Looking for Car Advice - Used or New - Budget $20k- $35k

Lpluggle on 17/08/2024 - 20:09
Last edited 18/08/2024 - 18:22 by 1 other user

I was looking at the MG ZS EV Excite MY23 - from $34,990 ($28,990 after rebates) but was told that EV cars changing too much lately, and MG has reliability issues.

I went to the used car dealership and everything within the $20k price range seems to have very high mileage (~150k-200k). For a Toyota Corolla 22 with 60k KMs, it was $30k and new (24) would be $36k. I'm planning to take it for a test drive. At that price range, I checked the forum, and it seemed that people preferred the Corolla over the Kia Cerato/Hyundai i30.

Ideally, I'd like to spend towards the lower bound, but it seems that the inflated used car market makes buying new more appealing. Do you have any recommendations on used cars/cars within that price range above?

Automotive Car

Comments

      • Paul Atreides on 22/08/2024 - 09:59
        +1

        I test drove a Ferrari, and I found it too abstract. Ultimately I went with a Toyota Camry.

  • IndigoHarlequin on 18/08/2024 - 09:09

    Consider a brand new Haval. Mine hasn't missed a beat, with a 7 year warranty.

    • Poor Ass on 19/08/2024 - 10:14

      H6?

      • IndigoHarlequin on 20/08/2024 - 09:04

        I went with the Jolion.

        • Poor Ass on 20/08/2024 - 09:17

          hybrid or regular petrol?

          • IndigoHarlequin on 22/08/2024 - 19:58

            @Poor Ass: Regular. I got the "old shape" before the facelift, Premium edition for 27k drive away. 7 year unlimited k warranty.
            Honestly so happy with it.

  • valuer on 18/08/2024 - 10:17
    +2

    Perhaps, in the long run, it would be better to spend the money on a car made by an ally. Buy a KIA.

  • ColtNoir on 18/08/2024 - 10:47

    You’ll need an older used car to find one that doesn’t have high km. For example myself, I have a 2019 Mazda cx-5 with 60k on it and I’ll likely sell within the next year or two. Currently worth around $25-27k.

    It’s unlikely anyone selling a car within 2 years is only going to have 30k km and sell for a big discount.

  • Legoncy on 18/08/2024 - 20:53
    +4

    Pretty sure the new i30 sedan hybrid is around 35k if that's of interest to you.

  • Danger on 19/08/2024 - 09:06
    +1

    Skoda Octavia 110TSI. You can get a 2021 model for $25k. Sedan or Wagon

  • Brianqpr on 19/08/2024 - 10:35

    We bought a Mazda CX30 recently, $35k drive away. Very happy with it. We did look at some of the cheaper brands (MG, Chery etc) but weren't convinced.

  • TightAl on 19/08/2024 - 10:59

    Unless an EV fits your lifestyle well, get a run of the mill Corolla hybrid 2023.

  • WoodYouLikeSomeCash on 19/08/2024 - 11:09

    Have a look at a Haval H6 or Jolion.

  • Cyphar on 19/08/2024 - 12:43
    +1

    I bought a used 2023 Suzuki Ignis for $19k. Had 800km on the clock so basically brand new. Absolutely love it for city driving. I was going to buy a Suzuki Jimny but when I did some city driving in it, I wasn't all that happy with it, but it handled great on my off-road tests. Unfortunately the wife veto'd it so when we drove the Ignis, we both loved it and I've been very happy with it too. I have 2 kids, both over 6ft, and they fit in the back row very easily with room to spare. It's amazing how much room there actually is in a car so small.

    It's an ultra-small SUV too so if you are wanting a higher profile car, it's a perfect fit. You can buy it new for $25k. Only problem is next year's model will be their last as they wind up the line. Fortunately by then it'll be out for nearly 10 years and spare parts should be plentiful.

