Helping My Mum Buy Her Final Car! Any recommendations or trustworthy websites? (Budget: $60K)

[Deactivated] on 22/05/2016 - 19:23
Last edited 23/05/2016 - 21:40 by 2 other users

My Mum's replacing her cantankerous 1997 Toyota Land Cruiser. She had her eye on the 2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon because she likes her cars big. But most reviews mention the uncomfortable back seats, high fuel consumption, internal noise and bounciness.

She's interested in a comfortable car. She'd like a big solid frame like a Land Cruiser or Jeep so if she's in a crash, she'll be safer. Efficient fuel consumption is also important. She's not too fussed about amenities. Budget is AUD$60K.

Any personal recommendations or trustworthy car websites?

Thanks!
Michelle

Automotive

closed Comments

  • cDNA on 22/05/2016 - 19:42

    I bought my father and mother a Toyota Prado VX a few months ago. They love it.

    It has all the features of the base model and more:

    4.0L VVT-i
    Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i)
    Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i)
    Toyota engine system that provides continual variations of the intake valve timing to provide optimal valve timing for the full range of driving conditions. It improves driveability, performance and fuel efficiency, and reduces emissions. Dual VVT-i provides even greater improvement, by independently varying exhaust valve timing as well as intake timing. Image shown for illustration purposes only.

    Petrol V6 engine or 2.8L Turbo Diesel engine

    6-Speed Automatic transmission

    LED headlamps and Daylight Running Lamps (DRLs)

    Auto headlamp leveling

    18” Alloy wheels

    Front and rear parking sensors [B4]

    Leather accented seats

    JBL Premium Surround Sound 14 Speaker Layout

    Cost me about $80,000. The base model is about $60,000 and your mother should feel comfortable in it.

    • [Deactivated] on 22/05/2016 - 20:33

      Thanks for that. I love your thorough response.

      Do you know if there are any decent Nissan vehicles that match my Mum's interests?

      • PinzVidz on 22/05/2016 - 21:05

        Patrol Y61 is as old as the hills, and is getting axed anyway. Y62 Patrol is V8 petrol only, and out of your mum's budget. Nothing else really, Pathfinder is more like a Kluger, doubt she'll like it, considering she's been driving an 80 Series LC for so long.

        • Euphemistic on 22/05/2016 - 21:33
          +2

          Have a look at a pathfinder or kluger though. If there is no need for towing or serious off road then a big SUV would fit the comfort bill much better than a big 4wd.

      • [Deactivated] on 23/05/2016 - 17:24

        I suppose a Batmobile is out of question?

    • Mythreesons on 22/05/2016 - 21:50

      My brother got a prado for his wife, it's a really great car and has so much room. I love the seat warmers.

  • scrimshaw on 22/05/2016 - 19:46
    +2

    Tesla model X? All electric and would be a very comfortable ride.

    • Diji1 on 22/05/2016 - 20:09

      Sure, if you want to add 150,000 to the budget …

      http://www.drive.com.au/motor-news/tesla-model-x-likely-to-c…

      It costs a lot to show your green credentials as you roll around in your 3 ton electric … thing that you can't charge in Australia yet.

      • Ametric on 22/05/2016 - 20:45
        +1

        yes, you can, saw their chargers in secure car parks in Melbourne CBD :)

  • oscargamer on 22/05/2016 - 19:47
    +8

    If you mum values her teeth, or spine, or bladder etc… don't get a Wrangler

    Very very harsh ride

    • [Deactivated] on 22/05/2016 - 20:15
      +1

      So I've heard! Thanks for that haha.

  • PinzVidz on 22/05/2016 - 19:54
    +6

    Just no to the Jeep, she will spend most of the time at the dealership getting warranty problems fixed. Obviously her 80 series has had a good run for nearly 20 years, tell her to stick with Toyota. Prado above is a good suggestion, but forget the 4.0 litre petrol V6, stick with a turbo diesel. Will be over $60K to get into a GXL with the new gen turbo diesel 2.8 litre engine. Fortuner could be an option as well, although they are based on a HiLux, so might be too small for her? Tell her go for a look at a Toyota dealership. Has the same new gen turbo diesel engine as the Prado. Top of the range Crusade will be similar price to the Prado GXL T/D.

    • oscargamer on 22/05/2016 - 20:02
      +1

      and the **** reliability of anything CJD

    • zathras on 23/05/2016 - 14:05
      +5

      JEEP - Just Empty Every Pocket…

  • raymond y on 22/05/2016 - 20:14
    +6

    Just a note that bigger cars are not always safer.

