Medium Sized Car for $20K

Crossgates on 05/10/2024 - 14:45

The time has come to chop in my 2 seater for something more practical.

Ideally looking at a small/medium wagon or medium/large liftback, petrol or diesel, a reasonable turn of pace (sub 8 sec 0-100 or there abouts), not horrific fuel economy and up to $20k.

Not looking at sedans as you can't fit large boxy things in the back due to the design, and I have no need or desire for an SUV.

Current shortlist is:
Octavia VRS wagon
ZB Commodore RS liftback
Mondeo Eco boost liftback
… and that's about it

Octavia seems a better buy than a Golf or Audi wagon, the ZB stands out as great value though the switch gear does feel a bit cheap and naff. I have considered Volvo V60 D4/T4/T5 but unsure how reliable they are overall, also harder to come by. Megane GT-Line wagons look nice but only come with a disappointing choice of engines. I'd consider a Subaru Levorg but the boxer engine and CVT put me off.

Anything I have missed?

Thoughts/comments welcome.

Automotive Car

Comments

  • DashCam AKA Rolts on 05/10/2024 - 15:04
    +6

    In with NO to Eurotrash.

  • Murkymerv on 05/10/2024 - 15:23

    I couldn't recommend any European car unless you personally knew the original owners , and even then parts are sometimes more expensive than their Japanese counterparts. What ever you decide , pay for a check on all facets of the vehicle.

  • brendanm on 05/10/2024 - 15:38

    Passat TDI wagon.

  • rodericb on 05/10/2024 - 16:01
    +1

    I would look at something like a Mazda 6 wagon. Or even a Commodore VF wagon.

    • Crossgates on 05/10/2024 - 16:52

      The 6 is a consideration, I have thought about VFs but fuel economy is poor even on the smaller 3.0 V6s, and they still have timing chain issues

  • JIMB0 on 05/10/2024 - 16:10
    +5

    Current shortlist is:
    Octavia VRS wagon
    ZB Commodore RS liftback
    Mondeo Eco boost liftback
    … and that's about it

    I take it that reliability is not high on your list of requirements.

    • Crossgates on 05/10/2024 - 16:51

      Would you care to recommend a reliable car that meets my requirements?

      • JIMB0 on 05/10/2024 - 17:22

        Toyota Blade

        • Crossgates on 05/10/2024 - 17:24

          An imported JDM hatchback with a thirsty V6 from a Camry is not quite what I was after

          • JIMB0 on 05/10/2024 - 17:27
            +1

            @Crossgates: That's the best I could come up with off the top of my head. You didn't specify no JDM. The slightly higher fuel consumption and insurance would be nothing compared to the thousands you'd spend on fixing euro trash.

            I'm sure with some research you could find something more suitable.

  • Gdsamp on 05/10/2024 - 16:29
    +2

    Make me a market for OP posting euro car money pit thread in June 2025

  • SBOB on 05/10/2024 - 17:02
    +4

    Mazda 6 wagon.
    Had one, and would likely tick all those boxes plus the 'lower maintenance and more reliable' one you left off that wish list.

  • GordonD on 05/10/2024 - 19:22

    Went onto CarSales, selected hatches, and up popped a Skoda. I thought that's not a hatch. But it was. Just one disguised as a sedan with a two part hatch that you could open like a sedan boot, or lift up like a hatchback. I never knew they existed. And it had a decent engine. And, man, was it cheap.

  • Commander Shepard on 06/10/2024 - 00:38
    +2

    Megane GT Wagon. I have the hatchback and its a great car. Aftermarket parts like rotors can be a bit more expensive. But overall an excellent car. And I reckon you could get this example for well under 20k.

    https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2017-renault-megane…

  • SYLTB on 06/10/2024 - 07:12
    -1

    Buy once, buy a VAG car.

  • Nugs on 07/10/2024 - 06:57

    Why not a boxer engine?
    .

  • Thirtyfourfifty on 12/10/2024 - 19:53

    Mazda 6 wagon or a levorg at that pricepoint. I am and plus 1 on the "avoid european cars outside of warranty" train

  • Techie4066 on 15/10/2024 - 17:15

    Megane GT-Line wagons look nice but only come with a disappointing choice of engines

    Megane IV GT Line has a 1.2, GT has the 1.6 shared with the Clio RS. The GT is the one you'd be looking for (0-100 in 7s plus 4-wheel steering etc).

  • bhubb18 on 15/10/2024 - 21:39
    +1

    M135i if you want a rocket, but they may be a little small.
    Octavia RS is pretty sweet. I test drove one recently as I'm looking to get something a bit bigger than my M135i haha. Nowhere near as nice as the BMW BUT cheaper and newer.

    Euros are scary if / when things go wrong, but they're not all terrible. Get it inspected by a euro specialist, I would recommend.

    Volvos seem cool (especially the 5 cylinder ones) but again a bit scary haha.

    Theres a few good Japanese options (Forester XT maybe, or an import legacy / local liberty wagon) too.

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