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

    • Ginger1 on 19/06/2019 - 07:56

      Thanx

  • crashloaded on 16/06/2019 - 12:24

    I'm considering trading my rukus on a c-hr.

  • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2019 - 13:46
    +2

    Kia Cerato 7 Year warranty!

    Drive it for 5 - 6 years and sell it with warranty left :)

  • HeWhoKnows on 16/06/2019 - 16:31

    Dear OP

    All cars are good when they are new.

    Dont be lazy.
    Go out take a few cars for a test drive, see which ones you like and then do a deal.

    Or do you want us to do that for you too?

    • Ginger1 on 18/06/2019 - 00:11

      Thank you for your comment.

      I am sorry if you see my call for help being lazy. There are cars that i totally didn't consider like Golf, Hyundai or kia. I am sounding if any good based on others experiences. I actually trust you guys with a lot of random purchases i make based on deals posted on this platform that are awesome but bad for my wallet.

      I have test drive a golf (i am re-testing again), Renault Koleos and ASX - thanx to my Ozbargain family they suggested Hyundai N-line, kia and skoda- Octavia. Which i will test drive hopefully by this weekend. Soon i may have new wheels.

      Your suggestions are welcome.

  • dkausa on 16/06/2019 - 17:37

    A good comparison review in your price range: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fitzcdXdvUw

  • ajGold on 16/06/2019 - 18:32
    +1

    A new Skoda Octavia Sport Wagon seems to fit your requirements and budget. Open the bonnet and take a look at all the VW and Audi barcoded parts.

    • Ginger1 on 18/06/2019 - 00:12

      On list thanx

  • soaringphoenix on 16/06/2019 - 22:16
    +1

    Used XR6 Turbo, SS Commodore, Subaru WRX. Probably the top options for your budget, don't waste money on new car depreciation and no power.

    • donnot on 16/06/2019 - 22:57
      -2

      Mmm yes, I love a thrashed car…

      • soaringphoenix on 17/06/2019 - 17:38

        These vehicles all have bulletproof engines. Even if the LS/Barra has been absolutely thrashed, they will still be in better condition than whatever milk carton 1.5L 4banger you will find in the econoboxes.

        • donnot on 17/06/2019 - 17:56
          +1

          I have no doubt the engines are built stronger than any standard I4 "econobox", but the way some of them are driven, I'd certainly still be worried about the engine and other aspects of the car (trans, diff, etc).

          That's just my opinion anyway, not wanting to argue.

  • Schezwon on 16/06/2019 - 23:29
    +1

    Your new challenge is to find and buy a brand new BMW, Merc or Audi for under 35k…let see if it's possible…

    Please reply back with… "challenge accepted".

    • Ginger1 on 18/06/2019 - 00:14

      Not possible brand new. Sorry

      If you have any legal way of buying one brand new I'm all listening.

  • This Guy on 17/06/2019 - 03:48
    +1

    KIA Cerato - It has the latest tech and design language without overly silly design (like deleting physical controls). Starts from $20k for a base model. The $32k GT has almost everything you could want (including aircon seats). Look at the spec sheet because the lower trims still have more than many $30-40k cars.

    If you need height for ease of access and comfort, consider the Sportage or it's sister the Tucson. From memory you get GPS for $32k in the Sportage or 'leather' in the Tucson, but don't quote me. No where near as well appointed as the Cerato, but SUV in this class is for that money.

  • [Deactivated] on 17/06/2019 - 08:31
    +1

    If you dont mind an older platform, the current Ford Escape Titanium can be had for a bargain price.

    No problem getting an "in stock" car for under $30k, and it is alot of a car for that money. Equipment wise will be equivalent to all "top of the range" european cars.

    • 2.0T engine with part time AWD
    • all active safety gears
    • Panorama sun roof
    • heated seats
    • 5 yrs wty

    Their Sync 3 is one of the best/user friendly unit in the market.

    Downside is the badge factor, and a brand new model is coming next year. But it's cheap and has everything in a car that is needed (or not needed).

    • This Guy on 17/06/2019 - 15:11

      It corners like a boat and is very narrow. If OP can put up with those two issues than yes, it is a very nice car for the money.

      Lower trim levels drive significantly worse.

