Help Me Choose a 5-Seat SUV under $40k

Aap Ke Papa on 07/02/2018 - 20:02
Last edited 11/02/2018 - 20:51

Edit#2 10/2/18: I test drove the following cars today
Nissan Qashqai Ntec, Nissan X-trail ST, Kia Sportage GT Petrol, Mazda CX5 GT, Subaru Forester, Subaru Outback 2.5i premium, Hyundai were too cocky to give me a test drive without appointment

I liked the following cars in no particular order. All cars had that extra oomph and a beautiful interior with decent bells and whistles
Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium $42000 Driveaway brand new
Mazda CX - 5 GT $43990 without any bargains
Kia Sportage GT Line $43000+

All the prices given to me are without any haggling.
Any chances what best prices I can score? And what are your thoughts on the prices? Aim would be not to cross the $40K mark

I'm in Melbourne

I am unable to choose which SUV to buy. I currently drive an elantra 2013.
I have narrowed it down to the following

Mazda CX-5 AWD Touring
Honda CR-V 2WD VTi-S
Subaru Forester 2.5i-S
Tucson 2.0 2WD Elite Auto
Renault KOLEOS Zen 4x2

As you can see the cars are mid range in terms of features and stuff. I am not after a top model or a base model. I am not after a 7 seater, I will never me towing or doing off road driving.

Things I want from my car

Decent looks
Nice pick up 0-60
Fair amount of fancy features that come in mid range models
Can live without android auto
I do city driving spend most of my time in traffic driving 1 hour a day max which is to and from work.
I hope the cars will have a decent sound system.
other that that i really dont have any expections apart from a car that doesnt give my any unnecessary problems if i service regularly.

Negative for cx5, i really love the shape and the features that come in the touring model but it just looks like a bigger hatchback to me at times with not enough ground clearance.
Negative for CR-V - CVT and the rear shape
Negative for forester - the shape is not exciting enough

please help me choose one or shoot down option but do tell me why.
Cheers

Edit 9/2/18: Thank you guys really loving all the insight from you guys. Apologies that I havent test driven any. I aim to this weekend. So keep giving me all the pointers you have to make a decision as I dont have much clue about what car to get. The car that I will get I will hang on to it. It wont be an investment yeilding option for me. All I want to something nice to drive, decent safety features, nice cabin, reliable and high riding with easy access for kids/pram etc

Poll Options

  • 125
    Mazda CX-5 AWD Touring
  • 27
    Honda CR-V 2WD VTi-S
  • 63
    Subaru Forester 2.5i-S
  • 34
    Tucson 2.0 2WD Elite Auto
  • 115
    Other
Automotive

Comments

  • oscargamer on 07/02/2018 - 20:04
    +11

    Have you driven them all?

    You should add a Tucson and Sorrento to your list

    • Aap Ke Papa on 07/02/2018 - 20:11

      I have not driven any at the moment. just narrowing down the list before I make up my mind. Sorrento is a 7 seater which i wouldnt need. I did think about hyundai so added to the list.

      • [Deactivated] on 07/02/2018 - 20:14
        -2

        go drive them than make a post
        it seems pointless to ask us, when you haven't driven them

        • Aap Ke Papa on 07/02/2018 - 20:22

          for me driving so many cars wont make any difference and looking at these cars in realtime will just confuse me more. So i am after the opinion everyone has regarding the models I have narrowed.

        • [Deactivated] on 07/02/2018 - 20:39
          -3

          @Baahubali:
          you realise you have chosen a mix of awd and fwd cars?
          go take them for a drive, stop being lazy

        • whooah1979 on 07/02/2018 - 20:48
          +11

          @tuzii:
          most sunday drivers won't be able to feel the difference between awd and fwd.

        • spackbace on 08/02/2018 - 12:00
          +6

          @Baahubali:

          Agree with tuzii, thread is pointless without a test drive.

          Would you let us choose your shoes? Your trousers? All of these could seem like they're the same, yet you could find something comfortable that I don't.

          Get out there and sit in seats. Test drive. Play with buttons

          Thread is pointless till then.

        • wyndham29 on 09/02/2018 - 15:41
          +23

          @tuzii: Stop being a (profanity), and unless you have something constructive to add to the conversation, shut up

        • smartazz104 on 09/02/2018 - 20:18
          +21

          @tuzii: Comment count isn't an indication of one's usefulness to OzB; Exhibit A, you.

        • WTF on 09/02/2018 - 22:27
          -6

          @wyndham29: lol..stop picking on tuzi. It is a free world.

