New Family Car - Large Family Car Vs SUV?

Llatinamorena on 15/11/2014 - 23:18

Helping my sister out deciding which car to buy, hopefully my fellow ozbargainers can help out with some advice!

They're looking to spend $30K max on a new car (1-3 years old), main features they're looking at are reliability, fuel economy, low running costs, spacious as her hubby is tall and they have 2 kids, good resale value (in case they want to sell in 5 years and upgrade). She was originally looking at buying a 2014 Toyota RAV4 but I read somewhere that the car service, tyres, spare parts etc for SUVs are a lot higher than for large family cars so I mentioned this to her. Someone also mentioned in a blog that the boot space is almost the same in an SUV than in a large family car. 4WD feature is not necessary as they're not the off-road type. Large family car they were looking at was a Toyota aurion (think they like Toyota as it's quite reliable) but was put off but fuel consumption…

Just wondering if there are any mechanics on here on anyone else who knows about cars who's able to give their 2 cents worth on suvs vs large family cars and which one is good?

Automotive

Comments

  • modsec802 on 15/11/2014 - 23:20
    +3

    Mazda6: very fuel efficient, capped price servicing and good resale value.

    • RightplaceRontime on 16/11/2014 - 23:57
      +1

      capped price servicing may only apply to 'new' cars and not second hand/second owner, as I've learned from some friends at qwork who've recently bought Toyotas.

      • [Deactivated] on 17/11/2014 - 11:59

        Not the case for Mazda or Hyundai iirc. What Toyota says appears to contradict your workmates:

        Toyota Service Advantage cannot be transferred to any other *vehicle and remains with the vehicle for the full duration outlined above, regardless of ownership.

        https://www.toyota.com.au/owners/service/service-advantage/t…?

        • ozf1 on 17/11/2014 - 16:21
          +1

          I was also told by a friend that the capped servicing agreement was only for the first owner,looking a the statement you quoted, perhaps Toyota have changed that recently.
          Perhaps it used to be only for original owners. Also, the capped [rice servicing does not apply to all cars/models. My parents and inlaws bought a Corolla and Aurion respectively, and I know they asked, but their cars were not part of the capped price servicing 'program'.

        • [Deactivated] on 17/11/2014 - 18:12
          -3

          @ozf1: Love a dollar for every time someone discovered "what they were told" or what they read on the internet was significantly wrong. Yes there are restrictions - primarily, in the case of private use cars, on the age of the vehicle. Details of fixed price servicing are generally available on vehicle manufacturer websites (I've been looking for our next car for the last 6 months and fps is a major buying point) so why take the word of someone else who may be mistaken or have been misinformed/fobbed off by an uninformed salesperson? Information is power, anecdote and misinformation is thin ice.

  • airzone on 15/11/2014 - 23:59
    +2

    You can get some front wheel drive "SUV's"… Such as the low end Hyundai ix35. It's much of a muchness really.

  • Cheeper on 16/11/2014 - 01:17
    +3

    I don't know where they got the idea the Aurion was not fuel efficient? Quite the opposite.
    It's a silky smooth powerful 3.5L V6 and they are very efficient, durable, reliable and cheap to service.
    I have the same motor in my SUV and it uses less fuel than our 4 cyl Camry, especially on the open road.

    It is very easy to check the price of servicings, tyres, etc on the net so do that before making a decision.
    Dealer servicings can be a total rip off.. some charge $500 + for just an oil change. Best to find a local trusted mechanic for such things.

    • Munki on 19/11/2014 - 15:00
      +1

      I get about 11.9km/litre doing metro driving on my Presara (2010 model). It's quite fuel efficient for a fairly oomfy engine.

      It was the first brand new car I bought and I didn't even bother with test driving it. Have not regretted purchasing it at all. It's a fantastic car.

      • Cheeper on 23/11/2014 - 15:25

        Wow.. I have to do some serious pushing to make my '12 2wd Kluger get past 10.5 city.
        Even towing a caravan its max was 14.

        • pakkapie on 21/12/2014 - 01:25
          +1

          We have 1 of each, an Aurion and a 2012 Kluger. 11.5L/100 from the Aurion and 13.5/14 from the Kluger in the city. Aurion has heaps more power and uses less fuel.

          Also at the time my new 2wd 7-swater Kluger was $39.8k, mats and protectors all round. Was really happy with this price new as 1 year old and overpriced 2-3 year old Klugers were only $2000-$3000 less at best.

