Looking to buy a new car for our family of 4. We’re all tall and kids are over 8 years old. Baleno is 16000 vs Vitara 25000 on sale at the moment. We can drive manual or auto. Budget wise don’t want to go over mid 20s.
Any tips?
New Suzuki Vitara vs Baleno
Vest on 22/09/2019 - 07:38
Last edited 24/09/2019 - 13:43 by 1 other user
Last edited 24/09/2019 - 13:43 by 1 other user
Comments
Compare apples to oranges? You're comparing a small hatchback to an SUV. If you're all tall and kids are over 8, then an SUV would make more sense.
Or, here's an idea, how about you all go down as a family and pile into both vehicles and see which one is more comfortable.
We have done that and size wise there is little difference even in boot space just asking in relation to quality of build and drive wise. There is a substantial difference in price so was wondering what would be the better option from someone who has one or the other.
Larger engine in the Vitara would account for some of the price difference.
From when I was shopping for similar vehicles a few months ago, the Baleno was a much cheaper feeling version of the Swift as the Baleno is the entry model and as such is built down to a lower price point.
Another factor in the price difference may be the current fascination with SUV vehicles that are just cashing in on the keeping up the Jones/soccer mom fad.
If you are a taller family (I'm 6'2") you might get sick of folding yourself in half to get into cars that are lower to the ground. An SUV is much easier to get in and out if.
I also test drive the Hyundai Kona and Tucson and would buy an old stock Tucson over a brand new Vitara.
Can't say I'd recommend either of those. Do you have to buy a Suzuki, and have to buy new?
Agreed! Tall family of 4, what's wrong with a slightly used Camry/Commodore/Falcon?
The 1.6 is average, the 1.4T was the engine if choice. And op isn't even looking at the 1.0T Baleno, instead sounds like the 1.4 which is pretty crap!
Apparently someone doesn't like my opinion 😂
Nothing wrong other than those with low ks are still in high price range. Don’t want to risk something older and then have to spend $$$ in repairs
Vitara is a great car
Lots of tech.
Nice and reliable engine. (Very zippy for what it is)
Cheap to service.
Great fuel economy
Very safe (speaking from exp, survived and accident and the emergency services were blown away that I walked away)
Get the turbo engine though… drive one and you will be convinced. Great car!$516/yr over 5yrs isn't cheap servicing.
Compare that to $210/yr over 5yrs for a RAV4 for example
Yeah but given the cars suggested a rav isn’t an option given they are far more expensive.
And while servicing may be higher (which I disagree with, we never service at dealer and pay less but 6m intervals is a bit shit) Long term still less than paying the cost of a rav.
Small suv vs mid size is not comparable.
I would be comparing the vitara with something like cx3 or similar.It was more of a comparison to show that the servicing on the Vitara is not cheap by any means. It should be cheaper to service than a RAV4 shouldn't it? But it's more than twice the price.
The 1.6 Vitara and 1.4 Baleno are shit engine options and yes I've driven both, I used to sell them! If op is looking at either then it should be the turbo engines or nothing, and really I never did care much for the Baleno. Vitara turbo was a fun car to drive.
Unfortunately it makes sense to use Suzuki's 5yr cps because without it you only get a 3yr warranty. I hope you knew that if you're getting it serviced outside the dealer!
@spackbace: I never drove a Baleno so can not speak to them.
But the Vitara we had (until some guy decided to run a red light while pissed) was a fun and zippy car to drive.
We have been Mazda people until that point and were intending to buy a CX3 but when we drove the Vitara that changed. The dealer servicing is high i agree, not sure why maybe because its a "euro built" engine i know its runs on 95RON which always sucked
(we upgrade every 3 years, so the 5 year warranty bulltish was never an issue for us, anything that locks you into dealer servicing is a no go for me.. biased though i do work for a mechanic )Hands down the Rav 4 is a better car, but the price range the OP is looking at sadly puts the RAV 4 out of reach for him.
I also agree the Turbo engine is the only choice in the Vitara. The non turbo is gutless to drive.
Was told from Suzuki that servicing will be approx 250 per yr
https://www.suzuki.com.au/owners/servicing
$350/yr for Baleno 1.4, $498/yr for Vitara 1.6.
Though when you average out the 5yrs, it's $472/yr for Baleno 1.4, $516/yr for Vitara 1.6.Your salesperson is very wrong.
@spackbace: No was told that Suzuki is changing to yearly service at end of month and this will reduce price substantially
@Vest: Don't believe anything until you see it in writing on the Suzuki website.
Unfortunately there are some sales people that just make stuff up on the fly.
Even a Vitara is pretty small for a family of 4 if you ever travel out of town.
Maybe check out Hyundai Venue. It is better than Baleno from $21,490. Sits between your two examples (and has all latest safety tech.)
https://www.caradvice.com.au/793663/2020-hyundai-venue-revie…
Thanks will have a look
AWD or 2WD?