Hi guys,
My max budget is around 50k. I'm thinking between the following options:
I like Merc C class however the new 2022 model has been fully redesigned and I'm worried that my C class 2017 will look outdated very soon. Could you please vote in the poll?
Your comments would be also very much appreciated.
Thanks 😊
I had a preorder in for a BYD. I ended up getting worried about range when I drove past a bunch of broken chargers on a recent 800km trip. I figure the country isn't there yet so pulled deposit and ordered a Camry hybrid. $40k with a 6-10 month wait. Im fairly sure I made the right choice. The deciding factor was that I think I'd never get used to the fugly BYD interior and a Camry SHOULD still have decent resale up to 10 years away.
This is my concern as well. So many of the chargers are either not working, have been vandalised, already have EV’s parked there or have been “ICE’d”.
My biggest concern now is no longer range, but what to do if I get somewhere and all of the chargers are out of action. I think it will still be ok if I can do round trips and keep it topped up at home off my solar, but for anything further, I’ll just take the wife’s Hybrid Corolla.
If they made a Camry Hybrid wagon I think it would surprise everyone how many they'd sell.
Is the BYD a boat?
It would be a good idea to check the government recalls web site for whatever your choice. This more so if your choice is a Merc. They have some really serious sh!t wrong with some of them. They regularly feature in the recalls.
I would get the one with a warranty mate
dont take the bait boys
another one post crapshoot
The hot cars are hot however if all you can comfortably afford is 50k for the car, remember that 'ongoing' costs between them differ significantly. ie, servicing a Merc is much more $ compared to a Toyota. On top of this, the merc etc you'd be looking at would have more (expensive imported) parts to replace sooner as it's not as new.
So depends on your ongoing budget as well…
Are they (hot)?
Choose the car with the most bells and whistles
That would be the AMG A200…
Why not Lexus UX for 50K? if you want Toyota and some luxury
None of the above
Late model Bentley turbo r with the 4 speed auto, much nicer than a C class, and cheaper.
Buy whatever you like to drive and are willing to deal with as consequences (i.e no warrnanty, expensive parts, sweet FA resale, looking like a failed dealer etc.)
Expect to be mocked when you post "my eurotrash is a money pit and dealer X says it will take 12 months for a wiper motor etc".
Sensible money buys a cheaper corolla hybrid hatch and drives relatively easily for a couple of decades!
None of the above.
Get an electric car.
BYD Atto 3 won't depreciate as fast as any of those.
Get a 330i… 320i is underpowered, it's only for the badge.
get a lexus
Get the Camry. If you want something more luxurious get a Lexus. Neither of those will give bleed your wallet dry after a few years, possibly even sooner. If you want German just cause and are happy with the additional expenses that WILL occur then go for the other 3 options.
For higher fifties I’d get a polestar 2
Depends - are you the kind of person that wants to live a boring life without risks or a fun and exciting life with some risk? While this only applies to cars in this instance, I think asking yourself this question will help with your decision.
fun and exciting life
Op is asking about base model cars, hardly fun and exciting.
If you can wait, don't even bother with a used car, prices are terrible at the moment. Make sure you use a car broker to get the best possible price for a new car. We also had a 50k budget and through a broker, we were able to consider cars close to 60k and still make the 50k budget. Also consider SUVs for a better resale later.
If you absolutely have to get a car now, then get whatever used car within your budget, good luck getting a fair price on anything used these days. BMW and Audi's around this time period is a bit better than Mercs from what I've heard.
BMW and Audi's around this time period is a bit better than Mercs from what I've heard.
That's because the w204 and w205 Mercs were as reliable as a Lexus and gained a decent reputation.
Not sure about the reliability 5 years on, but the superior build quality is obvious.
I certainly wouldn't spend 50k on a 2017 model though, they were low 60s brand new with some haggling. I know someone who picked up a c250 brand new for high 60s.
