Looking to Buy Either Mercedes GLC 43 AMG or Audi SQ5

LKiller Inc on 27/02/2023 - 15:54
Last edited 27/02/2023 - 16:01 by 2 other users

Hi OzBargain family.

I am debating between the new Mercedes GLC43 AMG vs Audi SQ5

Context - looking to buy SUV, budget 100-130k.

I did test drive BMW X3m40i but not feeling it, Volvo XC60 B6 but I don't think it is worth the 100k ish price tag. Looked at Macan S/ GTS - Porcshe sales suggest that the boot in Macan might be a bit small, better to go with Cayenne or Cayenne S/ Cayenne E-hybrid. RSQ3 - Audi is not taking orders, due to a supply shortage. I've driven a Porsche Cayenne over 10yrs ago, it is a great car without a doubt and fairly reasonable to maintain but fast forward to the 2018-2019 2nd hand price is around $120-$140k with 20-30k on the odometers.

For the price range around 100-130k ish, I'm leaning towards a new car due to the current market, 2nd hand / near new are a similar price to new cars.

As much as I prefer Audi myself but I'm a bit concerned about the Turbo Diesel resale of SQ5… and Merc dealer's customer service is such a snob compared to BMW, AUDI or Volvo.

I would like to seek some owners feedback from Merc or Audi owners.

Thanks

Poll Options

  • 39
    Audi SQ5
  • 125
    Merc GLC 43 AMG
Automotive Audi Car Mercedes-Benz SUV

Comments

    • Killer Inc on 27/02/2023 - 17:34
      +2

      Yea if only China would expore more of the EV's overseas.

      Secondly, I'm not ready for an EV due to Australia lack of charging infarstructure and long wait time to charge!

      Im staying away from Range Rover due to its reliability which is worst than the German cars.

      • Drakesy on 27/02/2023 - 17:38
        +2

        Im staying away from Range Rover due to its reliability which is worst than the German cars.

        Yep, agreed Range Rover has a horrendous reliabiltiy, but i've also had friends wtih Mercs and Audis and they've both had terrible times with failed transmissions, turbos, you name it their car had it.

      • us3rnam3tak3n on 28/02/2023 - 21:10
        +2

        Nice to have a charged up vehicle in the driveway every morning though. Unless you do a lot of long trips I suppose.

    • WT on 28/02/2023 - 11:57
      +1

      yea but fk elon, that guys a scammer since his paypal days

  • Keplaffintech on 27/02/2023 - 16:34
    +11

    Mercs are certainly better all-round, but more expensive.

    I think anyone suggesting an EV or a Tesla has never sat in a Merc (or a Tesla). Refinement and quality is another level entirely. There are now Kia/Hyundai's that can beat Tesla in refinement/quality.

    • Killer Inc on 27/02/2023 - 17:35
      +1

      Thanks for the input

      Tesla-built quality is hit-and-miss. and plain as!

      Yea Kia's EV6 GT offers amazing performance at $100k price tag :\

      • omguleh on 27/02/2023 - 20:56
        +3

        If I’m going down the EV route I would consider the Polestar 3. On paper and images it looks to be a winner.

        • Killer Inc on 28/02/2023 - 11:06
          +1

          yea i do like Polestar.

          however, not ready to jump into EV now

  • Bid Sniper on 27/02/2023 - 16:43
    +8

    Have you considered a 2004 Toyota Camry?

    • Killer Inc on 27/02/2023 - 17:36

      Nope, I am after an SUV and please don't say Rav4

      • websterp on 27/02/2023 - 17:47
        +7

        don't say Rav4

        Kluger?

        • bdl on 27/02/2023 - 18:16
          +7

          Corolla Cross

        • Killer Inc on 28/02/2023 - 10:51
          +1

          facepalm

      • Gustavo Fring on 27/02/2023 - 20:29
        +2

        Lexus NX

        • Killer Inc on 28/02/2023 - 10:52
          +2

          CVT gearbox is the main kill joy of driving!

          • OzFrugie on 28/02/2023 - 19:42

            @Killer Inc: I read that it's not traditional CVT but eCVT or something which is better (?)

        • ThadtheChad on 28/02/2023 - 22:43

          I know they finally upgraded their travesty of an interface as part of the 2023 range.