          If people want to call you a fu#kwit they can :)

      • oscargamer on 07/02/2018 - 20:40

        Sorry - i meant Sportage not Sorrento

    • VluHunt8r on 09/02/2018 - 00:34
      +3

      I second the Sorento. Bought one early this year and am happy so far!

      • jtc13 on 09/02/2018 - 11:01
        +2

        I have had the Sorrento for 2.5 years and could not be happier. Only a family of 4 but we use the 7 seats all the time with cousins and friends of the kids.

    • MechEng on 09/02/2018 - 09:05
      +1

      Actually Sportage is the same size as the Tucson not Sorento. Worth looking in my opinion.
      Check the maintenance costs for CVTs. I like Mazda's, but I hate the 10000 km maintenance interval that the use in Australia.
      Mitsubishi is also renowned for the bang for the buck on equipment. I have not driven the Outlander though.
      Good luck

      • tallmantim on 09/02/2018 - 12:07
        +1

        I drive 2013 Sportage. Have been really happy with it (had since new).

        You should be able to get the top of the line model for those sort of $$$ I think.

      • lddv04 on 13/02/2018 - 11:36

        Mitsubishi have a new SUV out, the Eclipse Cross. Sized between the ASX (which I own) and Outlander. Review here: https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-reviews/mitsubishi-eclipse-…

  • thetrain on 07/02/2018 - 20:12
    +1

    What do you want in your SUV?

    How are you going to use it?

    These will influence the choice of vehicle.

    • whooah1979 on 07/02/2018 - 20:21
      +26

      i really love the shape
      the rear shape
      the shape is not exciting enough

      it's all about the shape.

      • John Kimble on 08/02/2018 - 09:24
        +18

        Is the OP 2 years old? My daughter loves shapes too.

        • andreussi on 10/02/2018 - 08:48
          +3

          Maybe it is time you stop being a lazy parent and buy your daughter a goodly shaped car.

      • abb on 13/02/2018 - 11:52

        it's all about the shape.

        Yet, somehow, OP is only looking at SUVs…

  • oscargamer on 07/02/2018 - 20:42

    You have added the 2.0 Tucson. It hasn't got a lot of uumph (but none of those you have listed have uumph). Maybe drive the 1.6 turbo as well?

  • smuggler on 07/02/2018 - 20:42
    +1

    Go Japanese and never look back.

    Mazda Cx5 is pretty roomy.

    I do city driving spend most of my time in traffic driving 1 hour a day max which is to and from work.

    Doesn't matter what car you get. lol

    • El Grande on 07/02/2018 - 20:58
      -1

      I test drove that. It's noisy, gutless, Interior is drab and worst body roll in the segment.

      • smuggler on 07/02/2018 - 21:10
        +4

        I sit in bumper to bumper traffic every day. Can't really notice any of that. Interior is fine

        • El Grande on 07/02/2018 - 21:31
          +1

          I took it on the open road. The screen is tiny and the reverse camera is quite low res. It doesn't even have lines to show the reversing trajectory just a fixed ladder image that is more of a distraction than an aid. I can't understand the hype behind it. During my 15 mins test drive, I picked 15 things that bothered me about the car.

      • slipperypete on 11/02/2018 - 11:46

        there are different models. It is well known the smaller engined version is under powered. However, the larger one out accelerates my Subaru. It does fine

        • El Grande on 12/02/2018 - 02:10

          Test drove the touring (2.5L) its supposed to be similar power to most 1.5L turbos. The car still felt heavy. You can floor it to get more power but it's not easily forthcoming.

        • slipperypete on 12/02/2018 - 13:11

          @El Grande:

          I thought the power was adequate…..it's just a tad boring. It also has a flat spot in its power curve…..I think I understand what u r saying

    • syousef on 11/02/2018 - 10:39
      +1

      Mate of mine bought one and regrets it. Terrible milage and not as roomy as it first seemed were his top gripes.

      • smuggler on 11/02/2018 - 10:41

        Does he have kids? That's probably why

        • syousef on 11/02/2018 - 10:46

          Me and most of my friends, him included, have kids. BUT… I like a roomy car. Drive a Falcon Wagon at the moment. The extra room is great for bulk buying, taking the dogs to the vet, fitting in large telescopes, or going on that family holiday. If he isn't exaggerating he's paying about the same for fuel that I do. No one wants crap fuel economy.

      • zqipz on 11/02/2018 - 17:14

        I've gotten 830km extra urban on a tank… I wouldn't call it 'terrible'.

  • JenPat on 07/02/2018 - 20:49
    +21

    Just picked up a run out Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium $39990

    • iforgotmysocks on 07/02/2018 - 23:11
      +57

      You must be strong!

