Help Me Choose a 5-Seat SUV under $40k

Aap Ke Papa on 07/02/2018 - 20:02
Last edited 11/02/2018 - 20:51

Edit#2 10/2/18: I test drove the following cars today
Nissan Qashqai Ntec, Nissan X-trail ST, Kia Sportage GT Petrol, Mazda CX5 GT, Subaru Forester, Subaru Outback 2.5i premium, Hyundai were too cocky to give me a test drive without appointment

I liked the following cars in no particular order. All cars had that extra oomph and a beautiful interior with decent bells and whistles
Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium $42000 Driveaway brand new
Mazda CX - 5 GT $43990 without any bargains
Kia Sportage GT Line $43000+

All the prices given to me are without any haggling.
Any chances what best prices I can score? And what are your thoughts on the prices? Aim would be not to cross the $40K mark

I'm in Melbourne

I am unable to choose which SUV to buy. I currently drive an elantra 2013.
I have narrowed it down to the following

Mazda CX-5 AWD Touring
Honda CR-V 2WD VTi-S
Subaru Forester 2.5i-S
Tucson 2.0 2WD Elite Auto
Renault KOLEOS Zen 4x2

As you can see the cars are mid range in terms of features and stuff. I am not after a top model or a base model. I am not after a 7 seater, I will never me towing or doing off road driving.

Things I want from my car

Decent looks
Nice pick up 0-60
Fair amount of fancy features that come in mid range models
Can live without android auto
I do city driving spend most of my time in traffic driving 1 hour a day max which is to and from work.
I hope the cars will have a decent sound system.
other that that i really dont have any expections apart from a car that doesnt give my any unnecessary problems if i service regularly.

Negative for cx5, i really love the shape and the features that come in the touring model but it just looks like a bigger hatchback to me at times with not enough ground clearance.
Negative for CR-V - CVT and the rear shape
Negative for forester - the shape is not exciting enough

please help me choose one or shoot down option but do tell me why.
Cheers

Edit 9/2/18: Thank you guys really loving all the insight from you guys. Apologies that I havent test driven any. I aim to this weekend. So keep giving me all the pointers you have to make a decision as I dont have much clue about what car to get. The car that I will get I will hang on to it. It wont be an investment yeilding option for me. All I want to something nice to drive, decent safety features, nice cabin, reliable and high riding with easy access for kids/pram etc

Poll Options

  • 125
    Mazda CX-5 AWD Touring
  • 27
    Honda CR-V 2WD VTi-S
  • 63
    Subaru Forester 2.5i-S
  • 34
    Tucson 2.0 2WD Elite Auto
  • 115
    Other
Automotive

Comments

  • dannyboi on 11/02/2018 - 08:29

    A new model Subaru Forester is due for the end of this year, so that’s something to keep in mind. Either you haggle for a good runout price or wait.

  • Mick1234 on 11/02/2018 - 08:43

    How about TOYOTA RAV4?
    Can anyone suggest me if I bought too expensive or okay? Recently bought 2014 RAV4 GX 67000KM Front wheel drive for $20000,got 6 mths rego in Sydney.It is private treaty.

    • payless69 on 11/02/2018 - 09:14

      This discussion is about an SUV. RAV4's are really chick's cars who never get off the bitumen. Even the new hybrid is just like putting lipstick onto a torso.

      • whooah1979 on 11/02/2018 - 09:39

        This discussion is about an SUV. RAV4's are really chick's cars who never get off the bitumen.

        None of the vehicles on op's list will venture off-road. A rav4 is worth a spot on the list.

        • payless69 on 11/02/2018 - 10:26

          after giving a Subaru a hard time in the dirt and test it to its limits I have a high respect for Subaru and if you ask around there are still some real bushies left having taken Subarus where big 4wd's were afraid to come back with scratches. Seen enough stuck RAV4's even a direct import 4wd van has shown them what can be done. I had done sand adventures in a lite ace surf with light truck tyres in an underpowered auto. Left over carpet strips done magic and the $99 boat trailer winch got us unstuck endless times. Nowadays I do enjoy the safety of awd.

        • whooah1979 on 11/02/2018 - 10:56

          @payless69:

          It doesn't look like op intends do any of that.

          I will never me towing or doing off road driving.

  • anawth on 11/02/2018 - 09:59
    +1

    Don't know if it's a concern for you but at least the AWD's won't have to put on chains if you ever find yourself snow bound

    • mrtin on 14/02/2018 - 20:54

      Love driving past 2wd cars while drivers freeze putting chains on.

