Looking to Buy a Brand New Car (~ $80,000) - Recommendations?

chickensaltfrie on 31/10/2016 - 19:09
Last edited 31/10/2016 - 23:11 by 1 other user

Uni graduate soon (21), will be entering Westpac as an Investment Analyst.

Private use, travels around 13K a year. Most of the time My girlfriend and i in the car.

Only considers SUV, Coupe or Sedan.

Not looking for a performance car but can't be underpowered.

Priority in decending order LOOK>Quality>Comfort>Performance>Technology>Resell>Safety

Currently considering MB GLC Coupe>C class coupe> CLA/ AudiS3.

EDIT: CX3 wasn't mine to begin with. It's more like a family car where I did the majority of driving but ultimately my mom bought it for my sister.

Camry was already sold.

Automotive

closed Comments

  • jaimex2 on 31/10/2016 - 23:10
    +40

    Shame you are too poor for a Tesla Model S

    • hahaboy on 01/11/2016 - 14:11
      +7

      I'm sure OP can up his budget a little? It's a higher yield investment, and any sane 21 year old should be able to bump up the budget to buy a Tesla. Only logical option.

      • [Deactivated] on 01/11/2016 - 16:08
        +1

        Honestly if I was earning this much dosh to spend on a car (regardless of my age), I would just get a cheap car for a year and then blow it on a Tesla Model S with all the add-ons the following year. If you're going to blow this much money on a luxury car, you might as well make it worth it.

        Or even get a car loan and have it now. Based on Tesla's loan calculator it looks affordable to OP (or work out what the difference is between loan vs cash and that sets your budget for an inbetween car).

        • hahaboy on 01/11/2016 - 20:40

          i don't know, just cause you can afford something nice, doesn't mean go top of the line. I'm sure a lot of people are happy with ICE too, in a good AMG or m3 cars, regardless of if the Tesla might be quicker/ faster.

        • [Deactivated] on 01/11/2016 - 21:20
          +3

          @hahaboy: It depends what your taste is. I don't have a problem with ICE, 99.5% of us are doing just fine, and if you can afford a Tesla you can afford an ICE, even if the cost split is more towards maintenance and petrol. What I find appealing about Tesla is not so much that it's electric, not so much that it's extremely fast, but more that the technology is decades ahead of the competition.

          All new Teslas are now technologically capable of fully autonomous driving with just a very minor upgrade (just a software unlock if you buy it already with the extra sensors/cameras, otherwise the extra sensors/cameras can be added later). The only hurdle they have to overcome is that the law needs to catch up, but we all know it's the future and they are working with politicians to change all that.

          Even without the full autonomy, a lot of the driving tasks are already automated even you are still "in control". It's sticks to the speed of traffic and to the speed limit if you tell it to, among other things (like automatic lane changes), and can take action to avoid a hazard before you've even seen the hazard (because the sensors can see further than you can and are always vigilant).

          But if you love being in manual control of all aspects of your driving at all times, the feel of a powerful engine, etc. then a Tesla is not for you.

        • [Deactivated] on 02/11/2016 - 09:51

          @The Land of Smeg: just found out that the extra sensors/cameras for full autonomy is a software unlock too

    • frewer on 03/11/2016 - 01:30

      How much does it cost any way ? Arent they gonna make a 'cheaper' model for Australia market ?

      • khomeini on 04/11/2016 - 16:35

        I don't know about the Model S but the Model X is what I am interested in… $130k driveaway for lowest model. https://www.tesla.com/en_AU/modelx

        Only downside is it does 400km on a full recharge. Works if you're near Richmond (Mlbn) but not further out.

        • frewer on 04/11/2016 - 17:30

          $130k !!! I cant afford that, even if I can the wife will take away my ozbargain medal. I saw a dude on YT, he bought used laptop batteries and hook it up, he managed to get his old volk going though

      • ThadtheChad on 16/11/2016 - 13:16
        +1

        I think you're talking about the Model 3. Nice car TBH. I'm actually interested as well.

        https://www.tesla.com/en_AU/model3

        I believe it will be approx $60k (thanks to our lovely Australia tax). The US price is US$35k. Should be coming out in 2018.

