Looking to Buy a New Car around $35k

Oxoni on 20/12/2020 - 18:08
Last edited 21/12/2020 - 13:28 by 1 other user

I'm in the market for a new car for our second car. Already have a medium sized SUV for needs like long distance travel and carrying lots of luggage for trips. Not too worried on the body style.

After some research I've narrowed it down to a few cars but definitely open to any suggestions.

Narrowed list:

  • Hyundai i30 sedan - got a good amount of tech and the interior looks upscale for its price (still to see how it looks and feels in person), the exterior looks striking but not in a good way

  • Kia Seltos - Looks stylish and got decent specs, doesn't look as good if you don't go for the GT which is a bummer

  • Mazda CX-30 - newer than the CX-5 and got tech in line with the new Mazda 3, the plastic cladding is overdone a bit

  • Skoda Scala - Looks half decent but no one seems to be interested, possible long term support issues? Just a slightly worse VW Polo?

  • Volkswagen Golf - mk8 not out yet so would it be worth the wait? Not really considering the mk7.

  • Honda Civic - a new one is announced but knowing how long cars take to arrive here I doubt I'd be willing to wait for that. The current gen is starting to show its age (similar to mk7 Golf) in the interior and seems to be less refined than cars like Mazda's or VW's

  • TO AVOID - Any Mitsubishi, Nissan and Subaru

Some things that are necessary in the car:

  • Safety features like blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control with start stop functions and reversing cameras and sensors. Rear cross traffic alert and 360 degree camera would be nice to have and Leather seats would be greatly appreciated

  • Relatively reliable as we're looking to hold on to this for 7 years at least

  • Leather steering wheel, rear vents

Possibly willing to go up to $40k if there's some great features but at the same time if most of whats needed is possible for lower than $35k then that's favourable.

Automotive

Comments

  • Hithere on 20/12/2020 - 18:38
    +5

    Kia Cerato Sport Plus.

    Has just about everything you are looking for, plus a 7 year warranty and comes in at about $30k.

    • Oxoni on 21/12/2020 - 00:15

      Would it be worth spending the extra cash for a GT to get the more powerful engine? Also I heard that they use older engines for the non GT trim on the cerato's? The i30 hatch would also be very similar to the cerato too.

      • Hithere on 21/12/2020 - 11:50
        +1

        Would it be worth spending the extra cash for a GT to get the more powerful engine?

        I thought about it for a long time but decided that $3000 extra (at the time) for a 1.6 litre turbo and a few extra accessories compared to the Sport + with a 2 litre motor couldn't be justified. YMMV

      • dins on 22/12/2020 - 03:24
        +1

        Definitely the GT is the way to go when it comes to the Cerato for mine. Well worth the extra $$$$

      • Keplaffintech on 22/12/2020 - 10:27
        +4

        The GT is much more fun, engaging, and truly enjoyable to drive (especially with the paddle shifters), whereas the other Cerato is just like a Corolla but made by Kia; very lifeless.

        However, this comes at a cost. Obviously the sticker price is higher, but tyres and servicing will be more expensive on the GT. Also, the ride quality is not as comfortable in the GT when compared to the Sport+ model.

        If you enjoy driving, get the GT.
        If you enjoy a comfortable, cheap to maintain car, get the Sport+.

      • idonteven on 28/12/2020 - 00:02

        At the start of the year, you could get the GT for 31k. Ah good times.

      • flagger on 31/12/2020 - 10:07

        Also the GT has a dual clutch transmission. If you are regularly driving in heavy stop start traffic it's won't be as smooth as the torque converter in the lower models. Also stop start traffic will wear out the clutches faster, though they will probably be replaced under warranty if it does happen (7 years warranty is good piece of mind).

  • [Deactivated] on 20/12/2020 - 18:41

    Honda Civic
    TO AVOID - Any Mitsubishi, Nissan and Subaru

    Lost all respect

    • brendanm on 20/12/2020 - 19:18
      -3

      Why? Mitsubishi and Nissan are behind the others. Subaru has lost their way really.

