Long time lurker first time poster…
These kind of threads often seem to get a lot of attention so thought it's time to register an account and get some advice from Ozbargainers!
In the market to buy a new car and here are the background details:
- Partner & I are in late 20's and live in a house we own.
- Have always had the one car we shared as my work had been easily accessed via Public Transport and to save money.
- Company is relocating office at the end of the year to spot closer to home however harder to reach via PT so driving will take 25 minutes where as PT will take over 45 and require train & tram (also receiving underground car spot in new office at no cost)
- Have a approx. $30K in savings right now due to saving for international holiday at end of 2020 which obviously won't go ahead and much greater ability to save over last few months with limited spending opportunities.
- no immediate need to purchase car ASAP, working from home right now till god knows when and exact office move date TBC just been told "end of 2020" also will be waiting to have enough saved to buy outright and not need to finance.
Anyway that should be enough background detail which people always seem to ask for later in comments, onto the car itself, features or details most important to me in order:
- Curb appeal / general appearance: I'm self aware enough to know I'm someone who is swayed by brands and have a liking of more premium products. e.g. I own an iPhone, my vacuum is a Dyson, chose Miele kitchen appliances etc. Many Ozbargainers would argue that there are cheaper brands which do the same or better job than the listed products however I enjoy using all of them and haven't had to go in debt or sacrifice necessities in order to afford them.
- Comfort inclusions: Leather seats, sun roof, good quality digital interface: in no way necessary in a car however the first 2 are just nice to haves which make me enjoy driving more. Have noticed a big difference in the ease of use in infotainment consoles between cars and having one that works well would again be a nice to have.
- On going costs: cost of insurance, fuel consumption and servicing / repairs:
- Performance: reality is I'll be driving this car in traffic to & from work 80% of the time, 10% of time to the shops and to run errands remaining 10% will be on longer drives on weekend day trips or local holidays. I have no delusions about being a race car driver nor do I plan to hoon around in it. However I've also driven my parent's Prius & various crappy loan cars to know that I enjoy driving some cars more than others. If money and practicality were no factors would I prefer to drive a ferrari over a camry sure, would I prefer a golf R over a baseline again yes. If the difference in enjoyment of driving the car is significant enough and the cost/practicality difference small enough I'd consider the better performance option.
- Only requirement is that I can fit my golf clubs in it, preferably in boot but with back seats down will do.
I Have a budget of $40K in mind but will gladly spend less or be willing to go slightly above should reason arise. Based on that and all the detail listed above I've got 2 quite different cars in my consideration list:
Option 1: VW Golf, series 7.5 with R line & Sound & Vision package:
$40K new and in low-mid 30's for used one with low KM's
- I like the look of it
- Comes with 5 year warranty
- Convenience of smaller car however with ability to fit a lot into boot with backseats down.
- More reasonably priced to service & maintain for a Euro
Option 2: BMW 4 series 2014+ Model, <80,000 KM, uncertain on model 420i/428i/435i
Can find multiple listings on Carsales & Pickles which fit within the above details and below $40K
- Like the look of it more than Golf
- Few years down the road will still feel & look like a premium car compared to the Golf
- More enjoyable to drive.
- no warranty & will be pricier to maintain.
These 2 cars have also falled under consideration based on cars I've owned/own.
First car was a $3,00 Ford falcon I bought when I was 18. 2010 BMW 1 series was second car I bought once I began full time work, bought for $20K, loved it had no issues with it for a year and then was T boned at intersection and it written off. Bought a brand new VW polo with pay out for 23K as it was at the same time of buying our home so wanted to keep any potential unexpected spend down and get something new with warranty. 4 1/2 years later it's done 75K with no issues and very much enjoy driving it.
So kind strangers on the internet, what are your thoughts on the above. 2 quite different options, the VW being the more sensible, reliable option of the two. The BMW being the one which will bring me more joy driving & owning (excluding costs!)
Let me know your thoughts/impressions on the above or please suggest other options to consider and I'm clearly leaning towards what I know.
Final note, not interested in the OZB love child of a Kia Stinger!
As I said, you can pick up a NEW Golf R with 5 years warranty for $50k.
A new generation will depreciate all models of the previous generation.