          Having said that, their RX350 Sports Luxury AWD or the RX500h are bloody expensive - and are within touching distance of GLC 43 or SQ5 when you consider on-road costs.

          Given the lack lustre performance, a minimum of 6 months to almost a year of wait time, and finally a lot of reviewers questioning some of the design choices made, I had to shelve the thought of a Lexus for our next car.

      • brettski on 28/02/2023 - 18:43
        -1

        Easy then, second hand CX-5. Job done.

      • Hackney on 02/03/2023 - 17:23

        Craptiva?

  • sumyungguy on 27/02/2023 - 16:44

    I'd lean towards the one that can be purchased on my Centurion Card

  • ozwog05 on 27/02/2023 - 17:05
    +8

    Canyonero or go home.

  • Ryanek on 27/02/2023 - 17:18
    +10

    Get a Genesis GV70 instead

    • Killer Inc on 27/02/2023 - 17:37

      what is the resell like? I'm kinda 50/50 but never look into it

      • OzFrugie on 28/02/2023 - 19:43

        Want to know resale of genesis also
        Not very well known here

        • Commander Shepard on 02/03/2023 - 00:49

          I think you would be looking at a solid 50% depreciation over 3 years for a GV70. They will definitely be on my radar in a couple of years. I love the overall design inside and out.

  • coffeeinmyveins on 27/02/2023 - 17:23
    -1

    For the price range around 100-130k ish, I'm leaning towards a new car due to the current market, 2nd hand / near new are a similar price to new cars.

    Yeah except you'll be waiting for one to three years for a new car, no?

    • Killer Inc on 27/02/2023 - 17:26

      Yes if you want to spec the car

      There are also pre-spec cars available already on the way to Aus, wait time is around 2-4wks

  • Killer Inc on 27/02/2023 - 17:24
    +2

    Hi All

    Thank you for the input and got a few good feedbacks, and I do expect some smart As5 responses but this is part of the fun in the forum! :D

    I have test-driven Tesla model 3 Perf and X, yes they are great as an IPAD on wheels but I'm not committed to getting an EV due to a lack of charging infrastructure.

    I can get Solar and install home chargers but on the road and the idea of waiting 30-40mins a charge is not appealing to me.

    I will consider EVs as a second round-around city car in future.

    If not Merc, what other Euro brand would you recommend?

    Must have - AWD Performance SUV- because I am not a fan of driving anything smaller than a 2ltr turbocharged or CVT gearbox on an SUV weighing almost 2 tons.

    • brendanm on 27/02/2023 - 17:35
      +1

      CR touareg r line. V8 turbo diesel. Will have to be used though, they stopped making them in 2021 I believe. Lots of goodies.

      • Killer Inc on 27/02/2023 - 17:39

        My hesitation is Turbo Diesel..

        similar situation with Audi SQ5.. both Touareg and SQ5

        SQ5 is amazing to drive, acceleration for a Turbo diesel pulls like a Petrol car with 700nm of torque

        • brendanm on 27/02/2023 - 18:00
          +2

          What's wrong with diesel? Touareg has 900nm.

          Also, from memory, Macan should be about the same size as q5, so not sure why they said it would be too small.

          • Killer Inc on 28/02/2023 - 11:05

            @brendanm: Yea on paper both boot space is 500ltrs, but SQ5 cabin is bigger n rear opening is wider compared to Macan sloppy back

      • sumyungguy on 27/02/2023 - 18:12

        Land Rover Defender 6-cyl, if you can get it in Lego it's a classic

        • Killer Inc on 28/02/2023 - 10:28
          +2

          i get the vibe of Rover Defender but man.. I'm not intend to take it to garage every few months

          • sumyungguy on 28/02/2023 - 10:30

            @Killer Inc: I think the new one is doing OK, but agree the brand is tainted by the older model Defenders and Discos

    • Gunnar on 27/02/2023 - 17:55

      How long do you plan on owing the car? Just out of warranty or for quite some time?

      • Killer Inc on 28/02/2023 - 10:10

        4-5yrs probably..

        At this stage, learning towards new car, and most of them comes with 5yrs warranty n servicing

    • p1 ama on 27/02/2023 - 20:53
      +10

      If not Merc, what other Euro brand would you recommend?