        • Cheeper on 21/12/2014 - 02:58

          @pakkapie:
          They hold their price and the current models have bought with them a big price increase of $10k+.
          My 2wd KXR was $37k including towbar, nudge bar, weather shields, mats & a full tank.
          Major service cost a whopping $170 LOL.

  • grabngo on 16/11/2014 - 14:00

    Kia Rondo 7 Seater-Enough Space-Reliable-Decent Price-$29K

    • This Guy on 19/11/2014 - 12:06
      +4

      Sorry for the down vote.

      I have a brand new Kia. It is a lemon and the dealer is taking their time to fix it.

  • ozf1 on 16/11/2014 - 14:21
    +8

    I would forget about resale value, that is a lot of bull IMO. Even the luxury brands as BMW, Merc etc. only get you about 40% resale value after 3 years. So even look at those M3 and Q5s around that age, you'll be surprised.
    I would consider a Citroen C4 Grand Picasso, a new model just came out, so the old model is a great buy if you ring around dealers (Definitely something different, not a 'much of muchness' car).
    Find unbiased reviews, and you'll find a lot of people recommend People movers against SUVs, more practical (can literally turn into a van when rear sets folded down).than a SUV will ever be.
    The C4, brilliant safety wise, visibility incredible, hardly any blind spots from the A pillars (pillars on either side of front windscreen), diesel etc. look it up.

  • [Deactivated] on 16/11/2014 - 15:31

    Servicing and parts costs for most Euro cars is a joke. Stick to Ford, Holden (lower resale probably), or Japanese/Korean with fixed servicing costs and good warranty. Car of the Year awards are a good starting point. Also check whether the car requires premium unleaded which will add to fuel costs (you may get slightly better performance/consumption with the higher octane fuel).

    • RightplaceRontime on 16/11/2014 - 23:56
      +4

      Agree with your statement "most", not all. I've had Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Renault and Citroen. From experience in this, I'll tell you that the servicing cost is very similar, in particular if you take it to the dealers. A few years back, I was quoted $1200.00 for a timing belt service on my Hyundai excel, the Renault about 4 years later was $1400.00 or so. I ended up taking my excel to a local mechanic(who's business was later bought out by KFC, so he is no longer there), and paid $350.00 for a full service and timing belt change. That was at 100,000K I traded it in when it had 220,000K on the odometer. City/Jeep Hyundai (melbourne), at the time had tried to convince me that if it was not done properly it could damage the engine etc. It was a precision job that required their specialist skills, hence the price. Bollocks!.

      By the way Citroen does fixed servicing on new cars also, you'll find Toyota and co. only do fixed servicing for the original buyer. I know this as I work with three people who've recently purchased Toyotas. I am not sure if Citroens fixed service deal is transferable. They also have Australia's longest warranty… 6 years?, Mitsubushi may also do 5 or 6 not sure.

      Having said all that I would also recommend both the Citroen Picasso, but also the Mazda 6 (both these cars have had recent updated models), OPs friends will have a good chance of getrting a good deal on the runout models by ringing around as many dealers as they can.
      Do NOT stick to ford or Holden, look where they are now, there's a reason for that.
      Too many old views IMO. Toyota have had the most recalls of any car maker in recent history (roughly the last 5 years) look it up, you'll find out, their "current" reputation is in tatters.

      • [Deactivated] on 17/11/2014 - 19:00

        you'll find Toyota and co. only do fixed servicing for the original buyer. I know this as I work with three people who've recently purchased Toyotas.

        Definitely NOT THE CASE for Toyota as you can read above, and iirc also for Mazda, Honda and Hyundai but check for yourself.

      • PVA on 17/11/2014 - 19:35

        not true, Nissan also does capped/ fixed service costs on 2nd hand vehicles, I think a lot of people think that it is only new cars.
        Citroens capped price service is not real cheap though, going by a Citroen dealer its - $380 to $895.

        • ozf1 on 18/11/2014 - 18:48
          +2

          PVA, just to clarify my contribution. I only mentioned Citroen also does fixed price servicing, because juiced pixels brought this up, then posumbly,claimed" Euro car servicing and parts are a joke". I disagree with this, in my opinion, 'today' they all pretty much charge the same, possibly with the exception of the 'luxury euro brands'.
          I never actually claimed Citroen fixed/capped price servicing were actually cheap.
          As you can see if you've read further on this thread, I personally think this whole "fixed/capped price has become a joke" (admittedly I haven't researched ALL of the manufacturers fixed price servicing deals, so some may actually be very good).
          Once they narrow down their choices, OPs sister should enquire what the dealer/manufacturer fixed/capped price servicing actually cost.