    There are many measures to safety in both prevention of an accident as well as in an accident.

    • [Deactivated] on 23/05/2016 - 13:30
      -6

      No, that is incorrect. A heavier car is safer, if it had a 5 star rating. Remember, ANCAP ratings are not absolute, they are segment based. A 5 star Polo is nowhere near as safe as a 5 star Range Rover. That being said the OP is misguided if she thinks a Wrangler is a safe car. She should pick a 5 star large car. An FJ cruiser will come in Wel under budget, is 5 star and much more comfortable than a Wrangler.

      • ilikeradiohead on 23/05/2016 - 17:44

        There's no mention of segments on the ANCAP website. A heavier car just means that it has more force behind it when it stops, which has no relation to how safe the vehicle is for its occupants.

        • [Deactivated] on 23/05/2016 - 18:01
          -2

          There absolutely is segments. In the unlikely event of hitting an immovable object, weight can be a disadvantage, because of increased energy, but the increased crumple zones in a larger vehicle negate this to a degree. Remember, the safest car ever crash tested, is a Tesla Model S, which is very heavy, but has massive crumple thanks to a lack of engine. In the more likely scenario of hitting another vehicle, physics dictates (everything else being equal) that the heavier car wins.

        • buckster on 23/05/2016 - 20:26

          @thorton82: Except when you hit something which is fixed to the ground, where physics dictates the occupants are going to have a bad time

        • dazweeja on 23/05/2016 - 20:56
          -1

          @thorton82:

          I think if your segment theory had any validity it would be mentioned on the ANCAP website. Don't you think people would like to know that one car was safer than another even with the same rating? Of course they would.

          As it is, there are reasons why a Range Rover might be safer but there are reasons why it might not:

          1. More mass, harder to control in accident.
          2. Usually takes a longer distance to stop.
          3. When hitting a wall or a truck, there is more energy to dissipate.
          4. More likely to roll in a collision due to higher centre of gravity.
          5. More likely to roll in a single-vehicle accident.
        • [Deactivated] on 23/05/2016 - 21:32

          @dazweeja:

          It does mention it. 4th paragraph down.

          https://www.ancap.com.au/safety-ratings-explained

          Also, the fact that a Range Rover weighs more than a Barina doesn't mean it will take longer to stop. Big arse Brembos make a big difference.

        • [Deactivated] on 23/05/2016 - 21:35

          @buckster: oh you mean like I mentioned in the above paragraph? As in 'the unlikely event of hitting an immovable object'

    • Scrooge McDuck on 23/05/2016 - 19:11
      -1

      She'd like a big solid frame like a Land Cruiser or Jeep so if she's in a crash, she'll be safer.

      …at the expense of the others involved. ¬_¬

  • PinzVidz on 22/05/2016 - 20:15

    Just further to my post, I should've mentioned that the Prado GX is the base model in the Prado range, and it will be under $60K. However, the GXL is very sought-after second-hand, and they hold their resale value really well, hence the reason I initially suggested the GXL. Also, in the Fortuner range, the GXL will be under $60K as well. I didn't suggest a 200 series LandCruiser because they are way out of her budget brand new, and they are all V8, regardless of petrol or diesel. You mentioned fuel efficiency, so I'm trying to stick to 4 cylinder turbo diesels for you.

  • spackbace on 22/05/2016 - 20:37
    +1

    Commodore? A nice Calais will tick the boxes and give her all the extras.

    How many are normally in the car?

    • StewBalls on 23/05/2016 - 10:22
      +10

      You won't get any traction recommending a sedan nowadays…irrespective of how practical that option actually might be…I'm afraid that keeping up with the Joneses means that everyone wants at least a faux wheel drive now! ;)

      • spackbace on 23/05/2016 - 13:54
        +3

        Well I would've said Suzuki Vitara Turbo and put the extra $30k towards a holiday, but that viewpoint likely won't work either :P

  • [Deactivated] on 22/05/2016 - 20:51

    Why do you believe this will be Mum's last car? Anthing can happen with cars and life.

    • [Deactivated] on 22/05/2016 - 21:12
      +3

      True true. My Mum is nearing 60 and we expect the car to carry her through her 60s and early 70s. After that, no more driving for her :)

      • [Deactivated] on 23/05/2016 - 08:58

        MY mother in law is 82 and still driving and so are lots of other people of her age.
        I think you are making some false assumptions, unless there is something that we don't know.

        • [Deactivated] on 23/05/2016 - 10:49
          +4

          There are some medical issues but I didn't want to go into that in a public forum :)

        • Scrooge McDuck on 23/05/2016 - 19:06
          +3

          MY mother in law is 82 and still driving and so are lots of other people of her age.

