Single Car House - Looking for a Balance of Practical and Sporty - Suggestions?

LPugHugger on 13/06/2018 - 14:58
Last edited 13/06/2018 - 15:22

Disclosure. I am not a car person. To me they are tools that don't need to be more than reliable and not visually offensive. We are a single car house.

The husband on the other hand watches car shows for fun.

We currently run a Mazda 3 MPS. Don't ask me the year, maybe 2011? It's black. It is in fine condition and I think perfectly 'keepable'. However, I am advised we should consider a newer vehicle for various reasons. Some of which I agree with. We are in no rush to buy but I'd like to know what I need to keep an eye out for.

I don't want to spend the earth. That money is better directed at mortgages and holidays. However, we need to balance his desire for something that looks good and is fun to drive with my desire to fit my groceries and two dogs.

I want to go to the negotiation table with him armed with some sensible options. I would be very grateful if anyone could give me some hints on vehicles that might suit us. To my mind we need:

  • Price up to $40k ish. This can be a bit flexible.
  • Up to 18 months old, need not be brand new.
  • Four doors with room for dogs
  • Sporty enough to keep him happy BUT automatic to keep me happy (we currently have a manual but I have a bad ankle and find city traffic is not great)
  • Not an ugly shoe box or a midlife crises car (to keep me happy)
  • Not too much wider or longer than what we have to fit in the garage!
  • Um four wheels?

I like the little BMW hatches but think they are more than I'd like to spend. He likes things that cost about five times what we are spending…

I suspect there is oodles I am missing - this is not my forte. But I do appreciate any help anyone can offer!

ETA - also thought of:

  • Keyless entry/button start
  • auto lights
  • auto wind wipers.

Yes - I'm lazy.

Automotive

Comments

  • daowiies on 14/06/2018 - 19:58
    +2

    Get a used M135i.

    Fits everything you've listed, and it's a BMW.

    • PugHugger on 15/06/2018 - 10:23

      I actually quite like the look of this car - thanks!

  • marty64 on 14/06/2018 - 21:46

    Subaru WRX wagon

  • Chewiebacca on 14/06/2018 - 23:00

    Golf R/GTI or a Hyundai i30 SR/SR Premium. There isn’t really any other worthwhile option otherwise imo.

    Literally everything else suggested by others is either a dramatic step down in “sportiness” from the MPS (Toyota C-HR? lol..), or they have for whatever reason recommended manual vehicles when you have specified auto (Megane RS’s, i30 N, Civic Type R). I left out the Subaru WRX because I’m not a fan of the CVT transmission.

    Depending on your hubby, he is likely to be disappointed to a degree regardless of what you get, nothing imo beats the involvement a manual transmission and playful chassis provides. Give them a test drive and see how you/he feels.

    Saying all that, I’d personally get demo/near new Hyundai i30 SR, can find one for a great price (mid 25k). They are also quite fun to drive, not too far off of a Golf GTI. Since you noted you’d possibly be switching to a Tesla (I assume the model 3 when it’s available), this is probably your best bet given the long factory warranty, I believe 7 years, as well as having a great standard features (sunroof, CarPlay/Android Auto etc) and fuel economy which will make resell easy. Biggest con is probably wearing a Hyundai badge.

  • Powershopz on 14/06/2018 - 23:42

    You can pick up a brand new 2018 Mazda 3 SP25GT for around 30K. They are exceptional value for money.

  • SydStrand on 15/06/2018 - 00:17

    i30 N, Golf GTi/R. If you can wait a bit, the 2019 Ford Focus and Corolla are around the corner.

  • Binchicken22 on 15/06/2018 - 06:41
    -2

    Jeep grand Cherokee 2014+

    Only criteria it doesn't fit is being not much bigger than a Mazda 3 to fit in your garage, so could be an issue if that's crucial…

    • rave75 on 15/06/2018 - 11:29
      -1

      never trust a Jeep!

      • Binchicken22 on 15/06/2018 - 12:48
        +1

        Classic old person…

  • [Deactivated] on 15/06/2018 - 06:55
    +2

    Don’t be fooled, your MPS is an excellent car with a stronger shell than a typical 3. A very safe car with excellent build quality.

    Hold onto it for longer

    • PugHugger on 15/06/2018 - 10:23

      I love this comment and shall frame it and show it to my husband!

