What Daily Car to Purchase, Upto 30K Used or 50K Demo/New Drive Away

Daemos on 07/11/2023 - 21:03

We are looking to replace our 2nd gen fully loaded Mazda 6 liftback/hatch (facelift made in 2009), which has leather interior, dual zone climate, bi-xenon headlights, etc…

We want to upgrade to a newer car that's got more bells and whistles.

We want to spend upto $30K used (say upto 5 years old and less than 100K km.) or $50K for demo/new with most of the new car warranty, and ideally would like to be in the car prior to Christmas this year (might be difficult for some cars!)

Requirements:

  1. Similar or improved refinment to our current Mazda 6 (which is fully loaded, but not necessasry to have leather seats), as this car will be used to do everything from running errands to doing long drives of 600km+ in a day.
  2. Similar or better performance (accelleration. braking and handling) to our Mazda 6. Happy to upgrade tyres to PS4/PS5 level to help achieve that. Although, we are realistic that an SUV in our price range may not achieve better braking and handling.
  3. Wired or wireless carplay/android auto.
  4. safety tech like reversing camera or 360 camera, front/rear parking sensors and blind spot monitoring.
  5. HID or LED headlights (main and high beam), auto high beam or cornering lights not needed.
  6. reasonable fuel economy same or better as our Mazda 6.
  7. Good reliability, similar or better to our Mazda 6. We plan to keep the car for quite some time (7-10 years). We haven't had any major issues with our 6, only needed to do regular servicing, wheel alignments and replacement of wear and tear items. We will likely want to avoid Euro cars, as we haven't had great post-warranty experience with Euro cars.
  8. Sedan, wagon, hatchback or suv.
  9. If a small/med SUV is recommended AWD is a must.
  10. Automatic.

We don't need something as big as our 6, but we still want to be able to carry 2x full size luggage, 2x carry-on luggage in the boot while carrying two adults in the rear seat.

We've been looking at 2019+ Mazda 6 Wagon with the 2.5L turbo motor, the demo/new Mazda 3 sedan/hatch 2.5L, demo/new Mazda CX-30, new/demo Honda Civic (non-hybrid), 2019+ Subaru Levorg, used Subaru Outback 3.6R.

Would appreciate any other suggestions! We haven't had to buy a car in a very long time, but is haggling back on the table at dealerships (other than Honda)?

Automotive

Comments

  • boomramada on 07/11/2023 - 21:07

    We've been looking at 2019+ Mazda 6 Wagon with the 2.5L turbo motor, the demo/new Mazda 3 sedan/hatch 2.5L, demo/new Mazda CX-30, new/demo Honda Civic (non-hybrid), 2019+ Subaru Levorg, used Subaru Outback 3.6R.

    Which one you like the most and why?

  • SBOB on 07/11/2023 - 21:07
    +1

    We've been looking at 2019+ Mazda 6 Wagon with the 2.5L turbo motor, the demo/new Mazda 3 sedan/hatch 2.5L, demo/new Mazda CX-30, new/demo Honda Civic (non-hybrid), 2019+ Subaru Levorg, used Subaru Outback 3.6R.

    Mazda 6 or Subaru outback from that short list. I'd likely take the outback but you'll likely find a lower km/better condition Mazda 6 for the budget. Likely lower on going maintenance costs for the 6 also, and the Subaru is unlikely to better your existing fuel economy aspirations.

    Even though you say you don't necessarily need the size of the 6, the Mazda 3/cx30 would be a fair drop in rear seat room and luggage space.

  • MS Paint on 07/11/2023 - 21:13
    +4

    I thought the only car with all the bells and whistles and fully loaded is the MB A200 AMG Line.

    • DashCam AKA Rolts on 07/11/2023 - 21:23
      +3

      High yield investment vehicle.

    • boomramada on 07/11/2023 - 21:23

      That's my dream car , AMG Line šŸ¤¤šŸ˜Œ

    • pegaxs on 07/11/2023 - 22:08
      +1

      *I got that reference.gif*

  • moleski on 07/11/2023 - 21:23
    +5

    Definitely consider electrics, its all heading that way eventually. Great way to save on fuel economy.

    • MS Paint on 07/11/2023 - 21:25

      Great way to save on fuel economy.

      Which is offset by the exorbitant initial purchase price and running costs like insurance and expensive tyres.