          Unfortunately. ¬_¬

        • spackbace on 23/05/2016 - 20:08

          @Scrooge McDuck:

          Have to agree. Surprising the customers we see (be it sales or service) that can barely walk, and then jump in a car. There's no way they have the necessary reaction time to operate a car.

    • Utopian on 22/05/2016 - 23:26
      +2

      Planning a fatal car crash "accident"?

      We heard it here, first!

    • Scrooge McDuck on 23/05/2016 - 19:07

      Why do you believe this will be Mum's last car? Anthing can happen with cars and life.

      …and brakes.

      ;)

  • Utopian on 22/05/2016 - 20:53

    "Efficient fuel consumption is also important."

    Then it needs to be a diesel.
    You'd be mad to spend another 50-200% more on fuel consumption… but millions do it.

    • spackbace on 22/05/2016 - 20:59
      +1

      Depends how it's driven too. Diesel over short drives can cost much more in maintenance over a longer period.

      • [Deactivated] on 22/05/2016 - 21:17

        We're using the car ONLY for city driving. Our trips never exceed >1 hour. Would that affect our decision to get diesel?

        • andyfc on 23/05/2016 - 19:15

          It could. New diesels have a diesel particulate filter (DPF). This filter collects large particulate matter and burns it off. DPF's need to burn off as they will get clogged, so they do this every now and again. HOWEVER, to do this cycle DPF's typically need 20 minutes at constant mid-high speed. Short stop start city drives will not let it do this, resulting in the requirement for FORCED regeneration (dealership visit) and will cost $$. If you are buying a diesel for city driving, be aware of this fact. Talk to the dealer about the DPFs requirement, as every brand is different.

    • abb on 23/05/2016 - 15:09
      +4

      cares about fuel consumption

      Only considering massive 4WDs, only to be used in the city….

      Diesel is good, but inertia is a bitch.

  • bion83 on 22/05/2016 - 21:22
    +2

    VW Touareg
    https://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Volkswagen-Touare…

    I have 180 version but that's a bit out of your budget but still the 150 will everything she will do everything she will ever need from car and it very comfy

    • [Deactivated] on 23/05/2016 - 08:59

      What are servicing costs. I am thinking of one for myself.

      • bion83 on 23/05/2016 - 10:21

        For car like this very reasonable. They have capped priced servicing up to 6 years / 90,000km

        http://volkswagenaustralia.com.au/CappedPriceServicing

        • WhatWouldBiggieDo on 23/05/2016 - 13:11
          +1

          I would never, ever own a VAG product outside warranty. I've had enough headaches with them whilst in warranty. If OP's mum has been driving a Toyota, I really wouldn't be recommending a Touareg

        • PVA on 23/05/2016 - 17:56

          the capped price seems pretty high.

        • bion83 on 23/05/2016 - 20:20

          @antt: it would be good step up for her.

        • bion83 on 23/05/2016 - 20:20

          @PVA: well it's not Kia. You'll always pay more for big German V6

  • PinzVidz on 22/05/2016 - 21:34
    +1

    Try having a look at this comparison on CarAdvice. It might help a bit.

  • zappy32 on 23/05/2016 - 02:13
    +3

    Another thing you mother might not admit but my mother just went through is in a few years when knees and hips start giving way, will she be able to get in and out of it easily? Just a consideration!

    • [Deactivated] on 23/05/2016 - 13:29
      +1

      Thanks for the concern zappy :) My Mum is fine with it, especially since she exercises and maintains her health.

  • [Deactivated] on 23/05/2016 - 07:11
    +1

    Used BMW X3 or Prado?

  • pantsparty on 23/05/2016 - 08:53
    +2

    A huge 4WD sounds a bit overkill to me. I would convince her to get something a little smaller. The Toyota Kluger or Fortuner are still very big cars. Or if you can convince her to go a little smaller, the Rav 4 these days is still decent sized. All can be purchased in decent specifications for $60k or under.

    • [Deactivated] on 23/05/2016 - 09:01
      -1

      But OP says she has a Landcruiser. The don't get any bigger, (or better) than that.
      The 200 is unbeatable.

    • shaybisc on 23/05/2016 - 10:31
      +5

      Landcruiser for purely city driving seems insane to me but whatever floats your boat. Maximum safety for you in an accident- maximum damage for other car, passengers and pedestrians- sweet.