      Not being a "smart As5", but why does it have to be Euro?

      The Genesis GV70 / GV80, or Lexus NX / RX are competitive, if not superior, to equivalent Euro cars.

      I presume that you've never actually lived in Europe - these brands that you're referring to, BMW, Audi, Mercedes - they're not considered "premium" brands there - if you go to Germany, a Volkswagen is like a Kia and a BMW is like a Toyota. They're all brands that your grandma will drive.

      On top of that, the SUVs are bottom of the barrel cars for all these manufacturers - they're just releasing the cheapest crap they can to sell it with their name badge. You think Porsche really cares about the Macan when they can sell you a 911? Nope, it's just a rebadged Audi Q5. Lots of plastic parts, overcomplicated engineering and scarcity (meaning a lack of trained mechanics and parts) means they become a nightmare to maintain.

      Get a Genesis or Lexus and you'll get the best of the best from two of the world's largest car manufacturers. Get a GLC A43 or SQ5, and you're buying a cut-down car from manufacturers who would rather sell you a S-class or an RS7.

      • coffeeinmyveins on 27/02/2023 - 22:00

        Not being a "smart As5", but why does it have to be Euro

        Because advertising has made us believe that getting a euro car and spending $15k a year to maintain it is the pinnacle of success

        I also love how every BMW has "m sport" on it now and there's the 2 series and 4 series. Totally dilutes the meaning of performance to stick those badges on a car like that

        • thrillhouse on 28/02/2023 - 08:03
          +1

          To be fair the M2 Competition is a car absolutely worthy of the badge.

          • Killer Inc on 28/02/2023 - 10:27

            @thrillhouse: Test drove an M2 comp 2wks ago.. a great car.. just not the right time for now :\

      • Killer Inc on 28/02/2023 - 10:26

        Firstly Genesis is not on my radar and still not sure if I wanna pay a premium for a Korean Lexus

        Lexus - I've driven RX350 n IS350, great car but boring and the drawback is the CVT gearbox - it sucks the life out of it. and not as exciting to drive compared to SQ5.

        I get VW groups in Euro are equivariant to our Jap/Koreans, but this is my preference to go with Euro over Jap / Korean cars.

        SUV is for my partner, not my car of choice, i would pick C63, RS4/M3 etc..

        Gearbox plays a huge part.. Im after a DCT/DSG or ZF..

        • Drakesy on 28/02/2023 - 13:53

          Yet the Audi or a Porsche is a rebadged VW (Which is the unreliable euro equivalent of a Toyota over there).
          Definitely take the Lexus/Genesis over this, the Genesis is more than a rebadged Korean car, the interior and styling are second to none. I mean it was designed by the guy who did the Bentley Bentayga.

        • p1 ama on 28/02/2023 - 16:12
          +5

          Firstly Genesis is not on my radar and still not sure if I wanna pay a premium for a Korean Lexus

          Why is "Korean Lexus" derogatory? Again, not being a "smart As5", but everyone I know with a Genesis is super happy with their car, and when I test drove the G80, it actually felt like sitting in an S class. One of the executives where I work (on a 7 figure salary) just put an order in for an electric G80, so it's hardly a poor man's car.

          I get it if you're buying an S class or a AMG GT, but, my brother, you're literally buying a GLC A43, so hardly in any position to be putting down a Genesis GV80.

          I get VW groups in Euro are equivariant to our Jap/Koreans, but this is my preference to go with Euro over Jap / Korean cars.

          Sure, but you want to make sure you're not buying a Merc rolling off the plant in Beijing, China then. Korean Lexus sounds a bit better than Chinese Mercedes, right?

          SUV is for my partner, not my car of choice, i would pick C63, RS4/M3 etc..

          Then pick up a Toyota Kluger or something as the family beater and get a C63/RS4/M3 as your weekend / track / meet car.

          Just honest advice - I don't get the whole "premium SUV" market - SUVs are meant to be practical cars that you bang up, go offroading with, knock the bumper when you're loading up shit in the rear, have kids kicking around in the back leaving footprints on the back of your seats and food crumbs all over the seats, and you jumping in after a fun family hike with muddy shoes and a drenched rain jacket.

