Looking for a Good New Car under $35k

Ginger1 on 15/06/2019 - 10:00
Last edited 18/06/2019 - 01:49 by 1 other user

Hello OzBargainers. I am looking for a new car under $35k as a second car.

Preferred specifications:

  • At least 5 seater
  • Decent fuel consumption
  • 5 doors
  • Decent power
  • Good new technology (entertainment & safety)
  • keyless entry
  • Medium to larger car [edit]

Edit: New car - built from say March 2019. Please complete the poll

Thank you

PS. Not a Holden and Ford fan.

Edit 18/6 Result of poll ended: WOW most votes for the camry. Besides "paying premium for the Toyota badge" what is so good about it?

I will test drive it as well. I didn't expect that.

Poll Options expired

  • 118
    Camry
  • 60
    Other. Please comment
  • 51
    Corolla
  • 44
    Rav4
  • 37
    Golf
Automotive Car

Comments

      • mr fox on 16/06/2019 - 09:57

        A second Outlander?

  • RM on 15/06/2019 - 11:18
    +7

    Surprised no one mentioned Mazda CX5 yet…great features and very safe. Radar cruise control is very handy and so are the other specs..

    I could refer you to this dealership where I bought mine from in Melbourne..

    • spackbace on 15/06/2019 - 11:21

      Radar cruise control is very handy and so are the other specs..

      Most modern cars have radar cruise, it's part of the new euro safety requirements

    • Ginger1 on 15/06/2019 - 11:27

      Will check this out. Please DM me the details.

      • RM on 15/06/2019 - 11:43
        +1

        Sent…please check

  • npc on 15/06/2019 - 11:28
    +6

    Camry Hybrid

  • waterbottled on 15/06/2019 - 12:29
    +8

    2019 mazda 6 or 2019 mazda 3. Has all those things listed.

    • Ginger1 on 15/06/2019 - 21:13

      Will check this out. Thank you

  • Skramit on 15/06/2019 - 13:35
    +10

    Skoda Octavia Wagon.

    It's a golf platform underneath so it's a good driving package for starters. It has most of the Golf kit inside and a golf engine. The wagon is exceptional value for well under 35k driveaway.

    • waterbottled on 15/06/2019 - 14:58

      Why not the sedan?

      • Skramit on 15/06/2019 - 16:38
        +2

        Wagon looks better IMO. And slightly better for getting ikea flat packs home.

    • AlexD on 15/06/2019 - 17:54
      +1

      Was going to comment this! Same as the Golf, comes with a longer warranty, and the MY19 even has the Active Display!

      You could add some options for the money, too.

      • Ginger1 on 15/06/2019 - 21:03

        Thanx looks good the wagon. I agree but their website is poor. Will put it on my list.

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2019 - 21:16
      -4

      Don’t ever take car advice who uses the term ‘driving package’.

      • Skramit on 16/06/2019 - 21:21
        -1

        Or idiots who critique others opinions for no reasons other than to troll.

        • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2019 - 21:27
          -3

          The reason, which is obvious by your terminology, is that you know nothing about cars and shouldn’t be giving advice.

          • Skramit on 16/06/2019 - 21:32
            +1

            @[Deactivated]: I challenge you to a race.

            • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2019 - 22:20
              +1

              @Skramit: I’ll see you at race wars Johnny Tran

          • Skramit on 16/06/2019 - 21:34

            @[Deactivated]: Actually your first mistake was to make an ARSEsumption that terminology determines ones knowledge or lack there of. Which in this case you would be very, very wrong.

            You’re right though, it’s poor terminology. But it’s still accurate.

            • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2019 - 22:19
              +1

              @Skramit: Nope, it’s bullshit.

              • Skramit on 16/06/2019 - 22:40

                @[Deactivated]: Ok troll. You played well for a rookie. But you just don’t like my Skoda. Is that what this is really about? Can’t handle the torque?

                • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2019 - 22:50
                  +2

                  @Skramit: Well your Skoda's front wheels certainly cant.

                  • Skramit on 17/06/2019 - 08:16

                    @[Deactivated]: I modded my Skoda to have 6 x 6 wheel drive for extra grip.

