Wife Wants to Trade in Kia Cerato 2011 for a 2nd Hand 4WD (~ $10k)

Click_It on 23/02/2018 - 10:08
Last edited 23/02/2018 - 10:10

She has a 2011 Kia Cerato with around 90k on the clock. Manual 6 speed. We're just about to throw 4 new tyres, new suspension and a service.

She wants a 4WD and needs an auto due to an injury it's painful for her to drive manuals.

Wants diesel, we are getting into camping and want the ability to tow trailers etc. Not talking any extreme off-road use but going where cars can't. Taking it on the sand dunes so 4x4 would be a bonus but 2x4 is still okay, we'll just forgo the sand dunes.

We'll be looking to trade her car + cash in for something around the $10,000 mark.

So what's reasonably reliable, easy to work on etc, not too much of a guzzler (it'll still be 80% road use). I can do basic maintenance plus we have a mechanic in the family to do the bigger jobs.

Automotive

Comments

  • Euphemistic on 23/02/2018 - 10:24

    Are you looking for a vehicle valued at $10k, or Cerato + $10k?

    How heavy do you want to tow? How much space do you need/want inside the vehicle? eg 7 seats?

    Apparently the older shape x-trail are fairly good off the beaten path and OK on sand. If you want proper 4wd ability though you'd be better heading for a more full size vehicle. Maybe a twin cab ute might suffice, but they are a bit rougher to ride around town in.

    We have a 2011 Pathfinder 4wd. It's a great vehicle, but not small and maybe above the price range. It is a very capable 4wd in standard trim, even better with some goodies.

    • Click_It on 23/02/2018 - 10:37

      Valued around the 10k mark.

      I've started having a bit of a nosey around and found some Nissan X-Trails and Pathfinders not too far north of this budget (2009/10 models), taking higher mileage or going slightly older would get it in range.

      5 seats is fine, 7 seats could be considered a bonus but honestly we'd value the storage space over extra seating.

      Yeah I should have said we're probably looking at mid-size 4WD's but are open to the full size vehicles too. Will consider each on their merit. Could potentially stretch closer to $15k if it looks like we're getting a lot better bang for our buck.

      That's interesting, without fully reading your post before I started replying, we've both mentioned the same 2 cars already. Must be on the right track then :)

      EDIT: As for the twin-cab ute, my wife kind of likes that idea too but I don't think it's really what she needs. I'm happy for her to check out all options though, go for some test drives (it's her car not mine). I just don't think we'll end up going down that path. However it is one way to bring the prices down as you say.

      • Presence on 23/02/2018 - 10:43
        +1

        You will struggle to get a serious 4wd worth owning with that budget. Consider an Outback? Just as capable as an X-Trail but bigger boot and better on road.

        If you can deal with something older Pajeros are good, similar to a Prado but much cheaper.

        Do not buy a 4x2 SUV. They are mostly FWD so suck at towing.

        • Euphemistic on 23/02/2018 - 10:57

          Yep, Outback or Forester would be a good option for a camping vehicle with some off road capability.

          Possibly the only other semi-proper 4wd mid size SUV might be the Outlander. AFAIK CRV is pretty poor at being AWD, RAV4 is a tad better.

          Notice the advertising for them. Outback/Forester tend to show a bit of river crossing type stuff while a CRV is shown in the city and the RAV4 driving a dirt track to the beach.

        • Click_It on 23/02/2018 - 10:59

          I hear you. I personally like the Outbacks but my wife won't have it, somewhere in her past she got some hate for those vehicles and convincing otherwise is futile. She hates all Subaru's actually, it's easier just to work with her on this - she's a very stubborn woman :)

          Thanks for the tip on 4x2 SUV's, I'll steer clear of those then.

          She used to own a Prado and loved it. I was going to say the Mitsi Pajero is getting too large but really it's in the same category of the Nissan Pathfinder isn't it. I personally have a preference to the Pathfinder but the end decision won't be mine. Realistically for her I think something like the X-Trail would probably suffice but given her past ownership of a Prado I know she'll favor the larger class immediately, even if she really doesn't need it….

