Would Love Some Car Advice - Budget $50K

I turned 30 this year, I'm single and no kids. All my cars have been used Camry's from the 90s and I decided I am going to get a new to near new car.

I really like the Subaru BRZ, but I really want a 4 door as my brothers and I like to go on road trips together ( there's 2 of them, and they're big guys )

My budget would be a max of like $50k, any suggestions? I am looking for something a bit sporty. I am not sure if I would prefer manual or auto.

Also I have a legal question. Is it illegal to accelerate fast? Or so long as you stay under the speed limit it doesn't matter? I have never had to worry about it before haha

Comments

            • +1

              @Commander Shepard: Never been a fan of the 350/370's looks, the rear end is too droopy, but each to their own. The upcoming z/400z/whatever their going to call it, is a bit more rectangular, like most of the early 90's jdm cars. If its really good, ill purchase it with the intent to keep it, as with ever tightening emissions laws, the days of big engine turbo's cars is coming to a close. Im just hoping we will still be able to buy petrol in the future when everything goes electric…

      • -1

        Twisty roads and hills and stuff you need AWD mate trust me

        • Nah. You don’t NEED it, you just need to learn to drive to the limts of the vehicle. Many drivers think that AWD makes them safer, but the reality is that it just makes the crashes at a faster speed.

          Is AWD objectively better? Probably, but it’s not essential.

  • I want to believe this is a genuine post, particularly since you continue to respond but… You have a history of transport only cars, and don't seem to know or even care about cars so… My advice is don't buy a $50k car if you think it'll make you feel different.

    • If everyone had your attitude, no one would get into anything.

      Dont get a pc, you have a history of only owning consoles.

  • +3

    A bit of a different angle, try a Skoda Superb Sportline . I have one and its very competitive in a straight line and has plenty of grunt to boot.

    EDIT: Beaten above it seems!

  • +1

    So you acknowledge your brothers are "big boys" swaying you away from a Subaru, but then toying with the idea of something sporty. Thats actually an oxymoron . If I were you, I would have your two brothers chip in on the vehicle, as well. Why should you spend 50k to cart them around, and possibly pay for all the fuel as well?

    Why don't you sit down with your "brothers" and table the prospect of going 3rds in a vehicle… Then purchase a Range Rover

  • The problem with asking on this site, is you get a lot of armchair experts giving their 'expert' opinion, based on cars they bought, rather than a good understanding of what is a good buy in this day and age. As an example, the WRX has been mentioned multiple times in this thread. The WRX was a good option 20 years ago, but they have barely developed that car in the time; its actually down on power from it's peak, and it shares largely the same mechanicals, apart from the option of a woeful CVT gearbox. In this day and age, the WRX is underpowered, slow and ancient; it shouldn't be a car that anyone recommends. OP, I would suggest asking on a more dedicated forum, this isn't the place for car advice.

  • +1

    Is it illegal to accelerate fast? Or so long as you stay under the speed limit it doesn't matter?

    Ask a Harley rider, they seem to want to tear away from every set of lights and then do the speed limit, seems like they get away with it most of the time? the bigger problem there is paying $35k for 65 horsepowers worth of excessive noise machine.

    As for your question, I'd be looking at a hot hatch, my pick would be the i30 Fastback N with the new 8 speed DCT, or Manual to save a few bucks and increase grin factor.

  • +3

    Tesla Model 3 is the best car around that price IMO. With incentives in certain states its within budget.

  • Get a high-performance AWD electric car if you like accelerating fast to the speed limits without attracting too much attention, but that will be way more than 50K.

  • I'd say buy a brz and take your brother's car when you go on road trips!! I used to have an 86 and it made any drive fun!

  • -1

    I know you wanted a sedan but in that price range, and for a first sports car, there's a standout at the top of that list.

    Mazda MX5

    you can get the GT spec for around $50k or be quite a bit below it for the base model.

  • -1

    If you're willing to go second hand…
    2018 BMW 330i M Sport or 2018 Mercedes-Benz C300
    Respectable performance at 0-100km/h in 5.8 to 5.9 seconds
    * https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2018-bmw-3-series-3…
    * https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2018-mercedes-benz-…
    * https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2017-volkswagen-art…

    Another, faster option at 5 seconds flat, 2018 VW Golf R wagon https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2018-volkswagen-gol…

    • Why would you get a second hand beemer or benz, when you can get a new Tesla which is faster, for the same money?