  • bargainbeseecher on 31/10/2016 - 23:32
    +20

    Hi, I'm looking for a sugar daddy!

    • Storm on 01/11/2016 - 15:47

      < has sugar :)

    • mskeggs on 01/11/2016 - 16:21
      +4

      I could possibly stretch to a Splenda daddy? Close enough?

    • khomeini on 04/11/2016 - 16:29

      I look like Justin Bieber and have an 80k car. After my voice gives out I'll be an investment banker with Westpac…. you in?

  • [Deactivated] on 31/10/2016 - 23:32
    +3

    Congrats on finishing your degree!

    Never stop learning!

    Have a read of this if you have some time. Buying shiny things is pretty cool, but accumulating income generating assets is awesome as it gives you flexibility and freedom to do what you want, play when you want, travel, contribute to your community and learn.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Millionaire_Next_Door

  • [Deactivated] on 31/10/2016 - 23:45
    +2

    If it was my money I'd go left field with something like a Golf GTI, and of your options the GLA. But as others have said

    1) you may be kicking yourself come mortgage application time to have so much cash tied into this.
    2) don't buy anything to impress other people, they don't care as much as you think
    3) be prepared for this to cost you a fortune- I'm not sure you are if you list resale in your criteria above
    4) no matter how cool and shiny you will get over the novelty of your new car and realise it isn't a big deal - better to realise that before you drop this amount of $$$

      • pspman on 01/11/2016 - 16:43
        +20

        you are a flog.

  • prozerran on 31/10/2016 - 23:53
    +3

    Why would you want to spend $80K on a car at 21YO. You are fresh out of uni and whilst you have a good career pathway, an investment analyst at a main bank will not pay you much maybe $60k pa in the first few years. It takes many years to build you way up especially in a banking organisation.

    Ok, enough of the father/mother advice. For 80K I bought myself a C250. Great interior and exterior front. It was carsguide car of the year 2014 so must be a good car. But be aware of the upkeep costs of these 80K cars. European and even Japanese cars at this price come with expensive service and parts/labour repair costs!!

    For style and ride comfort Merc>Audi>BMW
    Performance BMW>Merc/Audi - but who wants a firm ride!

    • chickensaltfrie on 01/11/2016 - 00:30
      -5

      I'm keen on the C class coupe. How much are the services?

      • zeomega on 01/11/2016 - 09:18

        Service is about 800 bucks for a bare bone minor, meaning standard oil change without anything else. Add on minor bits and bobs and it's just over a thousand.

      • natman on 01/11/2016 - 13:28
        +3

        $800 for an oil change. Yeah that sounds reasonable.

        • macrocephalic on 01/11/2016 - 15:10
          +5

          Replacing the oil and filter = $70.
          Not voiding the manufacturers warranty = $730.

      • goraygo on 01/11/2016 - 22:28

        C class normally $600 for A service and $800 for a B service without issues.

  • victorwilson on 01/11/2016 - 00:06
    +32

    This cannot be anything but a troll post…

  • camzorocks on 01/11/2016 - 00:10
    +8
    1. Put a Deposit on a house
    2. Rent out the house
    3. Pay off mortgage with rent
    4. Put a bit to the side, save money
    5. Once you've saved up a reasonable amount Buy a "good" car
    6. Put a Deposit on a house
    7. Repeat until you earn enough for $300k + car
    8. Than put a Deposit on a house
    9. Repeat
    • doodo477 on 01/11/2016 - 01:21
      +7

      Works if your investments are appreciating in value. Doesn't work that well if they're depreciating. Though blah, Friends drop out of high school have 3 homes, and I'm renting so who am I to say otherwise.

      • Mysterious Laptop on 02/11/2016 - 14:12

        camzorocks did mention 'house', when was the last time property depreciated? especially in sydney

        • chickensaltfrie on 03/11/2016 - 15:10

          Maybe you should know what you're talking about in term of real estates.

  • longislandicetea on 01/11/2016 - 00:24
    +14

    Inb4 DisabledUser80000

  • Forskin on 01/11/2016 - 01:35
    +1

    V8 commodore

  • altomic on 01/11/2016 - 01:53
    +9

    $80,000 = 20 x 2004 Camry's

    • WillRay92 on 01/11/2016 - 01:55
      +4

      That's ridiculous!