                    Check. Mate.

                    • [Deactivated] on 17/06/2019 - 23:12

                      @Skramit: Don't forget the AMG pack with all the bells and whistles.

    • longpheu on 19/06/2019 - 17:24

      Could not agree more, skoda with european build quality and safety features provides the best value. Also very spacious.

  • donga100 on 15/06/2019 - 14:40
    -3

    I bought an Audi Q3 (SUV) for my wife for $35k. It was a demonstrator with 550km and 9 months rego left. Great car to drive, very comfortable and build/materials are higher quality than the Japanese cars I've had in the past. There is a new design for the Q3 coming out this year so they are trying very hard to clear the old models.

    • whooah1979 on 15/06/2019 - 16:59
      +7

      build/materials are higher quality than the Japanese cars

      The Q3 is built in Spain/PRC/India. It's doubtful that their manufacturing process is of a higher quality than a CX-3 from Japan.

      • Rauland on 17/06/2019 - 13:41
        +1

        Isn't the CX-3 built in Thailand?

        And a CX-3 is a slightly taller mazda 2. No room.

        • [Deactivated] on 17/06/2019 - 23:16

          Don't think AU Mazda import from the Thai plant. Hiroshima or Tofu for the CX3.

    • Jackson on 15/06/2019 - 20:36
      -3

      Demonstrator = potentially thrashed (although 550k is properly low)
      Audi = poverty pack base models and expensive parts and servicing

    • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2019 - 21:20

      The Q3 you bought is an ancient MKV Golf (almost 15 years old) under the skin. A new Golf is a much better car and buy. For $35k I’m guessing you got a front wheel drive version too, which literally gives it zero advantage over a Golf. It’s a very bad buy and a very outdated car. The new Q3 is already on sale in Europe (it was launched at the end of last year) and is here imminently.

      • This Guy on 17/06/2019 - 15:08
        +1

        Sussh. Audi…..

  • [Deactivated] on 15/06/2019 - 16:23
    +5

    Mazda 3 2019 fits all your criteria

  • hyder313 on 15/06/2019 - 18:59
    +3

    Buy the Rav 4 or the Camry. Toyotas drive like a dream and last you a lifetime. Even when things get old after 15 years or so, parts are much cheaper than VW.

    • Ginger1 on 15/06/2019 - 21:04

      Noted thanx

  • Stargazer5 on 15/06/2019 - 19:09
    +2

    I highly recommend Toyota Corolla hatchback hybrid ZR. That’s kinda like my dream car or perferred car If I could choose one. My previous dream car was toyota 86 $38,000 demo top range, but once I drove it, I rather a corolla hybrid hatch ZR about $35,000, I guess cheaper.

    I have a hybrid accent sport model and I love it.
    Fuel in cold weather now I get 4.7l/100km mainly on 50-80km/hour roads.
    Quiet engine is amazing.
    Keyless entry and push button start is so convenient.
    Big battery for music is great.
    Seats are so comfortable.
    The music screen is nice above the front.
    Auto lights and looks is amazing,
    It’s so easy to drive.
    Lots of new tech, safety features.

    The ZR has nice looking wheels, very nice steering wheel, leather seats.
    Body looks great.
    $475 extra for personalised plates.
    Real Toyota brand Bootliner and weather shields and rubber floor mats are wonderful.
    I highly recommend tinted darkest legal black.
    Metallic like pearl white is great.

    Well I love mine. But if you want bigger space, I recommend a Camry hybrid.

    • Stargazer5 on 15/06/2019 - 19:24

      If you want power, put the car on power mode. Still uses battery when needed or required. It’s just more responsive. I think it’s pretty zippy and fun for me.
      But I like to keep my car on eco mode. Such a smooth, comfortable, quiet ride.
      I can listen to music and talk to my wife. It has enough power for me, I can still access more power if I like and it’s still zippy and fun for me. I much prefer quiet hybrid than reving, or normal petrol car noise and smell.

      The hold button is amazing, the auto hand brake is cool.
      You get what I mean by now.