      • I'm confused, the cheapest Tesla I can see is second hand for $56k for a base Model 3 https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/tesla/model-3/?sort=%7ePric….

        And the cheapest new one is $61k plus costs https://www.tesla.com/en_AU/inventory/new/m3?FleetSalesRegio….

        The base Model 3 is 0-100 in 5.6 seconds so it's comparable?

        • The newest Tesla gets a rebate from the NSW and Vic Govt. $3k minimum + stamp duty in NSW.

          Also an EV 0-100kmh in 5.6 is not comparable to an ICE 0-100kmh in 5.9. The Tesla is artificially limited below about 30kmh, it's a lot faster than the ICE cars on the roll.

          Most of all, the Tesla is brand new with warranty. A 2018 BMW is more certainly not. And it's a much worse car overall.

    • $50-55k gets you a lightly used Stinger which makes those two cars look quite slow.

      Also buying cars based on 0-60 times is also silly.

  • Never buy a new car

  • Keep the old Camry, buy Bitcoin.

    • Maybe not bitcoin. Just invest elsewhere

      • 100% Bitcoin.

        When you do the research on why, you will figure it out. :)

        • +1

          Anyone who tries to shill a crypto, and finishes with the words 'do your research', automatically loses.

          • @[Deactivated]: You expect free alpha? lol

            I am not going to convince anyone to invest in something, I am saying what I would be doing if I was in the market for a new car.

            • @croseks: No I expected your dumb argument. It goes hand in hand with being a bitcoin fanaticist.

              • -1

                @[Deactivated]: All good man, like I said originally, do your own research or don't lol not sure why this is so triggering for you?

                • -1

                  @croseks: Because it's bullshit, that's why. You don't know what research is and likely couldn't explain what a Blockchain is. I own BTC, but I don't shill it, because I know 99% of what is said is utter bullshit. As soon as anyone mentions the term utility, the obvious bullshit is obvious. Of they ever say the term 'do your research' (and this applies for any discussion on the internet), they have automatically lost. BTC is a value store whose price is governed by market forces. That's it. It's the same as a gold ETF in that sense. It only has value because people choose to buy and sell it, and what gives it a unique value is the limited quantity. It's no more complex than that.

    • Tax nightmare

  • +1

    Get a 4 cylinder car with turbo. You'll save on money and fuel as opposed to 6 cylinder, if you were going to consider 6 cyl.

    I'm all for JDM cars for reliability

    • +1

      Yes WRX Evo etc

    • 370Z or the 6 cylinders in the Boxsters/Cayman can hit the 9L Per 100kms pretty easily. Its not that much worse then a hot hatch really. The fuel savings isn't significant enough to write off all 6 cylinder cars.

  • +1

    Used current model WRX STI

  • I'm not sure you'll fit brothers that are on the "bigger side" comfortably in an i30n, WRX etc for hours at a time. Fun car to drive sure but doesn't fit the entire brief. If going mid size sedan, you could probably pick up a ~2018 BMW 430i M Sport around $50k.

    Ultimately you want a large sedan/wagon, not a mid size. Skoda Superb Sportline/Passat R Line/Kia Stinger.

  • +2

    Willing to wait for new BRZ with the 2.4 engine?

    Serious question, have you tested out a tesla?

    I wasn't at all interested until my brother got one and showed it to me. They're the coolest thing!

    The whole black looking roof is actually glass and is see through from the inside.

    Super roomy inside plus a front and rear boot.

    Heaps of tech, surprising acceleration and torque, amazing handling! charges his car for free at shopping centres (they do it to lure you in).

    I know the price is a bit higher than your budet, but youll save heaps on fuel and servicing, especially compared to a wrx.

  • Have you considered a Mazda 6? It is quite stylish and somewhat sporty and plenty of room

  • A Forester XT is worth a look

  • +1

    Model 3s will be closer to $50k in a year or two. You'll love the quick acceleration.

  • I would suggest a Mazda Cx-5 but it must have the 2.5l turbo petrol. This car will be sporty enough for the current (slow) road rules 170kw / 420nm / 0-100 in 6.1s. [I have driven multiple cars in the low 3s to 0-100 and you will easily lose your license / or get yourself into trouble very rapidly].