  • Jo5228 on 11/02/2018 - 11:09

    Get the mazda.

  • mjerath on 11/02/2018 - 11:42

    I was in the same situation in 2017 Oct. Bought mazda cx5 Max Sport Diesel for $37200. Very happy.

  • Euphemistic on 11/02/2018 - 11:49

    Just pick the one you like that you can afford.

  • Harold Halfprice on 11/02/2018 - 12:06

    Old man recently a bit over a year ago a Subaru Forester XT premium.

    Absolutely love the car. Very comfortable and smooth to drive. It is the turbo version however, which you wont find new under 40K but you can second hand (personally I found the 2.5i to be a bit underpowered for my liking).

    The eyesight and safety features are fantastic. Adaptive cruise control is absolutely amazing on long highway trips. Very good height clearance and subaru's AWD system is next to none.

  • sabracad on 11/02/2018 - 13:17

    If you're never towing or driving off road, don't buy an SUV. You're just adding to the current bunch of tools needlessly driving moving blindfolds. You'll get better performance - both acceleration and mileage, looks and value for money from sedans or hatchbacks.

    • whooah1979 on 11/02/2018 - 17:30

      If you're never towing or driving off road, don't buy an SUV

      suv isn't designed for those things. it's not to say that they can't do it, but not their target market.

  • Costco97 on 11/02/2018 - 13:22

    We recently bought Koleos Zen. Mrs drives it mostly for day to day use. We both love it. It will not win traffic light races but we do not care about that. We get 100kms in 10.1lt in suburbs out of it. It ticks most of boxes. Surprisingly its service schedule is 30k instead of 10k on most in comparison. Came with 5 year warranty and road side assist. Get a test drive and see if you like it.

    We do have a Kluger as well but these days that most stays in garage.. Most likely will sell that one since that is an oil guzzler. Although I like dricing that Kluger for long trips.

  • [Deactivated] on 11/02/2018 - 14:23
    -1

    Try Haval H6. It will surprise you.

  • kickling on 11/02/2018 - 15:16
    +1

    We bought a MY17 forester base model. It has the highest ground clearance of all the Jap SUV's. It's also still made in Japan, good build quality and I don't think it has a bad appearance…. not exciting but it's still sleek. Easy to get our new baby in and out. And the boot space is reasonable.

    AWD makes it handle very nicely. The only thing is it is a little bumpy over things like speed humps, not as plush as your sedan would be I think. Definitely my old Civic was softer :D

    The base model didn't have the upgraded electronics so not Android Play, but I don't need it.

  • pegasusx on 11/02/2018 - 15:48
    +2

    We went though the same thing in Oct 2017, as we were expecting a baby in Nov.

    Tried a number of cars that you mentioned but ended up getting the Renault Koleos Intese 4x4. Mind you, we never really thought Renault at all.
    (Mazda dealership was being snobby, so we walked out and as we were going to the car, saw the Renault show room across the road by accident)

    *CX5 - Zen
    *Subaru - Forester
    *Toyota - CRV
    *Toyota (Import) - Alphard Hybrid
    *Audi - Q5 TDI
    *VW - Passat Wagon Comfortline

    I wont go into every detail with the other cars. So I summarise on some of the main points why we bought the Koleos vs the ones we tried. Its close to the price point you mentioned?* (We walked in and got the car for $43,500 on the road. I think there was a promotion as its usually $48k? might be able to bargain it down)

    • Interior cabin room: was the most usable out of all of them (other than the Alphard).
      Yes, other brands will say more xxx litre cabin space, but we can fit 4 x 1.7-1.8m 80+kg Adults + wide Britax baby seat comfortably. i.e. the middle rear seat isnt a dickie/midget seat.

    • Bootspace: Other than the Alpard. This was able to fit our big ass Bugaboo cameleon pram folded(length wise). All the other cars we had to lift and turn it 90*side ways to fit it in the boot. i.e not much for any thing else unless you stack it on top.

    • 12 Speaker Bose sound system: If you like the doof doof, there is a 12" sub woofer tucked in spare tyre hollow + Amp for mods later if you want. It wakes up the baby, we so balance the rear speakers and sub off.

    • Niche features: Thought it was useless at first but ended up using them the most.

    • Auto rear door that when you swipe your foot under where the rear bumper is, it opens / closes. When both hands are full this is a very useful feature.
    • Remote Auto start with the last climate control settings: When your car is hot, you can remote start it so the climate runs and when you get in its already cool.