      You could get far more Camry's for that price.

      • altomic on 01/11/2016 - 01:55
        +8

        these camry's have full tanks of petrol

        • WillRay92 on 01/11/2016 - 01:56
          +5

          Ooh right, silly me. I forgot that a full tank in one of those things lasts for 7 years.

  • crentist on 01/11/2016 - 02:17
    +8

    yea i can see the wisdom in this. buy some shiny crap early on, and your superiors will know how easily they can control you. better than some frugal, cautious employee with self control who wont dance for a dollar and might think about retiring early if they get paid too much. let them know youre get addicted to lifestyle creep and theyll happily pay you more to stay at your desk for the rest of your life

  • Normal-Paper on 01/11/2016 - 02:19
    +2

    Are you gonna come back in 8 months time with a new post 'looking for a brand new $200k car, any recommendations? (Upgrading from the $80,000 car I bought a few months back)
    And if you're wondering where I got the figure from…

    $30k x 2 then add 20k = 80,000
    Your future car for the next stage in your life - (80k x 2) + 40k…roughly 200k

    • spackbace on 01/11/2016 - 02:26
      +27

      Next post:

      How to fix scratch in new car?

      Hi guys, so I was parked in the work carpark as I do every day, and some lil shit has opened his door onto mine.
      I spent all my money on this thing, so I was wondering if those touch up pens would do the trick?

  • Tech5 on 01/11/2016 - 04:23
    +6

    Your what, making 90k a year give or take? And already trying to show off with a 80k car at that level. Lol.

    • chickensaltfrie on 01/11/2016 - 11:23
      -2

      I like your thinking.

      • ohhmygod on 01/11/2016 - 13:59
        +14

        If you make 90k, go and buy a 10k second hand car.

        I wouldn't trust some fresh-out-of-uni guy with such poor judgement on money.

  • mp3police on 01/11/2016 - 04:55
    +9

    I wish I was born with a silver spoon :(.

  • whooah1979 on 01/11/2016 - 06:08
    +3

    Uni graduate soon (21), will be entering Westpac as an Investment Analyst.

    You're 21 with a degree and a job lined up at one of the big four. Congrats. Keep up with the good work and achieving your milestones. The brw may have a spot with your name in a the future.

    As for a $80k vehicle. A 5.7l or a 6.4l hemi will do.

    • Vhope07 on 01/11/2016 - 12:00
      -2

      Came here to say this mate! Chrysler 300! Turn heads like nothing else. I get where you are coming from - did the same myself. Borrowed and bought a 300 without being able to affford it and showed the fingers to all well meaning naysayers. No regrets, love my ride and keeping it :)

      • Captain Howdy on 01/11/2016 - 12:17

        Heh, I say a Chrysler too. Headturners - that's exactly how I'd describe them. They do look damn pretty.

        • JelIyfish on 01/11/2016 - 15:50
          +5

          Is trolling the troll the new norm?
          Seriously, a Chrysler, oh god I hope OP buys one haha.

      • zeomega on 01/11/2016 - 13:09
        +1

        Looks is subjective. The 300C doesn't do much for me or many of my other friends, but maybe it's the crowd and type of people you/I mix with. There unfortunately is quite a stigma as well with the kind of people that buy the 300C SRTs, be it true or not.

        • hahaboy on 01/11/2016 - 14:13

          what's the stigma?

        • jenkemjunkie on 01/11/2016 - 22:34

          @hahaboy:

          Thugs on a budget car. For the gangstas that can't afford the bentley continental.

          Enjoy getting pulled over

        • Captain Howdy on 02/11/2016 - 10:12
          +2

          @jenkemjunkie:

          Heh, I can see that. I like the body shape on them though. Guess it kinda has that Phantom look to it - at the cheaper price, as you say.

  • jhmtaylor on 01/11/2016 - 08:39

    I have the GLC and very happy with it. The coupe looks good but not as practical which will affect resale value on a SUV

  • whooah1979 on 01/11/2016 - 08:39

    Infiniti and Lexus are In your price range and made in Japan.