    The Cx-5 should be roomy enough for most people (it is an SUV) and would be much bigger than any BRZ (which I do like the upcoming model) or other options like i30N.

    It will have all the new driving aid which you want for long-distance driving, like active cruise control (best feature ever), plus all the new safety gizmo that anyone needs.

    Plus the car is Japanese, unlikely to you any issues over the ownership period.

    • CX5 2.5T chops most commuter cars off a red light!

  • +1

    What about a Tesla?

    Tesla model 3 for 59k (https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/631861) will be cheaper overall than a 50k petrol car over a few years of ownership (especially if you consider depreciation).

    Plus safer, faster, smarter, cooler, better audio, cleaner, etc, etc.

    • +1

      Actually this is a very good option. When do the government rebate come in?

      • +1

        suppose to be 1st sept but looks like theyre delaying it abit

  • Like most people have said. Go with WRX Auto.
    Price, engine and running cost are great.

    • +2

      Why would you recommend the CVT over the manual? Manual is a much better option in this case

      • +1

        I've called the dealer and put my deposit in for the 2022 sti in manual. Cant wait.

  • +1

    Second hand Corolla and the rest on some coin hodling all the way ….

  • +1

    Here's one that doesn't break the bank:
    https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2012-lexus-is-is350…

    Sure it is not the fastest car out there nor has the fanciest level of tech. But they are cheap, reliable and can reasonably carry 3-4 people. (back seat are not that big but better than BRZ lol). IS350 has the same 3.5L V6 engine that camry has, but it is tuned to give you slightly more power and it needs U95/U98 fuel, it is rear drive and a reasonably light car. 0-100KM if that matters for you is probably faster much faster than BRZ (it is probably more in line with a STI without feeling like you're in a race car).
    It is not new or near new but it compensates for that in cost. I have one of these with almost 300kkm and still drives like new.

    Get the Sports Luxury if you want more features and comfort (adaptive cruise, parking sensor etc…), get the F Sport if you want more firm ride and bucket seats straight out of ISF. Go for 2013 onwards if you want Bluetooth Audio Streaming.

    There is a few of the newer models out there with under $50K:
    https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2017-lexus-is-is350…
    https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2017-lexus-is-is350…

    I don't have experience driving these so not too sure about how they "feel" but I can assure you for someone who is used to Camry's an IS350 would pleasantly surprise you :) It is not all about numbers on paper sometimes you have to drive a car to get a feel.
    Also I wouldn't recommend the IS F if you are not planning on tracking it. It is a waste on normal roads and IS350 gets you 80% of the fun for much less money.

    • +1

      I used to own an is350 f sport, all your points are valid, but the engine is a completely different high compression engine than the camry v6. Off the lights i could easily beat most cars. While they sat there waiting for their dsg gearboxes to engage, the torque converter in the is350 instantly engaged and rocketed off. Made for some very unhappy post race fly bys from the losers in their xr6 turbos, audi s4's, ss commo's etc

      Very much a wolf in sheeps clothing, which is the whole point. Got a gs350 f sport now because the suspension was too firm in the is350. Its a tiny bit slower due to being bigger and heavier, but it still gets up and goes. Much better for cruising as it comes with adjustable suspension and rear wheel steering.

      • You're pretty spot on mate, it's one of those cars that gets slack but once you own it you know what it is.
        I love taking mine for a spin on nice roads, like the spur or the Baw Baw drive.
        Needless to say IS350 is extremely fuel economic for the size of engine it has! And that's thanks to the port and direct injection. Put that car in SNOW Mode and watch it become a tainted old man mobile which does around 8L/100, switch to normal or power and watch it become a monster who keeps encouraging you to floor it and it still somehow manages around 9L/100. Stop start traffic is where IS350 starts getting bad with fuel, my partner's commute to work which is mostly traffic light ends up being around 10-11L/100; still better than my ES300 which does around 11-12L /100 mixed…

        GS350 is a very very nice car, specially in the Sports Luxury trim with the adaptable suspension. It's a tad bit heavy for the engine though specially that it's more designed for comfort, and that results in not so great acceleration and average fuel economy. In GS range, GS F makes so much sense if you have the money. Sad to see the GS get discontinued… Though have to say, my aunty has a GS450h and that car just has an amazing feel when accelerating, it's like an electric car but you still get the excitement of an ICE. So my pick from the GS range will definitely be the GS450h, for it's comfort, quietness and power, plus if babied around you can easily get 7L/100KM.

