Car's in the shop again... SUV options under 30k?

[Deactivated] on 13/11/2018 - 22:17
Last edited 13/11/2018 - 22:18

Hey gang

My Subaru Outback is in the shop… again… 2k worth of repairs this time.

Kind of making me want to just go get a whitegoods car and never have to worry about it. I don't drive enough (literally just for holidays and visiting family) to warrant a car that needs the occasional major repair. I want servicing only. What can I get that won't break? I've considered a diesel Forester or Outback but having had two Subarus with clutch issues I'm a little concerned now…

Suggestions for the following:

  • Diesel
  • 4WD
  • Manual or auto, not fussed
  • More ground clearance than say a Mazda Cx5 or something, but I don't need Landcruiser/Land Rover offroading ability - just light trails and snow.
  • New ish
  • Very reliable - I don't want to have to do anything other than routine maintenance.
  • Not heaps fussed on style (duh, I have an Outback)
  • More comfortable than an old Hilux, but don't need luxury.

Let me hear your thoughts!
Cheers

Automotive

Comments

  • dcep on 13/11/2018 - 22:30
    +4

    suzuki jimny 2019

    • [Deactivated] on 13/11/2018 - 22:37

      Tempting, but they are very small… I honestly don't know too much about Suzuki either - reliability?

      • psyren89 on 13/11/2018 - 22:45
        +11

        The Japanese made models should give you no troubles. I have little confidence in the Indian made ones.

        • DBBROS on 15/11/2018 - 11:22
          +1

          The Jimny's were never manufactured in India and they don't have any plans for assembly/production anytime soon. They had a variant called Gypsy based on the Jimny but with a longer wheel base. QC wise they can't match the Japanese variants.

      • DBBROS on 15/11/2018 - 11:17
        +2

        I've seen plenty of previous gen Jimny's in the bush in extremely rugged conditions. They don't offer a huge space though. I've also seen few grand vitara's but they do consume a lot of petrol

        • MechEng on 16/11/2018 - 20:48
          +1

          I own a Suzuki GV, 2.4L Manual. Economy is not great but is also not too bad. I get 8.8L/100km in the highway and 11l/100km in the city, have in mind that it is a full time 4WD
          Great car, comfortable, safe and strong as a tractor in 4WD offroad.
          I agree with other people commenting that clutch issues are normally due to driving style.
          Did you get your Subarus with more than 120,000Km?

        • lynx on 16/11/2018 - 22:33

          You are not wrong about consuming alot of petrol ! We get between 15-19l/100km city driving.

      • mubd1234 on 15/11/2018 - 15:49
        +2

        I own one. The car is absolutely brilliant in the city - it will park in spaces you didn't think could be parked in, and gets decent fuel economy (I personally get around 7L/100km on the highway, 10L/100km city).

        Any travel above 90km/h for long periods is not the best for comfort. Yes, it's very small. Back seat passengers will have legs crushed unless they are very short.

        In terms of reliability - I've never ever had trouble in the 70,000km I've driven mine.

        The car is a proper offroad 4WD so handling is not going to be as good as the Subaru.

        I would only suggest people who know what they're getting into to buy a Jimny. It's fine for people who only drive in the city and need a tiny car to get around (as a slightly more masculine proposition than a Fiat 500), or people who love offroading on a budget.

      • alikazi on 16/11/2018 - 10:20

        I'll recommend you one unconventional choice: the Indian made Mahindra XUV. I think it is one of the cheapest in Australia? Mahindra is supposed to be a good company. I'm not an SUV guy I don't know much but I know people who are happy with it.

      • cameldownunder on 16/11/2018 - 13:26
        +1

        I am 6'4 and I have bought a Kia Sportage in 2008. Really confortable, plenty of space in hight. In 10 years ( touch wood ) no mechanical issues. 1 service a year, and belt at 110'000. Average km a year is 12K. Only ( Major ) downside, is is a real guzzler. about 14l/100km, mostly city/suburbia traffic

        • Maxxjet on 17/11/2018 - 14:15

          The Korean cars are really good quality nowadays! They positioned themselves to paly catch up with Japanese, and make better efforts for quality control.

      • vroomkroom on 17/11/2018 - 07:51

        If you are a 6 footer and/Or weigh 100+kgs don't bother with a Jimny!!!

    • jeeg on 16/11/2018 - 17:01

      I did a google search on this one and I quite like it myself…if only there is a 4 door variant I think this is a great car!

