Looking for a new car under $30k

AlexD on 26/08/2015 - 08:47
Last edited 26/08/2015 - 09:01

Hi guys,

I've decided that based on the reliability of my old car, which is costing me a fortune to repair, I should go out and get a new car with a decent warranty and capped price servicing.

I've had a look at quite a few used car warranties, which seem relatively bad by comparison, and if a car is still covered by a fair amount of its new car warranty, it often doesn't seem much cheaper than just buying a new car.

All I want is something to drive around 12km to work in plus two return trips from Canberra-Melbourne per year, that's small-medium sized, not too bad on fuel, and has some comforts. I also like having a little bit of power, and would sort of like something different (as difficult as this is below $30k).

At the moment, I'm looking at:

  • VW Polo Comfortline 81TSI with comfort pack (MY16)
  • Mazda 2 Genki (MY16 DJ2 upgrade)
  • Renault Megane GT-Line
  • Honda City/Honda Jazz
  • Hyundai i30 Elite
  • Hyundai Veloster +
  • Ford Focus S
  • Mitsubishi Lancer XLS

The ones I liked the most were the Lancer, Veloster, and Megane.

Any advice would be appreciated, even if it were to buy used. As I have seen these responses in other forum topics, I don't want a V6, and I don't want to spend more than $30k.

EDIT: Sorry, forgot to mention that I was looking for an auto.

Automotive

Comments

  • fillit on 26/08/2015 - 08:52
    -1

    Fiesta ST? It will out drive lancer/velostar/megane. Has capped priced servicing, warranty etc. I think they could be had for 25-26K depending on where you shop.

    Only down side is that it's a 2 door and manual only. Unsure if that's an issue.

    • AlexD on 26/08/2015 - 09:02

      Yeah, I was looking for auto, and all of the other high end fiestas felt very sparse.

  • tomleonhart on 26/08/2015 - 08:54
    +5

    Mazda 3 2014 SP25 Astina. http://www.carsales.com.au/demo/details/Mazda-3-2014/AGC-AD-…

    If you want to buy a new car, spend 20 minutes and watch this video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8VYNFzmJIQ

    • AlexD on 26/08/2015 - 09:04

      I'm still watching the video now.

      I had a look at the Mazda 3 SP25 Astina, and I really like it. I had no idea I could afford a demo at close to the price, as they're around $45,000 new.

      The only issue is that I want an automatic, and they do exist at the right price - just that I live in the ACT, and I'm not sure what I can do re. registration.

      • tomleonhart on 26/08/2015 - 09:08

        The SP25 2014 GT can be had for < 30k with automatic I think. Not brand new though. :)

        • AlexD on 26/08/2015 - 09:16

          Could not care less about not new. I want as much warranty as possible, though. 2014 seems fine.

        • tomleonhart on 26/08/2015 - 09:24
          +2

          @AlexD: So have a look at 2014 SP25 GT auto then :P

  • rambutann on 26/08/2015 - 09:08

    Buy a used 2014 corolla.

    • AlexD on 26/08/2015 - 09:18
      +3

      Why? The Ascent Sport I tried was boring, the steering seemed as weightless as others, I didn't like the interior, and the warranty was only 3 years.

      • rambutann on 26/08/2015 - 10:03
        +1

        Reliability, cheaper cost of repair, cheaper cost of maintenance..

  • ProjectZero on 26/08/2015 - 09:39

    If you don't mind me asking, if you already have three favourites in mind, why not just get one of the three?

    • AlexD on 26/08/2015 - 09:42

      If I had been completely sure, I would have probably got one on the spot.

      I really liked how quirky the Veloster was, the features seemed okay, and the warranty was pretty great. When I drove it, it felt like an i30 with heavier steering, which was fine.
      The Lancer seemed like a good deal, though the warranty wasn't quite as good.
      The Megane's steering felt really light, and I didn't feel I had great visibility compared to what I currently drive. I really liked how comfortable it was, though.

      I wasn't sure whether I wanted a used car, either, as I was only looking at new because of the warranty & capped price servicing.

      • ProjectZero on 26/08/2015 - 10:43

        Based on this, i'd suggest to get the veloster.

  • oscargamer on 26/08/2015 - 09:59
    +2

    what tomleonhart said

    we have the SP25 - nice car that can 'go' if you want it to

    DO NOT get capped priced servicing, it's a gimic and your local good independent mechanic can do everything required, for a lot less

    • AlexD on 26/08/2015 - 10:13

      Mazda's capped price servicing wasn't really a selling point - Hyundai was only $250/year, which seemed pretty nice - most other deals didn't really jump out at me.

    • ProjectZero on 26/08/2015 - 10:43

      The issue with capped priced servicing is that if you want to keep the warranty on your car, I believe they enforce you to following their servicing schedule ofr every 10000k or 6 months at their authorised servicing centres. Will have to double check though.

      • AlexD on 26/08/2015 - 13:05

        Yeah, Mazda said theirs was 6 months 10,000km. Hyundai's was 12 months 15,000km, and each service was cheaper.