      • Stargazer5 on 16/06/2019 - 17:34

        Wow, I put it on power mode today, it was really fun.
        First time doing it and I will hardly do it- but it was fun. So much more power than eco mode I keep it on.

    • Ginger1 on 15/06/2019 - 21:08

      Noted thanx. I will consider this and camry hybrid as the size may be best for me.

  • jonagrah on 15/06/2019 - 19:55
    +2

    Corolla Hybrid.

  • d39833 on 15/06/2019 - 20:07

    I'm getting the Mitsubushi Outlander. Great specs for the price.

    • Ginger1 on 15/06/2019 - 21:11
      +1

      I have this as my primary car. The LS with safety pack. Its 15months old. 7 seater.

      • d39833 on 16/06/2019 - 21:32

        How is the car? Any issues?

        I'm looking at the MY18.5, LS AWD with Safteypack

  • apptrack on 15/06/2019 - 20:35
    +4

    If you want a new car have a look at the Kia Cerato. Great drive and capped price servicing/7 year warranty.

    • XxAiDsTaRxX on 15/06/2019 - 21:28
      +1

      I second this new kia cerato gt 2019 drive away with every feature, satefy with a pretty good turbo engine for only $32k drive away. This price is fking bonkers. Any other car with this much kit probably 45k or so

      • apptrack on 15/06/2019 - 21:51

        I had the 2019 Kia Cerato Sport+ and was such an incredible drive. Features were second to none.

  • Ginger1 on 15/06/2019 - 21:15

    Do you know which company may let you take their car over night for a test drive? Someone told me it was possible is that true?

    • XxAiDsTaRxX on 15/06/2019 - 22:53
      +1

      Hi there plenty of car dealerships of all brands will allow this. Request a drive overnight and if your not happy don't sign a contract. Sometimes they will want you to sign something that says if you are happy buy the car, but if your not don't buy it. Sometimes they will just let you take it overnight if you ask nicely. You need to tell them that I need to test gararage space, normal driving route l, what it is like to drive over different services and also at night time aswell.

      I've done it with Ford, Mazda Hyundai Holden and kia so far. Good luck maybe ask on whirlpool forums. That is where most of the super knowledgeable helpful car people are, although this forum is super helpful aswell. There are a tonne of what car should I buy under $35k aswell. Maybe read a few on there.

      • Ginger1 on 15/06/2019 - 22:54

        Awesome thank you

  • Trying2SaveABuck on 15/06/2019 - 21:20

    You wont get a new RAV4 for under 35K with all those features…..

    • Ginger1 on 15/06/2019 - 23:00

      Agreed

  • ShortyX on 15/06/2019 - 21:21

    2018 Triton GLS for $35k-$36k and get out and about!

    Edit: Missed the 2019 edit.

  • Jackson on 15/06/2019 - 21:21

    I dont think we have enough information to answrr your question well enough. I will say though that for what your post does say, there are multitudes of cars that fit the bill. 5 door 5 seater is a big segment and covers hatches and SUVs.

    Specifically we dont know how much driving the car will do, or why your limit is 35k, or why it has to be new? If you dont do a lot of kms, I would say buy a nicer car that is 2 or 3 years old and use that, or buy a cheaper car and lose less money. This is ozbargain after all.

    Also say you dont do many kms, why bother with a hybrid? Just buy the stock standard 2.4, its fine. Also how long do you plan on keeping thr car? All this comes into play, and TBH I think its a bit disingenuous anyone suggesting a car without knowing this info

    • Ginger1 on 15/06/2019 - 23:10

      Thank you for your comments.

      Looking at a Medium-ish to larger car. This will be a second car. I wish to get a brand new car. I don't really want to spend a lot of money, $35k maximum spend has been approved by my wife. Hahaha

      I will admit i now have a soft spot for golf. After years of not liking it.

      I don't expect to do many km in it. I hope it may last up to 10years.

      • Jackson on 16/06/2019 - 00:35

        No worries, just wanting to help. A few more things.