  • roguescholar on 16/11/2014 - 15:41
    +1

    Here is some information that may help you in your search.
    NRMA - car operating costs

  • [Deactivated] on 17/11/2014 - 19:07
    -3

    Good news for Hyundai owners from Sept 1 2014.

    Hyundai has set a new benchmark for certainty in servicing costs.

    It has become the first car maker in Australia to offer capped price servicing on all its cars for the lifetime of the vehicle - and has even back-dated the program to include all models sold since the brand arrived Down Under in 1986.

    It means the guesswork has been taken out of servicing costs for more than 1.1 million Hyundai drivers across Australia.

    Hyundai's new servicing prices come into effect on September 1, 2014, and irons out the sudden jump in prices from service to service.

    • RightplaceRontime on 18/11/2014 - 00:07
      +3

      Well, too bad I didn't get to enjoy that on my 1997 Hyundai Excel.
      Before it turns into an argument, my contribution was mainly to help OPs sister/friend.
      I asked one of the guys at work about my recollection of what he told me, and he confirmed, that's what his agreement says. Again this is his hearsay, and I am repeating that. Am I going to bother to ask him to prove it to me, so ican prove it to others? No. Again "juicedpixels" brought up the point of capped/fixed servicing, and since OPs sister is after a second hand car, i decided to share what I 'know'. It'll be up to them to contact the dealer/manufacturer if what they plan to buy, has or is elligible for capped price servicing.
      BTW I have a Mitsubushi Ralliart Colt Turbo 2008, not aprt of Mitsubishi's Capped price servicing program, however my friend's newer Colt is part of it. I get to pay anywhere from about $350.00-1K. for major services, he pays I believe around $250.00 or $150.00 not sure for his services.

      At the end of the day, we are talking about cost, no matter what you call the service.
      Just look at the last phrase you posted from Mazda."the cost of each service still exceeds some volume rivals".

      • [Deactivated] on 18/11/2014 - 12:07

        The fixed price servicing environment has moved quickly over the last 18 months and that's one reason (there are others) why "hearsay" fails in this case. Competitive pressure's changing the game so you need to do your homework to make sure you have the latest (accurate) information.

        As you say each manufacturer sets the fixed price and they vary greatly but don't forget that there are qualified third parties which also provide fixed price handbook services, usually at considerably reduced prices over dealers. The trouble is finding the ones with good reputations (although they can't be worse than some dealers).

    • [Deactivated] on 18/11/2014 - 11:49
      -5

      Two Hyundai "haters" out there or just another case of imbecilic OzB negging encouraged by anonymity?

      [Deactivated] on 18/11/2014 - 11:49 (Collapsed - Offtopic. Show)
      • infinite on 18/11/2014 - 16:15
        +1

        Far more likely just a case of reaping what you sow.

        • ozf1 on 18/11/2014 - 17:23
          +1

          Agree, Possumbly defeats his/her own argument. Just read his last paragraph.
          It's turned into "I'm right you are wrong'.
          None of this is helping OP IMO.
          The whole point of "fixed/capped servicing cost" as I understood was to make it cheaper.
          One of Toyotas adds and stickers on 'some' cars in the showrooms, used to say $150.00 capped servicing. Thus was for all services (basic/full). As I understood it, the manufacturer, subsidised the dealer, to help get those sales in this ever growing market (I believe last year or the year before the record was broken in Australia for the most new cars sold, over 1 million!).
          Now I believe it's turned into 'just' another marketing tool.
          You may go in thinking fixed price servicing means cheap or "fair price servicing', and you may not even ask what the price is, but when you do a service, i'm sure nobody would be impressed when told -That's gonna be $500.00 thanks!.
          Heck, even Volvo do 'Free 3 year servicing on all new cars' offer from time to time. I nearly bit the bullet to buy an XC60 T5, but when I started reading the T&Cs, it only covers certain things. I wasn't impressed as IMO if you say it's Free, then make it Free. No conditions.