          Don't get something precious, just get something that'll always be there for you when you need, and keep the fun for the weekend M3 :)

          • Killer Inc on 01/03/2023 - 09:30

            @p1 ama: We only got space for one car at the moment, hence why I want a powerful-ish engine and she gets the SUV part. hence we end up looking for "sporty" SUV

            i know there are Kluger, Lexus NX300 etc but we are after a Euro car.

            Closes going off-road would be drive up to the snowy mountains.. / majority of the time would be city round around.

            Once we got more garage space, will look into my own car

            • p1 ama on 01/03/2023 - 12:39
              +2

              @Killer Inc:

              I want a powerful-ish engine and she gets the SUV part. hence we end up looking for "sporty" SUV

              So basically you want a car that you can blindly stompy stomp on the accelerator and feel like more of a man?

              I personally don't get this obsession with KW, but hey, you do you. If it were me, I'd spend a bit less on the SUV and get something like an MX-5 that I can take to the mountains and to the track on a weekend.

              How much fun a car is to drive is how much speed you can carry into corners. SUVs are too heavy, have too high a centre of gravity, and won't have stiff enough suspension. Take it on a track or on a winding road in the mountains and you'll have to go super conservative on the brakes otherwise you lose the rear. If your metric of fun is stompy stomp on the accelerator, you've not really driven IMO.

              but we are after a Euro car

              I'm curious why - like what about a Euro car makes it more appealing to you? Can you list some of the features you're after that may not be available in a Lexus / Genesis or otherwise?

              If it's just about where they're produced, then I'm also curious what your thoughts are on a Chinese-produced Mercedes? We're rapidly moving towards cars being assembled in countries with lower labour costs. The reality is that European car manufacturing won't survive long (just like Australian car manufacturing didn't).

              • xdigger on 01/03/2023 - 13:34

                @p1 ama: Agreed mostly, but have you ever tried a EV SUV? Tesla Y, BMW iX3 or IX, etc

          • 900dollaridoos on 01/03/2023 - 11:52

            @p1 ama: Dam, I learnt more from your two comments than all the car posts I've ever read on here. Can I please hire you later in the year to tell me what car to buy?

        • ThadtheChad on 01/03/2023 - 09:07
          +1

          I found Genesis to be top shelf quality and arguably better than Lexus in terms of interiors and driver interface. The only reason I was a bit hesitant is due to after-sales support in Australia, being a relatively new entry into the market.

          One very important thing to note, is that the car market is proper fked in Australia due to overtaxation and the scam that is "Luxury car tax". We are paying a segment/several segments over what the actual market positioning is. For instance, the money you'd be spending on the SQ5/GLC43, you'd be able to get a 2020/2021 RS6 wagon for that in most places (which is an incredible car). As a direct consequence of this, a buttload of variants/interesting cars don't make it to our shores.

          To cite an example of the second class nature of our market, I've been given to believe from Kia sources that there are about 5 EV6 being sent to Australia in 2023. Yes, 5.

          There is also this pervasive anti-euro sentiment, that honestly isn't justified. Furthermore, things like the JD Power report/rankings conflates minor electronics issues as a like for like for major failures.

          Buy whatever makes you happy mate!

          Personally, I'm very keen to see what Kia and Genesis release in terms of EVs in the future as they iron out the kinks in their platforms and rival Toyota/Lexus in terms of reliability with the contemporary tech/cabin experience of Euros.

          Disclaimer: We currently own two euros and our experience has been very good - not a single fault in the decade of ownership. We do preventative maintenance as well as ensure service intervals are adhered to.

          Just honest advice - I don't get the whole "premium SUV" market - SUVs are meant to be practical cars that you bang up, go offroading with, knock the bumper when you're loading up shit in the rear, have kids kicking around in the back leaving footprints on the back of your seats and food crumbs all over the seats, and you jumping in after a fun family hike with muddy shoes and a drenched rain jacket.

          Different strokes for different folks. There is a market for premium SUVs largely due to a whole range of reasons, which has definitely been evidenced by the sales figures. Personally, for us, it was allowing us to combine a premium ride/in-cabin experience while giving us the benefits of an SUV like elevated ride height, more in-cabin space (allows for older parents to easily get in/out; put the bub in the baby seat etc). We have no intention of taking our vehicle offroading - for such one-offs we'd rather hire a Landcruiser/Pajero.