      • pegaxs on 07/11/2023 - 22:30
        +5

        Dude, youā€™ve logged into the wrong account again. Youā€™re supposed to log into your jv account to make anti-EV comments.

        Initial purchase price is almost irrelevant. A new EV can be had for not much more than the equivalent specā€™d vehicle. The Atto 3 is only about $3k more than a similarly specā€™d Hyundai Kona or Tucson. Itā€™s close in price to a similar specā€™d RAV 4ā€¦ The new Seal is about the same price as a similar specā€™d Camryā€¦ so, no,t hey are ā€œexhorbitantlyā€ more expensive to buy that similar specā€™d vehicles.

        Insurance on my Atto 3 is $200 more expensive than what my Outlander was. BUT, to put it into context, my Outlander was $26,000ish and the Atto is $45,000. And as more and more EVā€™s get sold, there will be more incentives to hold more parts from importers, so as market penetration increases and stock builds and competition increases, prices will come down.

        And tyres? You run standard SUV tyres on EVā€™s. You donā€™t have to run fancy EV tyres. And even if you wanted to, they are fairly comparable in price to the equivalent in a standard tyreā€¦

        • bargain huntress on 08/11/2023 - 01:27
          -1

          But what about having to replace so many batteries every decade?

        • lunchbox99 on 08/11/2023 - 09:13

          I think the Atto 3 looks pretty good except for the "build your dreams" badge across the back. It's so cringe.

          At least the Seal only says BYD, which I could live with.

    • pegaxs on 07/11/2023 - 22:10
      +4

      100% thisā€¦ went and looked at the BYD Seal yesterday and for $50k drive away plus a $3k rebate in NSW, itā€™s a steal. I almost want to trade my Atto 3 in to get one.

      • moleski on 07/11/2023 - 22:11
        +4

        people knock BYD's becuase theyre chinese, but reviewers all agree its superb value for money

        • pegaxs on 07/11/2023 - 22:15
          +2

          Oh yeahā€¦ I know. But after seeing this Seal, I was literally blown away by it. The Atto 3 is good, but the Seal is just on another level. Bit pissed I bought the Atto 3 now that I have seen the Seal.

          • Hybroid on 07/11/2023 - 23:14

            @pegaxs: What blew you away to another level? Curious.

            • pegaxs on 08/11/2023 - 09:37
              +1

              @Hybroid: Just the build quality and how it was all laid out inside. Iā€™m a big man and I was worried that being a sedan, it would be a pain to get in and out and the sports type seats would cut into me. Neither was true. It was easy to get in and out of, there was heaps of head room, miles of leg space and the seats were comfortable, even on my big arse.

              I went in expecting Atto 3 finish, which isnā€™t too bad, but the Seal just looks like they upped their game again. Gone is that horrible Atto 3 dash lay out and fake leather and itā€™s replaced with much nicer feeling textures and colours.

              I wasnā€™t able to drive it, but it just felt right. Even the base model trim appears to be really good value as it is the same car as the top of the line, just without AWD.

              Once I sat in it and saw what it was like, I can understand why BYD are eating big chunks out of Tesla. If I was looking at a Tesla Model 3 and a Seal, no way would I consider the Tesla.

              • Euphemistic on 08/11/2023 - 10:02
                +1

                @pegaxs: I firmly believe the main reason Tesla has done so well is because itā€™s been pretty much the only choice. People want EVs and the market has been too slow bringing them out so weā€™ve been left with ā€˜one optionā€™.

                Now other players are coming online there is more choice and I reckon Tesla is going to lose sales to other brands rapidly.

        • 87percent on 08/11/2023 - 08:22

          Those door handles with the twist though?? Why?!

  • Gdsamp on 07/11/2023 - 21:24

    Camry Hybrid

    • kerfuffle on 07/11/2023 - 21:26
      +1

      He'll have to go used for that as you can't buy them new any more until the new model is released

      • Gdsamp on 07/11/2023 - 21:37

        Godspeed

  • Drakesy on 07/11/2023 - 21:44

    If electric - MG4
    If petrol - Haval H6/Jolion (7 year warranty and great interior) else Tucson, Sportage

    • pegaxs on 07/11/2023 - 22:14
      +1

      $50k, no way MG4, I would go the BYD Seal. Looked at it yesterday in the Alexandria superstore, and for $50k drive away, there is no way I would buy an MG4 over a Seal at that price bracket.