        • enzioFirenze on 23/02/2018 - 12:22

          @Click_It: Prado all the way if you ask me, it'll pretty much go anywhere and on-road performance is great with comfortable seating and plenty of space. D4D engine is pretty fuel efficient as well. At your price range though, it'll be slightly older than what you are looking for with relatively high mileage.

        • Euphemistic on 23/02/2018 - 12:40
          +1

          @enzioFirenze: I would think a Prado in the $10k range would be bordering on very old and very high kms. They seem to hold their value too well.

        • enzioFirenze on 23/02/2018 - 13:31
          +1

          @Euphemistic: I was pushing it towards 15k margin that OP mentioned but yeah, Diesels are even more expensive :S

  • [Deactivated] on 23/02/2018 - 10:57
    +1

    Ex taxi

  • [Deactivated] on 23/02/2018 - 11:05

    New suspension after 90k

    Where has she been driving? Does she slow down for speed humps and go around the roundabout?

    • Euphemistic on 23/02/2018 - 11:06
      +2

      It's a Kia.

    • Oz8argain on 23/02/2018 - 11:21
      +1

      maybe she's really into stance and gave the Kia very low aftermarket suspension ;)

    • Click_It on 23/02/2018 - 11:31

      There was an offroad experience a little while back… Long story short, 2 new fronts needed. Ordered them and will put them in over the weekend. Cheap and easy enough job.

  • yoonibear on 23/02/2018 - 11:09
    +1

    Have you looked into a Suzuki Grand Vitara?
    Don't know much about them though

    • spackbace on 23/02/2018 - 11:26
      +1

      Bingo, was just about to suggest it.

      Whilst not the biggest you'll find, you'd be hard pressed to find a better 4x4 in the budget.

      Being a constant 4x4 with a 4-speed auto, it'll drink a bit (real world 10-11L/100km), but it's a proper 4x4 with a low range and diff lock. Not just a basic AWD. It'll go out on the beach etc.

      Oh and they're bulletproof, just treat them well and they'll bash on for years.

      Ex-Suzuki salesman here. I just love them and wish they'd bring out a new model

      • Click_It on 23/02/2018 - 11:38
        +2

        Added to the list cheers. The only thing that could be an issue is rear storage but otherwise it ticks all the boxes.

        • spackbace on 23/02/2018 - 12:10

          Rooftop box?

          Don't aim on the diesel, just go the 4-cyl. And the 3.2 V6 that was in the Prestige models ~2011/2012 (from memory) is just thirsty as shit, don't worry about it lol

          But otherwise it's Jap built, and has a timing chain (no belt), and the 2.4L has been around for ages :)

        • Click_It on 23/02/2018 - 12:58

          @Spackbace:

          That's an option yes. So with the Grand Vitara's forget about the diesels in general and stay clear of the V6 entirely?

        • spackbace on 23/02/2018 - 13:02

          @Click_It:

          Pretty much. I did hear of 1 diesel ending up on a flat-bed, but the service history of the car was sketchy.

          Basically majority of the GVs sold are petrol automatic 2.4s, meaning parts etc are easy to come by.

          Not sure why your Mrs would object to the space in the back, there's a fair amount when you actually look at one! Plus being box-shaped, it goes right up to the roof. Surely would be more than the Kia.

        • Click_It on 23/02/2018 - 13:22

          @Spackbace:

          I didn't say she was sensible or easy to please :D

          As predicted she said "I don't want a Suzuki!" but I'll show her a few and try to check out some in person together. Overall size should be able ideal for her, I just want a better look at storage space.

          Yes anything will fit more than her Cerato.

        • jacross on 24/02/2018 - 08:17
          +1

          @Click_It:

          Im in the process of buying a wagon and ended up with a provisional list of over 20 cars.

          I genuinely cant tell who's wiser. Me or your wife and her 'process'.

