Recommendations for a new car for the wife?

blergmonkeys on 09/08/2016 - 02:12
Last edited 10/08/2016 - 22:30

Budget: $22k with extras (paint, tint) but under $20k preferred
Needs:

  • auto
  • CarPlay/gps navigation built in (aftermarket units are out as we don't want to fluff around with the car)
  • reverse camera
  • decent room to fit groceries, a medium dog and 2 adults
  • decent warranty and service costs (hate 6 monthly servicing on my forester as we are busy)
  • decent resale in 5-6 years
  • needs to be grey (metallic paint)
    What I've looked at:
  • baleno gl
  • Kia cerato s with AV pack (extra $500)
  • Hyundai i30 active
  • Volkswagen polo trendline

This is for the wife who just got her Ps (and why we don't want to spend too much).

What would you guys say is the safe bet? I'm leaning towards the cerato but it's resale is a concern. Resale on the baleno may not be great either but it's $3500 less without even negotiating. The Hyundai would have the best resale and seems to have a good middle ground of warranty/service costs/schedule. The polo is probably too small.

We have about 6 weeks to wait on before we buy the car. Reckon we will wait for the i30 to come back on sale as that is what we are leaving towards. Thoughts?

Poll Options

  • 66
    Hyundai i30 Active
  • 20
    Kia Cerato S with AV pack
  • 8
    Volkswagen Polo Trendline
  • 4
    Suzuki Baleno GL
Automotive

Comments

  • DarkOz on 09/08/2016 - 08:46
    +5

    Sounded like you are looking for a new wife for the new car ;)

    • Kangal on 11/08/2016 - 22:09
      +1

      A new car is cheaper than a new wife.
      But man are those new models sexy!

  • Euphemistic on 09/08/2016 - 09:16
    +1

    Are you sure the polo is big enough?

    Looked at Mazda, Toyota yet?

    • blergmonkeys on 09/08/2016 - 09:36

      Yeah so that's why we are leaning away from the polo.

      Was thinking about a used mark 7 golf (2013-2014) but with them being near the end of warranty and the known dsg issues of these cars, not sure it's worth the risk when an i30 brand new fulfills our needs.

      Mazda and Toyota are out of our price range. A Mazda 2 is too small and more expensive than the above if we price it up with the features we want. Corolla and Honda are the same in terms of cost vs features.

  • cypher67 on 09/08/2016 - 09:19
    +19

    Just got her Ps and you want to buy a new car? Why not get a decent second hand car for half the price so she can continue learning & not have a depreciating asset that will most likely take some dings and scratches.

    • blergmonkeys on 09/08/2016 - 09:33
      +1

      Yeah we had a look around and for the car we want (it'll be our family city car), getting it used with the above features ends up being near the new car price anyways. So we would rather have the new car warranty, etc for a few extra thousand dollars.

      The loss on a sub-$20k new car is minimal and we are happy with that.

  • Foxtail on 09/08/2016 - 09:40
    +3

    Mine wanted a small car purchased a 2012 Honda Jazz with 12K on the clock in Sept 2014, it sure is zippy around town, excellent vision and so easy to park, the rear with seats down flat and hold so much, not sure about the GPS in new models though.

    • blergmonkeys on 09/08/2016 - 09:51
      +1

      Thanks for that! Haha I was originally thinking a jazz but when I showed it to the wife, she said no as she doesn't like the look.

      • yoyomaster123 on 09/08/2016 - 13:44
        +10

        They never like the look,

        • blergmonkeys on 09/08/2016 - 14:42

          Lol so true

        • Euphemistic on 10/08/2016 - 06:59
          +11

          @blergmonkeys: they are really hard to drive too. You need to get Jazz hands

        • Agret on 11/08/2016 - 18:22

          @Euphemistic: as someone unfamiliar with the Jazz is it actually a difficult car to drive or purely pun joke?

      • ozeebee on 11/08/2016 - 00:22
        +4

        Surely the Jazz looks better than the Baleno and Cerato.

        • holdenmg on 11/08/2016 - 03:36
          +2

          I looked at the Jazz and thought I could have styled something better out of Lego. :+)

          The Suzuki Baleno is manufactured in India, wonder what it will be worth in 5 years time.