Comparison with a Toyota is just a troll
You're on a bargain forum asking us whether to buy a dated european car or a new Camry. The question answers itself
A4 Quattro 2017 +
Should be able to get one with low km + decent options at your price point.
Can buy from a dealer with Audi Approved Plus.
Basically a 2 year unlimited km warranty + roadside on any Audi approved pre-owned
If cars were colours the Camry would be beige. It's the single most boring car in world. Camry's are for people who don't give a shit about what car they drive. My mother in law's Camry is just plastic for days but at least it's reliable, it's single redeeming feature. If you're putting that type of list together, replace the Camry with a Lexus.
It's the single most boring car in world
Laughs in Mazda 3
Mazda 3's handle pretty well tbh same as the cx 5. Camrys on the other hand are like barges
I agree with that (and own a Mazda).
Very comfortable to drive, but they're the sort of car you don't even notice when they drive past. Hence "boring" sounds like a perfect fit.
I'd much rather have a Mazda 3 over a Camry. Mazda 3's have nice styling and some very nice colour options. I will admit that with the new Camry they've at least tried to give it some styling over the previous generations but compared to other new cars on the market it's still pretty boring.
What does OzBargain think about the new KIA Sportage
My brother in law bought a brand new Hyundai Tucson for ~50k. Very nice car with 7 year warranty. The Korean cars are getting better and better. Seems like it is becoming increasingly illogical to spend high $$$ on a European car.
I'd never spend 50k on a car with 70000 km. That's paying for trouble.
From your very limited list, I'd choose the Camry, but I wouldn't buy one.
Not sure what you want… Is that like "best sedan for 50k"?
https://www.carsguide.com.au/sedan/sedans-starting-under-50k
If you get a demo or low km year 2021, you can get something from the "60k" list for 50k.
Also, don't you have a 2017 C class? Why is your current car on the list?
If not, what do you drive now?
OP, you haven't specified your usage habits and what the most important factors are to you in considering a new vehicle.
Do you want sportiness and handling, and don't need passenger seats? Consider an MX5
Do you want a mix of sportiness and practicality? Consider an i30N
Do you want powerful acceleration, practicality, and space to seat several adults in comfort? Consider a Kia Stinger (2018 models are going for 50k on carsales)
So, what is it that you are looking for?
Are the Stingers actually good reliable cars? I would consider the 22 one as they look pretty decent. But they are also $70K new :|
All the reviews that I have read and watched have spoken fairly positively regarding their reliability, based on reports from owners groups and forums.
Yeah, I was considering picking up a used model, but with the inflated used market prices, the value wasn't there when compared with something like a new Tesla M3.
Have you had a look at the i30N? That’s the other car I’m considering and I think it’s easier to get new at the moment. Curious as to what people think of it, I still haven’t done much research yet.
If you want powerful acceleration just buy any EV
Could go Kia Stinger for around 50K. Would also have new car warranty still
Maybe look for i30n sedan or kia stinger within that budget?
Or mazda 6…
I would stay away from 5 year old euro…
that would prob be my pick too.
I drive a Toyota but my next car won't be a Toyota.
The biggest drive for me to steer away from Toyota is the donation to the republican party in the US which is slowing trying to get rid of democracy. I cannot support such a company when I already know about it.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/toyota-political-donations-to-e…
Any chance you got the Pfizer vax?
Pfizer also donated to the GOP. So does a multitude of business that you would interact with everyday.
@pformag: And I will boycott them all if I can find similar affordable alternatives. Just like I try to boycott anything that is manufactured or originates from China.
@kerfuffle: I use Samsung flip 3 and it's made in Vietnam I think. I can't find the box but it is not China. Computer is given to me from work. The one I assembled has 2/3rd Chinese components, sadly that's what I could afford. Fridge and TV both are not made in China. Microwave I cannot find where Heller brand is from but it's 10 years old before I started to boycott Chinese goods. My Netgear router is made in Thailand.
Just like I try to boycott anything that is manufactured or originates from China.
So you don't own anything?