    • HighAndDry on 15/06/2018 - 12:18

      Yeah it actually is. A lot of suggestions people have put forward I don't agree with just because it won't be a noticeable upgrade over the MPS. At the same time, if OP and her husband have the discretionary income, don't have any other things they want to spend on as much, and want a new car? Go ahead and get a better car.

  • blergmonkeys on 15/06/2018 - 08:43
    -1

    Skoda Octavia VRS. Full stop. Won't find a better car for the money and can be had for mid-$30k demos. 5 year warranty. VW MQB platform. Practicality of a wagon and all the extras Skoda throws in (such as reversible mat in boot, lots of storage options, umbrella in the door, remote app access via phone) with a GTI engine that is plenty quick and can be tuned to be quicker. I own the scout version of the octavia. It's just such a great car for the money, that not much else makes sense in the price range.

  • boostpak on 15/06/2018 - 09:43
    +3

    Id be looking at these:
    BMW M135i F20 Auto 2013-2015 3ltr turbo 4 door automatic. pick one up for 30-40k with pretty low kms. good on fuel
    Golf GTI 4 door auto good on fuel
    Subaru WRX 4 door auto pretty good on fuel can get up to 2017 model
    audi s3 auto hatch and small sedan 2013-2015 very good on fuel and look great

    All these cars are sporty and do fit your criteria. End of the day you will both have a chat and make a list up together then research after that. These are all decent choices though in your price range and are an upgrade from the MPS (which is a great hot hatch).
    Don't worry about people on here saying xtrail, camry, kobas mobas they're all rubbish for your criteria. I think even you will find you like the look of all these cars and also look at the interiors too and what each have to offer as you'll be on long city drives and there's nothing worse than having a frustrating interior or complicated to use one. Watch some online indepth youtube reviews on them too.

    It's not so much going for toyota, honda, mazda because they haven't had any major problems… problems can arise with any car. Some more than others, but a lot of it has to do with how you look after it, service it etc. If you do your research on cars outside of this like european cars etc you can find models that have great reliability as long as you look after it. Some european models just don't though and you do your research and steer clear. But it's all down to doing your research and finding the right car, rather than saying only those three brands are reliable, which is definitely not true as every car can have issues.

    • PugHugger on 15/06/2018 - 10:24

      Thanks - helpful response.

  • MementoMori on 15/06/2018 - 10:04

    Subaru Forrester

  • alisso on 15/06/2018 - 10:22
    +2

    There's been a few voices suggesting the WRX, but the insurance cost on that is going to be higher than average. Especially if you live somewhere in or around a major city.

    I'll put in a good word for the standard Impreza. It's a fun and comfortable drive, you get a lot of car for your money, and you have the option of sedan or hatch. Some of the safety features of the newest model are particularly impressive, too. I like mine, anyway :D

  • browncar on 15/06/2018 - 10:24
    +1

    There aren't a great deal of automatic options in thE fast hatchback sector these days. Many people have mentioned the Golf GTi and more sporting Audi A3s, and I think they're probably the best bet for pleasing both of you, and having decent resale down the track.

    Some other options that come to mind, that are available in automatic, for between 40-45k for 2016+ models:
    - Mercedes A250 which will be similarly fast to the 3 MPS you've got but probably not as engaging to drive
    - Mini Clubman Cooper S, a bit slower than the MPS, but more engaging than the A250 to drive. You could get a 2017 model with demo mileage for the price
    - Renault Megane GT. These are in your price range brand new, and have a 5 year warranty. They're a bit slower and softer than the MPS

  • PugHugger on 15/06/2018 - 10:28

    Sorry I've not had the chance to reply to everyone - there are so many helpful responses here. I'm genuinely grateful. I'm also a bit peeved at VW still as it does appear the Golf is a good fit. Even the husband likes it. He's asked me to consider if my moral objection extends to a second hand one from a non-VW dealer. I think it does but have promised to think it over.

    I would be reluctant to pay a disproportionate more on insurance than I have to. This might rule the WRX out (and thanks to the person who raised this).

    My favourite comment remains the one confirming that it's a good car and we should hold onto it. I'll push for that option first and fall back to some of the great suggestions if I am unsuccessful. Fingers crossed Tesla releases a hatch version of the X…

    • HighAndDry on 15/06/2018 - 12:32

      Maybe a compromise could be that you hold onto the MPS for X number of years, and then after that, whether or not the Tesla comes out with a suitable car, you'll definitely buy a new, sporty-but-practical car. And you'll give him more of a say then.