          I'd probably pick the Honda City on looks but the Kia on Value and Warranty.

    • lang_tu_syd on 11/08/2016 - 18:45

      How much did you pay for that if you don't mind I'm asking. Plan to buy one of those as well. Thanks

  • Ryanek on 09/08/2016 - 11:04
    +1

    It's hard to beat the offerings from Hyundai but have you considered the Suzuki Swift? It's deceptively spacious and easy to handle for a P plater.

    • blergmonkeys on 09/08/2016 - 11:09

      Thanks for the suggestion. Had a look at the swift. A bit too dated on the inside with no touchscreen/gps and doesn't have reverse assist (camera/sensors).

      • EnALup on 11/08/2016 - 13:21

        That is a shame as most cars have gps now. but it does look pretty and I love the space and height when driving.

    • [Deactivated] on 12/08/2016 - 09:43

      My wife has a Swift and spacious is definitely not what I would use to describe it, boot and legroom wise!

      • Ryanek on 12/08/2016 - 09:48

        For a car competing with the likes of Mazda 2 and Honda Jazz it's definitely a lot more spacious!

        • BestofOZB on 12/08/2016 - 21:44

          For the price tag though I think it's competing with the Mazda3 and the City.

  • Foxtail on 09/08/2016 - 11:26

    What about a Honda HRV they look good and built on same platform as a Jazz.

    http://www.honda.com.au/cars/models/hr-v.html?gclid=CNiT4cWW…

    and no I do not have any association with Honda:)

    • blergmonkeys on 09/08/2016 - 13:17

      Haha way out of our budget!

  • voiletmay on 09/08/2016 - 11:33

    Go for a test drive and see what she likes and makes her happy and brings her joy.

    I drove a huyndai i30 for a few days (while I waited for my car to be fixed via insurance) and I loved it. Drove a Kia Cerato a few months later (daughters car, another insurance claim) and I preferred the i30, my daughter preferred the Kia Cerato.

    • blergmonkeys on 09/08/2016 - 13:18

      I'm getting the vibe it's a toss up between these two. Will take the wife to the dealers to see which she likes.

      Thanks guys!

      Ps - cerato for $20k including AV pack and metallic paint is what I'm aiming for. $20k with metallic for the i30 (happy to wait for the $20k drive away offer to come back, prolly end of year/new mode time in the spring). Doable?

      • Skramit on 09/08/2016 - 14:27

        2nd hand 2013/14/15 i30 or Cerato would be the best bet. Can get a fully optioned up one for $20k.

        $20k wont get you any of the features you want for a new car - go a second hand kia with 7 year warranty, so you buy a 3 year old one with 4 years left.

        EG: second hand 2015 Kia Cerato Si with low KM for under $20k.

        • blergmonkeys on 09/08/2016 - 18:52

          Well a new cerato s with the AV pack is $20.5k brand new. Has CarPlay and camera and is pretty nice to look at with the new body shape. Probably worth it to spend a bit more since we will have this car for at least 5 years.

  • holdenmg on 09/08/2016 - 13:22
    +2

    Hi,

    I'm looking at the same usual bunch of suspects…

    Maybe look at a Honda City VTi (Auto) is around $20-$22K
    http://www.honda.com.au/cars/models/city/range.html

    • blergmonkeys on 09/08/2016 - 14:43

      Nice one! Will add that to the list.

  • oscargamer on 09/08/2016 - 17:34

    Mazda3 ?

    • blergmonkeys on 09/08/2016 - 18:49

      Too expensive. The maxx is the only one with the features we want but it's $25k. Thanks for the suggestion tho!

      • oscargamer on 09/08/2016 - 19:02
        +1

        in a previous post you said you were looking at a 3yr old Golf

        a 2 yr old Mazda3 will EASILY get you a Maxx, and even a stretch to an SP25

        http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Mazda-3-2014/SSE-…

        http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Mazda-3-2014/SSE-…

        • blergmonkeys on 09/08/2016 - 19:57
          +1

          Ah! I see and very useful good sir. May need to have a look for some Mazda 3s now! Any known reliability issues on this model? Seems there are a few 2014s on car sales for low 20s and so they'll be out of warranty in a year or so.