      • [Deactivated] on 23/05/2016 - 13:30
        -4

        Haha it seems OTT but the sheer mass of the Land Cruiser is quite comforting in a car crash :)

        • [Deactivated] on 23/05/2016 - 18:03

          Just to clarify: When my Mum is in accidents in the Land Cruiser, she feels protected by the sheer size of her car. Sorry if it came out weird!

        • spackbace on 23/05/2016 - 18:17

          @michelle97:

          How many has she had?!

        • [Deactivated] on 23/05/2016 - 18:21
          -3

          @Spackbace:

          Too many :( She never texts or DUI, but her spatial awareness is not great. She's improved greatly in the past three years but the danger is still present.

        • spackbace on 23/05/2016 - 18:27
          +1

          @michelle97:

          I seriously think a smaller car might be better and would save on accidents, especially to help parking.

          I'll be honest, I sell Suzuki, I've declared it before. A car like the Vitara Turbo will be economical for her, and has front and rear parking sensors and a rear camera. It's pretty compact and will make it a lot easier to park at the shops.

          I just can't see why she needs a big SUV any more. Who's she transporting around?!

        • [Deactivated] on 23/05/2016 - 18:30
          -2

          @Spackbace:

          No-one! All her kids (including me) drive, walk or catch public transport to get around. The only reason my parents are looking for an SUV is because they believe it to be safer, especially since she gets in quite a few collisions. Thanks for your recommendation though.

        • Scrooge McDuck on 23/05/2016 - 19:42
          +2

          @michelle97:

          She'd like a big solid frame like a Land Cruiser or Jeep so if she's in a crash, she'll be safer.

          Haha it seems OTT but the sheer mass of the Land Cruiser is quite comforting in a car crash :)

          When my Mum is in accidents in the Land Cruiser, she feels protected by the sheer size of her car.

          Too many :( She never texts or DUI, but her spatial awareness is not great. She's improved greatly in the past three years but the danger is still present.

          The only reason my parents are looking for an SUV is because they believe it to be safer, especially since she gets in quite a few collisions.

          How arrogant are you? :/

          Your Mum sounds like a woeful driver and you want to put her in a more deadly weapon? What about everyone else on and around the road? o_0

          Here's a more suitable vehicle:

          http://i.imgur.com/zUoDjIf.jpg

        • spackbace on 23/05/2016 - 20:14

          @michelle97:

          As her kids you should be the ones to tell her to either a) not drive or b) drive something smaller.

          The Cruiser had metal bumpers etc so took less of the damage in small hits, unlike plastic bumpers on majority of new cars. While it may appear her accidents are small, you watch how many bumpers she's getting replaced in a new car.

          But first and foremost, you shouldn't advocate for someone to buy a big SUV for no reason. Like there is zero reason for her owning 1 in the city. It's not the most economical, the cheapest to buy, cheapest to run, easiest to drive or easiest to park.

          Show her a compact SUV, and that she can easily get in and out because of the seat height, and encourage the fact that it has enough room for her.

          Putting her in a Prado or similar is just a matter of waiting for the inevitable shopping centre accident because it's simply too big.

          The compact SUV market is going crazy, if not purely for people in your mum's demographic.

          Unless she's towing, going off-road or transporting many adults, it's just stupid putting her in a large SUV.

          Rant over.

        • [Deactivated] on 23/05/2016 - 20:16

          @Spackbace:
          Thank you for your thorough rant and excellent points. I will use your reasons (and others) to talk her into getting a smaller car.

        • [Deactivated] on 23/05/2016 - 20:18

          @Scrooge McDuck:
          I'm sorry for coming across badly and appearing so casual about car accidents. Car accidents are terrible and I should not talk about them so lightly. I apologize about that.

  • Pumpkin_rrr on 23/05/2016 - 08:54

    Here in Brisbane I know someone who is looking to sell their Kluger urgently. Top of the range, CD screen in backseat for the little ones, 7-seater, really powerful, I think it's under 3 years old. It's a real family car and if you help your Mum to expand the family, she can take the grandkids out.

    • [Deactivated] on 23/05/2016 - 11:02

      Thanks for that Pumpkin. However we're keen to get a brand new car because of warranty and repair issues. Hope your friend's sale goes well.

  • shaybisc on 23/05/2016 - 10:39
    +2

    I'd get her one of these and add the $5000 Driver Support pack.

    "The V40 achieved the best ever result in European NCAP testing and was acknowledged as a "standout performer" in Australian tests. It has a rear-view camera, rear parking sensors and seven airbags.