    • bobkin on 07/02/2018 - 23:19
      +18

      I don't know why station wagons aren't more popular. Better boot space than SUVs, less likely to roll, easier to park and I assume less wind resistance

      • Euphemistic on 08/02/2018 - 06:14
        +1

        Outback = SUV.

        • twww on 08/02/2018 - 09:39
          +14

          Nah. Bit like calling a Kia Rondo a people mover. Outback is a wagon!

        • Euphemistic on 09/02/2018 - 12:04
          -1

          @twww: A jacked up wagon with off road capability - which is what an SUV is. On the other hand an Outback is not considered a 4wd for serious off road.

        • TALLBALLER on 12/02/2018 - 03:39

          @Euphemistic:
          could also argue that a awd wagon outback/;iberty likethe former holden adventra/2wd wagon
          thr others have seperate design the forester is built as a suv and the outback is stil a wagon imho from what i can see

          lol nont car typo

      • Sadkid on 09/02/2018 - 08:53
        +4

        I agree with you on all points there.

        Though from my chats with parents with young bubs and kids, they prefer the extra height in SUVs which makes it easier to get the kids in/out.

        Having a hard time convincing my older folks to get a wagon for the increased boot space and driveability. They almost always prefer easier access with the higher seats. Or maybe they just like to look down on other peon road users from their high chairs ¯_(ツ)_/¯

      • Maxxjet on 09/02/2018 - 09:48
        +1

        Slightly lower driving position less attractive for me … tried myself and still prefer a higher driving position

    • Wriggle on 08/02/2018 - 08:55
      +2

      Really happy with my Outback. Had it about 18 months. No rocket, but good enough for me.

      • blehgg on 09/02/2018 - 10:12
        +1

        same ~ nice ride - good family car.

        Picked up 2.5 premium for 39K drive-away including 5 year warranty and 2 years free servicing. Rubber mat set, cargo tray, genuine front and rear sensors.

        • Wriggle on 09/02/2018 - 11:43

          Good deal. New model looks good, but not much different.

        • blehgg on 09/02/2018 - 12:23

          @Wriggle:

          Only sucky thing is the onboard gps / car computer…. stupid Subaru OS - pandora still embedded ~ no android

        • Aap Ke Papa on 10/02/2018 - 22:14

          Where was that from? Melbourne?

        • Centstoadollar on 23/02/2018 - 12:16

          Was that in melb? Which dealer?
          I’ve been quoted
          41k for 2.5 prem 2017 edition incl rear sensors, front tints matched & mats.
          44k for 2.5 prem 2018 edition same extras. Need to learn to haggle from you. 39k with all thkse extras for premium is amazing!

          Anyone else know what prices are being offered for 2017 or 2018 2.5 Premium models?

    • IWoNdEr on 09/02/2018 - 20:36

      Subaru XV if you want a smaller version of outback.

      • 1Kenobi on 09/02/2018 - 21:51
        +2

        Or a bigger version of an Impreza

        • WhyAmICommenting on 09/02/2018 - 22:55

          That levorg looks nice too

        • El Grande on 12/02/2018 - 02:15
          +1

          @spillmill: Levrog is one of the best cars I have driven. Got the top spec as a loan car. 199Kw of power. It's like driving a cloud with a jet engine. Amazing control and power.

        • WhyAmICommenting on 12/02/2018 - 11:40

          @El Grande: haha, great description

    • Aap Ke Papa on 10/02/2018 - 22:12

      That is a great bargain? where was that from?

    • slipperypete on 11/02/2018 - 11:47

      can't beat a Subaru

    • robotdad on 11/02/2018 - 15:05

      State and dealer? Thanks

  • El Grande on 07/02/2018 - 20:56
    +9

    No Tiguan?

    • Aap Ke Papa on 07/02/2018 - 20:58
      +1

      i know its one of the top selling cars but dont like the shape at all

      • El Grande on 07/02/2018 - 21:09
        +2

        I have test driven these 3 on your list.

        Mazda CX-5 AWD Touring - 2.5/5 (Horrible body roll it feels like it's on stilts / Slow and Whiny engine / No Android Auto)
        Honda CR-V 2WD VTi-S - 4/5 (Test drove the AWD version but it's too long for us / Engine is Loud but doesn't let you down when driving / Miles ahead of CX5)
        Subaru Forester 2.5i-S - 3.5 (Great to drive and good engine but a little dated / Would rate 4.5/5 if updated interior and tech)

        Considering Tiguan 132TSI/162TSI (VW's are not reliable and its a little small but it drives amazing/ Digital display is amazing/ Opt for Luxury Pack and Drivers Assitance pack and it puts BMW X3 to shame)

        • Aap Ke Papa on 07/02/2018 - 21:13

          Thanks all this info really helps

        • ekomyman on 09/02/2018 - 14:55
          +1

          I've owned 6 vw / Audi's and never had any major issues. Last GTI did 220km in 4 years with no issues. I got a friend into a Tiguan 3 years ago and hadn't had a single warranty issue. He is averaging 6.8l/100km from the 1.4tsi, so do yourself a favour and drive one. Just my 2 cents.