      In NSW, if you get your order in before 31/12, you are still eligible for the $3k rebate, making it a $47k car, and I thought the Atto 3 was a nice bit of kit for the price, the Seal is well over an above on quality and inclusions. The interior is soooo much nicer and so much better laid out than what the Atto 3 is.

      • Drakesy on 07/11/2023 - 22:33

        Sorry was thinking the $40k one, if you're getting close to the $50k mark yeah, the Seal wins hands down.

    • CheapandUsed on 08/11/2023 - 08:27
      -1

      As someone currently suffering with a Haval H6 as a hire car I absolutely do not recommend.

      Coming from a Mazda then Honda the Haval drives like a soft roader from the 90s with a digital dash.

    • geekcohen on 08/11/2023 - 10:00

      2nd the Tucson.

  • dwhes on 07/11/2023 - 23:12

    Which state are you in? If qld, buy a brand new Tesla model 3 from inventory for $51,636 drive away after $6k qld rebate. And some other states have rebates too but qldā€™s is the highest. Or if eligible to take out a novated lease, get one on a lease and it is entirely pre tax. Canā€™t access the $6k rebate though on a lease but the pretax payments likely end up the same or better savings across the life of the lease.

    • Daemos on 08/11/2023 - 17:25

      Not in Qld, but even if we did, we don't qualify for the $6k rebate :(

      • dwhes on 08/11/2023 - 19:18

        Depending on the state youā€™re in there may well be rebates. Wonā€™t be quite $50k but for the sort of car youā€™re getting, a great deal. And youā€™ll save a fortune on fuel and maintenance, which will make it cheaper than a $50k ICE. Or if you can get it on a lease you can pay for it entirely out of pretax. Iā€™d be checking the routes you drive and see if an EV is possible. Use a better route planner to see. With a Tesla you obviously have the greatest selection of chargers available to you.

  • Daemos on 07/11/2023 - 23:16

    Unfortunately with EV it's a bit difficult at this stage as there are times I need to drive around 600km or more in a single day to rural areas and back, if i didn't, I would 100% look at an EV.

    • Euphemistic on 08/11/2023 - 06:57
      +1

      How often do you need to drive 600 in a day and canā€™t afford a 30min much stop to charge? Do you go places where thereā€™s no electricity? Seriously look at what chargers are available wheee you drive.

      Either that or hold out for another couple of years on the 6 while charging infrastructure improves a little.

    • saltypete on 08/11/2023 - 08:13

      Worth having a look at the charging network for that trip before you strike an EV out, you may be surprised at how workable it is, considering the other advantagesā€¦

      • kerfuffle on 08/11/2023 - 08:27

        The problem with the charging network is that equipment is often not working

        • Euphemistic on 08/11/2023 - 09:24

          Have you got any real info on that or is it internet story time again?

          Have you been stuck several times without a charger?

        • saltypete on 10/11/2023 - 08:26
          -1

          It does seem to be an issue, but seems to be certain brands and places. Would be very irritatingā€¦. Iā€™m pretty sure the apps that give info ahead of time in most cases.
          The Tesla network seems to be most reliable, but I donā€™t think a Tesla is in OPs budget.

          • Euphemistic on 10/11/2023 - 08:29
            +1

            @saltypete: So itā€™s internet story time again. Donā€™t forget thereā€™s a lot of deliberate misinformation out there about EV and charging. Anti EV headlines are great for clicks and likes and not necessarily the truth.

            Iā€™d be looking for EV user groups to get the real story on charge infrastructure.

            • saltypete on 11/11/2023 - 08:33

              @Euphemistic: Yes, Iā€™m on a few EV user groups and non functioning chargers come up reasonably regularly. But given the increasing number of chargers available now Iā€™m not sure itā€™s a big deal in practice. Also, the reporting is much better now and even if some are not repaired quickly EV owners can get the info early and use another charger.

              Certainly hasnā€™t put me off ordering an EV now itā€™s time to change vehicles. Iā€™m looking forward to touring with it and confident I wonā€™t end up stranded anywhere. In OPs case Iā€™m sure they would find at least a few decent charging options for their regular longer trip and be able to work with it.