        • [Deactivated] on 18/11/2014 - 18:40

          Boo hoo Infinite. Comments are free so feel free to argue your case any time. If "you" want to post anecdote, hearsay or your "opinion" as an answer to someone's query the very least you can do is either qualify it or better still make a small effort to verify it. The internet has enough rubbish "opinion" without unnecessarily adding to it.

        • [Deactivated] on 18/11/2014 - 18:50
          -1

          @ozf1: you're a classic and my guess is you're one of the two anonymous neggers. Negging a cut and paste "factual" report on Hyundai servicing - does it get any sillier (rhetorical question)?

          One piece of advice I'd give anyone posing a question on the internet would be to totally ignore any comment starting with "I was told". Some make good points, mostly they contain poorly informed opinion. The internet is a fabulous resource - if you're prepared to use it and know how to sort the rubbish from the useful stuff. If in doubt go to the source - in this case the Toyota website.

        • ozf1 on 18/11/2014 - 18:59
          +2

          @Possumbly: You love to argue- "The internet has enough rubbish "opinion" without unnecessarily adding to it.".
          I hope you include your opinion in that statement as well. You come across as one of those "my opinion is mightier than though".
          "Boo hoo"- what's that about?
          "Two Hyundai "haters" out there or just another case of imbecilic OzB negging encouraged by anonymity?" - You do realise you are anonymous as well don't you, Im ozf1 you are Possumbly. Whoever you refer to in that stement quoted, you are now starting to call people names, "imbeciles" for using their right to neg.
          Did you anonymously "neg" my comment before posting your reply? I bet you did.
          Chill out, again, how is this helping OP in his/her request for help.

        • [Deactivated] on 18/11/2014 - 19:05
          -1

          @ozf1: I'm sure you understand my comment regarding the anonymity of negging. Perhaps not. I'm not calling anyone names pal. I stated my opinion that the action was imbecilic - particularly when "you" neg an (apparent) fact . Big difference, much like the difference between hearsay and verifiable fact. I'm only too happy to argue facts, particularly with people who post what their best friend's father's late cousin once overheard in a pub.

        • ozf1 on 18/11/2014 - 22:11
          +2

          @Possumbly: So 'YOU' are accusing me of negging you, but you didn't answer if you begged me. How big of you Pal!.
          Look at the response you are getting… Negged!.

          Night, Night!

        • RightplaceRontime on 18/11/2014 - 23:59

          @Possumbly: Dude, you are making accusations, and all you are getting is hate, and you still don't get it.
          You vz ozf1, he got "+3" in one of his his comments, you got "-3 " in one of yours. Admit defeat and move on. I don't think it's about the facts, but rather your delivery that's killing you, you'rea classic bad loser… :)

        • [Deactivated] on 20/11/2014 - 13:57

          @RightplaceRontime: the day I place any store in neggers is the day I know I've joined the entitled single white male under 25, live at home mentality. God forbid as they say. The idiocy of negging a factual post may be lost on you? What have I "lost" precisely? Your "respect" perhaps? Roflmao.

  • PVA on 17/11/2014 - 19:19
    +1

    being tall get them to have a look at a 2 year old holden omega. It will be the current new shape and will be really nice to drive and lots of room for the whole family. fuel economy isnt too bad, service and spare are good.
    I have one for work and they are pretty impressive (at home we have an xtrail which we love), don't just write it off, get them to take one for a drive.

  • [Deactivated] on 17/11/2014 - 19:20

    Here's Mazda's fixed price servicing deal according to Car advice.
    http://www.caradvice.com.au/298519/mazda-expands-lifetime-ca…

    Mazda has expanded its retroactive lifetime capped-price service plan beyond just the Mazda3 and onto the entire passenger and commercial vehicle line-up.

    Called Mazda Service Select, the plan covers the entire life of every Mazda vehicle, and also changes the increments of services from a rigid six-months/10,000km to as much as 12-months/10,000km, meaning low-mileage drivers aren’t necessarily forced into visiting their dealers twice a year.

    This plan also eases dealer congestion, meaning potentially shorter wait times for owners.

    The benefit of a capped-price service plan is surety for the buyer that each dealer has to charge a set amount for each service, rather than the dealers being able to adjust the price themselves.

    Most capped-price service plans cover between three and six years, making the Mazda offer an industry leading one, at least in that regard. Mazda announced the plan in January this year, but until recently only the new Mazda 3 was officially covered.

    Important also is the fact that Mazda Service Select has an element of retroactivity. In other words, owners of existing models purchased before today’s announcement can also get cover.

