's, and Holden Cruzes. They were "meh" cars. Went and test drove a 2008 Audi A4 1.8T and it was no contest. The Audi, despite being older and with 100k km, was better in every single way compared to the "budget cars".
Yes we'll lose a couple grand when we go to sell it in a few years, but you're going to lose that money no matter WHAT car you buy. And I'd rather lose $4k on a car I've enjoyed than lose $4k on a mediocre runabout.
I'm probably in the minority here, but for me it's second hand "luxury" car. I don't enjoy driving, but as I have to, I might as well do so in a car that I find comfortable and can afford. My only current real gripe with my 13 year old Merc is that the back seats aren't designed for kids car seats. Plus it doesn't wash itself.
One of my canny friends has been driving the same VW to work for over 30 years (it does float too … he drove it into a river for a wash one day …). He has a Merc too as much of a hobby as anything; (bit of a money pit) always trying to source reasonably priced genuine parts. He does take it out for an airing occasionally.
I bought a BMW 330i (2005) a year and a half ago. Still puts a grin on my face when I drive it. Last of the straight 6 non turbo engines. Sold a new VW polo to get it. Find a good mechanic for servicing that won't rip you off. 100k car for 16k. So much fun.
Would recommend a good luxury car.
The price point you've set is quite a sweet spot for some good deals in the market.
Bought a second-hand 2010 BMW 523i with 90k km on the clock about 2 years ago through a novated lease for 30k.
Great thing about the novated lease is the ability to cover the traditionally expensive elements of having a luxury car. Fuel, car accessories, repairs, servicing, CTP, insurance, etc. Again, worthwhile to have the novated lease company run you through the numbers and how it impacts your finances.
Bought car from interstate dealer (Melb, Vic) - and had a super detailed inspection run by a set of really good mechanics. This is key. Always have the car inspected no matter what - guys I used did everything (diagnostic plug-in - a 30km ride - photos, full check of everything, etc.) Spoke with the guy and he recommended that it was a good deal on the car and it wouldn't break the bank.
On average, servicing is about 500 to 700 AUD per year - with oil, filters, etc all changed. I use a good local mechanic who values quality and keeps me in the loop. The biggest expense I've had to date was the replacement of a light module (AUD 400 for parts, AUD 1000 for labour). These things come up with such cars but the novated lease covered all this. So wasn't out of pocket.
Since the car is weekend usage most of the times - it's great fun to drive. Have done long runs to Canberra and Newcastle for work - it worked out great. No power issues, has enough pep to keep it interesting and is comfortable.
The balloon payment is 18k but it seems reasonable enough after a 5 year lease. Again, you can counteract this by reducing the ballon and paying a little more each month. Again, whatever suits your finances and situation.
You only get to live once - buy something comfortable and enjoy it. A brand new luxury car (Japanese, German or anything else) is only worthwhile when you've got a huge need for it (again, dependent on your needs).
I've been buying used Statesman/Caprice for the past few years…
Why? You can get an ~80k car for ~20k after 2-3 years. The equipment is often better than you'd get in a standard car that is a few years newer. The difficulty is finding one with low KMs as they're usually ex-silver service taxis or ex-hire cars.
When it comes to parts and repairs, you're usually paying the same price as a Commodore (with some exceptions for Caprice specific parts).
Oh, and once they hit the 20-30k ($) mark, the depreciation slows to a crawl.
You will be surprised to see amount of 'so called' luxury features you may be able to find in a car usually considered as budget. My wife's car (Toyota Prius C) has got leather seats, alloy wheels, cruise control, climate control, 9 air bags (5 star ANCAP), reverse camera, 6 speaker audio, DVD/touch screen, sat nav, electric folding mirrors etc etc.. and being a 2014 car, it's still under manufacturer warranty. We bought it couple of months ago (gumtree of course) with just 14,000 km on the clock for 14k. It's an awesome little car and hardly consumes any fuel (750 km plus from 32 L tank).
But it's a prius.. And no offence it's ugly as hell car
I dunno why people automatically think Toyota Camry is indestructible. 2/3 Toyotas including a Camry all crapped out on me. I personally had good experience with Nissan, and OK experience with Mitsubishi. I think when it comes to reliability these days, all Japanese cars are very similar. I dunno much about European cars, but they must be doing OK too, they are selling heaps of them.