        • El Grande on 09/02/2018 - 15:01

          @ekomyman: I did drive one. My dad needs an SUV because he has a bad back now and he loved it. Its just he had an Octavia before that only lasted 75,000 Kms (over 7 years) before the engine shit itself. After 3 breakdowns over the next 3000Kms and $3000 spent we sold the car.

          He is not fussed though but I can't get a deal on a Tiguan. Looking for a 132TSI with Drivers Assistance pack and Luxury pack factory demo for about $47-48K. No dealer is willing to do a good price. Hardest experience in buying a car dealing with VW dealers.

        • bargainbee on 09/02/2018 - 19:21

          @ekomyman: Yep, no major issues with 220km in 4 years.

        • sickofiso on 11/02/2018 - 21:46

          @El Grande: I bought a Tiguan last year. 110 TSI for under 35k. It was a demo model with all the bells and whistles and only driven 300km. You gotta do a bit of research and check out each dealership and get them to match/beat prices.

        • El Grande on 12/02/2018 - 02:06

          @jkmy23: Luxury pack and Drivers assistance pack?

        • i like free on 14/02/2018 - 16:43

          Just for the Tiguan highline. Great car! The features are amazing and feels luxurious

      • kokita on 10/02/2018 - 02:42
        +1

        I own a Tiguan and it's amazing but all these options will cost you up to 48k.

        • El Grande on 14/02/2018 - 17:58

          No one would sell me one for 48K. I tried 49 and they want 50K. I read on forums people paying 47-48K but no availability.

    • this is us on 11/02/2018 - 02:27
      +2

      I had a Tiguan overseas and when I bought my first car in Oz I test drove and saw other cars, but I couldn't find anything better. I really like the finishing, technology and safety. Some expensive cars might have a good engine but internally they look very cheap, and no technology on board. I got a good deal at VW Fairfield. Absolutely no regrets and no issues with my two Tiguan (three years with the first, one year with the second/current one).

  • djkelly69 on 07/02/2018 - 21:01
    +20

    Do you really need an SUV? No towing or off-roading, and mainly city driving would suggest not.

    You will likely get better features, price, and fuel economy from a 'normal' car.

    • whooah1979 on 07/02/2018 - 21:48
      +2

      Do you really need an SUV? No towing or off-roading,

      the suv on op's isn't designed for towing nor off-roading. urban driving is their target market.

    • Euphemistic on 07/02/2018 - 22:01
      +14

      Another vote for non SUV. Sounds like you won’t use it. Why pay for the extra fuel consumption, wear from AWD, etc if you aren’t going to use it.

      In Europe they’d all be considered good tow vehicles, in Aus we are spoiled and think you can’t tow unless you’ve got a land cruiser.

      Buy a hatchback or sedan unless you need the extra space/height.

      • whooah1979 on 07/02/2018 - 22:17
        -4

        In Europe

        it's good thing we don't live in the eu. paying tax based on the size of the engine, co2 emissions or its power output is absurd.
        https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tax_horsepower
        https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motor_tax_in_the_Republic_of_I…

        • Hotshot on 08/02/2018 - 10:27
          +14

          Actually I think it’s a great idea. It does encourage the consumer to think carefully about the car they are buying and the environmental impact, etc.

        • Powershopz on 08/02/2018 - 22:32
          +11

          It's to encourage lower pollution. Something the Australian government doesn't care about whatsoever (see - renewable energy policy)

        • whooah1979 on 08/02/2018 - 22:46
          +1

          @Powershopz:

          The government is there because of voters. Vote for the other mob next time.

        • Euphemistic on 09/02/2018 - 06:40

          @whooah1979: they are so close together it doesn’t really matter which one you vote for.

        • whooah1979 on 09/02/2018 - 06:42
          +3

          @Euphemistic:

          The greens

        • KMeister on 09/02/2018 - 21:41
          +2

          @whooah1979: elitist hypocrites

      • sn809 on 12/02/2018 - 15:23

        Tow ball weight- Difference between Aus and EU is massive. You dont jst attach a trailer/caravan and start towing there is a bit more to it than that.