    The break-down is as follows: Owners of MX-5s from 2009, Mazda2s from 2010, BT-50s from 2011, Mazda 6s, CX-5s and CX-9s from 2012 and new-generation Mazda 3s from 2014 onwards all go onto this new plan from whatever odometer reading they’re currently showing.

    It is worth pointing out, however, that while the lifetime term of coverage is unmatched, the cost of each service still exceeds some volume rivals.

  • dan76n on 18/11/2014 - 00:43
    +3

    Take a look at the Mondeo TDCI Titanium.
    Same length as the Falcons but a tiny bit narrower.
    It's a 6 speed Auto with diesel engine which gets 1000km a tank on the hwy.
    Boot space is as big as it gets. Its a hatchback but looks like a sedan.
    I mention the Titanium as its the top of the line and has all the features.
    We purchased a 2009 model 2 years ago for my wife and it's been faultless. We forked out 2k to get the Ford extended warranty for piece of mind.
    I think this car is a hidden gem TBH.

    • ozf1 on 18/11/2014 - 17:06
      +1

      That is a very god suggestion, IMO you make a good argument ( i will admit I am not a Ford fan though, neither Holden, i'd like to think I try to weigh up as much of the market within my budget when I am in the car market, Ford, Holden build quality lost me long ago, was this always a local manufacturing issue? not sure).

      • dan76n on 18/11/2014 - 22:20

        I've owned a few fords and have to agree the build quality isn't that great but the Mondeo is actually made in Europe (Germany?). The Titanium is a class act.

        • ozf1 on 19/11/2014 - 08:03

          I think Spain actually, but I also read a while ago, they'll soon or may already be some China built ones also.

  • [Deactivated] on 18/11/2014 - 17:25

    You can get a passat for that kind of money can't you?

    • ozf1 on 18/11/2014 - 17:40
      +2

      Not being a smartalec, but you tell us, can you?
      I love the Passat CC, now only called CC, I know you can not get one of those 1 -3 year old for $30K (OPs brief).

      • [Deactivated] on 18/11/2014 - 23:39
        +1

        I think you can get the 1.4 Turbo Passat for under $30k brand new. Its a well equipped practical sedan, with a much more pleasantly tactile interior than a Jap equivalent. The 1.4 Turbo isn't a terrible engine either, the headline numbers might not be amazing, but the shape of the curve means the car is still drivable, and reasonably nippy.

        • RightplaceRontime on 19/11/2014 - 00:14
          +3

          The Passat 1.8TSi was $38990.00 RRP in 2011, so i am surprised that it is now under 30K brand new.
          I know as it was one of about 5-6 cars I was considering when I last bought my last car. I was too inlove with the $60K CC model, I could not settle for the std Passat. So I went elsewhere altogether.
          FYI at the time I considered Honda Odyssey, Nissan Maxima, Passat, Renault Koleos, Volvo XC60 and Citroen C4 Grand Picasso.
          I ended up with the Picasso (2nd place Wheels Gold car of the year awards-People mover), after test driving and weighing up the costs, the Citroen offered more than the others IMO, in particular it's direct competition in our list, the Odyssey. I couldn't justify/afford spending the sort of money for the Volvo or the Volks CC $65K and 60K at the time).

        • [Deactivated] on 19/11/2014 - 00:41
          -2

          @RightplaceRontime: I didn't say the 1.8

        • ozf1 on 19/11/2014 - 07:55
          +2

          @thorton82: I think RR means that at the time there was only the 1.8TSi for $39K. I looked it up, and this seems to be the case . Perhaps you mean the Jetta and not the Passat. The cheapest Passat is $36990.00, and there does not seem to be a 1.4, but there is a Jetta 1.4 (http://volkswagenaustralia.com.au/PassengerVehicleVariants/v…).

        • [Deactivated] on 19/11/2014 - 22:28
          -2

          @ozf1:

          Yeah, I thought they sold a 1.4 TSI in Australia for high 20's. Appears that is not the case.

  • RightplaceRontime on 19/11/2014 - 00:12
    +2

    OP, I forgot to mention the Nissan Maxima, this car won the 2011 wheels magazine Gold car of the year in its size segment (medium I believe). It has recently been replaced by the Altima. Wheels gave it a really good score, they weighed up cost of purchase, running cost, insurance, maintenance Depreciation, Fuel. I think it sits just bellow 30K brand new. Perhaps look online or go to your local library and look for the issue where they have this reviews, I amsure they do it every year.