      • [Deactivated] on 17/06/2019 - 15:15
        -1

        Haha. Corners like a boat - 90% of the SUVs floating out there.

        • This Guy on 18/06/2019 - 00:07

          Nope. Small and Medium SUV's are cars and most new SUV's are tuned to handle like cars. Even many heavy duty 4x4's handle like cars when on road.

          The only floating SUV's I can think of are American, luxury or budget, like the ASX. I have even driven an Acadia that managed to corner (it's body rolled on acceleration and braking instead…).

          • [Deactivated] on 18/06/2019 - 08:39
            +1

            @This Guy: Yes and no. Rationale below:
            - SUVs have inherent disadvantages by design 1. High centre of gravity 2. Heavy.

            In order for the car to feel like a car (ie sedan, hatch back), the manufacturer will first need to stiffen up the suspension, and wider tires. Some "sports" model (don't know why bother, SUV is a SUV) lower the suspension to lower centre of gravity.

            To compensate for the weight, a larger engine - which adds more to weight. To accommodate the weight, large brakes. Then since it's carrying more metal, need to further stiffen up the chassis. A vicious circle.

            Let's not get started on the turning circle.

            The most recent SUVs driven - Toyota CHR, Rav4 (prev gen), Honda HRV, Hyundai Kona, Mitsub Outlandert, Subaru Forrester, Audi Q7, Q5, Merc GLC and Porsche Macan. All felt like a boat (my daily drive is an MX5), particular on the freeway, with strong gust and around the mountains (blue mountains).

            Feels like a car in local traffic - yes. Otherwise no.

            SUV is a good second car. Particularly for roadtrips with semi offroad driving.

            • This Guy on 18/06/2019 - 11:12

              @[Deactivated]: I understand what you are saying.

              The Escape is the only recent non 4x4 SUV I have ever driven that I was worried about rolling at or below the speed limit. The Escape Titanium is better, but I was still worried about rolling it so much I reduced speed significantly below the speed limit to corner.

              Of cause all SUV's are floaty when compared to a MX5

              • [Deactivated] on 18/06/2019 - 11:25

                @This Guy: Haha. Try the Forrester, a boat indeed.

    • Ginger1 on 18/06/2019 - 00:21

      Thank you for the comment.

  • nightshaide on 17/06/2019 - 10:16
    +1

    2019 Mazda 3 - G25 Evolve with the Vision Tech Pack.

  • HappyHippo on 17/06/2019 - 11:27

    I bought 2 golfs, none of them has any issue.
    2005 MK5, 150K kms 2.0TDI still running solid. sold for upgrade to BMW
    2011 MK6, 100K kms 2.0TID, as my commute car. just done service, the mechanic said no problem for another 100K kms.
    I ve driven Toyota Honda
    for my understanding, German cars are more linear smoothness on steering wheel and throttle.
    more solid than Asian cars on the brakes which give you confidence.
    German cars are designed to run 200km/h on autobahn.

    • Ginger1 on 18/06/2019 - 00:22

      Thanx re-test driving it this week.

  • Energizer Bunny on 17/06/2019 - 12:00
    +3

    I have recently purchased the Kia Cerato GT. I can not fault the car, i paid 31,500 with paint upgrade, black plates, mats and a full tank of petrol(95 -$60 at the time)

    Amazing to drive, and comes with a 7 year warranty as well which really sweetened the deal for me.
    It has a fair bit of power too for City driving.
    I Drove the i30 and felt like the drivers side was a little cramped for me personally.

  • yoyo6 on 17/06/2019 - 13:24
    +1

    +1 for the Skoda Octavia. We bought one new a year ago and it has been brilliant. We compared it to so many other cars and this one had way more features for the money. Fuel economy is also very good.

    • Ginger1 on 18/06/2019 - 00:24

      Wagon or sedan? I hear its like a golf? I want to test drive the Octavia

      • yoyo6 on 18/06/2019 - 06:17

        Ours is the sedan. Incredible amount of boot space. We test drove the golf and liked the Skoda better.

  • johndoe89 on 17/06/2019 - 13:38
    +1

    Kia cerato GT. 1 month owner and i'm happy with it…

  • jparga on 17/06/2019 - 14:34
    -2

    mazda 2 or 3 in sedan?