    • Heated/cooled seats: Has perforated front leather seats. This is a God send on hot days. There are three areas were the cool fan air hits. Your lower back. Your groin area and the back of the thighs.

    • Decent Looks: Cabin is top notch. Overall the outside lines looked really good. only other car we found that looked slightly more refined was the Q5.
      (Only thing we didnt like was the DRL - looked bit like Mike Tysons left eye tatto..Ha)

    • 0-60: This thing is made for comfort and thats what the engine + CVT does, smooth power delivery over the 0-60 range. So acceleration was slowest of all the cars but will be more than needed for city driving.

    • I cant comment on the reliability as we only drove it for 5 months. And understand that the chasis is Nissin but built by Samsung motors. In my experience so far they have come along way vs the German reliability. I've plugged in the OBD2 reader for error codes and checked the usually issues like fluid usage during run in. A ok.

    I really hope you got the car this weekend. Looking back we are actually really happy with purchase considering the price / features point.

    • Hellfire on 12/02/2018 - 09:11

      I went with the CX5 but was really impressed by the Koleos. Beautiful looking car with lots of tech. It's a real shame that the engine and transmission are so lame. Worst drive of any SUV that I tried. They could at least have had a better engine as an option. Resale was also a factor as well.

      • pegasusx on 17/02/2018 - 11:07

        Its because of the weight and CVT (smooth gear changes). Its got long gears and makes it feel sluggish or doesn't accelerate as quick when you plant the foot. But I believe there is a Turbo Diesel model coming mid 2018 if you really need that oomph.

        BTW: Since you got the CX5. Have you had any issue with the auto brake? Ha. The thing that shocked us most was this feature. When we test drove it and turned back into the dealership. We passed by a bollard/ fence type thing and it went off! Lucky we were going only 20ish kmph but still gave us a good jolt. Sales woman laughed and said thats the auto brake feature and it works. "No it didnt, there was nothing in front of us, the bollard is 0.5M back to our right". So she just brushed it off an said you can turn it off….

        • whooah1979 on 18/02/2018 - 12:02

          the bollard is 0.5M back to our right

          Perhaps the algorithm can’t distinguish the difference between immovable object and a movable object.

  • ITveteran on 11/02/2018 - 17:27
    -2

    Check GearBest. They might have a Xiaomi on special.

  • congo on 11/02/2018 - 17:54

    I have always like the Hyundai SantaFe but it is minimum $50K unfortuntely.

    • Aap Ke Papa on 11/02/2018 - 20:09

      Hyundai dealers were just being jerks when I went for a test drive, saying they wouldnt let me test drive without an appointment even though they were roaming around free. They said they cant give any appointment until next week. I was like stuff that I am not dealing with you shitty dealers.

  • Sharp on 11/02/2018 - 18:07

    I've tried all the options recently. None of them as fun as Tiguan. With tiguan 162 you get a GTI engine (and feeling) in a SUV plus all the techno stuff that you can constantly fiddle with for extra fun.

    • Aap Ke Papa on 11/02/2018 - 20:07

      Too expensive for me

  • ranma on 11/02/2018 - 18:33

    Jeep Renegade! Or are subcompacts out of the question?

  • onlyletters on 11/02/2018 - 19:51

    Add the haval to your list.

  • kaio on 11/02/2018 - 19:54
    -4

    First, skip all Korean, China and Malaysian cars for safety.

    I tested drive Nissan Qashqai last year but cornering was too shaky to me.

    I tested drive Mazda CX-5 also and the experience was quite European cars.

    I tested drive VW Tiguan (last gen) was the best among 3.

    Currently driving Renault but bad after sale services (impatient and money hog from local dealer), bad maintenance (hard to repair according to my mechanic and overpriced parts), bad stereo system (if you say “hi Siri” it will dial to your own number strangely and every app in their system costs big money to purchase online).

    • kingmw on 11/02/2018 - 20:26
      -1

      Don't lump Korean cars into that group.

      ANCAP safety ratings consistent rate most Korean cars 5 stars unless you happen to be more of an authority than they are.

      https://www.ancap.com.au/

    • andylch on 11/02/2018 - 21:52

      Renault Koleos is made in Korea too. You should avoid it in the first place.

    • kaio on 12/02/2018 - 03:47

      ANCAP 5 stars is just the minimum now, except those China brands who can still make 4 stars cars.

  • SupeNintendoChalmers on 11/02/2018 - 21:19

    OP, a base model Xtrail 5 seater will set you back $30K DA. You can then use the saved 10K on a nice holiday, or Eneloops.