        • oscargamer on 09/08/2016 - 21:36
          +1

          @blergmonkeys:

          no known issues

        • SnoozeAndLose on 10/08/2016 - 08:35
          +2

          @blergmonkeys:

          Driven a 2011 Mazda 3 for 2 years now and no issue at all, 10K Km a year service once a year for $150, good car no issue.

          Only draw back is petrol 10L/100

        • imurgod on 11/08/2016 - 18:53

          @blergmonkeys: still driving my 2000 model Mazda 323 and it hasn't skipped a beat (the wife, of course, has the new suv)

        • Normal-Paper on 12/08/2016 - 07:04

          @LoveBargain15: $150?? holy sh!t!! I have to pay $320 to get my 2015 mazda3 serviced for 10k km….I feel so cheated…. DX

        • SnoozeAndLose on 12/08/2016 - 07:55

          @Normal-Paper:

          I go to my local mechanic

        • Normal-Paper on 13/08/2016 - 00:27

          @LoveBargain15: ahh right ok, I still have to go to mazda to keep the warranty

        • KBZ on 13/08/2016 - 09:04

          @LoveBargain15: 10L/100km….Wow I get about the same for my cx5 and thats just driving around Sydney.

        • SnoozeAndLose on 13/08/2016 - 13:52

          @KBZ:

          10L/100Km for short trip <10km around home to shop type driving.

        • BK12 on 15/08/2016 - 11:54

          @Normal-Paper:

          You can go to any logbook service mechanic to keep Warranty

        • Normal-Paper on 15/08/2016 - 21:48

          @bharath: they said I had to get it done with them or some shxt or maybe theyre lying to me….cause I'm a girl…dem Aholes lol I better check

        • BK12 on 16/08/2016 - 15:12

          @Normal-Paper:

          you can keep warranty as long as its is Log-book serviced with registered mechanic in correct intervals and use Genuine parts.

          There are 100's of places such as below who can do better service than Dealers/Stealers for cheaper price.

          http://www.repcoservice.com/our-services/log-book-service

        • Euphemistic on 16/08/2016 - 16:18

          @bharath: If you have an after market warranty (not the manufacturers warranty) it is provided by the dealer and they will only keep the warranty if the vehicle is serviced by them.

          Mazda offer a 3 year warranty, so a 2011 car would have expired in 2014. It is most likely that the warranty is dealer specific. The dealer warranty is more like an insurance policy against mechanical issues - the premium is paid for by them servicing, and sometimes paying an additional payment up front.

        • BK12 on 16/08/2016 - 16:47

          @Euphemistic:

          Good point but Normal-Paper car is 2015 mazda 3

        • Euphemistic on 16/08/2016 - 16:59

          @bharath: oops, was looking at LoveBargains post.

        • Normal-Paper on 16/08/2016 - 22:33

          @bharath: thanks for the info 😀

  • AzuAzu on 09/08/2016 - 18:47

    Maybe a Lancer?

    • blergmonkeys on 09/08/2016 - 18:51

      Probably too dated with older features and a bit too big. Thanks!

  • nafe on 09/08/2016 - 21:38

    FWIW You could get the Polo 81 TSI Comfortline for your budget. Much nicer than the 66 TSI Trendline.

    • blergmonkeys on 09/08/2016 - 23:59

      Yeah true but the car is probably too small anyways.

      Lookin at Mazda 3s now as per oscargamer's suggestion. Would still prefer to keep it under $20k if possible tho.

      The local dealer in cairns here has offered $20k driveway for a brand new i30 with mats and full tank. Only in black, red and blue tho. Wife said no because she only wants grey. Sigh.

      • nafe on 10/08/2016 - 08:30

        Maybe look at buying a dealer car from interstate then? Wider range available in stock for you, even for secondhand

      • enzioFirenze on 10/08/2016 - 22:16

        Mazda3 FTW, such a nifty lil thing!

  • kryptoz on 09/08/2016 - 23:24

    I believe the ideal vehicle for the wife is the Mercedes Sprinter: http://goo.gl/HjRCFt
    terrific value and has everything your wife could need.
    Includes reversing camera, just add a 6in navigation unit for under $200 and it's good to go! The only issue is it's white, but that's a small compromise really. ;)

  • yoyomaster123 on 10/08/2016 - 12:24

    Recently bought a 2015 Mazda 3 Maxx (with GPS, reverse camera and sensors) with the Missus for about 26.5k drive away, pm if you wanna discuss further

    EDIT: Some notes about the car.