Buy whatever you like the most, even if it's not exactly the 'smartest' choice, buy whatever's going to put a smile on your face. Just do your research in terms of fuel / tyre consumption, insurance costs, known issues - that sort of thing so you know what you're getting yourself into.
If it's available to you novating might not be a bad option, especially if you want to keep rolling over every 3-5 years to stay in a nice car. If you're buying brand new most leasing companies will allow you to use your own quote, so if you can negotiate a better price than the leasing company (not hard to do) you can bring the costs down a bit.
Ive previously had a long line of new lease V8 Holdens (Calais & Caprice VE/VF's), I tried out the luxury car route buying a BMW E92 325i outright with 100k on the clock. That car put the biggest smile on my face. Had it 2 years and it cost me $450 in servicing for its ownership for 2 oil changes and replacing the front rotors and pads (serviced it myself). There are so many great guides for BMW's if you are half inclined to DIY and source your own parts they are cheap to maintain. Ive now sold all my Holdens and the BMW 325 and just purchased an E92 BMW M3. Sure it has 2 or 3 documented issues which cost about $3k one off to get fixed, you just factor that into the purchase price. Still a hell of alot better car than a $60k Mustang or HSV. It depends if you are a car person, you can tell a big difference driving a euro car than the run of the mill Toyota / Holden. If you cant tell the difference then you might as well stay with a boring new car.
Alfa romeo gulietta is 30k in manual, if you want new and some luxury.
Seen a lot lately, since it got got a facelift and old model was cheaper.
Is Novatel Lease beneficial if you drive 5-10K per year only? I am thinking of buying 7 seater like Toyota Kluger.
$27k gets you the Fiesta ST new. ;)
My mothers was bought new about 2008. Bits and pieces have been falling off and she has been getting a bit peeved at that. But. reliability wise it has behaved very nicely.
Buy a brand new Mazda 3 SP25 GT and you'll get all three options in one package. New, reliable but not boring, filled with top notch technology/safety features and plenty of luxury inside. Take one for a test drive. You should be able to pick one up for 31k and even less if you wait to the end of the year/early next year. They can also be fun to drive when you need to and very economical when driven normal. Don't get a demo car unless you get a 30% or more discount on it.
Cash for cars! Never get finance to pay for a car. It's a horrible, depreciating asset. Buy what you can afford. $2000 will cover a 20yo old Ford Laser which will do fine. Car gets from A to B. Put your money in better stuff, or just keep it in the bank for now and use it on home deposit.
Best advice here! Only buy what you can afford. As soon as you buy one then start saving for your next. I used to work for a finance company; looking at the interest people pay every day put me right off. I have only ever paid cash for a car. The only Loan worth getting is a mortgage, and that only after you have squirrelled away a fat deposit.
Buy safe cars kids.
I used to sell novated leases many years ago
A client of mine still sticks in my mind 7 years later. She wanted an SUV but wasn't on a huge salary. She ended up buying a second hand Kia Sorrento (before Kia got their shit together).
One day, she was side-swiped on the freeway. Interestingly, by a later model Subaru Forester (the car i recommended to her).
Subaru driver was fine. She had numerous back and hip complications which resulted in her losing her job and eventually a suicide attempt.
buy safe cars kids. I'm not talking about a 40k new car, you'd be surprised what you can buy for 8-12k that gets 5* from ANCAP.
Lexus, both luxury and reliable.
how good do you think lexus is compared to German car?
I bought a brand new Lancer in Feb. Much regrets. Not because of the car but because of other people. 4 months after getting it, someone rear-ended us at the traffic lights. In the past month, it's been scratched and hit while I was parked twice - and of course neither left their details or anything. Super frustrating. Probably wouldn't feel as bad if it was just a 2nd hand car. I probably won't be buying another brand new car again.
sums up my posts perfectly
it's a shame people that do those things are allowed to breath.
I wonder if things like this happen in those "more prestige neighborhood".
I live in a crappy suburb, car got scrapped twice within a week, the third time a car drove/parked into it in a shopping center carpark.