  • romywants on 17/06/2019 - 15:22

    Have you considered Mazda CX 5 Maxx sport?

    • Ginger1 on 18/06/2019 - 00:27

      On list. Thanx

  • Hydr4t1ngAl0e on 17/06/2019 - 16:04

    Why is it the new thing to have these big ugly grills on the front of cars now?

  • sickllama on 17/06/2019 - 18:42

    Kia Rio.

    Here me out as I know this is way cheaper than your budget.

    Same size as a vw golf you're considering

    Android auto / apple car play is standard

    Reversing camera is standard

    5 star ancap rating (tested 2017, this really matters as a 5 star rating over time gets harder to achieve)

    Interior is large for its size. Seats 4 comfortably, will seat 5 if needed. My parents have a Cruze (curse of a car I know) and my 2019 Rio feels similar inside the cabin, although the boot is smaller.

    7 year warranty and fixed price servicing

    Holds resale value well. Kia parts are much cheaper than European ones should you decide to keep it for a long time.

    Cheaper to insure than $35k cars

    Depends on the age of your kids, but may be a good one to hold on to so they can learn to drive.

    $16.5k new for auto (that's how much I paid in April for a Mar-19 manufactured white auto 1.4L). Pocket the remaining half of your budget. Say after 7 years it's halved in value to $8k, you're out $8.5k to own it (totally trouble free too because it's got a 7 year warranty). Compare that with a $35k car that depreciates only 40%, you're still down more $14k. That said when I researched my Rio I found a 3 year old one was worth about $12-13k and a 7 year old one between $7-9k so really think it stacks up well on the depreciaton on front too.

    Edit: noticed you said decent power. The base Rio I've got certainly doesn't fall into that category - it's "enough power" in my opinion. Its absolutely fine for any driving, but it isn't going to win any 0-100km/h competitions.

    There is a Rio GT that's supposedly got a lot more guts. I'm unsure of the price/ or real world drive experience

    • Ginger1 on 18/06/2019 - 00:30

      Thank you for the comment. Budget is just a guide. If i find something i like half price, hell yes!

      • Gomo on 18/06/2019 - 06:35
        +1

        I'd second any of the Kia cars , I've had the Kia cerato 2019 sport+ since January absolutely love it!

        • apptrack on 18/06/2019 - 09:19

          I miss mine :(

          Protip, if the nav freezes (only happened to me once), just remove the sd card and reinsert. It reboots the system :)

  • majord on 17/06/2019 - 21:30

    Check out the new Mazda 3, or Cerato GT if you want some poke.. they're amazing value at the moment, low 30s drive away

  • d86 on 17/06/2019 - 23:17

    You can get a Honda CRV for 30k driveaway. It will be better than a Corolla, Kia, Mazda 3 and the likes. I bought Honda HRV in 2018 for $28,500 and I'm very happy with it. It fits in your criteria quite easily.

    • [Deactivated] on 17/06/2019 - 23:20

      Technology is a few years behind. Source - picked up a HR-V for folks lately.

      Reliable workhorse with very practical interior.

      • d86 on 18/06/2019 - 00:02

        Agreed on technology. I only stream music via BT, nothing else. The 2019 H/C-RV models have an Android Auto.

        • [Deactivated] on 18/06/2019 - 08:20

          Not on the HR-V. The car was picked up 3 weeks ago and didnt come with it. It's offered on the CRV and Civic.

          Anyway. Excellent value. With 7 yrs warranty and roadside assist. Cant complain for 28k.

          • nafe on 18/06/2019 - 11:49

            @[Deactivated]: We considered a HR-V, but the old-tech engine and CVT put me off. Space wise and feature wise it was very nice though.

          • d86 on 18/06/2019 - 13:27

            @[Deactivated]: Crap, I didn't know that. I'm pretty sure the one in review on Youtube had Android drive. Maybe the US version did.

  • Ginger1 on 18/06/2019 - 00:42

    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.

    • [Deactivated] on 18/06/2019 - 08:24

      Reliability and resell. The finishing quality (that makes buyer feel premium) has greatly improved in their new offering. Been in the new corolla, and CH-R, very refined. Suggest to take it onto a freeway to experience how quite the cabin is (and feels solid).