    • chickensaltfrie on 01/11/2016 - 11:25

      Not considering Infiniti as I've actually test drove some of them at a dealer and not impressed. I do consider Lexus.

  • tinoproductions on 01/11/2016 - 09:03
    +4

    Congrats on being at this stage in your life where you can afford a. Re car, but….

    I think this is the wrong audience.
    This is a site where people get excited about a $1 saving.

    Best to post in a car forum, with a more welcoming environment.

    As for the car, if you MUST go brand new, I would really try and spend some time with these cars. Take the weekend and go from dealer to dealer. Drive them around, see how they make you feel.

    Have you looked into insurance and servicing costs too?

    Half the fun in a new car is the shopping experience, so go have fun.

    Have you also looked into the Q5? Had a colleague get into a new one for $60k. There is a new shape imminent, so can get some great deal.
    $80k should be plenty for something fun, with the right image.

    The AMG/M/S cars will hold their money better IMHO, so Anne try get into one of those. Plus they will make you smile every time you drive. :-)

    Report back with your purchase.

    • chickensaltfrie on 01/11/2016 - 11:30

      I've actually test drive a RSQ5, as auntie is a department manager at Audi. Didn't test drive Q5 as the look didn't appeal to me. The experience was merely okay. GLC coupe would be SUV to go. I agree with AMG M S. Ms are too expensive, don't really like that M2, I can probably only afford an S3. I hope MB changes its design on CLAs, the design looks outdated compare to the new C class coupe.

    • inherentchoice on 02/11/2016 - 12:38
      +3

      I think this is the wrong audience.
      This is a site where people get excited about a $1 saving.

      But it's the right audience if you want to troll?

  • Baebs on 01/11/2016 - 09:35
    +5

    So much entitlement in one post haha.

  • STRAPIFY Watch Strap on 01/11/2016 - 09:45
    +8

    Imagine if you told your manager that you thought your car was an investment with high yield… you'll be definitely making a lasting impression on them in your first week.

    There are two impressions you can make on them by showing your car:
    a) This kid is an idiot that blew all his savings on a depreciating asset (probably financed as well?)
    b) His parents are rich

    When you actually enter the workforce, you'll realise a lot of people don't even drive expensive cars.

    They might be impressed by your car, but what you need to do to stand out is to be actually good at your job.

    But if none of this detracts you from buying this asset, why not consider a CLA200 (or CLA250) with an AMG sports package. Looks sporty and expensive, comfy, uses Apple CarPlay etc. If you buy it new/demo you'll also be able to go under their corporate program which gives you some discounts and also 3 years free servicing.

    This will set you back 55-60K PLUS you will have over $20K to invest in stocks and prove how good you are at investing. Turn that $20K into $40K and I'm sure this will earn the respect of your bosses and colleagues the right way. If you lose the $20k, pretend as if you bought the car for 80K.

    Win-win.

  • patinadiary on 01/11/2016 - 09:46
    +3

    I'll try and answer this without judgment (to the best of my ability). If "look at me" is a top priority then get something like a second hand pink Maserati. Frankly, the type of people who would get impressed by a car would really not be 'impressed' unless it is a Bentley or Ferrari of some sorts. If you still insist on buying something around that figure, consider a Golf R, maybe even something bigger like an RR Evoque. All the best.

  • Epokk on 01/11/2016 - 09:46
    +1

    A 1994 Magna ought to do. You may even have a spare couple of bucks left to drop a house deposit… or a slick pair of supercheap auto hub caps. Either would be cool.

    • mskeggs on 01/11/2016 - 16:25
      +3

      Great, now you're driving asset inflation on the cars I like to buy!
      I need rich 21yro kids to make stupid car decisions so I can buy them cheap in 20years.

  • mranderson978 on 01/11/2016 - 09:47
    +8

    I've seen some ridiculous forum posts through OZB, but this is the most ridiculous.

    I'm not sure whether the OP deserves kudos for a good troll, but my gut reaction is he doesn't.

    • Jamiea on 01/11/2016 - 11:44
      +8

      It's right up there with the guy who wanted to import a shit load of rice.