    • Oxoni on 20/12/2020 - 23:46
      +1

      Mitsubishi hasn't had anything good for a while, already own a Nissan, previously had not so good experiences with Subaru (and family members don't want for some reason :/)

      • Techie4066 on 21/12/2020 - 11:39
        +1

        The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and Pajero Sport are great cars, leaders in their categories. As for Subaru, their next generation products such as next year's Outback look back on track.

        • Oxoni on 21/12/2020 - 12:35

          Eclipse cross looks decent; I'll look more into it but the Pajero sport if out of the price range. When is the next generation Outback due?

          • Techie4066 on 22/12/2020 - 12:21
            +2

            @Oxoni: I wasn't exactly recommending the Pajero Sport to you, it's more of a large 4WD SUV. I was pointing out that Mitsubishi sells some great affordable cars, and the Eclipse Cross is one to shortlist. I hired one for a week in January and it was very comfortable.

            The next gen Outback is coming March. The boot is HUGE at 920 litres, way more than any car you mentioned, and it comes standard with AWD. Might not be necessary since you already have an SUV, but it's a highly practical crossover wagon/SUV.

            I'd also check out the Renault Kadjar which will be replaced by the Arkana next year, which is a small/medium sized SUV starting at $30K. If you want something cheaper and smaller, the new Captur should be here by early next year.

  • SBOB on 20/12/2020 - 18:43
    +1

    TO AVOID - Any Mitsubishi, Nissan and Subaru

    Got a reason?

    Leather steering wheel

    Strange thing to include on a selection list.

    • Daabido on 20/12/2020 - 21:03

      I generally find leather steering wheels to be quite nice, as I swap between one with and without. But in reality, 10 seconds in I forget all about it.

    • [Deactivated] on 20/12/2020 - 22:40

      Strange thing to include on a selection list.

      Til you have a five year old car with a gross sticky plastic steering wheel.

    • Oxoni on 20/12/2020 - 23:48

      I addressed the avoid part in the above comment but yeah the plastic ones don't last very long and don't feel as nice

  • whitelie on 20/12/2020 - 19:00
    +3

    Do you want a small or mid size SUV, sedan or hatch?

    I'd go the Mazda 3 sedan over the CX3. An ex-demo G25 Astina or even GT would be nice, otherwise a G20 Touring will leave some change in the bank if it has to be new.

    • Oxoni on 20/12/2020 - 23:50

      I'm pretty open to whatever but on the smaller side might be better. Mazda 3 is definitely on the list but CX-30 gives more back seat room and isn't as dark and dingy compared to the Mazda 3 hatch

      • whitelie on 23/12/2020 - 08:29

        Sedan, not hatch.

    • sal78 on 23/12/2020 - 08:28

      Looked at a Mazda CX3 and the boot is just way too small. Would be an issue with my 3 kid's school bags, Sports and musical instruments on a daily basis.

      My kids also said the back row was very tight.

      I ended up buying the BMW 218i luxury 2016 38km for $22k cash. Saved myself $13k. Just because you have a budget doesn't mean you need to look for a car that is close to the budget. The car looks brand new and very spacious. My kids love it. Also has all the bells n whistles. This is Civid prices. There are still great deals in covid times.

      • whitelie on 23/12/2020 - 08:41

        I'd have thought a 2 series would be too small for 3 kids in the back?

        CX3 definitely wouldn't even be a consideration if that's the brief, even a CX5 would be tight if you want it to last as they get bigger.

        • sal78 on 24/12/2020 - 05:23

          My kids approve and they're 11,11,15 but they mostly travel in the pathfinder. If we are all going out together we always use the bigger car.

          This is a 2nd car for me to get to and from work which is around 15mins each day. It's also a nice lil weekend car. The boot is super spacious, the automated tailgate is so handy as is the electric fold down back seats. Panoramic sunroof and mood lighting also quite fun. I just can't believe how cheap it is and what my comparable options are for $22k.