          A wagon/allroad would tick most of the above boxes, but the ride height and vertical space is still the same as a sedan.

          • p1 ama on 01/03/2023 - 12:47
            +1

            @ThadtheChad:

            There is also this pervasive anti-euro sentiment, that honestly isn't justified. Furthermore, things like the JD Power report/rankings conflates minor electronics issues as a like for like for major failures.

            I wouldn't say it's anti-Euro sentiment, it's just a reality of our market that we're close to Asia, making Asian cars relatively better value and Euro cars relatively worse value than they otherwise already would be.

            FWIW, I've owned an Audi and was very happy with it - however, objectively assessing the options, I prefer Japanese / Korean cars. I also much prefer to have the indicator on the right - to me, left hand is my shifting hand, right hand is my driving hand.

            Disclaimer: We currently own two euros and our experience has been very good - not a single fault in the decade of ownership. We do preventative maintenance as well as ensure service intervals are adhered to.

            Yes, but had you owned two Japanese / Korean vehicles, you'd likely be equally happy and not have any faults either. It's not that Euro vehicles are shit, it's that their value proposition isn't great especially at the budget end. The reality is that a premium Toyota / Hyundai / Kia is better than a cheap Mercedes. I'd buy an S class, I wouldn't buy a A class. Similarly, I'd buy an RS3, but not an A3.

            There is a market for premium SUVs largely due to a whole range of reasons, which has definitely been evidenced by the sales figures. Personally, for us, it was allowing us to combine a premium ride/in-cabin experience while giving us the benefits of an SUV like elevated ride height, more in-cabin space (allows for older parents to easily get in/out; put the bub in the baby seat etc). We have no intention of taking our vehicle offroading - for such one-offs we'd rather hire a Landcruiser/Pajero.

            Ehh, the majority of the drive for SUVs is just having a bigger, bulkier, more substantial car than your neighbour / friends / cousins / other families (whatever your closest comparison is).

            All in-cabin experiences in SUVs are shit compared to a real luxury car like an S class. Elevated ride height is just uncomfortable (can't take corners as quickly). SUVs are fat, but have limited legroom because their wheelbase is shorter than sedans…etc.

            • ThadtheChad on 01/03/2023 - 14:03

              @p1 ama: Definitely appreciate your inputs and the well reasoned explanations behind them.

              I'll readily confess, aside from a random smatterings of hire cars in the form of Toyota Camry/Pajeros/ASX/Tucson Sport/RX350 and a few others, I haven't had much in the way of prolonged usage/exposure to Japanese/Korean cars. I found their cabins very basic and utilitarian and in the case of the Camry (hybrid from 2021), I hated it from the moment I sat in it.

              Definitely agree on the value proposition bit, as I mentioned, we are getting absolutely rogered in terms of pricing; second hand market doesn't suffer as much since the LCT is done away with. This also means that anything expensive brand new takes a giant depreciation hit when it moves to the second hand market.

              Ehh, the majority of the drive for SUVs is just having a bigger, bulkier, more substantial car than your neighbour / friends / cousins / other families (whatever your closest comparison is).

              Perhaps, but heavily dependent on demographics. For us, the rationale behind getting a premium SUV was what I posted.

              All in-cabin experiences in SUVs are shit compared to a real luxury car like an S class. Elevated ride height is just uncomfortable (can't take corners as quickly). SUVs are fat, but have limited legroom because their wheelbase is shorter than sedans…etc.

              Sure. That is the focus of the S-class or the A8 etc. If you want an SUV (for reasons mentioned above) with very nice cabins that are super comfy, the SUV has a bit of grunt under the hood and engaging to drive, I don't see why these wouldn't tick all the boxes. As you mentioned, the GV70/80 are also competing in this space and are excellent options as well… and personally I was eyeing the 3.5T AWD. :D

          • oceans on 01/03/2023 - 18:03
            +2

            @ThadtheChad: On the topic of Audi wagons, I would consider the Audi RS4 (which has the same family of engines as the Macan GTS) and a bigger cargo area. 40 mm lower ground clearance than a Macan that your partner may not like but I think size/dimensions is better experienced in person than by numbers. With most cars having cameras/sensors then parking is easy so the ride height could be about seeing ahead on the highway. Here are more left-field suggestions that the person above has alluded to.