        • Click_It on 24/02/2018 - 09:53

          @jacross:

          Haha

          What's that saying? It's not the path but the journey.

          May we both figure it out sooner rather than later :)

        • Click_It on 24/02/2018 - 11:36
          +1

          @Click_It:

          I have a new problem. We both really like the Mitsubishi Outlander so far. Unfortunately it's tough to get one much under $17,000 so we might have to save up a bit longer. On paper it looks great, still need to investigate if it ticks all the boxes though. Wife loves it, funny how she loves the most expensive option… :)

        • dazeet on 24/02/2018 - 23:09

          @Click_It:

          If your budget cannot stretch to a ZJ/ZK, a ZG/ZH is actually not a bad choice. My friend has bought a used XLS Luxury 3 months ago, and he is still very happy with what he got for his money.

          5-star Used Car Safety Rating (no rating yet for for ZJ/ZK). A convenient (and IIRC fairly unique, even to this day) fold-down split tailgate design. Arguably better looking outside than the ZJ (if not also the ZK), with more internal space than most 5-seat SUVs, yet more compact externally than most 7-seat SUVs. The 2.4 with the CVT goes OK without any notable issues, but there is also a 3.0 V6 that was enhanced with the facelifted ZH.

          The ZH V6s also come with the Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system that originally debuted in the Evo. Funny Mitsubishi is only heavily promoting this system in the Eclipse Cross now! Regardless of which AWD system, this Outlander certainly does not appear to completely shy away from the rougher, tougher stuffs, if this report is any indication: https://www.motoring.com.au/mitsubishi-outlander-my10-range-…

          I'd say, consider value for money, insurance premiums, parts availability and pricing etc. against other competitors, check out a few better examples from the fairly vast numbers available, and see if you still want to hold out for a ZJ/ZK instead :)

  • wayfastwhitie on 23/02/2018 - 11:37
    +1

    you could look at a NP Pajero Exceed. They would almost sit in the 10k mark.

    • redvaldez on 01/03/2018 - 12:10

      Only thing to look at is the injector pump. I believe they cost a couple of grand to fix.

      That's not a reason not to buy one though imo, even if you had to factor in a new injector pump I still think it's an excellent bang for buck 4WD. Sub $10k and diesel doesn't give you a whole lot to play with.

      Happy NL Pajero (petrol) owner here btw.

  • spackbace on 23/02/2018 - 12:15
    +1

    Quick check of Carsales around the country and your Cerato looks like about an $8-$9k sell. Would you look to sell it privately?

    I'd suggest you do this:

    • Find the right car you want to buy
    • Inspect it, REVS check it etc
    • Negotiate
    • Bring up the trade (don't mention it any earlier), get proper trade value
    • Get a condition on the contract - "Subject to selling trade privately within 30 days" - This will mean the new car will be kept on hold for you, and once your Kia is sold, you can walk in the next day and drive out the new car. No fluffing around without a car :) If you don't sell it within the 30 days, you'll have to trade it, but sounds like it should present well enough to sell privately.

    End result, you get the best price for your car and the 'new' car. Less money leaving your pocket, or might mean the budget will stretch further on the 'new' car

    • Euphemistic on 23/02/2018 - 12:45
      +1

      I wouldn't be looking at car yards for a 4wd valued around $10k, much prefer to buy privately as you aren't paying any dealer markup. Sure, you won't have a warranty of any sort, but a dealer selling a $10k 4wd is likely to be the sort of yard that sells all the stuff that is no good for the 'main' car yard.

      If, as OP says, they know their way around a car, and have a mechanic in the family, it's even more reason to avoid the dealer.

      • Click_It on 23/02/2018 - 12:48

        My experience with cars is 100% private. I've actually never bought or traded with a car yard once. So that's a good point raised too. Yeah I know the basics and can spot the obvious issues, we'd get a 2nd opinion from my step son (mechanic) before handing over the money.

    • Click_It on 23/02/2018 - 12:45

      Awesome thanks for this really appreciate it!