    And it's made in Japan.

  • This Guy on 11/02/2018 - 21:54
    +3

    Sportage GT-Line Diesel. It costs a little more but it fits your use better.

    More rear room and excellent 5 year resale value:

    https://www.redbook.com.au/cars/details/2012-kia-sportage-pl…

    Excellent warranty. KIA goes above and beyond:

    https://blog.caranddriver.com/hyundai-and-kia-recall-1-2-mil…

    (Note: Some cars included in the recall would have been out of warranty!).

    People love their CX-5's. If it is big enough for you and you enjoyed the petrol (don't buy a diesel Mazda with your commute) then I am sure you will love your CX-5.

    Service experience is amazing. Mazda Australia has designed your sales experience to make you love your car! That way you will pay more and buy cross sells! That means Mazda is the one brand here where a 15% discount is extremely feasible (dealer dependent)!

    Warranty is short and claims's can be a nightmare (these are diesels):

    https://www.motoring.com.au/mazda-announces-fix-for-cx-5-oil…
    http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/2556087

    Notice how I need to use more words to explain the CX-5! It's all about the Zoom Zoom!

    Outback……

    Buy a Diesel Sportage if practicality and reliability are of importance. That $5k discount is excellent! You will need to buy a older, high km demo to get a Diesel below $40,000. It will still have 5-6 years of full manufacturer warranty (a MY16 Platinum is almost identical to a MY18 GT-Line)!

    Buy a CX-5 if love, feel and intial cost is more important. Expect far more than a $5k discount on a brand new one! Walk out and go to another dealer if they are firm as $43,990 is full retail… They will probabley call asking for your credit card details before you hit the first set of traffic lights! Yes, a brand new CX-5 GT Petrol should be $6-8k cheaper than a brand new Sportage GT-Line Diesel!!!

    I am affiliated with some of the brands mentioned in this thread! This post is only my personal opinions!

    • Aap Ke Papa on 11/02/2018 - 23:36

      That was really helpful. Thank you.
      I am inching towards the CX-5 GT. Any ideas what price should I be firm at for the GT (new) & demo?

      • This Guy on 12/02/2018 - 00:26

        Sorry, I missed something.

        The CX-5 GT Petrol retails for $49,065. I was working off $43,990 as you said it was "without any bargains"

        When you are ready to buy:

        You want a CX-5 GT Petrol with carpet mats and a full tank of fuel for $38,000.

        $40,000 is a reasonable price. If you feel like you need to move, move to $40,000 because that is your budget. Your numbers say that is how much you can afford. When they say yes, confirm it is with mats and a full tank of fuel before shaking. You should be offered to pick up your car in a couple of days, but don't budge on colour if that is important to you.

        I have heard of $54,900 Akera Diesels going for $43,000, so push hard and be firm. If they are not moving closer to you, leave and go to another Mazda dealer.

        If you want paint protection, make sure it is a ceramic that bonds to the clear coat and not a wax.

        I don't see any of the other cars in this thread being discounted more than $5,000 unless you have a very motivated dealer (old stock, demo, et cetera). Fords and Euro cars can have more wiggle room. Toyota don't need to discount but have similar margin to Mazda.

        It's 12:30am. Sorry if there are any mistakes

        • Aap Ke Papa on 12/02/2018 - 11:26

          1. If I were to get a good deal on Sportage, what is your opinion on GT Petrol vs Diesel? I will rarely drive more that 50km on any particular day except the odd holiday with driving most at 40-70kmph
          7 year peace of mind is attractive as I plan to keep the car for that period.
          2. Price range recommendations for each as my upper limit?
          3. Also is it worth holding off for another month I am going overseas for the month of march, i need to get the car by April end?
          Thanks heaps

  • PerthectDeal on 12/02/2018 - 02:13

    Mazda have said Android Auto is comming to the cx5 this year and will be an update for all the current cx5s

  • greencomet on 12/02/2018 - 09:03

    The SUV segment for me isn't one of those car categories where you make an emotional purchase, it's a tool that's needed for a job. The cars are similar in terms of build, extras, performance, etc, you simply choose the car that's the best value for money out of the ones you like.

    Forester has a 3 year warranty and needs servicing every 6 months, CX5 has a 3 year warranty and needs servicing every 10,000km (or 12 months), Sportage has a 7 year warranty and needs servicing every 15000km (12 months).

    Go the Sportage GT-Line Petrol. It drives great, you get all the bells and whistles standard and if something stuffs up in 5-6 years time you don't have to worry about it as it's still under warranty.