            RS4 is also 200 kg lighter than Macan which could be in your favour should you prefer to have a 'sporty' car. There is also B7/B8 generation etc of V8 RS4 (since you like the visceral experience) which is pricey to maintain but can be your 'beater' car to have your dogs sitting in the back as you drive through your back roads. Lexus GSF also is up there in price and the used values remain high.

            Left field - Cupra Formenter VzX should meet your 200kW power output requirements, though may need to consider kW/tonne to normalise with all the different models.

            Formenter is not a big car by numbers (I think a bit bigger than a golf and same length as a F22 ) but appears bigger

            • ThadtheChad on 01/03/2023 - 23:01

              @oceans: Hey mate, sorry I'm not OP. I would love to get an RS4 or even an RS5, but sadly the pockets are nowhere as deep.

              Our next vehicle in ~5-10 years will definitely be an EV.

              • oceans on 02/03/2023 - 09:23
                +1

                @ThadtheChad: Sorry, I meant to reply to the OP and not you specifically. A V8 or any iconic engine would be great but pricey in 2023 and most likely pricey in the future because of maintenance or retained value. Agree that for a lot of people, the next car could be an EV but will be interesting to see how the market pans out. Whether we will use renewable energy for EVs and focus on battery technology which is also resource-dependent or diversify energy options for transport which some car companies are hedging.

        • Chael Sonnen on 01/03/2023 - 10:22
          +1

          Just out of curiosity and I know it's your preference, but what's drawing you to Euro cars? Is it just because "Euro" just sounds more expensive, is it their design language, their engineering, etc?

      • hayne on 02/03/2023 - 22:28

        Let me preface this statement by saying that Japanese (and increasingly Korean) manufacturers make great cars and no question that no country makes cars as reliable as Japan. There - that’s out of the way.

        I’ve lived in Europe. It’s a misconception that Mercedes, BMW and Audis are like Toyotas and Kias there. That’s ludicrous - they’re not. Germans are proud of their long history and reputation for making some of the world’s best engineered cars. What cars do you think are premium over there? They’re not buying Japanese and Korean cars in volume.

        The difference is - yes, you can get a low-specced Mercedes with cloth seat and no bells and whistles. But you can also go all the way up and get a luxurious Merc/BMW/Audi.

        No self-respecting German is going to suggest a S600 is just a Kia.

    • ReaperX22 on 28/02/2023 - 13:30

      Sooo it's not quite full performance.. But it's, okay performance? Some torque when needed..

      Kia Sportage Diesel GT? 2.0T Diesel - apparently doesnt really sound 'bad' like youd expect a diesel, normal auto. Lots of tech, spacious. It's likely my next car tbh.

      • Killer Inc on 28/02/2023 - 13:33
        -1

        Not interested in Kia Sportage Diesel or Petrol.

        I need an SUV with 220kw or more

        • ReaperX22 on 28/02/2023 - 13:47
          +3

          Don't think anyone NEEDS over 200kw lol. But fair enough.

          Would you consider a touring style car? Like a wagon? Kinda SUV space ish without the tallness.

          Golf R Tiguan was mentioned but there's also a Golf R Wagon. 235kw Petrol.

          • Killer Inc on 01/03/2023 - 10:30

            @ReaperX22: i prefer a car / wagon over SUV but this is a compromise for the partner.. and we only got 1 car garage at the moment. i want powerful engine, she wants SUV..

            Tiguan R can consider..

    • xdivino on 01/03/2023 - 14:21

      "yes they are great as an IPAD on wheels but I'm not committed to getting an EV due to a lack of charging infrastructure"

      Do you drive more than 300km per day? How often are you road-tripping? Valid reasons, would only really be an impact if you road trip only over say school holidays.

      Even 90% charge is approx. 400 Km's in a Tesla generally speaking, if you even got home at 20%, you'd get it back up to 80-90% in an overnight scenario on a regular plug.

      I think too many people don't realize how EV's only have a bit more worry on longer road trips which to be frank, loads of people don't do or rarely go long distance. I just check hotels for a plug or charger now and get more bang for buck with essentially free "fuel". It's a breeze to drive on highways with autopilot.