          We love both cars and they both serve their purpose well. We use 3rd row regularly for kids's friends.

      • spackbace on 23/12/2020 - 13:48
        +2

        Saved myself $13k

        For now…

        You just bought an out of warranty BMW… good luck with that

        • sal78 on 24/12/2020 - 05:31

          I bought warranty 3yrs. But because it's such a popular car, the parts are cheap if you order from overseas or wreckers. I am not a fan of run flat tyres so will change to normal when due. The owners also gave us contacts of their mechanic. They seem to love BMs but after free scheduling finish, they have their own mechanic.

          The 2 series is very popular in Europe and has good reliability. Actually much better than the X class.

          But this car is more like a demo. Drives perfectly. Got it checked over by an independent mechanic.

        • [Deactivated] on 24/12/2020 - 10:26
          +1

          It's a 2 series with an uncomplicated drivetrain and cheap bits, spackbace. This comment definitely applies if the guy got a 15 yr old twin turbo V8 beamer but let's be real, it's an economy car. It'll cost more to service and repair than a Yaris, but it's not gonna be ridiculous and it's probably not gonna break in a big way any time soon.

  • Drakesy on 20/12/2020 - 19:05
    +5

    Not sure why you're not keen on Subaru's, they're as reliable as ever, although i guess fuel economy isn't their strong point.

    Strange combination of body styles/car sizes, seems you've cherry picked rather than gone for equivalents across brands.
    Why not the tiguan or all track demos.
    rav4's have great reviews.
    Hyundai venue etc.

    Personally would stick to the koreans and japanese for reliability sake though.

    • Oxoni on 20/12/2020 - 23:54
      -1

      Yeah a bit iffy on the Europeans from a reliability standpoint. Tiguan is a bit on the dated side compared to a lot of the options I narrowed down (maybe a face
      lifted model?) and base trim starts at $35k iirc. Not too worried on body style but maybe slight lean on compact crossover cause of the higher seating!? The Subaru is partly due to fuel and interior just doesn't look very nice imo. Also will not need all wheel drive for any reason

  • nephilim on 20/12/2020 - 19:19
    +2

    Import a “new” Mazda 3 hybrid 2019 with luxury package from japan for 25k
    “New” as in 2,000km

    • Daabido on 20/12/2020 - 21:05
      +5

      Didn't the government first promise we could do that when our car industry shut down and then can it because… lobbyists \ lying scum \ forget who they are working for.

      • Oxoni on 20/12/2020 - 23:55

        Yeah what ever happened to that?

  • Euphemistic on 20/12/2020 - 19:27

    It’s a second car. Don’t spend so much.

    • whitelie on 20/12/2020 - 19:33

      So they shouldn't drive as nice/safe/reliable a car as their partner?

      • Daabido on 20/12/2020 - 21:06
        +1

        No, they shouldn't. Those at the top of the hierarchical lobster mob get the best digs.

        • whitelie on 21/12/2020 - 10:53

          Who's to say 35k is the best digs? The other car is a larger SUV, probably worth around 50k new so I would say it's still the better vehicle

      • Euphemistic on 20/12/2020 - 21:20

        Correct. Spending $35k on a depreciating asset doesn’t make financial sense.

        Although, some people can afford it and while OP may WANT to get all the bells and whistles, they aren’t necessary to have a comfortable and quite safe vehicle to commute and leave in the carport when you go on long trips.

        • Oxoni on 21/12/2020 - 00:01

          Yeah I'm open to spending less than $30k if the safety features are there and it doesn't compromise other parts of the car. If nothing goes horribly wrong we may have this car until it dies so resale isn't too big of a worry.

          • Euphemistic on 21/12/2020 - 05:45

            @Oxoni: I don’t see blind spot monitoring or adaptive cruise as safety features. They are convenience features so you don’t need to work as hard as a driver.

