Family Car - Wagon - Suggestions and Pricing

em on 25/09/2018 - 10:36
Last edited 25/09/2018 - 12:00 by 1 other user

Having a baby (first) early next year and want to buy a safe car. Thinking of buying new only because we'd otherwise be buying near new (want it to be safe and have ISOFIX) and not sure that we'd save a lot of money buying second hand. Don't want anything too big - i.e. mid size rather than large.

We want a wagon (more room than a sedan, better to drive than an SUV).
Currently there aren't a lot of options:

Skoda Octavia for under $30,000
Ford Mondeo for closer to $40,000
Mazda 6 for hopefully around $33,000 (sport spec)
VW Golf $30,000 DA.

I don't really want to go European as I think ongoing costs will be higher (if for petrol, servicing, parts etc). My dad can do most stuff that needs doing. Don't trust that Skoda will be around for the long term, fewer sales means fewer parts around. I'm located in SA so fewer dealerships and wait times under warranty can be high.

Ford Mondeo is pretty old and hasn't been updated.

Really prefer the Mazda6 sport. The new version seems like a good deal and runs on 91. The reason I am going for sport is that it has all the safety features. Don't really care so much for other bells and whistles.

Conversely, could go second hand. There's not a lot of stock in SA, buying a car with <50,000km and 2012+ with safety features could end up costing similar. There are no Mazda6 or Mondeo wagons available in Adelaide. The Mazda6 sedans are all still going for around $25000 so it seems like it's not much more to get something new and at least a warranty plus no unknown damage.

Does anyone have any other suggestions? Would definitely prefer to keep spend around $30,000. I'm hoping that I could negotiate a Mazda6 wagon sport for ~$33,000 DA. Not sure if this is a total dream or not - does anyone have any experience in negotiating prices?

Should I be considering any other vehicles?

Poll Options

  • 101
    Mazda6
  • 56
    Octavia
  • 8
    Mondeo
  • 6
    Golf
  • 46
    Other
Automotive

Comments

  • flozen on 27/09/2018 - 14:27

    Hi Em

    i recommend getting this item off ebay

    Adjustable Car Baby Kids Safe Seat Strap Isofix Latch Link Belt Anchor Holder

    makes your life a lot easier

    cheers

  • zbrutalis on 27/09/2018 - 16:06

    You're always better off buying low kms second hand that way Somone else has copped the depreciation.

    Everyone is going to you mixed advise about every car. And truth is they're all rubbish these days.

    Pressure is on manufactures to meet economy standards and emissions so they change motors every couple years.

    Long gone are the days of the tried and true formula and giving it facelifts or using the same engine for two different boddies of the same car.

    In short look at all of your options second hand from private sellers. See what has retained the most resale value compared to the origional purchase price and buy whatever you can flip in 5 years time and lose the least on. Because cars aren't made to last any more.

  • [Deactivated] on 27/09/2018 - 21:29

    How is Subaru Outback not the right answer? You do not need to buy new. Subaru Outbacks are one of the safest cars out there. 2-3 year old one w low kms, Subaru Eyesight safety stuff, great ANCAP, super reliable, very comfortable.

    • brendanm on 01/10/2018 - 18:03

      Engines are average, CVT sucks.

      • [Deactivated] on 02/10/2018 - 08:12

        If you don't give a shit about driving that much, CVT is fine and the most economical option. The engines are perfectly adequate too.

        • brendanm on 02/10/2018 - 09:10

          Adequate is generous. They are underpowered oilburners. CVT is more of a worry reliability wise than anything else, though sounding like a scooter is annoying.

          Any forces induction engine is much nicer to drive, with a larger torque spread and generally better economy.

          • [Deactivated] on 02/10/2018 - 09:29
            -1

            @brendanm: Oilburners? Lmao okay. Underpowered and naturally aspirated is fantastic for longevity.

            With proper maintenance, there's no reason a CVT is less reliable than any other transmission. Plus, in terms of economy, the cost difference over a year between 6L/100km and 7L/100km is relatively negligible unless you're doing millions of kms a year.

            All OP wants is a reliable wagon. Subarus are reliable, wagon, decent looking, have great resale value, decent fuel economy, heaps of room, and amazing safety.

            • brendanm on 02/10/2018 - 09:45

              @[Deactivated]: Shows how much you know. I'm a mechanic. Was always a fan of subarus, but the fb is a tragic engine. Low ring tension for economy, so they burn oil, are quite known for it actually, especially with the ridiculous 0w oil Subaru specifies. Cvts and heavy cars have a terrible reliability record in general.

              Turbochargers don't decrease engine longevity, neither does having a decent amount of power.

              Edit - I've also not seen any getting anywhere near 7l per 100 in mixed usage.

  • myusername on 28/09/2018 - 08:29

    Ford mondeo 1000km per tank of diesel

  • myusername on 28/09/2018 - 09:37

    sherman tans should offer enough protection for you and your fam

  • wozzza on 28/09/2018 - 15:09

    Our 2008 Mazda6 wagon has just ticked over 300,000k. We bought it when it was just under 3 yrs old, for $19k with 105k on the odometer. Driver's seat has been replaced and suspension starting to feel a bit tired but otherwise a great car that still runs well. Unfortunately my wife wants to replace it with an SUV…

  • Skramble on 28/09/2018 - 15:48

    There's a new Corolla wagon coming soon, that looks quite nice

    • lukebeau on 30/09/2018 - 18:49

      I thought I read Australia was unlikely to get it unfortunately.

  • horsome on 28/09/2018 - 20:22

    If you are buying new head out to Mawson Lakes Mazda. They are new and keen to do deals.

    New Mazda6 is turbo charged standard I believe. And beware of demos only containing the old 3 year warranty as opposed to the new 5 year.

    Wagons cost more too. You’ll struggle to get a good deal compared to a sedan. Boot space will be tight but will not be an issue when you kid doesn’t need nappies or a pram.

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