    • ozf1 on 19/11/2014 - 07:58
      +2

      Wheels magazine are great, I always try to get the yearly (?) issue, when they do the Tyre test. I see Kuhmo use this as part of their advertising for finishing third!, as they beat some of the big guns in the tyre industry. It's a very thorough blind test, and a good read… for me anyway.

  • dtc on 19/11/2014 - 09:40
    +2

    The boot space in most SUVs is much smaller than mid to large sedans and much much less than wagons. SUVs are very upright and lots of height and width, but not much length - the boot suffers. Some are Ok, but some are really tiny. So check them out before assuming the boot is the right size for your sister.

    For wagons, I second the Mondeo suggestion. Its dated inside and there is a new model coming out early next year, meaning you can get really good deals on the current version. The titanium diesel (top spec) is RRP $54k or something, but easily found for $40k new and demos etc around $30k. So a lot of the depreciation is already built in. Probably the best handling car of this price range. There will be good run out deals coming up I suspect, in the next couple of months

    The Mazda 6 is also a good car but a fairly small boot in the current one, and the rear seat head space isn't great. The communications system has some flaws.

    The VF commodore is a great car but uses a bit of fuel. So its one you might look at if you can get a good deal - no point spending $5k more on a Mazda to save $3k on fuel.

    The other car worth looking at is the Skoda Octavia. You can get a new base model for under $30k and more up specced models for a bit over $30k. Unfortunately if you want any of the factory built options there is a considerable waiting time (up to 6months), but if happy with the floor stock then there are plenty around.

    The benefit of the Skoda is that its not too big for around town but is still a pretty good cruiser (a bit of road noise). The Mazda is much the same, but with a standard auto rather than the Skoda's DSG. The Commodore is arguably the best cruiser but a bit big/inefficient around town. The Mondeo is also a really good cruiser and not bad around town.

    Out of those 4 you can find the wagon that suits.

    As to SUVs I have no idea.

    As to sedans, the car to look at is the Camry hybrid. Under $30k I think, excellent fuel efficiency around town (why almost all taxis are now using the model), very large boot (not as practical as a wagon but very sizeable). Typical Toyota drive, not exciting or direct, but good enough I guess. Low priced capped servicing and Toyota 'reliability'. Also good resale value and insurance will be low (don't forget insurance costs - people save $50 on capped price servicing on a car that costs $300 more per year to insure…). The aurion is the more powerful brother, in a way, of the Camry - but still worth a look.

    And, of course, the Falcon XR/Falcon is a great car that you can get very cheap. Sure it uses a bit of fuel and isn't the most sexy or modern of cars but, again, if you can find a really good one for low $20k, you more than make up for the fuel and other costs.

    • ESEMCE on 20/11/2014 - 08:48

      Amen to this..
      We have a 2005 Magna Wagon and will probably own it until it dies cause all the new wagons (and the SUVs that have replaced wagons) are puny by comparison.

      I have a number of experiences where I've had an SUV/4WD owner tell me
      "you'll never fit that in there, I tried and it doesn't fit in mine"
      after which, I've easily loaded the item/s with space to spare.

  • kungfupanda on 19/11/2014 - 10:05
    +1

    Toyota Prius V
    It's 7 seaters and hybrid so fuel consumption is efficient.

  • FiDad on 19/11/2014 - 11:34

    Toyota Aurion would be my recommendation; its quite spacious for a Sedan. I have got a convertible car seat in the back but still 2 people can seat either of if with not too much discomfort. I purchased a 4 year old Aurion this Feb from the Toyota dealer with 3 year capped price servicing for $14k

    • ozf1 on 19/11/2014 - 20:32
      +3

      My in-laws bought an Aurion ATX about 2 years ago, Very Bland. I've driven it a few times, and ridden on it countless times. It does have a big boot and spacious enough, but boring. You got it at a good price though.
      I rather the Nissan Maxima or Mazda 6.