      I've always personally bought & sold privately but we were thinking the best option with this was a trade, but it sounds like we'd lose a bit of value in that process. Your idea sounds like a good compromise. Or we just skip the yards completely.

      As for the Cerato, it's in pretty good condition but comes with a few scratches which we inherited from the previous owner (got it with 27k on the clock for $10k in 2014 which I thought was a steal) but I do have the black paint repair stuff which I've noticed is used by the car yards so I'll give that a go.

      • spackbace on 23/02/2018 - 12:59

        That's fine, it was only because you mentioned trade etc I figured you were looking at a dealer car. Do you have another car to get around in? Selling your car, then finding the right used car at the same time might be difficult (not impossible).
        If you stretch to $15k you'd find dealer cars, $10k you wouldn't (or would be wholesalers - avoid them!)

        Just make sure it's been fully serviced and you'll be fine :)

        For what it's worth, I sold a GV to a 4x4 hire car company that was just being setup, and he picked the GV above anything else due to it being the only capable car at it's price range (when new). He was going full upgraded suspension, tyres, etc, even replacing the 1 spare on the back with 2 (with a custom rear bar to hold them).

  • frondono on 23/02/2018 - 12:34
    +1

    10 grand is pushing it for anything decent. Pajero is probably your best option for 10k. Although subarus are worth considering if your not towing anything too heavy, they're pretty good offroad too.

  • wombat81 on 23/02/2018 - 12:42

    Be honest with yourself, I'd say it'll be 95-99% road use. Even the serious campers among us don't spend 20% of their time off the bitumen. I think you need to make some more serious decisions about what you want. A $10k 2wd SUV will be very different to a $10k 4x4. You'll need to decide one way or the other eventually.

    If you go down the SUV path you'll have far less towing ability and there aren't as many diesel options. But they should use less fuel and cost less to service and maintain. Tyres will be smaller/cheaper etc.

    You're not going to get a decent, big 4x4 for the $10k mark. You'll need to look at older model Toyota Prados, or Hiluxes, or Nissan Pathfinders or Navaras. I wouldn't look too much further than that if you want it to be reliable.

    • Click_It on 23/02/2018 - 12:55

      I'll give that to you, 95-99% is probably a fair call.

      I've owned a few cars but none of them have been SUV's so this is new territory for me (yes it'll be my wife's not mine but still…)

      With no expertise in this area I'm thinking the 4x4 option would be ideal, we would enjoy going on the sand (we live 20 and 60 mins away from the nearest dunes).

      What you're saying is in line with my thinking, so what is your thought about something like a Nissan X-Trail? Given our plans it doesn't have to be GREAT off road, but still capable. Something like that should be easier on the juice for the other 95-99% too. The size of the Suzuki Grand Vitara looks about perfect for my wife though I know she'll object to the rear storage space.

      As far as towing, eventually a popup trailer. Maybe a small box trailer from time to time. I don't envision anything more serious than that.

      I'd be happy to hear more thoughts from you.

      • wombat81 on 24/02/2018 - 22:20

        I'm a 4x4 guy, so I'm probably somewhat biased. But if you want to go sand driving and camping an AWD simply won't do the job. You need a proper 4x4. So I reckon, either go the whole hog and get a toyota or nissan 4x4, or go the other way a get a 2WD station wagon. The problem with nissan, and especially toyota, 4x4s is that they hold value very well, so you'll have to wind the clock back a fair way to get one in your price range. But the reliability is unbeatable, especially with toyota, IMO.

        If you're after a value 4x4, the auctions are worth checking out. Fleet 4x4s may not be particularly pretty to look at but they generally have a full service history, so reliability is generally good. You obviously need to be careful of rust, though. Go down to your nearest Pickles etc next time they have an auction and check out some cars and selling prices.

        An X-Trail won't do the job, IMO. As soon as the sand gets a bit soft, it'll be done. A Grand Vitara is worth a look. I reckon a Prado would suit you best, but finding a good one in your price range might be a challenge.