        Why a mediumish to larger car? We need more specifics, who is likely to ride in it? Adults or kids? If its not going to be driven much, how often will it have 5 passengers and how many adults or kids in it? Do you need to carry large items? When its full of people will you be going on driving holidays in it? Will you need to tow? Auto or manual? Will you be the main driver or someone else?

        A golf is a class smaller than a Camry, more sporty (but if you are buying an auto I dont think it matters) and every single thing about that car over the life of it will cost you more and give you less in size and space except maybe the fact that it's a hatch. If most of the driving you were doing was one person alone (or even two people for that matter) it will be fine. If you are carrying a family you want something bigger. But seeing you have an outlander, smaller is probably fine for a second car one would assume.

        One thing I would recommend is a fully electric car or a Plug in hybrid (outlander has a model). I am of the opinion any 2 car family will benefit immensely from the second car being electric. Options in your budget at the moment are Nissan Leaf (near new imports are approx 20k) and there is even a BMW i3 (although they are only a 4 seater) under 35k. They may not be appropriate for you, but they have a multitude of advantages over petrol vehicles.

        • Ginger1 on 16/06/2019 - 01:09

          First time hearing about the BMW I3. It says from $75k drive away At BMW website. Did you mean a second hand same with Nissan leaf at $20k. I drove a leaf owned by family very quite ride but the runout model takes too long to charge and the range is not appealing just incase i need to travel to the other side of city.

          At this stage it will be me unless hijacked by my wife. For school runs drive to train station and cruising on weekends with my kids - under 8 etc. Family of 4.

          I expect kms 7-10k/year.

          I think electric cars are the way to go but for me it doesn't stack up right now. I.e upfront cost vs charging time vs range vs infrastructure available.

          • Jackson on 16/06/2019 - 10:00

            @Ginger1: Charging time isnt really an issue unless you are not somewhere you can charge overnight. Maximum charge time from flat is 8 hours, if the car doesnt have time to charge you should be sleeping longer :) Infrastructure is expanding, NRMA has committed to 50 fast 20min) charge points across NSW (not sure where you live but you will find this is happenning in many states) and there are lots if destination chargers at shopping centres and food outlets around. Also you can chsrge anywhere there is a standard powerpoint. Range shouldnt be an issue unless both you and your wife decide to separately drive more than 100km on tge same day, I think if you did the maths it will probably be never (it is for me).

            Up front cost isnt really an issue, since nearly new can be had from around 20k for a Jap import, and the equivalent electricity to drive as far as a tank of petrol is about 12 bucks. If you can charge from solar or on the road it could be free. Also the smoothness and quietness is second to none, cars are well equipped, safe, no exhaust emissions (kills more people each year than driving deaths and dont have to worry about your kids inhaling it), virtually no engine wear or servicing costs, in the 10 years you own it you could even save the whole price of the car in petrol, servicing and maintenance.

            Yes I am talking second hand, it will be a couple of years before EVs can be had for 35k new. Family of 4 you can really fit into anything, so i3 is an option.

  • Jfi2ee on 15/06/2019 - 21:21
    +3

    Skoda Octavia, nice drive, decent power, spacious five seater…pretty customisable allowing flexibility in price dependant on requirements

    • XxAiDsTaRxX on 15/06/2019 - 22:56
      +2

      Much better than the boring golf. Way more practical, bigger boot solid warranty and from my friends experience built better and more reliable than vw, yet they use the same bin parts. Looks better too.

      • Ginger1 on 15/06/2019 - 23:17

        Thanx for your comments. I like the golf but open to other better cars that i had not considered like the skoda, kia & Hyundai. I know skoda contain traces of VW. I will check out the Octavia hope at a showroom. their website is poor.

        • Jackson on 16/06/2019 - 00:50
          +1

          Traces is a huge understatement. Its basically a golf for less money

  • Trying2SaveABuck on 15/06/2019 - 21:21
    +1

    Corolla

  • barge-in hunter on 15/06/2019 - 22:09

    We bought a Subaru liberty for under $35k and love it for it's space, eyesight safety system and general build quality; although we have other pretty specific needs that justify all wheel drive and the associated petrol/servicing costs.