  • oscargamer on 26/08/2015 - 10:15
    +1

    drive an SP25…then tell us which you prefer ;)

    • tomleonhart on 26/08/2015 - 10:27

      Love my SP25. Wish it was an Astina though !

  • spackbace on 26/08/2015 - 10:31
    +4

    Suzuki Swift Sport auto - On special for $24,990 drive away

    • Very fun car, has everything you need in a car essentially (push button start, Garmin GPS, climate control, HIDs).
    • Auto in those will average 6-7L/100km regardless of how it's driven.
    • 5 years capped price servicing, maintain that and get a 5yr warranty.
    • Servicing is $199 every 6 months/10,000km, with 2 services over the 5yr period being $249.
    • They run a timing chain not a belt, so 100,000km service is only $199.
    • Excellent resale because of the good reliability that they have.

    If you even looked at a Veloster, you need to look at the Swift Sport :)

    • tomleonhart on 26/08/2015 - 11:04

      He knows what he's talking about Spackbace! Good suggestion!

    • AlexD on 26/08/2015 - 12:45

      I had a look at the Swift Sport. On paper, it ticks all of my boxes, and I know they're great to drive.

      My only issue is that they look like a Swift - while that is more than acceptable, I wanted something more unique, which is why I was looking at the Veloster. Thanks for your suggestion!

      • spackbace on 26/08/2015 - 12:47

        So looks from outside > drive & reliability? Ok…

        • AlexD on 26/08/2015 - 12:53

          I haven't driven the Swift Sport yet, admittedly, and I am going to give it a drive before I make a purchase - just for similar amounts of money I can get something that I would prefer to drive, while paying the same servicing costs over a five year period.
          I was looking at cars with timing chains, and it seemed to be pretty much this and the Subarus, though I am planning on keeping the car for around 5 years, driving 15,000km a year at most. I find it unlikely that I will have to replace a timing belt on whatever I buy.

  • Paul Atreides on 26/08/2015 - 10:41

    if you are interested in the i30, you should look at the kia cerato

    • AlexD on 26/08/2015 - 12:54

      Actually had a go in this one - they seemed similar enough, and the price was about the same, especially with the deal on the i30 ActiveX. The Cerato felt comparatively cheap inside, and I don't particularly like the look of the exterior.

      • Speckled Jim on 27/08/2015 - 12:42

        Seven year warranty would sway me. Splurge on nice lambswool seat covers and mags, job done.

  • eatwell365 on 26/08/2015 - 10:59

    Anyone can comment on the Alfa Romeo Giuletta ? 29.5K drive away.

    • vroomkroom on 26/08/2015 - 13:51
      +2

      it's not a car it's an alfa romeo { where Alfa = Issue and Romeo = All the time } lol

  • oscargamer on 26/08/2015 - 11:11

    i had an alfa (different model)

    LOVED it….really loved it

    i had a stupid smile on my face every time i drove it

    DID NOT LIKE the massive depreciation, the expensive parts/servicing, the time off the road with the garage investigating niggling issues

  • ilsan0 on 26/08/2015 - 12:59

    watch some of his videos and decide for yourself.
    He is straight up and one of the funniest guys.

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKcC11ircL-HI7TieCr9XQg

    He even does the bargaining for you if you are a Wuss at negotiations

  • 2ndeffort on 26/08/2015 - 14:13

    Biggest cost of a new car is depreciation. Although this website is made for helping folks forecast novated leases you can still work out the expected depreciation of a new car. Check out a few of the models you like to see which is expected to hold value better:

    http://www.howmuchwillmycardepreciate.glassguide.com.au/Defa…

  • Eca1 on 27/08/2015 - 08:54

    My last two cars have been demos. New car warranty, 2000 on the clock, saved thousands!! make sure it is a true demo and not an ex courtesy car.
    Strongly recommend you send your email to Paul Gover of the Herald Sun. I have sent him two email queries. He responded to both, really helpful, and one was published. He is very clear about what he would not recommend and what he would and why - the tick!!

    • ilsan0 on 27/08/2015 - 18:17

      Watch this on demo's :)

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQctuPp3kjU

      • [Deactivated] on 28/08/2015 - 23:35

        can i vote this the worst ever video on the internet? this guy talks so much rubbish without ever actually saying anything.
        Not even remotely funny either.

        • ilsan0 on 29/08/2015 - 08:07

          You can vote if you like.
          I reckon its one of the best videos on the internet.
          He talks lots and sense and is very funny.

          Peace.

  • AlexD on 28/08/2015 - 23:25
    +1

    Thanks heaps guys, I ended up going with the Hyundai Veloster (got a crazy deal on the SR Turbo +). I actually drove most of the cars you guys recommended and, while I loved the Mazda 3, I felt that the steering was comparatively too light. The Veloster actually cost me less than any demo or used 2013+ model I could find online, and I loved driving it.

  • Eca1 on 29/08/2015 - 08:34

    Glad it worked out well for you and you are happy with your choice. Hope it is a good car for you in the longer term.

    • AlexD on 30/08/2015 - 22:24

      I hope so, too! I think I made the right choice - it was about as unique as I could get within my budget.

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