    City Safety, the low-speed collision avoidance system, is standard and now operates at speeds up to 50km/h."

    http://www.carsguide.com.au/car-reviews/2015-volvo-v40-d4-lu…

  • nimnomnimy on 23/05/2016 - 11:59
    +3

    if she wants safety, I would say a Volvo xc60 which should be around $55k drive away around EOFY

  • Bill48 on 23/05/2016 - 12:22
    +1

    As an "old" person in my latter 60s, what I hate are cars you have to sit down into. They are so hard to get out of. On the other hand, I'd hate a car as big as she has been used to, unless only in small country towns.

    And for these reasons, you see why mid size SUVs are the fastest growing segment of the new car market, and hold their resale if Toyota/Mazda/Honda, and perhaps now Kia and Hyundai also.

    If it were me, I would be after one of the above ranges, with large screen GPS and reversing camera, and I'd like heads up display.

  • oringal on 23/05/2016 - 13:24

    what about the new kia sorento or hyuandai santa fe ? Lots of praise for the car especially from this guy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siJcG-_9Heg

  • peterw1 on 23/05/2016 - 13:37
    +4

    dude get a subaru outback/forester. good safety both primary and secondary, ok fuel economy, good drive esp as is used as a city car, easy access and parking. bullet proof reliability

    • kalt19 on 23/05/2016 - 14:45
      +1

      You beat me to it peterw1.
      three weeks into my second Outback now and only got rid of the 8 year old one to get all the new features (and there are so many of them now).
      Big enough, very safe, very powerful compared to other urban SUVs.
      Went for the full luxury version 3.6 Petrol so not sure about the fuel consumption comparison to a diesel Landcruiser or similar.
      Got it for under 50k as a repeat customer (3rd Subaru) but, they are doing deals all the time. 5 year warranty as well.
      One of the largest boots in the market.
      Very easy ride, much higher up than other wagons but not so high older folks can't get into and no dropping down into as well.
      Adjustable everything, especially for the drivers seat, heated everything and auto everything as well.
      Now if was driverless as well…

      • StewBalls on 23/05/2016 - 14:49
        -2

        Now if was driverless as well…

        I believe the holdup with a driverless Subaru is the difficulty coding the requisite arrogance & douchebaggery into the driving! :P

  • CLoSeR on 23/05/2016 - 14:55

    Jeep = No.

  • Dave1 on 23/05/2016 - 15:16
    +1

    What about a Pajero, cheaper than Prado and a good solid car, about 60K for top of the range

  • JimB on 23/05/2016 - 15:17

    While I wouldn't drive one myself I think a Maxda CX5 or Toyota Kluger would fit the bill.

    Yes, while bigger is safer, it's more difficult to park and also will use more fuel.

    I'd lean towards the CX5.

  • catbug on 23/05/2016 - 15:39

    I would say no to the Wrangler: my friend has one with the soft top and he's been robbed a few times now and the car just keeps breaking down on him and it's only about 3-4 years old

    • Euphemistic on 23/05/2016 - 15:53

      Yeah but when it runs it's awesome off road.

  • shaybisc on 23/05/2016 - 17:24
    +2

    "2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon"

    Sorry I missed that bit. It's the best car in the world for extreme off road conditions and the worst car in the world for city driving. A clear best buy for your mother.

  • snajper on 23/05/2016 - 18:36

    Stay away from jeep
    Prado can be had for $60k….
    Lexus rx200t for $70

  • Dhandoftime on 23/05/2016 - 19:07

    Just something beside, do you guys think a Range Rover Evoque is good to buy with 60k budget?

  • x d on 23/05/2016 - 19:30
    +2

    I seriously think that any car you get for your mum should have all the active safety features if she is at risk of having accidents.

    Passive safety with regards to airbags, and the size of the vehicle is important but nowadays, AEB (or automatic emergency braking, can prevent accidents, or if unavoidable reduce the speed faster than a person can react (especially when your mother is getting older and the driving skills/reactions diminish).

    I give my vote to the Subaru Outback which has all that, good reliability and in the new diesel version is good for fuel.

    Also if you are really worried about her risk of an accident then please consider having an occupational therapy lead driving assessment to make sure she is safe.

  • spackbace on 23/05/2016 - 21:37

    OP, I hope you didn't receive any bad PM's on account of some of your comments. I think some may have been quick to judge over some passing comments you made. I'm sure there's no one here that thinks you're just happy to see your mum having accidents, I doubt anyone would be happy to see their parents having multiple accidents!

    I just hope you haven't deleted your account coz of this discussion :/

  • Moderatorneil on 23/05/2016 - 21:41

    OP has her answer. Thread closed.

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