    The fuel isn't actually that great, full tank is about 35-55, (Max Cap: 51L, Fuel light probably at 40-45L). Get about 450-600kms to the tank (which is slightly better than my Accord Euro which is 50-55L at 500-550km).

    Touch screen feels great and is really sensitive, only bad part is that its like the corolla/subaru where t/s is locked out while driving (theres a wheely clicker)

    Driving experience is pretty shit tends to hold gears and shifts seem to take years but they all come standard with paddle shifters and a carbon fibre trim for +10kw at the wheels.

    Big gripe is proabably road noise which is medium to high compared to other cars especially rough freeways.

    Service is at 10k/1year intervals which is ok, you really should be changing ur oil/filter once every 5-6 though.

    • blergmonkeys on 10/08/2016 - 14:38

      Yeah I head the nvh (noise vibration handling) need serious work in these cars. Seems like a relatively minor issue but of course it matters if it's gonna be a long term car. Hate that the touchscreen disables. So annoying but I hear the clicky wheel is pretty good. True?

      The local dealer has offered a demo i30 for the weekend for us to test so will report back on how it drives.

      Also found a local sp25 2014 with gps/reverse cam for $20k (45k Kms). Not a bad price? Also has extended warranty to 2019

      Edit: thanks for the notes! Nice to hear from an owners perspective.

  • btst7000 on 10/08/2016 - 21:16

    I know this is different to what many others would suggest, but check out something like this:

    http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Volkswagen-Golf-2…

    Yes, it's used, but the newer VWs have pretty decent maintenance costs and look, feel and drive far better than most comparable cars. Definitely worth going to see what is available in your area IMO, even if you don't want to buy. You'd be surprised at how much less bland that car is.

    • blergmonkeys on 10/08/2016 - 22:25

      What concerns me is the whole dsg issue. Buying a vw near end of warranty with possible costly transmission problems is a big concern.

      We would be all over the golf otherwise. A used golf is pretty much exactly what the wife would need

      • btst7000 on 11/08/2016 - 01:54

        iirc tranny issues were all fixed in the recent recall, but ymmv. Still worth a look I reckon.

  • EmCKay on 10/08/2016 - 21:23
    +1

    I have the Kia Cerato and my mum has the i30 Active both purchased in April this year. For the safety features I would go the i30 but for 'drivability' it is hands down the Cerato. Take into consideration that the Cerato will be changing body shape in the next 12 months so resale value may be affected. If you happen to live in the Hills District of Sydney I'd be glad to let your wife have a go of both of them.

    • blergmonkeys on 10/08/2016 - 22:23

      Wow that's a very nice offer! Thanks for that! We will likely just do the test drives tho. Also, live in cairns. :)

      Ozbargain love!

      Good point on the cerato body shape. But wasn't it just updated? Are ya talkin about the i30 changing shape? Read somewhere a new model will be announced in October.

      • EmCKay on 10/08/2016 - 22:42

        I didn't think the 'new' cerato shape would be revealed until at least December. Good luck to both of you and I hope your wife enjoys her new wheels regardless of what you end up choosing!

  • peterw1 on 10/08/2016 - 22:30
    +1

    a new i30 will be revealed in korea in september, if you can, wait for the new model, you can either buy it or get a better deal on runout clearance stock

  • dandandan on 10/08/2016 - 22:39
    +6

    I still remember doing a double take when I walked passed these two one night, I don't think it's a top of the line i30 either.

    https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/122664/41589/img_6685.…

    https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/122664/41590/img_6686.…

    • Cluster on 11/08/2016 - 02:51
      +1

      I used to own an A-Class, and now have an i30 diesel. The A-pillars and steeply raked windscreen on the i30 really reminds me of the A-Class, minus about $20k on the price tag. I am really happy with my new vehicle and wouldn't pay almost double to get the badge.

      • dandandan on 11/08/2016 - 12:41

        Exactly! They are a good car too, I used to have one. Looks like I paid $25,490 in November 2008 when I bought an i30-MY09 SLX Hatchback 5dr Auto 4sp 1.6DT (Rel. Oct) MY09

    • BargainMyMiddleName on 11/08/2016 - 13:38
      +1

      Good old North Sydney. I used to love it when I worked there.