            I found adaptive cruise annoying because it hung back so far from the car in front they didn’t realise I wanted to pass and would change lanes out of the way.

            • Oxoni on 21/12/2020 - 12:40
              +1

              @Euphemistic: Adaptive cruise is just a nice to have in those long journeys and I see blind spot as a passive safety if for some reason the drivers fails to head check before changing lanes. It's best to use your own eyes for your own safety for sure but there could be incidents where someone else cuts in after checking so it's just that extra little bit of safety even if it's a tiny bit.

              Most cars come with this by default anyway so it's not a huge concern.

        • whitelie on 21/12/2020 - 10:59
          +2

          35k on something that is expected to last 7+ years as the OP intends isn't a large amount in my eyes.

          It would make better financial sense to buy something ex-demo or a year old that has already copped a fair wack of depreciation. A 30-40k budget is fair to me, everyone obviously has different circumstances and if that's what the OP can afford to pay then there's nothing wrong with that.

          • Euphemistic on 21/12/2020 - 12:27
            +1

            @whitelie: I see $35k car up against a $10k on a car (still have airbags and abs and easily fit a reverse cam) and keeping $25k in your mortgage offset, or invested wisely.

            But you are right, to each their own. The marketing executives love people that see blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise as essential

            • sal78 on 24/12/2020 - 05:46
              -1

              @Euphemistic: I agree! Cars are too exxy nowadays. We bought the Sorrento in 2010 new for $31k cash. It became one of the most popular suvs and is now $15k more for base model.

              Drove it for 9 yrs with no break down or any kind of mechanical issues. Sold it for $13.5k I think 130km. Depreciation of $2k p/a is good. Any more is not a good deal.

              Got a 2015 Pathfinder for $23k with 55km. Plan to drive for 3yrs then trade up. We only ave 15km-20km pa. Great deal for a large SUV and it has better interior and options than the Sorrento.

              By doing this, we do not need to finance. I don't like using mortgage offset to buy cars. Emotional decisions.

    • sal78 on 23/12/2020 - 08:30

      I agree! We have a late model pathfinder which is perfect for our family of 5 with tweenies and a teen.

      2nd car BMW 218i 2016 luxury. $22k
      My budget was also $35k

  • p1 ama on 20/12/2020 - 19:37

    Safety features like blind spot monitoring

    If you need/depend on blind spot monitoring, you need to learn how to pay attention to your surroundings and make a habit of doing headchecks if you don't know what's beside you.

    Blind spot monitoring is not perfect and I've seen it glitch out on plenty of cars and not display the warning when I'm clearly in their blindspot (you can see the LED in their side mirror turn off and on). On more than one occasion, I've seen cars try to change lanes right into me because their blindspot indicator LED wasn't on.

    • Oxoni on 21/12/2020 - 00:03

      Definitely not a good idea to just rely on the features but they're there for the added safety and some members and getting up there in age so it's a safety precaution.

      • p1 ama on 21/12/2020 - 01:47
        +4

        Safety features are only good when you continue to drive as if they weren't there. If you make a habit of relying on safety features, you can sometimes end up worse off than if you didn't have them in the first place.

        There's also a big difference between old-school safety features like ABS brakes and reverse cameras vs. the new gimmicky stuff like blind spot monitoring that just encourages people to not do headchecks.

        • Oxoni on 21/12/2020 - 12:42

          Yeah agreed.

          Gotta make sure not to keep your faith in those features cause they do tend to fail too. Definitely gonna do the head check at all times.

  • donga100 on 20/12/2020 - 19:52

    What about going fully electric with MG ZS EV? It's $43,990 but you'll save around $4k per year on fuel and servicing. Has leather steering wheel, 5yr unlimited km warranty, and more safety tech than most of the other cars on your list.

    • Oxoni on 21/12/2020 - 00:04

      Hmm might look into that. How's the long term support on those look like considering they're a new brand?