      Having said that, will stay away from their hybrid for now (or hybrid in general):
      - lithium (better to hold charges) battery is not offered;
      - increased in cost does not translate into financial benefit on re-fueling;
      - the lifecycle of the battery (mining to disposal) is not environmentally friendly.

      Recently sold a 2005 Camry for $5k after having it for 14 years since. Another friend sold his for $1k after owning it for just under 20 years. Another one sold a 6 year old corolla for $10k.

      • Levathian on 18/06/2019 - 21:24
        +1

        Meanwhile owners of the Holden Craptiva see the value of their cars sink faster than the titanic.

    • ptl93 on 19/06/2019 - 11:44

      I own a new generation camry and can confirm it drives nothing like the previous model.
      Silky smooth, quiet, really refined cabin and steering wheel and it is loaded with all of the safety tech that you'll ever need. I smile every time I drive it in sport mode. I've received many compliment on its look as well.
      Reliability is also a plus and I see no reason to pay double for a Lexus ES.

      My only complaints are no Carplay and AA (yet), no folding mirrors, FWD only and you have to use premium fuel. V6 model is very thirsty.

    • crentist on 19/06/2019 - 20:38

      the Toyota badge… I didn't expect that.

      Has the poll changed? 3 of the 4 listed cars are Toyotas.
      The camry just happens to be the medium-large sized one

  • DJR9000 on 18/06/2019 - 10:02

    Mazda 3, get a runout 2018 deal if your budget doesn't stretch to the 2019. Not sure if they are out there, but might even find a 2019 compliance or build plated one in the old shape

  • twister292 on 18/06/2019 - 13:18
    +1

    Camry Ascent Sport Hybrid 2019.

    Within your budget, spacious, economical to run, reliability needs no intro.

    Unlike models before this one, the newer one drives very well.

    • Levathian on 18/06/2019 - 22:37

      I'm a skeptic of hybrids. Looking at carsales, they have high resale value because all the uberbros want one and there's a lack of supply which is good for people who bought it brand new. BUT. If you're buying the current model 2nd hand aren't you better off getting the non-hybrid, which appears to be anywhere between $2700-$5000 cheaper? It also uses 91 vs 95 for the hybrid so your savings will be anywhere from $600 to $1000+ annually on fuel costs, depending on your driving conditions and distance, which would mean anywhere from 2.5 years to a decade to make that extra cost back?

      • twister292 on 19/06/2019 - 02:13

        The hybrid is much more economical in city traffic, and it has the newer A25A engine, which is a newer and overall more efficient motor than the 2AR.

      • donnot on 22/06/2019 - 22:49

        95 is only ~10-12c/L more expensive than 91, so you'd have to use ~5000L annually to spend an extra $600 (~80,000km of driving based on the Hybrid which is far more efficient than the standard).

  • branners on 18/06/2019 - 20:46
    +2

    A couple of things.
    The current Camry brings a lot of Lexus to the table, in terms of technology and comfort, is very well built, great value.
    If it was me, the other medium-large car I would consider is the Holden Commodore. The ZB really is a nice drive, lots of goodies and well put together. The RS model (turbo four) goes great, bags of room and is terrific value, and that's before the dealers start falling over each other to sell you one. They come with a 5-year warranty too.

  • krisspy on 18/06/2019 - 23:31

    Mazda 3 for technology. About 35k will get you HUD and 360 parking cameras. Key less entry/start.

    Cerato GT for absolute value, has all the fruits bar 360cam or HUD. Warm hatch power that runs on 91 Ron, 7 year warranty.

  • dealsucker on 19/06/2019 - 12:18

    The new Mazda 3 for sure. The interior presentation alone is worth the price. Apart from an non turbo engine, 3 is the car to buy, by far.

  • Crankyted on 19/06/2019 - 12:32

    Mazda 3 SP25 Astina
    Cerato SLI
    Corolla ZR

    Those would be my three, probably in that order too

  • spacemannn on 20/06/2019 - 01:06
    +1

    OP, take a look at the Mazda 3. They've really improved the interior, tech wise and if you want one with a little more kick whilst being fuel efficient try the Sp25 or the G25. THe cars look great.

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