        • +1

          Its funny, when i hop in the is350 (gave it to the mrs) i feel like really giving it some and revving it out, while in the gs, i just cruise. Pre-covid i used to drive heaps for work, so being on the road with stiff suspension from the is350 really started to hurt my back after a while, hence getting the gs. Ive always owned hi po cars so the 11L/100 km's doesnt really bother me. My dad has the new 8 speed is350 and he averages 9L, but he also doesnt sit in traffic most of the time like i do.

          Would love a gs f but ever since they got discontinued + covid tax, prices are way too high for me. Would be amazing if they put the twin turbo v6 from the new LS into an is or gs, that would be the dream!

          • @DiscoJango: Damn right, 100% agree, I've intentionally given the IS350 to partner as it really encouraged bad behaviour looool it's just asking for it unless you put it in the Snow Mode…
            And definitely agree with the other comparison, the main reason I'm still driving the 2004 ES300 is because it's just so damn smooth and comfortable for the longer drives I do for work. The old ES is even more comfy than the GS450h my aunty has 🤣 and it's tuned to be a call smooth drive as the engine loves to stay in the 1800-2000rpm (opposite of IS350).

            Covid Tax sucks! I wanted to upgrade my ES to a LS600hL, but damn the prices for those went through the bloody roof!
            As for the IS/GS dream, the rumour is a bi-turbo V8 for the new IS-F/LC-F. Checkout the new IS500 F Sport Performance that just got released in USA, sadly though IS/CT/RC won't be selling to AUS for the foreseeable future due to some new safety standards that only AUS has. That's why we're not getting the IS500 :(
            And that's part of the reason current IS350 prices have slowly started to go up, as they are not selling the IS anymore.
            It looks like the lineup is going to be mostly SUVs (I hate it).
            Cannot even get the bloody ES350 anymore here in AUS…

            Hoping that one day I could afford the LC, praying to the depreciation gods 🥺

  • i30N Fastback

    Facelift model is just over $50k, and comes in DCT but there are only 500 available for Aus.

  • +2

    given you are here on ozbargain i would suggest a 6cyl camry so you don't have to hand in your ozb badge

  • -4

    On one hand you got 50K of discretionary funds to spend on a car.

    On the other hand many Australians can’t afford to fix their aging vehicles and have lost their livelihoods in this pandemic.

    The saga of unchecked capitalism continues in full no doubt……

    Renault Arkana is quite good.

    • OP clearly works hard and lives a modest lifestyle hence the 50k.

    • Renault Arkana.

      This is why you don't ask for car advice on Ozbargain.

    • I dont live beyond my means. I am one of 2 people at my work of 50 people who dont have a kid, I dont travel, I dont party / drink / smoke and I have been driving a stock 98 camry for 10 years. Should I donate my wage?

    • Capitalism is fine.

      People’s circumstances is a result of their own choices, effort, and luck.

      • +1

        I know someone like them irl. They are on centerlink, had 5 kids and complain that I have my money.

        I didn't make them have the kids

        • They’re always complaining and are usually the ones who become socialists and attend the SJW protests.

  • -3

    OP is 30 this year, single and no kids.

    All cars have been used Camry's from the 90s.

    I'll just leave this here.

    • What's your point? This is why I can afford a new car with cash.

  • Like others have said, I'd stretch a bit higher and get a near new Tesla.

    I've driven one a fair bit, and when they aren't sporty, they are definitely fun.

    Resale should be better as well.

  • Consider a Skoda Superb. Same engine as a GTI/Golf R depending on model, but in a huge luxury sedan Chassis. About $60k brand new, can get one a few yrs old within your budget.

  • get a tesla.

  • hyndai iconiq is be in run out prices in next few months with the "5" coming and the KIA versions,
    Premium plugin and EV are 52-60k, would be easy to get under 50k in your budget.

  • i30N or the new Elantra N named I30N sedan here

  • +1

    Plenty of good car recommendations on here. You should go through them all and cross ones off your list based on what must have features you want and then test drive them all and see which one you like best. Try to ignore the acceleration part because it is about how the car makes you feel rather than the figures the manufacturer gives you that I think makes a car "sporty."