  • mochariffic on 11/08/2016 - 08:59
    +1

    We just got a gray i30 auto for $19777 drive away in victoria, there's a few left ftom the july 31 "push to be #1" sale.

    We upgraded from a my11 cerato and reckon the i30 was a better buy than the my16 cerato s at the same price. Carplay and the updated stereo/interior was the kicker.

    For a cheap runabout, you really can't go wrong with any of your choices :-) find the best deal, you'd be surprised what you can get included (free servicing, mats, etc..)

  • JimB on 11/08/2016 - 10:01
    +3

    If you're wanting to sell it in 6 years, out of those I'd say the Kia because of the 7 year warranty. It will still have warranty when you sell it and that is important if selling the car privately.

    I don't know how they drive though, hopefully better than the Hyundai because every Hyundai I've driven has been shit. But 95% of buyers in this market don't really care. Nor would 80% of BMW 3 series or C class buyers even know which wheels are being driven.

    For my money, I'd get a Suzuki Swift Sport CVT such as this http://www.carsales.com.au/demo/details/Suzuki-Swift-2016/OA…
    I reason I recommend it, because I like decent handling cars.

  • johnno07 on 11/08/2016 - 13:13
    +4

    The partner and I just bought a Cerato S. We haggled a bit (actually, it took a lot of haggling) and got them to throw in the paint and AV pack for free ($1000 off). So $20K drive-away. The car is bloody fantastic - looks good, drives well, and has plenty of room. Quite a modern interior (actually nicer than the more expensive Mazda 3) Warranty and capped services (average about $380ish/year) for 7 years are great mind easers.

    • BargainMyMiddleName on 11/08/2016 - 13:35
      +2

      Agree on this.

      Bought a Cerato S Premium for $22.5K driveway with non metallic paint. It goes good enough, well built, smooth and quiet.

  • shazm on 11/08/2016 - 13:32
    +1

    Mitsubishi Mirage Hatch / Sedan? Honda City?

  • [Deactivated] on 11/08/2016 - 13:35
    +2

    Recommendations for new wife for car.

    • holdenmg on 11/08/2016 - 15:34

      I see what you did there… :+)

  • mini2 on 11/08/2016 - 13:54

    Surprised she's not after a SUV of sort.

    • ankor on 11/08/2016 - 19:11
      +1

      Soccer must be banned in the family :P

  • tomcat83 on 11/08/2016 - 14:14

    Have you considered the newish Nissan pulsar? It didn't get great reviews which means there's deals to be had, we bought my wife a new st-s with reversing sensors for under 20k drive away about 2 years ago which has a nice little turbo charged engine but is basic on features. The luxury features but "normal" drive chain is the st-l which is also quite a nice car. http://carsales.mobi/cars/details/2015-Nissan-Pulsar-ST-L-B1…

    • aussieprepper on 11/08/2016 - 14:55

      I have been eyeing out a SSS… I have had 3 series of pulsars great cars.

  • Forskin on 11/08/2016 - 14:38
    -3

    Get a vt/vx commodore for 2k. the ecojet v6 engine should last until your wife is off her p's then maybe you can treat her with a lovely new car. these engines can take daily beatings and still fire like new.

  • huit on 11/08/2016 - 15:25
    +3

    Skoda Fabia Wagon - not exciting but huge boot and well equipped

  • Mumbles on 11/08/2016 - 15:57
    +1

    I think the Hyundai Accent would be great for a P plater. It addresses all of your concerns. 5 star safety rating. Has all the modern safety aids (ABS, stability control, rear disc brakes, brake assist, airbags, etc).

    The latest 2016 "RB4" Accent got updated with Hyundai's Apple Carplay just a few months ago.

    Its the same size as the Suzuki Baleno and is a direct competitor.

    Warranty/service costs/schedule is excellent for its category. Warranty is 5 years. Fixed price servicing. 15000km service intervals. 10 years of free roadside assistance.

    Hyundai's have good resale. In customer surveys they rank as more reliable than most German and Japanese manufacturers.