@serpserpserp: I said "try"
For example I own Brita water filter. They used to manufacture their cartridges in Germany hence why I used them. Now they make them in China and I am actively looking for an affordable alternative. I won't pay 3 times the price for an alternative because I work 6 days a week and don't make 6 figures. If I could afford expensive alternatives, I would. But even with the little money I have, I'd rather not spend it on Chinese goods.
@serpserpserp: Why is it always all or nothing?
You get to the supermarket these days and there are frozen vegetables grown in China. Would you buy them?
Are you a hypocrite if you own a computer but won't buy food grown in China?
Yikes. Unexpected
2014-2015 CLA45 AMG is also another option around 50k. why pick a base model euro for?
Probably the others are on their second last leg whilst the CLA45 is on its last.
Do you know what site you're on?
OzCamry.com ?
Exactly
Why don’t you spend a bit more and get a tesla? That wont go out of style for while i recon. Even a polestar 2 is pretty good I heard.
Above was based on your expectations of fast car / style and no mentioning other requirements such as access to charge points, how soon you want it, etc
I personally would never spend more than 30k on a used car which is over 10,000km
He wants a car in the next 12 months
I’m sure you’ve got more than 50K in that piggy bank of yours.
Go with a Tesla or new AMG, in the long run far better.
Why bother. Go straight to a 911.
911 thats rookie, just go ask verstappen if he will give you his F1 car
OP really likes the other 3 cars, especially Merc, than Camry and can afford it. If OP wants to buy 5yo Euro cars, so be it. I’m sure OP knows what to do. Let’s all vote Merc and end this poll
:P let's all vote BMW!
Why would you buy a used European car unless you're trying to impress people and make them think you're wealthy
None of the above. I would buy a Skoda instead ;p
get a second hand Lexus IS/GS/ES/Mazda 6 of similar age/mileage to the other European cars you listed
ES is a Camry. IS/GS though, is fun… The F Sport with 2GR…
Mazda 6 2.5T wagon is great too!
The ES is on a camry chassis and engine but does have a more insulated and better built interior with a nicer suspension too! A 2017 IS what I drive, with around 70k km can definitely be had for under 50k which I think is a great option.
I have a 2020 IS350 F Sport. Does the job, RWD and a 2GR… A good compromise from the MX5 and more forgiving than the GR Yaris, both ain't family friendly and had to let it go.
Alternate option considered was a 2020 V6 Camry SL, but it is a FWD. I would pick the Camry if it is RWD, and for the sunroof alone.
I'm still dreaming about an old ES that was both the quietest and most comfortable car I've ever been in - and that includes top model Merc and BMW
only prob is too big for my small carspace and no reversing cam
@Hangryuman: Though lexus IS is good but prices are inflated so much.. 2016 is350 going for 35 to 40k doesn't make sense…
@MXsoul: My cousin just sold the A250, first batch that arrived in AU.
Don't think anything is lost on the car. So, it is across the board.
Back in 2019, it was 46k on the road with "free" floor mats.
@Hangryuman: You can get reversing sensors (beeping kind) retrofitted.
Don't let your dreams be dreams!
$8k Accord Euro and $42k worth of mods. It'll be faster than all the options.
What a hero 🦸🏻♂️
It would still be front wheel drive, and now a deathtrap with poor handling.
If you want to have fun, import something unique from Japan, like this v12 mercedes
Porsche Macan with 150,000kms on it
50k should get you a higher trim Camry than the Ascent. May be stretch your budget a bit and get the highest trim SL with all the bell and whistles?
I wouldn't buy high km German car and I would not want to buy a used car at the moment.
w204 c63.youre welcome
if you want fast i’d look at a 2018-2019 golf R,
the merc c hasn’t aged well with its tiny screen
the audi is most modern on the bunch you have there if you are looking for resale.
once you go euro car, very hard to go back to others
yeah it'll be hard to go back because you'll go bankrupt and wouldn't be able to afford another car after everything breaks
i have 2 audis and they havent cost me much more than when we had the holden cruze.
probably $1-2k between maintenance and insurance.
i have had 1 maintenance issue in 6 years which was fixed under warranty so not sure why there is a perception that european cars break?