    I guess I'd need a little more detail to be able to tell you if it suits your needs. Things like:

    • how many kms do you drive? (Servicing on Subarus is 6 monthly, but means nothing if you're hitting km requirements first)
    • "at least a 5 seater" covers almost all cars… I'm assuming this means larger, not like a golf?
    • how long do you usually own cars for?

    Having said that, unlimited money and I'd changeover to a new RAV4 hybrid if it towed well enough

    • Ginger1 on 15/06/2019 - 23:38

      Thank you for your comments.

      Looking at a Medium-ish to larger car (or suv small). This will be a second car. I don't expect to do many km in it between 7-10k/year if my wife decides not to take over. I hope it may last up to 10years.

      I will admit i now have a soft spot for golf. After years of not liking it.

    • Levathian on 16/06/2019 - 13:56
      +1

      I have the Impreza. I really wish I'd bought something else. At least it has annual servicing.

  • abuch47 on 16/06/2019 - 00:03
    +1

    No joke a V8/v6 commo. Big, Safe, powerful, *fuel inefficient, keyless entry and start(auto), Decent infotainment (aftermarket upgrades bring it inline with the best). VF1 auto(L77 or lfx) has great power while still trying to be better for the environment.

    • Jackson on 16/06/2019 - 00:42
      +2

      I would recommended this if there were new examples of the Australian built models, but its on my shortlist. Big safe and powerful, parts are relatively cheap, everyone knows how to work on them, comfortable and well equipped if you buy a a second hand caprice, statesman or Calais, and at certain ages will be holding value well and maybe even increasing. Reliability and fuel isnt that much of an issue if you are only driving a few kms per year, and if you ever need to pull a boat or caravan and oodles of space to go on holiday in one

      • abuch47 on 16/06/2019 - 11:53

        caprice and statesman models are quite old now, calais they still built into the last gen and new examples are still around (almost 2 years unused now though).

    • Ginger1 on 16/06/2019 - 00:50
      +1

      Thank you for your comment.

  • Aerith-Waifu on 16/06/2019 - 01:24
    -1

    Suzuki Jimmi 2019

    • Ginger1 on 17/06/2019 - 23:40

      Is this the Jimni? This is a fun car. If i still lived up north and single (10 years ago) absolutely.

      Thank you for the comment.

  • Masteraal on 16/06/2019 - 02:43
    +5

    I just bought a Kia Cerato GT. Would highly recommend it. Such an amazing car for the money and the sedan boot is massive.

    • dkausa on 16/06/2019 - 17:41

      I did the same. Waiting for my Cerato GT Sedan to arrive in country. They are low stock everywhere for a reason.

      Plenty of Sport or Sport + around if the OP doesn't want the GT.

      • Ginger1 on 17/06/2019 - 23:42

        I have been checking out the Kia, not sure maybe a test drive.

        Thanx for the comment

  • usmanyousaf on 16/06/2019 - 04:14

    Based on my experience,
    This is my choice,

    1. Toyota Rav 4
    2. Other brand SUV
    3. Toyota Camry
    4. Toyota Corolla
    5. Other brands Sedan(Mazda, Kia or Hyundai)

    Not sure about the price, but I have heard, there is now Rav 4 Hybrid available as well. Definitely that would be my choice. SUVs are now trending + if it hybrid - cost you nearly half as compared to others in fuel cost. Same with Camry hybrid. Good reliable car.

    Toyota Corolla is better than other Hyundai or Kia brand in build quality vise(my opinion). however the safety ratings are same.
    All the best.

  • Stevek1960 on 16/06/2019 - 08:21

    Mazda 3 all the way

    • Dr Prepper on 17/06/2019 - 16:16

      Must take note of autotrader.com.au notes that Mazda 3 service is $325/$375(alternating every 10,000km) to corolla's $175 (10,000) plus poorer resale and reliability.

      • Ginger1 on 17/06/2019 - 23:43

        Thanx for the comment.