              Also mindful that the change to a fit for purpose energy system here in OZ presents an existential issue for oil and gas. These companies are using their resources to undermine the change (the cigarette recipe) to milk as much as they can before their market and influence diminishes. Im not surprised, but saddened by how effective the strategy isā€¦šŸ¤·ā€ā™‚ļø

              • Euphemistic on 11/11/2023 - 09:26

                @saltypete: I spoke to an EV user whose preference was for ā€˜earlyā€™ 10min charge stops at fast chargers rather than running full to empty to full. That is, stop when itā€™s convenient for a coffee or toilet break and charge a bit.

                Her example was when driving a distance around the range of her car to have 2 10-15min stops along the way and then would not end the journey with an empty battery and could hold off the full charge until the next day (or 2) with some range left at destination.

                • saltypete on 11/11/2023 - 11:07

                  @Euphemistic: Yes, the lower the battery level the more kW/h the charger shoves in, and things get slow after 80% or thereabouts. After a while it dawned on me that this leads to a strategy like your friendā€™s on a trip. By the time you have a wee break, stretch your legs, maybe get a coffee etc the fast charger will be messaging you to unplug and get moving.
                  Leads to an interesting and profitable business model for small businesses tooā€¦.

                  • Euphemistic on 11/11/2023 - 11:50
                    +1

                    @saltypete: Yep. Just a quick stop for 40-80% charge or similar. Very quick.

                    Itā€™s just a change in the way we travel and does really bode well for travel stops if they provide charge infrastructure

  • sumyungguy on 07/11/2023 - 23:31

    Unusual to be shopping in the range of $30ā€“50K, but seems a later model pre-owned 6 would entirely fit your use-case, assuming you enjoy driving your current one? We used to have one in the work fleet, it was a fabulous drive.

    • Daemos on 07/11/2023 - 23:36

      Why is the range strange?

      $30k is the limit we want to spend on a used car.
      $50k is the limit we want to spend on a demo/new car.

      • sumyungguy on 07/11/2023 - 23:40
        +1

        Most purchasers have a notional budget and choose either new or pre-owned. You have two figures $20K apart… unusual. $50K will buy used luxury euro or Tesla Model 3 Long Range, less depreciation loss if you choose carefully.

        • Euphemistic on 08/11/2023 - 09:29
          +1

          While itā€™s unusual, it kinda makes sense.

          Notionally have $40k to spend. Would stretch it a bit for a new car with warranty if the vehicle is right. Then, if there is no suitable new car donā€™t want to risk the full amount on a used car with potentially no warranty.

          My recent purchase was notionally 4-5yo but ended up looking at much newer cars with warranty and spending more as I felt the warranty and extra safety features were worth it.

  • Kongzi on 07/11/2023 - 23:41
    +3

    BYD šŸ’Ŗ

  • Euphemistic on 08/11/2023 - 07:00
    +2

    Keep the Mazda for another 1-2 years then go electric.

    600km in a day with a planned charge stop for lunch should not be difficult to achieve if you really consider electric. Not many people actually drive 600km without a couple of comfort stops and planning your stop around a charge shouldnā€™t be a big hassle.

    • geekcohen on 08/11/2023 - 10:00
      +1

      offtopic question

      Yes it is, start your own thread and not highjack someone else's.

    • pegaxs on 08/11/2023 - 10:16

      MG3…

      *rings bell*

      NEXT!

  • geekcohen on 08/11/2023 - 09:56

    Look at the Hyundai Tuscon N Line Diesel (don't get the petrol, they are gutless in terms of performance I am told). $55k brand new. My wife has one and it is great.

  • apple2016 on 08/11/2023 - 10:13
    +1

    Skoda Octavia wagon - presumed as unreliable, but my skoda hasn't missed a beat in 10 yrs. now has 7 year warranty / 7 yr scheduled servicing. so hopefully no issues for 7 years. about $55-60K depending on the options you go for. much better drivers car with almost all bells and whistles you are looking for.

  • Thirtyfourfifty on 10/01/2024 - 19:01

    What did you get mate? Ive got a similar situation in terms of budget - second hand market seems like a rort so leaning toward new.

  • vinaricee on 10/01/2024 - 22:10

    Not real specific model but at this day and age I wouldnt get anything 100% petrol, try to get at least hybrid. You will be amazed by how much you will save on fuel.

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