      • FiDad on 20/11/2014 - 12:27
        +1

        Yes quite Bland but I was fine with that. I was just looking for something reliable and good value for money for now. Next car I buy in 4-5 years time will probably we more extravagant but for now this suited my circumstances

        • ozf1 on 20/11/2014 - 17:06
          +2

          I "+" your reply, good logic, I use the same, however I always lean towards the more responsive cars… money talks at the end though, and find it hard to walk away from a good deal.
          My last big purchase, a Renault Laguna $60K, got it for $45K ex-demo (2,500Km on the clock), with optional leather and extended warranty (back then most/all cars came with 2-3 year warranty max, I got 5years).
          Brilliant car 3.0 V6 saloon/hatch. The power to weight ratio was brilliant, Winner of the safest car In the world in 2002-first 5 star safety rated car, and RACV's best car of the year same year I believe.
          My wife still misses it.
          Renault killed the model recently, and the last version of the Laguna was a disappointment.

  • npc on 19/11/2014 - 16:12
    +1

    My 0.02: There is no reason to think about fuel efficiency unless you are doing say >20k km per yer. It's just a small component of the total cost of ownership.

    Any day it will be cheaper to buy and use 5yo Falcodore with 3-4 liter engine than similar aged VW Passat 1.8t. And probably more entertaining.

    It doesn't apply to say large SUVs with petrol engines - these bricks are really thirsty.

    I'd vote for the Ford Falcon / Mondeo / Toyota Camry as the most reasonable purchase in the situation when there is no other brand or type of car preferences. Commodore is ok as well, especially wagon.

    • ozf1 on 19/11/2014 - 20:12
      +2

      Agree on the Mondeo and your point re:SUVs, these cars have gone 'viral' in popularity but don't make much sense.. practical or 'green credentials' wise. They are good for people with bad backs though, no crouching down to sit and pull up to get out.
      I disagree about the 5yo Falcodore being more entertaining, the VW Passat is a very good driving car, A 5yo Falcodore in particular entry/basic model doesn't hold up very well after 5 years. However, you did say 'probably', I truly believe is not the case, a VW Passat -much better and fun than a 5YO Falcodore.

      • npc on 19/11/2014 - 22:18

        You are right, it's just an opinion. Passat 1.8t and golf for example are great vehicles, I had both in the past. Golf GTI is almost perfect. But they had some minor troubles all the time which cost you money to fix anyway.

        However, my experience with xr6 fg falcon was exceptional - no single issue for almost 3 years. And it was ex rental from the auction:) Also plenty of go and rwd = entertainment for me. Size wise it is bigger then passat so family will be happy. Begin a taxi basically, servicing and parts (in case you ever need them) cost nothing.

        I'd say stick to golf gti. But it is not what op wants:)

  • [Deactivated] on 19/11/2014 - 17:46
    -6

    Golf r

    • Briefcase Mong on 19/11/2014 - 19:24

      Golf R is not an SUV

      • [Deactivated] on 19/11/2014 - 20:23
        -7

        SUV is a hatch on stilts anyway, same thing

  • skyva on 20/11/2014 - 10:50
    +1

    We had similar criteria. My wife wanted large car with good fuel economy, after she totalled her 4wd. We live in the country with 3 kids so didn't want a small car. Ended up with a 1 yr old Ford Falcon G6E ecolpi for $31k driveaway with towbar, done less than 10,000km. She does over 100km a day into the city and back.

    It runs on gas, but you wouldn't know except to fill it up where it costs literally half as much. Running costs are below diesel but you get good performance. Much nicer to drive than any suv in that price range. No issue finding gas either at servos, and range is about 500km per fill. LPG is about 65c/litres and the falcon uses about 11L/100km.

    There are lots on carsales.com.au from dealers, search for ecolpi which is the name of the gas model. No reliability issues and they are rated very highly in the press.

    G6E model has leather, Bluetooth, reversing camera and 5 star safety, plus still a huge boot and lots of room for kids. XR6 also good.

    Falcons, despite being large cars are not great for really tall drivers, so best to test drive one first.

    In that price range and criteria there is not much that is actually good to drive with a decent size and fuel economy.

  • Hikey on 20/11/2014 - 11:17

    Have a look at the Skoda Octavia Wagon. You get a lot of Volkswagen Passat and Golf technology for a better price. Look for the Diesel engine. Not that popular in Australia though.

  • slow on 20/11/2014 - 16:08

    Been very happy with my Commodore wagon. I wanted a wagon, but hate SUVs. It has heaps of room in the back and is especially massive if you fold down the rear seats. I prefer a bit more grunt over fuel economy and that is where the v6 commodore has it over its competitors like Mondeo and Skoda. I would never buy a new one - get a few years old and you save heaps

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