      • geoffs87 on 01/11/2016 - 16:19

        haha

      • mskeggs on 01/11/2016 - 16:26
        +4

        He posted a follow up, and advised he did end up selling it all for a profit, but it took longer than expected and was more work than he hoped.

  • [Deactivated] on 01/11/2016 - 09:48
    +10

    If you look at your demographic, almost no 21 year olds drive $80k cars. If you are getting a loan to pay for this, you are nuts. Especially if you are taking a graduate job in finance, where one stuff up will have you out on your ass. I would also be careful of impressions initially, you do not want to be seen driving a more expensive car than your boss. Be smart, not greedy.

    • funnybunny on 01/11/2016 - 21:15

      lol i own a mazda 6 2007 and my boss owns a subaru liberty 1999. guess not much of a step up.
      though I'm not in finance. my work is free to the public so need to impress

    • malich on 02/11/2016 - 13:46
      +1

      Having worked in the finance industry all my life, I find it interesting that some of the best executives I've come across drive relatively inexpensive cars. Those same execs are the ones with multiple investment properties and lavish principle residences.

      I guess the ones who excel in their chosen careers are the ones who paid attention to the lessons taught in finance 101. What is the opportunity cost of a $80k car vs a $20k car?

      From personal experience, I "downgraded" cars awhile back and couldn't happier. I went from having BMW 335 coupe(which I bought second hand) to a second hand Kizashi. I love the kizashi as I can leave it anywhere I want and not be stressed about it. Last week I was stuck in the CBD overnight, left the kizashi on curbside parking and came back in the morning without any worry of it being spat on or keyed.

      Anyway, I'd suggest our OP is trolling, but if he is not, good luck to him. Sometimes you need to make mistakes to learn a lesson.

  • mranderson978 on 01/11/2016 - 09:54

    I saw this post a while back - it seems like good value to me:

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/169305

  • Peanut money on 01/11/2016 - 10:24
    +6

    Don't listen to these guys. You deserve it so much.
    I wish everyone was like you. Cant stand people buying houses and shares driving me out of the market.

  • aman00024 on 01/11/2016 - 10:29

    This is so good.

    RX 450h F SPORT
    STARTING AT $56,495.

    • mskeggs on 01/11/2016 - 16:26
      +7

      $56k? peasant.

    • malich on 02/11/2016 - 13:59

      Where did you see that? That's a bargain

  • snook on 01/11/2016 - 10:29
    +4

    Any brand new car = complete waste of money

    MB = in Germany, the Germans say that only farmers buy MB.

    Note to self: stay away from Westpac

  • bluesix on 01/11/2016 - 10:37

    I'm also in the market with the same budget (selling my BMW 135). Thinking either BMW M240 or Audi S3 or 3 month old RS3. The MB CLA45/A45 do look nice but I hate their engine sound.

  • usbc activist on 01/11/2016 - 10:59

    So, this is where all those 2$ westpac steals from us whenever we use their ATMS goes to

    • equitygame on 01/11/2016 - 15:25

      ATM's have nothing to do with Investment Analysts… Different market, different clients, massive 'Chinese Walls' between them.
      This guys job is kick ass, if he can keep it…

  • ohhmygod on 01/11/2016 - 11:10
    +6

    So much arrogance coming from OP.

    I recently met the President of one of the top 3 manufacturer of cosmetics and supplements in Japan. Guess which car he drives to work everyday? Toyota Prado. :)))) Old one too.

    • Skramit on 01/11/2016 - 11:48
      +13

      Most people I've met at CEO / VP / P level are nice guys and gals and are quite level headed and usually down to earth and don't focus on expensive toys even though they own some. The toys don't define them unlike OP. You don get to their very high corporate level by being an egotistical jerk face, because you get found out at middle and upper middle management if you're a self centred jerk.

      • ohhmygod on 01/11/2016 - 12:19

        Well said =]

      • mskeggs on 01/11/2016 - 16:31
        +1

        I used to work for a bloke that bought his dream Ferrari when he sold his first business for millions. It was dusty down in the staff car park, next to my 20yro Commodore. I asked him why and he said the insurance was stupidly costly for him to drive it, and everyone thought he was a (profanity) when he took it for a spin. He was going to sell it, but the depreciation was so savage I think he didn't want to face it.
        Mind you, same bloke ended up with a private plan coming off the end of the runway of his private island in QLD, so he didn't have a great run with the toys.