  • gaz3342 on 13/11/2018 - 22:44

    Mitsubishi ASX

    • [Deactivated] on 13/11/2018 - 22:48
      +9

      Too small, don't really trust Mitsubish's build quality - life on a budget with that company.

      • Dr Techno on 15/11/2018 - 05:00
        +11

        I would consider Mitsu build quality as a reliable point A to B no frills car. There are far worse choices out there in terms of reliability.

      • TheOtherLeft on 17/11/2018 - 10:07
        +3

        I would trust Mitsi build quality over the like of Audi/VW. I would even trust Mitsi management over Audi/VW.

    • Salinger on 13/11/2018 - 22:51
      +2

      Yep, 100,000km on my 2015 2.2L turbo diesel 4x4 and not a single hiccup.
      Nice styling, hasn't changed significantly in a long time, but still looks good.

      Friend had an X-Trail with almost 100,000km which had CVT issues and it cost him over $7k out of warranty.

      Just a couple of anecdotes, but the ASX is hard to go past.
      If you need something bigger, check out the Outlander.

      • Dr Techno on 15/11/2018 - 04:52
        +2

        I own a Outlander ZH and have driven a new model ASX. The reports from reddit that ASX is souless is correct. ASX is a bit too sluggish and dull. Outlander is better experience.

        • h0mbre on 15/11/2018 - 07:50
          +2

          ASX may be soulless but its hard to beat as an A-B car, hence the sales figures in Australia.
          Made in Japan as well

          However that said, I don't think the OP is after a compact SUV.

          • [Deactivated] on 15/11/2018 - 08:16
            +2

            @h0mbre: Absolutely, I don't have a bad thing to say about the ASX other than it's too small and the platforms getting on a bit.

            Still a great car just not for me.

    • pgcs on 17/11/2018 - 08:45

      I have an ASX & wouldn't get it again…
      Spend the extra 3k & get the Outlander. Same motor, better transmission. Uses less fuel.

  • Akya on 13/11/2018 - 22:46
    +3

    NIssan Xtrail, I have a 2015 ST-L 4WD and it's amazing. I have only done soft off road but it's suitable for sand and snow :)

    • [Deactivated] on 13/11/2018 - 22:49
      +1

      Good shout - I don't mind Nissan, parents had a Patrol for years and years, bulletproof. I'll have to check out the Xtrails.

      • dogboy on 16/11/2018 - 14:47

        X-Trails are good reliable cars with lots of room. I prefer them over RAV4s and CRVs.

  • subywagon on 14/11/2018 - 00:15
    +3

    Clutches wear out. Are you sure it's not your driving style? i.e you ride the clutch? I've owned over 20 Subaru's, only one had to have the clutch replaced on one of them and that had been driven for 5 years by me, and I'm not sure when or if the clutch had been done by the previous owner and the Liberty was at least 10 years old by then. I didn't even do an oil change once on that one!

    Only other major problems I've had with suby's is one head gasket and that one had done over 320k! General stuff like water pump, alternators etc. Parts wear out on all cars.

    I've owned Mitsubishi's too. They've been great. Check out a Pajero Exceed diesel. You can get a pretty nice one for under $30k. I've owned one now for over a year and had zero problems. I've kept it maintained and it runs like clockwork, is awesome off road, at the beach on the hwy and in town.

    • [Deactivated] on 14/11/2018 - 07:46

      Yeah I know that, but I've not had the car all that long and it's definitely not my driving style - I don't ride the clutch at all.

      Conversely, I've had two Subarus and had clutch issues on both… haha.

      Thanks for the Mitsi tip - is that the Pajero Sport or the regular one?

      • subywagon on 14/11/2018 - 09:57
        +1

        Maybe the previous owners driving or you've just had bad luck buying at the end of life for the clutches.

        I'm talking about the normal Pajero. Check out the Pajero sport too though if it's more your style. They are very capable off road and both Pajero and Sport have selectable all wheel drive mode. Another reason I chose a Pajero.

    • This Guy on 15/11/2018 - 08:29
      +1

      Subaru's are known for manual clutch issues. From memory they moved to a brass button clutch in the early 2000's. If you don't ride the clutch it shouldn't be an issue. I was taught to ride it at low speeds and for engine braking so a manual Subaru is not for me.

      • subywagon on 15/11/2018 - 10:55

        Subaru's are known for manual clutch issues. From memory they moved to a brass button clutch in the early 2000's.