    • Aap Ke Papa on 12/02/2018 - 11:30

      Opinion on GT-Line Petrol vs Diesel for the driving pattern? I will rarely drive more that 50km on any particular day except the odd holiday with driving most at 40-70kmph
      Any ideas on what price should I be firm at with the dealers?

      • greencomet on 12/02/2018 - 13:46
        +2

        The diesel would be my choice, it has far more torque than the petrol version and is more effortless to drive because of it. The 2.4 petrol will give you 135kW and 237Nm vs the 2.0 turbo diesel's 136kW and 400Nm, it's the Nm figure you should be looking at, this equates to much more pulling power so it'll get off the line, tow stuff and go up hills far better than the petrol while using less fuel to do it. The down side is it's more expensive than the petrol version to buy and costs more to service vs the petrol. So what you save in using less fuel and buying cheaper fuel, you're spending in the initial purchase of the car and the higher servicing prices (about $120 more per service vs the petrol). To me that cost is well worth it though.

        The best thing to do is to drive them both, you'll understand the difference behind the wheel. The diesel will seem to do everything effortlessly, where you'll find the petrol engine having to work harder.

  • matthew8 on 12/02/2018 - 09:35

    I have a Subaru Outback 2015, bought 2nd hand for the last 9 months. It a pleasure to drive and full of clever tricks.
    It replaced an Huandai Santa Fe that I basically gave away, the 2nd hand car market is saturated with product and choice.
    The santa Fe was OK, but nowhere near the Subaru.

  • salbee28 on 12/02/2018 - 10:53

    If you aren't in a rush to purchase I would suggest looking into the Skoda Karoq being released later this year, it has a pretty highline feature set starting at $30K with 5 year warranty & 15,000klms servicing intervals. It's basically the smaller version of the Skoda Kodiaq which I believe also starts around $40K.

    • Aap Ke Papa on 12/02/2018 - 11:22

      I must get it by April

  • [Deactivated] on 12/02/2018 - 12:15
    -2

    No, i'm not here to help you without my usual fee.

  • Regie69 on 12/02/2018 - 13:11

    Ldv t60 dualncab ute

    Won't beat it for features or price
    https://www.ldvautomotive.com.au/vehicles/ldv-t60-ute/

  • shangoz on 12/02/2018 - 16:06
    -1

    Don't need to do Airport Pick up or randomly carry large items, then Toyota CHR or Honda HRV is the best, otherwise, Honda CRV and TOYOTA RAV 4, both can put 3 x 40kg Luggage plus 5 Adult plus 3 x 5kg carry Luggage, very good for distance drive plus airport pickup and weekend shopping etc, Both economic enough for daily driving anyway.

  • ksehgal on 12/02/2018 - 21:11

    Renault Koleos is great Car. It has European luxury and Japanese Reliability. It has got same engine as Nissan X-trail. Really great car. Value for money.

  • bargaaan on 13/02/2018 - 03:36

    Similar situation and looked at a range of options including wagons… got sick of scraping the underside of a previous car (Audi A6)and being afraid of bad driveways - the 200mm odd clearance helps with this rather than any kind of off-roading…
    At the end of the day in our shopping priorities any car problem is someone else’s problem for 7 years was the biggest factor. CR-V vti base model with current 7 year warranty was drive away new for 31k after a bit of negotiation. I feel at the right time and dealer you could go closer to 30k. Sticker is $33590 for MY18 but 2017 build date models. Couldn’t see enough in higher spec models to justify price gap, only thing I miss is parking sensors. If you need a vti-s look to spend 34 or so perhaps? Happy so far with surprisingly decent all rounder for the job and looks are subjective but I like it.

  • blergmonkeys on 13/02/2018 - 08:31
    +1

    I’m surprised that more ozbargainers don’t recommend skoda’s. I have an Octavia scout I got for a steal and it’s by far the best car I’ve ever driven. Has more options than anything listed here and costs less. Has Audi and Volkswagen internals with a skoda badge tacked on. 5 year unlimited km warranty. Drives and looks awesome. It’s my pick!

  • Peteroz on 13/02/2018 - 13:10

    Which car will have quiet cabin/less road noise on 100km and above. I find Japanese cars usually get very noisy when you get on highway.

    • justabargainhunter on 13/02/2018 - 23:20

      Kia Sportage is pretty quiet. Apparently CX-5 is too.

      • kingmw on 14/02/2018 - 21:21

        Can confirm, Sportage is very quiet.

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