    • ntt on 19/08/2024 - 20:30

      I don't like the look on the side and back of the car. Suzuki should re-design this for a very long time ago

      • Cyphar on 19/08/2024 - 22:24

        It's an iconic design at this point. I personally love it. It's the reason why it looks small outside but is amazingly spacious inside. Regardless next year's model is the last so they won't be changing it. It'll be replaced with the Fronx.

        • ntt on 20/08/2024 - 13:20

          we have Suzuki at home so I agree with you about how small they look from the outside but big inside. I'm just not a fan of the design of the side and the back of Ignis, the front one is nice though.

    • Euphemistic on 20/08/2024 - 15:32
      +3

      ultra-small SUV

      Your having a laugh. Its just a hatchback.

  • ayum1 on 19/08/2024 - 14:18
    +6

    Honda S2000

    • casho on 19/08/2024 - 15:18
      +8

      ah a man of culture and vtec

    • imurgod on 20/08/2024 - 16:28

      Iconic machine

    • Commander Shepard on 20/08/2024 - 17:39

      I sold my S2000 recently. Amazing car. But seems very overvalued now compared to a ND2 MX5s etc.
      Looking at the long term. I probably should have kept it (it had under 50,000kms). But it was time to move on to something else.

  • HappyPuppies on 19/08/2024 - 15:33
    +2

    You are going to get 'advice' from alot of very insecure people. That advice is typically more about making them feel better than to give you sound counsel. Look to the data instead - MG is established in australia (might be one of the top 10 brands), there are alot of new MGs on the road, and for $29k for a ZS EV with 10 years manufacturers warranty is incredible value.

    • Cyphar on 19/08/2024 - 22:25

      The problem is the long term warranty hasn't been tested given they haven't been around long enough to prove it. Time will tell how that turns out.

  • aquavires on 19/08/2024 - 15:46
    +1

    I was looking at the MG ZS EV Excite MY23 - from $34,990 ($28,990 after rebates) but was told that EV cars changing too much lately, and MG has reliability issues.

    That's a bit like saying "laptops and phones are changing too much lately". It's true, but it's just a sign of technological development.

    If you want useful feedback about a particular car, look through Facebook groups like MG4 Owners Australia or MG ZS Owners Club UK & Europe (I didn't find an Aussie group for the ZS EV). Hear from actual owners about what they love and what they hate, rather than listening to someone with an opinion but without experience.

    This article might also provide insights: "What I wish I’d known before buying an electric car"

    Happy car-hunting!

    • pluggle on 19/08/2024 - 19:17
      +1

      I don't necessarily agree that it's the same, because laptops and phones have hit a natural plateau where the advancements between each generation aren't a big enough improvement to warrant any concerns/upgrades.

      I'll definitely have a look at those forums. The article was an interesting read (the one where he uses it as his daily driver in outback WA). Definitely ignorant about cars, that's what I'm looking some opinions!

      • aquavires on 20/08/2024 - 14:16

        @pluggle You're right, laptop/phone development is plateauing while EV development is taking off. Mainly though, I was trying to say: Just because there will be a better version in 2 years' time doesn't necessarily mean it's not worth getting now.

        Yes, I was impressed with how folks can make it work smoothly in the outback! City-dwellers have even less to worry about.

        Another forum worth visiting for opinions/recommendations is Electric Vehicles for Australia. People often post their requirements (price, size, daily usage patterns, etc.) and get recommendations that fit the bill.

  • lddv04 on 19/08/2024 - 19:05
    +1

    Mitsubishi ASX. Drove one for 12 years without a hiccup, just ordered another one! 10 years, 200,000km warranty. Not exciting but reliable and affordable. And still made in Japan.

  • AlanHB on 19/08/2024 - 20:01

    I went to the used car dealership and everything within the $20k price range seems to have very high mileage (~150k-200k).

    Check Facebook or Carsales, you can find countless examples of i30s and Mazda 3s with less than 100k on the clock for less than $20k.