        What do you think of the CX5? Ie resale and service

  • Brick Tamland on 16/06/2019 - 08:31
    +1

    My personal list under your criteria would be:
    1: Toyota Corolla hybrid
    2: Holden commodore (these should get good discounts)
    3: Mazda 3

    Then the rest. If you want something to last 10 years I would be wary of the euros (golf)

    • whooah1979 on 16/06/2019 - 08:45
      +1

      the euros (golf)

      These should on paper be ok for the first few years while they still have unlimited KM manufacturer warranty. Those that are purchased on or after January 1 2019 should be sold in four years while pre October 1 2018 should be traded in two year.

  • Vallani on 16/06/2019 - 08:50
    +1

    You can pick up a Ford Mondeo demonstrator for that price. Not that popular so usually come with big discounts. Heaps of room and the diesels have excellent fuel economy. Otherwise agree the new commodore offers good value.

    • Ginger1 on 17/06/2019 - 23:45

      Thanx for the comment.

  • stealsbot on 16/06/2019 - 08:53

    Telsa Model 3 base version

    *you did not specify currency or country :)

    • Ginger1 on 17/06/2019 - 23:47

      Hahaha nice observation. Djibouti

  • Waltervp on 16/06/2019 - 09:17

    Wow, a lot of comments. I am a big fan of getting second hand vehicles just because of the enormous price difference. The one I bought last year is the Ford Mondeo titanium. We got the hatch version which offers a lot of space, it's diesel and averages about 7 litres per 100 kms and has all the safety features and luxuries that I wanted. It includes adaptive cruise control which is superb, blind corner warnings in the nearest which is also very important, emergency braking,… and basically it's a luxury car with tons of bells and whistles which we bought from a Ford dealer with 50k KMs and purchased the RedBook 3 year insurance for it. We got the 2011 model because of our budget, but it looks and drives like a brand new luxury car.

    My previous cars were luxury Peugeot's with which I never had complaints either, even repairs and parts were very reasonably priced and the car was spectacular. My partner did not want a showy/exclusive car this time and wanted us to get a mainstream brand, hence we picked the Ford.

    • bohn on 19/06/2019 - 14:07

      how much did you pay?

  • Help on 16/06/2019 - 09:51

    CX-5

    • Ginger1 on 17/06/2019 - 23:49

      How much is a regular service and interval. Do you have one? If so does it have reasonable leg space in the back

      • KB2 on 18/06/2019 - 08:41

        I've had one for about a year now and it's great. I think it's got great amount of leg room in the back and is pretty economical fuel wise.

        Also fun to drive!

      • RM on 18/06/2019 - 11:42

        Leg room is great. Service is 10000k or one year.

  • Mentem on 16/06/2019 - 09:53
    +1

    I bought a new hyundai SR (now replaced by the N-line) for $27k auto drive away. Great car, amazing tech, 1.6T sp nippy in sports mode and saves fuel in economy would highly reccomend or the Kia alternative

    • Ginger1 on 17/06/2019 - 23:50

      On my list thanx for the comment.

  • Stevoh on 16/06/2019 - 09:54
    +3

    I've been in the automotive trade for 35 years, for that money you can't go past Kia or Hyundai, I would recommend Kia Sportage.

    • Ginger1 on 17/06/2019 - 23:51

      Thank you for the comment.

  • twww on 16/06/2019 - 11:03
    +1

    Be safe and get a Toyota Camry or live a little and get an Octavia wagon.

    Glad we got the wagon:)

    • Ginger1 on 17/06/2019 - 23:52

      Please tell me more. Skoda site it poor.

      Thank you for the comment.

  • ChocStrawberries on 16/06/2019 - 11:04
    +1

    I just bought the Honda CR-V VTI-S AWD. Best car I've ever owned! Enormous boot space, heaps of room in the back seat, and some great safety features. Super comfy, and a 7 year warranty at the moment.

    • Ginger1 on 17/06/2019 - 23:55

      Thanx for the comment.

      I only loved one car from honda, they no longer make it. I totalled one years ago. Euro - memories

  • FromAtoZ on 16/06/2019 - 12:17
    +2

    This article may help:

    https://www.news.com.au/technology/innovation/motoring/car-a…

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