        Good luck

  • TheBilly on 23/02/2018 - 13:24
    +2

    I can't recommend a specific vehicle (I'm biased towards the pathfinder) so you will have to do a bit of research but my word of advice is -

    1. When buying this type of car, go for a 4x4 not a 4x2 not an AWD, because when it comes to the rego / insurance / ctp etc you will be slugged with the fees of a full size vehicle in most instances BUT you will not have the benefit of a full size vehicle if you buy a 4x2 or AWD - So may as well get what you are paying for in other ways.

    2. When buying a 4x4, make sure it is 4x4. A lot of people think the AWD in a kluger or outlander is 4x4 but it is not. 4x4 means the vehicle is to have a transfer case with a high range and low range option. Whilst AWD can handle some terrains, there are others that it simply cannot. If you are going to buy, buy once and buy properly.

    • Presence on 23/02/2018 - 15:39

      4x4 doesn't mean low range. It just means the centre diff can be locked. If it can't be locked then it's AWD.

      • wombat81 on 23/02/2018 - 18:48

        Not all 4x4s have a centre diff. My 80 series landcruiser and 4x4 Hilux don't.

        • Euphemistic on 25/02/2018 - 07:29

          Those vehicles have a transfer case which is essentially a locked centre diff, but with a way to disconnect the front wheels. ‘Old school’ 4wd.

  • jparga on 23/02/2018 - 14:42
    +1

    look for a mitsubishi outlander 2.4L, bought a 2014 for 16K with 85K….look privately

    • Click_It on 24/02/2018 - 09:57

      Only just looked at this last night after reading your reply. I hadn't earlier because nothing was coming in under $15k. But wow, very impressed with the Outlander. Fuel economy is amazing and the 2 diesel options were the top of the range so they're very well equipped.

      Any feedback on how it performs? Is it great on the road and no so much off road or can handle itself on the soft stuff too?

      I've found a few in that same price range, this is a real stretch now (may not be possible) but I'm adding it to the list.

      My wife just got the tick of approval from her son "Yes mum, they're an amazing car", he's biased toward Mitsubishi in general but from first impressions that are a pretty damn good option.

      • jparga on 27/02/2018 - 11:40

        I can not give you much feedback of off road besides driving like 500 meters unpaved to a friends house ( see no difference on feel driving with the 4wd active and off) , I am happy with fuel economy and how it handles onroad city driving and highway….I dont feel any issue being cvt

  • HeWhoKnows on 24/02/2018 - 13:15

    Going from a little Kia to a big 4WD for a woman. Thats a tall ask if you live in the big city.

    • whooah1979 on 24/02/2018 - 14:51
      +1

      Are you new to australia? Aussie mums loves the big 4wd.

      • HeWhoKnows on 04/03/2018 - 15:00

        Irrelevent comment. Check what I said.
        Moving from a small city car to a big 4WD is no easy task my friend.

        • whooah1979 on 04/03/2018 - 16:45

          Driving a small vehicle like an echo is no more difficult than a lc200. They’re all class c vehicles.

    • Click_It on 24/02/2018 - 17:55
      +1

      She owned a Prado when we met.

      We don't live in the city either, lakes, beaches, sand dunes all within 20 minutes drive. We're also now going camping quite regularly, the Kia is no longer the practical car.

      • HeWhoKnows on 04/03/2018 - 14:59
        +1

        Well that puts things into perspective.
        Now we can see where you are coming from.

  • justaperson on 24/02/2018 - 14:31
    +1

    Also look at the Dualis +2 and Renault Koleos. The Koleos has the T31 X-Trail's excellent 4x4 system and drivetrain (for petrol and diesel models), with a little more space, better amenities/equipment and is usually cheaper. A pretty good deal considering that Koleos and X-Trail are essentially the same vehicle. If a third row is a necessity then the Dualis may be a better pick, it is a little underpowered and probably couldn't go as far off-road nor tow as much as either the Koleos or X-Trail but the value-propsoition is good in terms of equipment and features.

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