      • syousef on 03/11/2016 - 14:11
        +1

        You're living in a fantasy world.

        In the real world we have Steve Balmer and Bill Gates abusing staff, Donald Trump trying to grab their crotch, Steve Jobs screwing his best friend for large sums of cash while taking all the credit, Carly Fiorina insisting on being treated like a royal while bringing down a company with a brilliant heritage, Marissa Mayer trashing Yahoo and making dubious changes to employee working conditions with no regard for personal circumstances.

        Footage of a level headed CEO
        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edN4o8F9_P4

        Yes some CEOs can be good down to earth people. It's not a pre-requisite though. Egotists are drawn to power!

        • Skramit on 03/11/2016 - 14:46

          Nah this is complete bollocks. A few bad examples is not the norm.

        • chickensaltfrie on 03/11/2016 - 15:07

          Some people can lie for the sake of their argument.

        • syousef on 03/11/2016 - 18:05
          +1

          @Skramit:

          A FEW? A FEW? Are you high?

          http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/09/13/1-in-5-ceos-are-p…

          I keep having to say this but downvoting or disliking an argument doesn't make you any more correct.

        • Skramit on 03/11/2016 - 19:11

          @syousef:
          Still disagree with you. I was talking about them not focussing on toys and expensive objects and being nice people. You're focussing on a handful of mistakes they made. Boring. Move along troll.

        • syousef on 03/11/2016 - 20:10

          @Skramit:

          Being a pyschopath is not "a handful of mistakes". Either your comprehension is very very bad or that's the worst attempt at misdirection and straw man I've seen in a long time. The people I mentioned had no trouble chewing people up and spitting them out to assert power or for profit. All day every day. There are multiple stories about what giant dirtbags they could be and how they destroyed lives.

          Calling someone a troll just because you don't agree with them is just feeble.

        • tonka on 04/11/2016 - 20:50
          +1

          @syousef: Agree most times it's the ruthless that make it, regardless of how well they hide it in their pursuit to 'look' nice.
          And it's narcissists that are better than most at climbing their way up.
          I've seen the nicest most ethical directors I've known turn completely feral and thrown everyone to the wolves when their job was at risk.

    • Excelsior on 01/11/2016 - 17:05

      All the partners at my firm are low key too, even though they can easily afford luxury cars. They pretty much drive Passats or Land Cruisers lol.

      • whooah1979 on 01/11/2016 - 17:12
        +1

        Land Cruisers

        These aren't cheap. $83k for a base model.

        • Excelsior on 01/11/2016 - 17:24

          Considering they make well over $300k PA I think that's pretty modest.

        • [Deactivated] on 01/11/2016 - 19:41
          +2

          @excelsior: Nah, that's about right for someone who is sensible with their money and is making that kind of coin. It's just that most people aren't sensible, and get loans out on depreciating assets, essentially buying cars which they can't afford.

        • Excelsior on 02/11/2016 - 12:50

          @thorton82:
          Yup. Exactly the point I was trying to make. You have people who are sensible and you have young hot shots buying things they think they can afford.

    • inherentchoice on 02/11/2016 - 12:51

      I saw something on TV about Jim Penman (founder of the Jim's Mowing empire), and he still was still driving the same car as when he started out in business (1980s Subaru wagon I think?).

      Here is a little bio for Jim Penman which confirms he drives a 26-year-old car.
      http://www.celebrityspeakers.com.au/jim-penman/

      And an interview from 2003 which says his wife complains about his car from 1982:
      http://www.abc.net.au/insidebusiness/content/2003/s851923.ht…

  • [Deactivated] on 01/11/2016 - 11:19
    +17

    45 year old here, can anyone recommend a 3.5 million dollar car?

  • over9000jews on 01/11/2016 - 11:28

    Fork out the extra $ and get an X6, or show ur bosses ur up to date with a tesla. trust me.

    Very similar thread, please check this one out for more info:

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/271662

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