Yeah, you're right, your anecdotal evidence definitely must be right vs overwhelming public perception
@nigel deborah: if you read what i wrote, i said it does cost more but whether or not that amount is significantly more or not is a matter of opinion.
in my opinion, paying a couple grand extra to have a euro is worth it because the whole experience is nicer. the sound of the door closing isnt clunky, the plastics are hard and scratchy, the seats are nicer leather.
if you only care about getting from a to b then you shouldnt consider a euro car because you wont see any value in those unwritten features but i can tell you that the tech and fittings in my 2015 a6 (which probably goes for around $30k now) is miles better than any brand new toyota youll pick up.
"under warranty"
so they already break within warranty, I'm sure they'll last up to 200km's with no worries then :))
@bakemon0: anything with moving parts will end up breaking.
i cant speak to whether you will get 200k out of them, mines up to 130k and still going strong though
Euro cars aren't less reliable, they cost a lot to fix - in Australia. Import your own parts and the issue goes away for the most part. Mechanics like to charge more for work on a euro, as if they are more difficult to work on - if anything they are easier to work on than most Japanese cars.
Most people seem to forget how bad the locally made holden and fords were, because you can get them repaired for a case of beer.
I rented a euro car in 2018 from Hertz Frankfurt - turned out to be a SEAT Leon - I'd never heard of - but that was a rocket - I loved surprising Merc drivers an der autobahnen coming out of slow roadworks sections - I'd just tap the resume cruise control button set to 220kph and it would launch past hard-accelerating new Mercs who I could feel would then look over at me like 'wait - what ?'
I also loved the active cruise control with stop and go without touching the pedals - so I could drive for hours on the autobahn - slowing with cars in front for roadworks, stopping as necessary, crawling through roadworks with the car in front, then launching back to 220kph when the roadworks were clear - all without touching the pedal or buttons at all - but I'm told that's hard to find in OzTray Land … ?
220kmh wow
Wow. So sorry to say. But you really have bad taste in cars. Lol
If you're just trying to spend 50k then I'd suggest a Mazda 6 Touring (new), or go $2k more and get the GT SP trim level.
You've not said anything about usage, existing vehicle , your own mechanical ability to repair or maintain a car (for old Euros that'd come in handy) or a anything else to help with the decision.
While the Camry here is the favourite I'd never recommend one to anyone as they always have the worst drivers in them behind the wheel on the road.
Echo your thoughts re Camry drivers….
The latest Camry is actually a decent car and they've even started selling it in Europe again albeit in tiny numbers. The last few generations were just appliances to be honest and if that's all you want then fine.
The car that costs less to maintain.
ah - but a little bit of what you fancy does you good - eh ?
if OP has driven $#itboxes for years and now has spare ready to splash for entertainment - why not ?
I could splash for a very expensive car - but it would not give me pleasure
some of us get pleasure from saving money - others by spending on conspicuous consumption
I remember once standing on a street corner in Munich watching a Porsche driver do a full spinning wheel noisy burnout around the corner about a metre from me
I was looking kinda admiringly at this performance car roaring away, and glanced at the young local woman standing at the pedestrian crossing beside me - she screwed up her face looking disgusted and said something to the effect of '(profanity)' (with a small member)
so not everybody is impressed by the same things - and many are the opposite …
Agree that doing what makes you happy, despite it not being the most logical choice, can be the right thing to do. Problem is for OP that he's comparing poverty pack 5 year old euros to a top spec (for 50k) brand new Camry.
They'll be less exciting, more expensive, and arguably even less prestigious (new top spec vs 5y old).
Which one's more environmentally friendly and efficient? That'd be my answer. And reliable of course.
For German cars out of warranty, will cost you a bomb to maintain them especially Audi. Better stick to Camry for ease of mind. Why not buy BYD electric suv for under $50K.