    • OZBargainer in SA on 21/12/2020 - 09:25
      +12

      MG is owned by a Chinese Communist Party supported company and made in China. Australians need to consider our support of companies owned by unfriendly nations. Japan & Korea make good reliable cars, they don't spy on us and play havoc with our exporters.

      • [Deactivated] on 21/12/2020 - 10:38
        +1

        Not to downgrade any of the china comments as they're absolutely true but if you think japan and korea aren't also spying on us you're gonna be sorely disappointed.

        I don't think they're evil or our enemies or anything, but pretty much all countries are spying on each other.

      • kma on 22/12/2020 - 22:58

        MG is owned by a Chinese Communist Party supported company and made in China. Australians need to consider our support of companies owned by unfriendly nations. Japan & Korea make good reliable cars, they don't spy on us and play havoc with our exporters.

        All these things aside, I still won't buy it because MG.

  • Chuckles79 on 20/12/2020 - 19:59

    Just picked up a demo CX30 evolve other day for wife after a lot of tyre kicking. The demo I drove had 25km on the clock and I was the first to test drive it, think it is a June 2020 plate, negotiated down to 31k drive away w floor mats.

    Not sure if that is a deal, but I feel good about the price compared to the rivals. A great small SUV to drive also, has all the tech you can dream of imo and perfect for the kids and wifey loves it.

    5yr warranty and 5yr road side assist is included.

    We weren't fussed about leather personally but you can get that up a model or two.

    • Oxoni on 21/12/2020 - 00:08

      Yeah it's looking like a really good option right now. How's the lane centering working on that if you use it? Went to a test drive of the Mazda 3 late last year and it just wouldn't work on that even with the Salesman driving it.

      Pretty decent deal you got there too!

      • Chuckles79 on 21/12/2020 - 07:22
        +1

        Yeh it has the lane departure warning if the car thinks you are fatigued, my wife can drive like a drunk so a handy feature.

        Also the auto braking when reversing is a fantastic addition.

  • plmko on 20/12/2020 - 20:16
    +2

    Weird mix of vehicles you've got there.

    • Oxoni on 21/12/2020 - 00:10

      Ikr

  • pingualien on 20/12/2020 - 20:58
    +1

    toyota camry

  • Richardc on 20/12/2020 - 21:34
    +1

    toyota camry HYBRID

  • MS Paint on 20/12/2020 - 23:33
    +1

    and Leather seats would be greatly appreciated

    I hate to disappoint but at $35k the "leather" seats in that price bracket are just good quality plastic.

    You need to be spending $70k+ to get legit leather seats.

    • Oxoni on 21/12/2020 - 00:09

      Not too big of an issue that but even faux leather work better with heated seats

    • The-Kremlin on 22/12/2020 - 01:57

      Are you sure? Do you have legit leather seats in your car?

      • MS Paint on 22/12/2020 - 02:26

        Yes I am sure.

        I have fabric seats in my car.

        Do you have leather seats in your car?

        • The-Kremlin on 22/12/2020 - 07:50
          +2

          I do indeed, leather seats, leather dash and leather doors.

          You don't need to be spending $70k+

          Should do your research before making such difinitive claims.

          • MS Paint on 22/12/2020 - 09:57

            @The-Kremlin: Which make & model so I can research?

            Did you purchase new or secondhand?

            If it's a BMW with that sensatec shite then please do not respond.

            • The-Kremlin on 22/12/2020 - 11:32

              @MS Paint: Not a beamer. It is a Euro though.
              One that flutters the heart.

              Demo model.

              This is not school though, no spoon feeding the answer here.

              You were so sure though!?

              • MS Paint on 22/12/2020 - 11:44

                @The-Kremlin: Just tell me the make, model, year and options so I can research more like you want me to.

                No need for games or spoon feeding here.

                If it's an MB with that MB Tex shite then don't reply.

          • brendanm on 22/12/2020 - 21:06

            @The-Kremlin: You probably have pleather.