2nd hand. Off that chump from the other threads $80k car in 1 year when he loses his job/buys his 150k car
2013 VW Passat V6 Highline with Dynaudio and panoramic sunroof option. 4Motion, DSG, 0-100km in 5.5s, adjustable suspension, nav, auto parking, heated leather, etc, etc. Plenty of change from $30K.
Nice ride. I used to have a mk6 golf r, but the thought of the dsg going was always on the back of my mind ($8k fix) so I sold it just before the warranty expired. Held its value really well too! Other than that, an absolutely amazing car to own and drive.
I spent a chunk of this year looking for one… not a lot come up on carsales. Ended up with a 132 comfortline in the new shape
Remember that a used luxury car carries the parts and repair costs of a luxury vehicle, even when it's a decade or more old. Don't buy the old car thinking it's a cheap way of getting luxury and impressing others. People with real money won't be impressed by your decade old BMW.
Recently a relative became quite excited about the prospect of buying a Porsche Cayenne from auction for only $25k. Problem was the car was over 12 years old and the maintenance costs would have eaten up the 'bargain'.
I have a Lexus GS300 and its a fine unit. Cant tell you about part costs because nothing has gone wrong in four years that I have had it. Never been one for luxury cars until the Lexus which became available cheap through a family member. They have to be good to compete with a Merc, BMW and Audi. Dont know how they sell in AUS, but they do well in The US and Japan.
It can be hard to resist a new car, but after a few months, meh. How many (profanity) have driven a demo before it becomes your pride and joy. Would it be 100 or more. I dont know.
I already have two cars that last forever, would be nice to get a new one… think I can't afford the maintenance on the luxury option, but that's just me.
definitely used reliable car. but If your budget is 30k, you can even get a new toyota 86 or a ND mx5
You will be out of pocket on any of the 3 choices. It is like having to choose your poison.
New car = lower insurance, lower consumables+repairs ,higher depreciation.
Used reliable car = higher insurance, higher consumables+repairs, moderate depreciation.
Used Luxury car = ++higher insurance, ++higher consumables+repairs, lower depreciation.
probably works out very similar $ for the next few years, one way or the other.
Regardless, buying a car is like having another mouth to feed, without any of the positive aspects of a real family member.
This new mechanical addition will relentlessly drain you of $50-150 every. single. week.
Whether it is via depreciation, repairs, consumables, insurance, or State Government duties, (or, generally all of the above) you will pay - one way or the other, for as long as you own it.
That said, treat the purchase price as money already gone, whatever it was. Brace yourself for what it will continue to cost, and you should get no surprises.
Or, just check what all the accountants drive, take a deep breath, and prepare yourself for some Camry-Worship.
How about a used, reliable luxury car? You can pick up a 2008-2010 lexus is250 for your price point. They're good cars.
Obviously supply and demand is in play here and a very popular model like a Golf GTI or Toyota 86 etc will be harder to get a discount. I generally do a lot of research and pick my cars based partly on the likelihood of getting a big discount. I bought my Volvo s60 partly because I read that Volvo had failed to meet their annual sales targets and there were loads of old stock unsold with a new model coming out. Getting close to the end of the calendar year (when all cars get a year older because they are a '16 model instead of a '17 model) I knew that dealers would be desperate to sell and i used that leverage to screw them on price.
do your research though, I have posted this elsewhere, I once bought a new WRX. A few years ago a company called Inchcape bought the Subaru distributor rights for Australia. they only wanted the big capital cities so they paid for a the rights to a 40km radius of the big cities. What this means is that all of the Subaru dealers within 40km of Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane etc are part of one big dealership. they share the same stock control system and can probably see what car and price you've been offered by another Subaru dealer. It is hard to play 2 dealerships off against each other to get a good price because they may well be in cahoots with each other. A bit of research though and you find that the guys who had the distributor rights prior to Inchcape simply moved their yards to somewhere 41kms outside the GPO. in Melbourne this is Lilydale and Frankston. When i went to these guys and played them off against the local dealer in my suburb they were $3-4K cheaper.
If you are desperately in love with a particular model of car there may not be a way to get a great discount, I dont think you would be able to get one on a Ford Mustang for instance, not with waiting lists for delivery. If you are however open to a few options and prepared to do a shitload of research and haggling chances are you could probably get a great deal on a great car.