    • +1

      This is the right advice. Step in any luxury flagship sedan and watch it to from 0-100 in less than 5 seconds with zero to no effort, bit it'll be a dog to drive around in a circuit or a nice curvy road.
      He has to seat in the cars, drive them and see which one has the best feel and connects to him.

  • Don’t buy a new car unless you own a house.

    • Dont buy a used house unless you own a new car.

  • Is there a way to close topics. I made my decision. Thanks.

    • Can you share what you bought

      • Manual STI

        • Very nice man what year etc

          • @Willco88: 2022.
            That's all I know from their reply above

            • @whitelie: 2022 didn't think they were making the STI and if so it would be more than 50k

              • @Willco88: He's just charging me what the current sti costs and when they reveal the actual cost he's going to adjust it.
                Looking at 58k right now.

                They're still making the sti its just coming out after the wrx

  • Update;

    Decided on the WRX. The new one is very ugly, and I dont want to be dealing with aftermarket parts just to make it look ok.
    I have also refined my desires for the car a bit so I was hoping you guys could help out.

    My budget is $60,000. I am open to used cars but would like 50,000 or less kms.
    My favourite 3 makers are BMW, Audi, Subaru.
    I would love a 4 door with lots of room. Cooling seats would be so nice to have but not essential. I am a bit worried about BMW, audi reliability I have always heard they arent as reliable as Japanese car makers, and theyre expensive as hell to fix if something goes wrong. Plus theyre harder to find in a manual.

    I would still like a used sti, but the prices on the used market are approaching used bmw prices.

    Could someone explain BMW's though. On carsales a 2017 320i is 35k, and the 2021 model is 70k. Is the 2017 worth getting, or are they pretty expensive to own when theyre that old ( when parts need replacing maybe )? Why are they so cheap, is this around when they start to need big maitenance?
    On car sales right now is a 2018 BMW 3 Series 320i M Sport F30 LCI Auto for 38k

    • +1

      F30 320i is very underpowered compared to a WRX, let alone STI. I'd go for at least a 330i, which makes similar power to the WRX.
      BMWs can be pretty reliable or an absolute nightmare, mainly depending on the engine.

      2016+ 330i/340i use the B48/B58 engines respectively, which so far seem to be very reliable.
      Avoid 2012-2013 320i/328i, they have the older N20 engine which has known timing chain issues. 2014 onwards this was fixed.
      2012-2015 335i has the N55 engine, which isn't quite as good as the B58, but is still pretty reliable.

      If you want a larger, car, you could also consider the F10 535i, which has the same N55 engine. Will be more comfortable but less fun to drive.

      All of them use variants of the excellent ZF 8HP transmission which performs great and is pretty reliable.

      If you want something exciting, I'd go for a 335i or 340i. More power and they'll generally have nicer equipment.

      Maintenance wise, as long as you don't buy one of the lemon models, nothing should be crazy expensive, although don't expect it to come as cheap as a Japanese car - the parts themselves aren't much more expensive, but there's generally a lot more labour needed to replace things on a luxury European car, which in Australia can make shop repairs quite pricey.

      Only maintenance item which sticks out to me is replacing the shocks/struts on cars with adaptive suspension. $$$, but only needed after >100k.
      Any BMW F30 owners who'd like to chime in with their maintenance experiences?

      • Thanks so much for taking the time to say all that. I will research those models.

        I am not sure what it is, but something about a WRX sti just calls to me. I love the sound. Its crazy because I know the bmw will have a much nicer interior.
        Would you miss not having a manual in these cars? Are they still fun without it, I would have thought a turbo would be much more fun in a MT

    • Just to give you 2 other options.

      The Kia Stinger 330s now falls within your budget new. You can also snag a Kia Stinger GT used. That's Rwd, beefy TTV6. Basically a modern day Commodore.

      The Hyundai I30n Sedan is also launching later this year/early next iirc. If that holds it should be a good alternative to the WRX. Only Fwd rather then the WRX's AWD, but the transmissions are both a ways better according to reviewers and the Fwd setup seems to be quite good.

      Worth giving both a test drive alongside the WRX IMO.

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