        I do agree though you may not need an SUV. I have a wagon so may be biased but its more expensive (although I ended up getting a Passat instead of a Tiguan so may be not always true) more expensive tyres etc.

    • Aap Ke Papa on 10/02/2018 - 09:23

      What do you have in mind?

      • abb on 13/02/2018 - 11:58

        You could buy two i20/Yaris/Jazz/similar, leave your work gear in one and your weekend gear in the other!

    • CocaKoala on 12/02/2018 - 21:34

      But he doesn't like the 'shape' of the normal cars. :(

      • whooah1979 on 13/02/2018 - 04:17

        They're all normal shapes.

  • schmuppet on 07/02/2018 - 21:07
    +3

    Diesel Sportage, should get a brand-new MY17 GT-Line diesel within your budget.

    • Aap Ke Papa on 07/02/2018 - 21:12
      +3

      Its the sportage shape that throws me off

      • schmuppet on 07/02/2018 - 23:31
        +8

        Don't look at it until you're sitting inside

      • payless69 on 09/02/2018 - 18:20
        +4

        keep stiring at a Nissan Puke ah sorry Juke if you still have something left in your stomach the Sportage is no longer so ugly…

    • kingmw on 09/02/2018 - 18:36
      +1

      Have the Sportage SLi Diesel. Awesome car and the shape really grows on you. Excellent engine in the car and well within your budget

      • cuteseal on 11/02/2018 - 00:04

        Agreed… do you really need the GT-line OP?

        The SLI has the same engine and power and most of the important features that matter. The higher grade adds stuff like sunroof, auto parking, all the beepy warny things (lane departure) that to me are just fluff and you can probably live without.

        Save yourself a packet and look at the mid tier Kias.

        • payless69 on 11/02/2018 - 09:23

          400 Newton Meters right from the bottom end a cause for finding Mercs and Beamers in the rear view mirror…

    • Aap Ke Papa on 09/02/2018 - 20:14

      Are you sure GT line is coming up as quite expensive?

      • schmuppet on 09/02/2018 - 20:30

        I know of MY17 diesels going for $41k, might be able to haggle off a little more as manufacturer rebates on MY17 cars will only be increasing.

    • Aap Ke Papa on 09/02/2018 - 22:56

      The price range is coming up as quite high.do you reckon I can score one under 40k?

    • sovereign01 on 12/02/2018 - 09:59

      A good friend has had a MY17 GT-Line diesel for ~6 months - He's very disappointed.. A few weird quirks, a few rattles here and there, but mostly the fuel economy isn't anywhere near what he expected.
      He came from a diesel Jetta that did 10-20% less than it's sticker, his Sportage is doing 10-20% more than the sticker despite him driving like a grandma.

      • payless69 on 12/02/2018 - 15:25
        -1

        AWD adds safety and fuel +tyre consumption. We got a 105 Cruiser AWD and discussed to convert to part time 4wd. It is a toss up between safety and ecconomy. Same with Subies, think Audi was pushing it with its Quattro. Tell us more about the Jetta, if affected by dieselgate once corrected it will drink more and start to smoke!
        Remember the Koreans had poached the best engine engineers from the Volkswagen group.

        • sovereign01 on 12/02/2018 - 17:25

          I'm not comparing AWD to FWD/RWD, I'm comparing claimed vs achieved figures in which it doesn't matter the configuration of the car.

          Not sure why you thought it relevant to attack the competitor and gush about Korean cars, also not sure why you're sprouting incorrect information about dieselgate.

          Not really worth my time but I'll correct it anyway: In Australia the dieselgate 'fix' is to do nothing but remove the ECU program that is enabled under testing condition. This is a semantic change in Australia as the cars pass Australian emissions tests regardless of their configuration; Australia's diesel standard is significantly less stringent than US (or Europe for that matter).
          i.e nothing changes to performance or economy. Not sure where you got that idea

          As an aside: In what world would it make sense that VW would correct an emissions problem by creating more smoke?

          Anyway, I'd love to hear from other diesel Sportage owners about what sort of fuel economy they're getting.

        • kingmw on 12/02/2018 - 18:35
          +1

          @sovereign01: Not sure where you are getting your info from (probably VW who are likely lying) but the "fix" has been associated with worsening fuel consumption.

          Producing less toxic emissions increases the heat/pressures on the exhaust side and thus causes the engine to work harder. This is physics, you can't have something for nothing, otherwise they wouldn't have bother to cheat in the first place.

          https://www.drive.com.au/motor-news/aussies-slow-to-grab-vws…

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