    • ziggy1312 on 20/08/2024 - 06:11
      +1

      Check Facebook or Carsales, you can find countless examples of i30s and Mazda 3s with less than 100k on the clock for less than $20k.

      Yeah dealers have to have their margin and cover stat warranty so they need a few k over the private market.

      • AlanHB on 20/08/2024 - 06:21

        That's true, though I suspect you could still find some examples at dealerships. I suspect OP is actually limiting their search to cars made in the last 5 years, as there tends to be a decent drop in price when cars exit the manufacturers warranty.

  • justgooddeals on 20/08/2024 - 08:31
    +8

    MG is the 7th largest seller of cars in Australia in 2023.
    MG is not some small player. Last year they sold more cars in Australia than Nissan, Volkswagen, Subaru or Honda.
    SAIC the parent company of MG made over 5 million cars last year
    SAIC motors is in the top 10 largest automotive company’s in the world .
    They have invested massive amount of money in setting up shop in Australia. Have 90 strong dealer network.
    Their not going anywhere. Anytime soon.

    For the budget minded buyer the MG ZS EV at $28900 (in Queensland) is damn good car at unbelievably good price. Your getting an EV at the price of an ICE car. No more buying petrol at $2.20 litre. With 10 year warranty hard to beat. They’re nearly sold out anyway.

  • Roe Jogan on 20/08/2024 - 14:04
    +1

    nissan leaf for around 20k go electric petrol is expensive (made in japan)

  • Gina Rinehart on 20/08/2024 - 15:51

    I would strongly suggest you give a new i30 and Cerato a drive. A lot of car for the money and very practical/reliable. You can probably fork out for the slightly not base model versions too for a lot more features.

    I personally just don't think the gamble on an MG is worth it. They lure you in with the price tag but there's a reason there is always so much debate about them. If you can convince yourself that it's fine then it probably is fine, but personally I wouldn't go there.

    • Mibo on 20/08/2024 - 23:42

      You can't even get a new base model i30 hatch now, only n-line models. They made in Czech Republic now and the cheapest model is $36,000 before on-road costs.
      The cerato is on it's way out as well with Kia replacing it with the K4 at the end of next year.

      • Gina Rinehart on 21/08/2024 - 00:59

        Wow yeah I didn't realise that. You can get the sedan but I guess many would prefer the hatch (fair enough). Not great then.

  • imurgod on 20/08/2024 - 16:32

    Get an old BMW. What could go wrong?!!

    Seriously though, I have a client with a bunch of BYD dealerships and even though I am a European car snob, I have to say I was pretty blown away by how nice those BYD are.

    Even the fit and finish was way better than I'd expected.

  • Fayble1212 on 20/08/2024 - 17:18
    -2

    Id check www.carexplore.com.au for comparative reviews

  • SaintMamas on 21/08/2024 - 12:59

    Go old - Gen 4 subaru liberty, wagon even if you're into them as they're extremely practical. Can be had for 8-15k. Sure, spend a few thousand on maintenance if you have to but they'll last forever. Km is not the be all-end all, more to do with how they've been looked after.

  • mecusherb on 21/08/2024 - 14:38

    Haval?

    I used one as a hire car, seemed fine.

  • inrover on 21/08/2024 - 14:52

    Get a base model MG4 EV (if it suits your use case)

    Range of ~320km
    Rear wheel drive
    LFP battery

    I own one so AMA.

    • klaw81 on 21/08/2024 - 16:20

      Seems to be a nice enough car, but a bit more than OP wants to spend at $40k starting price.

      • inrover on 21/08/2024 - 16:40

        $6k rebate from QLD government is still available.

    • Poor Ass on 22/08/2024 - 10:14

      is that the one that goes 0-100 under 3 seconds

      • inrover on 22/08/2024 - 10:26

        No, that would be the MG4 XPower which is AWD and about twice the price.

        MG4 51 Excite is the base model.