    Our elderly mother just bought a 2016 RB4 Hyundai Accent Hatch, 1.4L, 6sp CVT Auto for $17K including free car tint, mud guards, cargo liner, carpet floor mats, dashmat.

    If you shopped around or required less accessories you'd easily retain more than $5000 of your remaining $22 budget to buy the aftermarket reversing camera, Apple iPhone and mobile phone data. With plenty left over for wife to thank you with a used motorcycle :)

  • fruit on 11/08/2016 - 16:08

    Just use your phone for the GPS, cheaper and lasts longer

    • Agret on 11/08/2016 - 18:28

      Lasts longer in what respect? You can update the maps on a GPS to keep them up to date. My Pioneer head unit from 2001 still runs the 2017.2 garmin map with no hassles.

      • fruit on 12/08/2016 - 10:45

        Nice, didn't know that.

  • Findo on 11/08/2016 - 19:30
    -1

    How about a second hand falcodore? Good value with good power, also can accomodate a growing family if that's in your plans.

  • inacoma on 11/08/2016 - 19:57
    +1

    Renault Clio Expression starts at $20,990. Decent European build and comes with 5 year warranty and capped servicing for 3 years. I've been told that their parts are inexpensive too so is more bang for your buck overtime. Been considering getting a Renault myself so have been doing my own research.

    http://www.renault.com.au/latest-offers/cars

    As Renault is still a rather niche market, it's not as saturated as your VWs and Mazdas, etc., which when reselling will have less competition.

  • BestofOZB on 11/08/2016 - 20:05
    +1

    Out of the 4 I think it's gotta be between the i30 and the cerato…I have driven both (rentals) and been in as a passenger, if for the same prive I'd pick the i30…Smoother, more modern and handles better.

    For $2k less I'd pick the cerato ;)

  • jeka1103 on 11/08/2016 - 20:48
    +1

    I will be tossing up between an i30/Elantra or a Cerato for myself in a few months so I understand why you're leaning towards those, but have you considered the likes of the Holden Cruze or Mitsubishi Lancer?

    Reason why I ask is I've had to extend my budget to $25k in order to get the features I'm after in a car. I saw above that you mentioned a $500 AV pack for the Cerato, but what does this actually contain? The Cerato S does not have a touch screen radio or sat nav built in, and I would think that to replace this whole unit with the touchscreen unit, and add reverse cameras and GPS would cost more than $500.

    The Holden Cruze Z-Series is $22,990 drive away (slightly over your budget I know, but I'm sure you could negotiate them down) and offers sat nav, reverse camera, rear park assist and a whole heap of other features that other cars at this price don't offer such as heated leather seats, push button start, and climate control aircon. I can also give a strong recommendation to the Cruze for it's interior space, my fiance is 6'9" and found the Cruze the most roomy car to sit in of all the $15-25K cars we've looked at. He didn't have to move the front seat the whole way back and could also fit in the back comfortably. He drives an i30 and was also considering the Cerato for himself, but he still found the Cruze roomier. Also, something else to mention that this is last model of the Cruze to be manufactured in Australia, it finishes production this year and the Commodore finishes production next year.

    I suspect from you leaning towards the i30 that you're after a hatch, so the Lancer might not appeal to you as much. The Lancer LS sedan (doesn't come in hatch, the hatch is a different model with different features) offers the features you're after such as reversing camera, rear parking sensors, GPS, as well as the other luxuries like heated leather seats and rain sensing windscreen wipers. At the moment the Mitsubishi website is showing a price of $25,990 for the LS, but I saw it on sale a couple of months back for $22,990, so if you were interested in this car, you might be lucky and it could go on sale again.

    Both of these cars do have their drawbacks, particularly with the aesthetics (the interior of the Cruze isn't great and the exterior of the Lancer is ugly), and the "age" of the Lancer overall could effect resale value, but they are both feature packed cars especially for the price range. So if you haven't considered them yet, I recommend you at least have a look at them, you never know, you/your wife might love one of them. Another notable car that I've also considered for myself is the Renault Megane, though at the moment, like the Lancer is not on sale and out of your price range.

    Good luck and happy car researching!

  • youbeokay on 12/08/2016 - 02:18

    The wife?

  • FatBlanket on 12/08/2016 - 07:31

    Suzuki Swift Sport

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