      If the EV charging infra is your only concern, then get a long range M3, spend a little to get a slightly higher-powered charger (15/16Amp) in your garage and the no maintenance and lower fuel costs make a solid difference.

  • harshbdmmaster718 on 27/02/2023 - 19:12
    +1

    Ford F-150.
    Enough of this German hogwash.
    Murica!
    https://youtu.be/psLm_Uwh3oc

  • CrazyBargainCatcher on 27/02/2023 - 19:42
    +1

    NGL buying a car rn seems a little silly (unless you need one urgently), you pay over retail and a couple years down the line everyone will be driving EV's as ICE cars will no longer be able to be sold in the EU from 2035, which will probably be the same sooner or later around the world.

    • CurlCurl on 27/02/2023 - 20:43

      a couple of years?

      • harshbdmmaster718 on 27/02/2023 - 23:39
        +1

        a couple of years?

        It's just what they say.

        Tesla said "self driving coming in 1 year" and it never happened. So they just keep saying, "it was actually 2 years, no 3, no 4".
        So yeah they said 1 year but it's going to actually come in 10 years lol.

    • Killer Inc on 28/02/2023 - 09:15
      +1

      I am after a car for 4-5yrs max.. will consider EV as a second city run around.

      ICE will be around for a while and 2035 is a long way to go and hopefully Synthetic fuel will be ready to keep ICE alive

      • McSquintus on 01/03/2023 - 09:33

        I just hope resale isn't significantly less in 4-5 years for ICE cars, particularly the pricey euro ones.

  • KaTst3R on 27/02/2023 - 21:39
    +3

    Merc dealer's customer service is such a snob

    As long time driver of Mercs (3 different cars), can confirm this and servicing is overpriced. Although reliability wise, i never had any major issues other than standard wear and tear. Perhaps im a lucky customer.

    Im moving the opposite direction from you. My next car is likely a Porsche or EV or maybe a Porsche EV.

    • Ade99 on 28/02/2023 - 08:09
      +1

      Similar issues with Merc servicing…always feels like you are an annoyance and paying through the nose for the privilege too. So no longer use them.

    • Killer Inc on 28/02/2023 - 09:14

      Thanks for sharing your experience.. good to know..

    • boomramada on 28/02/2023 - 14:01

      From where I'm, I found Audi service is the worst. Merc and BMW are not so bad, there are no surprises but Lexus is the best.

      • Killer Inc on 28/02/2023 - 15:42

        i got mixed reviews from existing owners

        Audi provides good after-service,
        Merc - still snob / average CS
        BMW - good
        Lexus - good

        • boomramada on 01/03/2023 - 11:13

          maybe you need to own a $200k Merc for some attention lol
          BTW, Merc do comes with 5y warranty, probably need that when cars there days are fully electronic.

        • maverickjohn on 01/03/2023 - 11:18
          +1

          As a BMW owner, Parramatta BMW have been amazing with their customer service. I also have 5 years free servicing. Just find your parts separately if they identify anything.
          I know you're an Audi fan and this is anecdotal but all my friends who own Audi's have regretted it as they become too expensive to maintain after the 5 years (which is what I know you will hold the car for). I think BMW have come a long way since the days of their poor quality. And perhaps that is because they have partnered with the police force… I don't know but their build is pretty reliable

          • hayne on 02/03/2023 - 22:32

            @maverickjohn: Just to clarify - when you’re referring to the police force - are you suggesting that Australian police buying a few BMWs has influenced BMW Germany to redesign their cars and improve their reliability?

            Or are we referring to another police force somewhere else that buys BMWs in bulk?

            • maverickjohn on 03/03/2023 - 06:02

              @hayne: More the other way around, I didn't word it the best but police force would have done some rigorous testing on available cars before deciding on a contract. BMW are fairly reliable hence them uptaking them as the euro car of choice.
              My car is 3 years old now and works a dream still. Will see how it goes for a while longer. But the car has not given me any grief at all. Best car I have driven to date.

              • Euphemistic on 03/03/2023 - 07:09

                @maverickjohn: 3 years old is not a gauge for reliability. Come back in 7-8 years or closer to 200,000km.

                Car should be able to be kept running without costly issues for 10 years and 200,000km.