        • Poor Ass on 22/08/2024 - 10:33

          how much ya buy?

  • PerthMan96 on 21/08/2024 - 16:51

    is their a benefit in getting an electric car if you live alone with 23 solar panels basically paying your bill , over buying an engine that could fail and need constant repairing while spending $100 per 1.5 weeks on fuel?

    • klaw81 on 21/08/2024 - 17:32

      That's not bad, as far as rhetorical questions go.

  • pepto on 21/08/2024 - 19:37
    +1

    I went through this last year and ended up with a 2 year old Renault Koleos for 25k.

    Basically a Renault badged Nissan x-trail made in Korea with better interior but considerably cheaper due to the relatively bad impression that Renault have in the market. As this is exactly the same drive train as the x trail it has the same high level of reliability and I get mine serviced at the local Nissan dealership with no issues.

    Have a look at one, you might be surprised at all of the features they have the last model x-trail didn’t including apple car play, heated seats, cameras, leather seats in the base model etc.

    The new model x-trail has all of this but is considerably more expensive.

    • OzPeter on 07/09/2024 - 02:08

      Good choice!

  • cheesecactus on 21/08/2024 - 21:22

    For that price you'd be crazy to not get the ZS EV with its 10yr warranty.
    I spent more on a ZST ICE car and it hasnt skipped a beat in 1.5yrs. The ZS/ZST australian fb pages were helpful in steering us away from the base model ZS as the engine is super gutless (to the extent it can be dangerously slow off the line and create dangerous situations when merging or crossing traffic).
    Got the turbo model for a couple grand extra and havent had an issue whatsoever (other than Android auto being a laggy at times, and the lane keep assistant making bongs frequently, but that can be turned off).
    Cant imagine the EV will have those issues, but check the owners pages for real world feedback.

  • Cachew on 29/08/2024 - 16:15

    I bought my 2018 CX3 sTouring (Petrol, I heard the diesel have some issues?) at the tail-end of the 'car-flation' for 24k (low km) and I love it.
    I hated driving before I got it, but in it I feel comfy and safe; it's a very fun drive. Only problem is it looks a lot bigger than what it actually is, so if you have kids, maybe look at the CX5? According to RedBook they've gone down to 20k now.
    I'm not going to sit here and list everything I like about it, but I very much recommend testing one if you're able as I've become a shill for Mazda ever since I tested mine.

    Let us know what you end up going with!

  • JaymeRyan on 01/09/2024 - 08:35

    I purchased a corolla sports 2019 model (brand new) and it is working great, it is a small to medium size car with space at the back, decent for its size. There is enough room for five people to fit, however, I am of Asian heritage so maybe give it a test drive. I purchased Toyota due to its reputation of being reliable, and we had a lot of Toyota's in the family.

    Toyota does financing and at the time their rates were very competitive, 3%. (Average was around 8-13%).

    I recommend corolla if you are into reliability, affordability and the size is right for you.

    However the Toyota collora could be too small for some people, for example, if you are tall, you want not like the sitting in the back.

    If you are lucky enough to travel and rent hire cars, usually you will get the small cars and it will be easy to get a feel of the cars.

    I have hired a few of the Chinese cars, and although they look nice, I don't think they perform well, especially when driving past 110km per in the highway up north.

    GWM is the better one, but my sample size is less than the digits on my left hand.

  • OzPeter on 07/09/2024 - 01:19

    Go for Honda CRV 5th gen facelift, with around 50k run.

    2020 Honda CR-V VTi-LX Auto 4WD

    Fuel economy in the city just under 10L. More space and more fuel efficient compared to Mazda CX5!

    Forget about Carolla and Kia Cerato or i30, they are just overpriced with noisy cabin on highway….

    You get leather trim, panoramic sunroof, 4WD, more inside space, Honda Extend warranty, extra 3 years and low fuel economy for it's SUV size.

    https://www.honda.com.au/owners/honda-extend

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