            • The-Kremlin on 23/12/2020 - 10:06

              @brendanm: That might be what you may have in your car, I have the real stuff.

    • sal78 on 23/12/2020 - 08:37

      Not really.

      Spent $22k on a 2nd hand that someone previously bought for high $50s. Has legit leather seats and all the norm luxury inclusions like powered tail boot, powered fold down seats, panoramic sunroof, internal mood lighting, profile customisation, eco drive etc

  • spackbace on 21/12/2020 - 00:35
    +1

    Corolla SX/ZR hatch/sedan, either petrol or hybrid?

    ZR hatch is a good looking, well featured car

    • Oxoni on 21/12/2020 - 12:46

      Completely forgot about the corolla for some reason haha.

      Good reliable car that I should've already considered. I guess until recently their cars have been a little bit boring and 'safe'.

  • HelpMeiCantSee on 21/12/2020 - 08:42
    +1

    Buy a Great Wall. Cheap, has 4 wheels, doors, has an engine, disposable. Perfect.

    • Oxoni on 21/12/2020 - 12:48

      Don't they only sell utes?

      • HelpMeiCantSee on 22/12/2020 - 09:32

        Don’t utes have 4 wheels, doors and an engine?

        • Oxoni on 23/12/2020 - 12:49

          Well yeah but they're just unnecessarily big for someone who has next to no use for such large beds

  • TheQ on 21/12/2020 - 09:43
    +1

    You may want to add Skoda Kamiq to your list. Fits the bill perfectly.

    • Oxoni on 21/12/2020 - 12:52

      Ok yeah it looks promising. Have the engines been doing better now after the emissions scandal or is it still a case of be careful?

  • OzHunterNSW on 21/12/2020 - 10:44

    I think the only thing you need is to be assertive and take charge of your life. You have the research, but seem reluctant/ hesitant to go that extra inch.
    I think you lack self esteem and have little faith in your decisions.
    Make this a lesson.

    • Mark1159 on 21/12/2020 - 11:31

      And most comments on preferred cars…“looks good” or similar

    • Oxoni on 21/12/2020 - 12:56

      I guess a couple of the ones I thought were the best option like the i30 sedan is getting very little recommendation. After reading some comments I've missed a few good ones too so that's helping.

  • afah0447 on 21/12/2020 - 12:26

    Financed or cash?

    • Oxoni on 21/12/2020 - 12:56

      Finance

  • Candour on 21/12/2020 - 13:24
    +1

    would look for a hybrid like the camry etc.
    own a subaru liberty and the awd and auto cruise and other safety features are good- — better than those which do not have them as standard.

  • Speckled Jim on 21/12/2020 - 22:34
    +1

    Mk8 Golf has bundled almost everything in the HMI system. Several critics consider it a backward step.
    If you have a preference for dedicated controls, be wary.

  • N82 on 23/12/2020 - 08:42
    +1

    You should consider i30 N line (1.6 turbo model). We have it as our second car and absolutely love it. The size, power and handling is top notch. Make U smile whenever U take it for a spin. It also has all the bells and whistles that you are after.

    • Oxoni on 23/12/2020 - 12:43

      Is that the hatch variant? I wonder if the i30 sedan N line also drives similarly

      • N82 on 23/12/2020 - 12:48

        I got the hatch. You should definitely test drive one.

      • MS Paint on 23/12/2020 - 13:17

        Aren't they effectively the same car?

        Fastback vs. Hatch?

        • Oxoni on 24/12/2020 - 10:59
          +1

          The fastback only comes in the full N variant and not the N line iirc. The sedan is a whole new chassis though (basically a new Elantra)

  • 31mop on 23/12/2020 - 19:31

    VW T-Cross?
    Mitsi Eclipse Sport is a great piece of kit for the money. Very fun car to drive and lots of features.

    • Oxoni on 24/12/2020 - 11:00

      The Skoda Kamiq is just a better T Cross and looks better imo.

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