    • Cliche Guevara on 15/06/2018 - 12:36

      The Model X is a hatch…

      • HighAndDry on 15/06/2018 - 13:12

        The Model X has a hatch. It's a Crossover SUV though.

    • jubs on 15/06/2018 - 13:09

      Yeah I feel like the Golf R is the best fit. Sporty, unlike a lot of the suggestions it's definitely an upgrade from your MPS, price is within budget for a 2016 model and auto too. Plus your husband has expressed his interest in it. All that's left is your moral dilemma.

    • Buyme on 15/06/2018 - 19:44

      So much mention of depreciation, you may have noticed that your MPS has barely depreciated in the past 4 years or so. I bought ours at 2 years old and appear to have only dopped 3k in 4 years!

  • rave75 on 15/06/2018 - 11:30

    Lexus NX?

  • HKS on 15/06/2018 - 12:02
    +1

    Whats wrong with the MPS? Also don't be that person who convinces their partner to buy a crossover. if they are a car person let them pick because a crossover is the worst thing to ever exist. i'd suggest a vf ss redline to be completely honest.

    • HighAndDry on 15/06/2018 - 12:28

      because a crossover is the worst thing to ever exist.

      Hahahaha, yup.

  • dlakers3peat on 15/06/2018 - 12:56

    Kia Optima GT
    https://www.kia.com/au/cars/optima.html

    • boostpak on 30/06/2018 - 09:25

      not the prettiest car going around haha

  • khomeini on 15/06/2018 - 16:57
    -1

    I believe I have the options for you (if you pushed me)

    1 & 2: Porsche Cayenne / Porsche Maccan - small-mid sized SUV which have plenty of go and give dogs and humanids some space.

    3: Tesla Model X - fully electric mode, just ask it to drive for you and voila faster than a Ferrari

    4: Nissan GTR - er…it'll fit in your garage.

    Yep I was paid by the hubby :/

  • Tech5 on 15/06/2018 - 20:34

    Move stuff around and make the Kia Stinger fit. Legit the best car to fit your criteria, except for length

    • boostpak on 16/06/2018 - 08:15

      what is their depreciation like?
      which model of the stinger range (engine size)

      • Tech5 on 16/06/2018 - 13:14

        A used 200S 4cyl turbo can be had for around 40,000 at the moment. Roughly 45-50k when new

  • Ekliptix on 15/06/2018 - 22:08
    +3

    Your Mazda 3 MPS is a great car, I had the earlier model and loved it. Great blend of practicality with excellent acceleration and performance.

    My wife and I are in a similar situation at the moment. She only drives auto and I'm a car guy. We are looking at either a Golf R or a BMW M140i at this stage. Would love an Audi RS3 sedan but at $90k I'd prefer to spend less.

    If you can get over your VW frustration, I think a Golf R (hatch or wagon) would be a great option. They have the cheaper Golf R Grid now which is the same perfromance just without the leather interior and digital dash. They are around $48k, which is a nice upgrade over the regular Golf GTI for not much extra. Similarly, an Audi S3 - available in either sedan or hatch would be a good option.

    Other options you could look at:

    BMW M135i or 140i would be my pick. Great ZF 8 speed auto transmission, straight 6 turbo engine and rear wheel drive. Plus you get the cache of the BMW badge if that matters to you or your husband.
    Subaru WRX or STi
    Skoda Octavia (left field sedan or hatch option)
    You could also look at a few year old Lexus ISF. V8 sedan with nice luxury and reliability, they are coming down in price depending on which year model you go for.

    • boostpak on 16/06/2018 - 08:16

      good ideas man, all options I would consider as well.

    • PugHugger on 18/06/2018 - 11:33

      Thanks a bundle - very useful. I like our car too!

      I need to consider if my moral objection stretches to a second hand VW from a non-VW retailer. The Golfs certainly come up a lot and as others have said the hubby likes them.

      I like both BMWs too. The name doesn't bother me. I like how they look though.

    • HighAndDry on 18/06/2018 - 12:26

      Between the Golf R and the Audi S3, I'd go with the Golf R, just because the equivalent would be the Audi RS3. (The RS3 is also like $25k more expensive so it's quite out of the running here) At the same time, I'm personally definitely a bigger fan of Audi styling and their drive-trains.

      And ooooohhh… the Lexus ISF. I'm not sure that fits the size requirements of OP, but I'm a huge fan of Lexus just because they do a good job of marrying European brand-level styling and cachet (close to it) with Japanese reliability.

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