                • maverickjohn on 03/03/2023 - 07:12

                  @Euphemistic: I understand that hence why I said I'll wait a bit more but initial impressions are really good compared to other cars I've owned eg Ford's Renault's Honda etc

          • Euphemistic on 02/03/2023 - 22:39

            @maverickjohn: The Aussie police force turn their vehicles over pretty quick. They’d likely get rid of them before problems start to arrive. Along with that, they’ve likely got a contract to have them serviced and maintained to a standard at a fixed cost.

  • DavoTheGreat on 28/02/2023 - 09:25
    +1

    Whichever brand of these cars you go with, find an independent mechanic who has an ex-master tech of that brand on staff. That way you'll get access to the brand-specific knowledge without the dealer service centre's unwillingness to do anything.

    • Killer Inc on 28/02/2023 - 10:05

      Thanks for sharing this, yea definitely will hunt for a local Euro specialist

  • Lookingforabargain on 28/02/2023 - 12:46

    Tesla MYP brand new delivered in six months or if you can bump up to $250 Tesla Plaid S delivery 2024/2025

    • noz on 28/02/2023 - 13:09
      +1

      Or delivered from Tesla Inventory in a couple of weeks..
      https://www.tesla.com/en_AU/inventory/new/my?FleetSalesRegio…

      • Killer Inc on 28/02/2023 - 13:25

        need a car no later by June/July this year.. and not ready to go EV yet

        • noz on 28/02/2023 - 15:36
          +1

          You would get it before June if ordered from inventory .. but yes fair enough about not being ready for EV. I don't slam anyone's choice. There are pros and cons with both EV and ICE.

          • Killer Inc on 28/02/2023 - 15:43
            +2

            @noz: yea good point..

            Exactly.. plus i wanna enjoy the last of ICE cars before it fades away..

        • od810 on 28/02/2023 - 16:21
          +1

          To be honest, i wouldn't worry about charging so much if you get a Model S Plaid or Performance, it can last for so long that you need a break to charge anyway. Not sure about you, but i cannot drive for over 4 5 hours continuously.

  • Millikano on 28/02/2023 - 13:12

    Worth looking at a Tiguan R for value and better space.

    Worth considering a Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 which will give you more space and performance and still around $130k. Ride is awesome in those and it’s a hybrid so good around town, but still 5.3s 0-100 AWD.

    • Killer Inc on 28/02/2023 - 13:27
      +1

      Tiguan R is a good option, might check it out.

      I've looked at XC60 starting at 80k, basic spec add on, already 101k.. XC90 starts at 130k before any options -_-. I'm giving Volvo a miss this time..

      not sure if Volvo is worth that much either. :\

  • maverickjohn on 28/02/2023 - 14:08

    You definitely want to stick to combustion?
    I drove the ix3 and really enjoyed it.
    Battery is a little lowish at around 350km but very pleasant driving experience

    • Killer Inc on 28/02/2023 - 15:35

      Ev infrastruture is not that great, plus charging time takes too long.

      Also, I would only consider EV in 4-5yrs time.. not now!

      • maverickjohn on 28/02/2023 - 15:53

        Lol fair enough.
        I thought I'd chuck that into the mix. I'm just hoping they release a long range variant and then I'll jump on it. It's definitely my next car purchase. Just need the battery to last over 500km

      • keejoonc on 28/02/2023 - 16:51
        +1

        Do you seriously do that much driving daily to worry about charging infrastructre and charging time? Complaint about charging infrastructure and having to install a home charger is the most common excuse thrown around by people who actually never owned an EV. For most people, you don't even need a home charger. Charging from the normal power point is more than enough to get you back upto 100% charge every night, if that's what you desire. Most will only need to charge once or twice a week depending on how much driving they do. Why would you need to install solar just because you have an EV? Unless you have a battery to store the solar production or you are home during the day, solar won't do you any good. Charging from the grid is still infinitely cheaper than paying at the bowser.

        • Killer Inc on 28/02/2023 - 20:32

          Ok put side lame as EV excuses.

          Why I want ICE cars? because I love noise and emotion from an engine, EV cars are soules.

  • CRS34 on 28/02/2023 - 14:11
    +1

    what didnt you like about the x3 m40i?

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