Sedan Suggestions < $18k

[Deactivated] on 12/11/2018 - 22:48

Hi All

I am in the market looking for a new car after Woolworths Insurance decided to write-off my Accord Euro.

I want to spend close to $15k but willing to spend as much as $18k to get a decent car. I am looking for a sedan which should have the following features:

  • Bluetooth, AUX, USB Connectivity
  • GPS, Reverse Camera, Cruise Control
  • Less than 80,000 Km
  • 2013 model or above
  • Engine >1.8L
  • Keyless entry and leather seats would be a plus but not essential
  • I really hate the Camry… I would rather get a recent Corolla over a Camry.

So far I have shortlisted Honda Accord 2014 VTi-S or Mazda 3 Sp25. I am being told by my colleagues to go for Mazda 3 Sp25 as it will hold a better resale value.

I am based in Canberra but happy to go to Melbourne or Sydney to get the car.

Thank you, looking forward to your suggestions.

PS: I do not work at Westpac

Automotive Car Honda Mazda

Comments

  • pegaxs on 12/11/2018 - 23:29
    +1

    Hyundai something or other… i30 I think would cover a lot of those bases and a reasonably newish one could be had for around that price.

  • El Grande on 13/11/2018 - 00:54
    +3

    Honda Accord 2014 VTi-S. If you can get it for the money go for it.

    Corolla is bullet proof.

    Mazda 3 Sp25? Expensive to service. Breakdowns + parts = need deep pockets. But hey you live once.

    • brendanm on 13/11/2018 - 19:49
      +1

      In what world is an sp25 expensive to service, and since when do they break down? It's an extremely reliable standard engine.

      • [Deactivated] on 14/11/2018 - 20:03

        He's got no idea Mazda is not expensive to service nor does it breakdown.

        The only complaint I'd have with the Mazda it drinks juice like an 8, depending on how you drive. Although I get under 400kms to a tank on average I do hit the reds frequently.

        Also my car has 190ks on clock and haven't had a single problem with aggressive driving everyday. So don't listen to bs about breakdowns etc

  • Masterpupil on 13/11/2018 - 12:16

    Wouldn't Mazda 6 be more comparable to a Honda Accord (if you are inclined to get a Mazda)? Mazda 3 is a fairly small car.

    Toyota Corolla is bullet-proof though and most recent models are quite nice.

    What about Subaru Impreza/XV?

  • justaperson on 13/11/2018 - 12:27

    I'd personally go for one of these new Ceratos although it is slightly out of your price bracket. https://www.carsales.com.au/demo/details/Kia-Cerato-2018/OAG…
    Its the latest model, build quality is awesome IMO and they have basically all the safety and comfort features standard. Main thing its lacking are alloys and leather. I feel as though the fact its brand new and the 7 year warranty outweigh that though.

  • tekisei on 13/11/2018 - 19:26

    I was looking at Mazda 3's recently, and your colleagues are right. A 3 Touring and 3 SP25 start at the same retail price when new, but a 2015 3 Touring with ~30-40k KM has depreciated on average ~$2000 more than the same 2015 3 SP25 with ~30-40k KM. 3's are well sized in the front, but are a bit small width-wise in the back; it is definitely a 4 seater, not a 5 seater.

    The Elantra looks nice and fits all your criteria, you can get a 2016/17 model (facelift) around 30-40k KM for your budget. Amazingly big interior, but the headspace was a bit low for me in both front and back; you'd really have to sit in it yourself to decide if its enough.

  • [Deactivated] on 14/11/2018 - 20:07

    I'd go with a Toyota, most reliable and has highest resale value.

    Mazda sp25 is a nice looking car, very reliable, handles OK by that I mean taking corners fast. Drinks fuel if you have a heavy foot although has power compared to the corolla.

    Honda stay away, going by what Hondas my friends have owned all are junk unless you get an s2000 but thats way over your budget.

    Apparently the new Hyundai's are supposed to be good, I think I drove the i30. Overall drives decent but had a lot of cabin noise which was annoying

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join