        Total fabrication. Check your memory as it's failing you. Only thing I can imagine you'd pull this from is with people working their engines and stock gearboxes not handling the power, but this would not be in NA models but be in turbo models or larger capacity engines where you'd move up to a 6 speed box with an HD clutch.

        As I said, I've owned over 20 Subys and only had one clutch die and it was well and truly past it's use by date anyways.

        • This Guy on 15/11/2018 - 11:12
          +1

          I had several replaced. I burnt one personally when I was riding it at low speed.

          This was a stock, base model Subaru with no modifications.

          • subywagon on 15/11/2018 - 13:04

            @This Guy: Several??? That's crazy. That's like $7k of work at least. You'd think you would have moved on after 2 like the OP. As you said though, you were "riding it". It will happen to any clutch in any car if you ride it. Guess I was super lucky with the over 20 Subaru's I've owned to only have a clutch wear out on one of them while I owned it after a number of years of daily use.

            • This Guy on 15/11/2018 - 18:20

              @subywagon: Sorry, I used the wrong term, I meant slipping the clutch.

              They were replaced under warranty!

              This was when they moved to a brass button clutch in the early to mid 2000's. My understanding was that Subaru manual sales were slow so Subaru rolled out their basic sports clutch to keep development costs down. I have no idea if it was really a brass button of if the service advisor was telling porkies.

              If you don't let them slip they are fine. I burnt one reverse parking a trailer into a narrow parking bay up a hill from a narrow alley.

    • notfrodo on 15/11/2018 - 20:49
      +3

      20?? How often do you change cars?

  • SirBlackJack on 14/11/2018 - 01:07
    +4

    Toyota RAV4 Diesel

    • [Deactivated] on 14/11/2018 - 07:45

      I like the look of them but I really don't see many on the road and I haven't heard anything about them re reliability or anything. Toyota not known for its diesels outside the big cars…

      • Hybroid on 14/11/2018 - 08:15
        +3

        You don't need a diesel if you're not commuting or constantly towing heavy loads. A RAV4 is a reliable solid option. FJ Cruiser slightly funkier if you want to go offroad and enjoy trails. Both will be rock solid.

        • [Deactivated] on 14/11/2018 - 08:19
          +2

          Diesel is for the fuel economy benefits. Plus, I have driven loads of both diesel, petrol, and gas come to think of it, and I just enjoy diesel.

          FJ cruisers are absolutely awful on fuel.

          • Hybroid on 14/11/2018 - 08:23
            +11

            @[Deactivated]: Based on your posts, you don't drive enough to realise diesel fuel economy benefits vs higher purchase cost and increased maintenance etc. Your post below states you're happy to buy a depreciating asset for on-demand flexibility yet you want to squeeze maximise fuel economy. I don't think you've thought this through.

            No one enjoys turbo-diesel driving vs naturally aspirated petrol. That doesn't compute. Good luck anyway.

            • [Deactivated] on 14/11/2018 - 08:27

              @Hybroid: Okay, sorry we have different opinions? I thoroughly enjoy the sound and feel of a diesel. NA four cylinders are boring. Would I take a V8 or a straight six over a diesel? Absolutely.

              And there's a difference between not minding having an expensive thing and having to constantly fork out more money than necessary (buying unleaded and chewing through it at 12L/100km). That's just my mindset, I hate paying for fuel.

              • HighAndDry on 14/11/2018 - 08:50
                +1

                @[Deactivated]: We all have our idiosyncracies so this isn't me really judging, but this:

                there's a difference between not minding having an expensive thing and having to constantly fork out more money than necessary

                is purely irrational. Money is money, whether you spent it on a depreciating asset or fuel.

                Personal preference for the sound of a diesel though, even if I disagree I can't really argue with that, that's a purely subjective thing.

                • [Deactivated] on 14/11/2018 - 09:05
                  +1

                  @HighAndDry: I know it's irrational haha. It's just how I like to spend. Same as (if I was a muppet) I'd buy an expensive phone outright and have a cheap SIM only plan month to month.

                  It's just a matter of saying goodbye to a certain amount of money, but keeping more of it every time you spend.

                  Also, I just hate stopping for fuel.

                  • elf888 on 14/11/2018 - 16:38
                    +1

                    @[Deactivated]: Are you my missing twin brother????
                    I am so happy have someone that have the exactly feeling on this!
                    BTW, I am driving the Mini Countryman All4 Diesel, It is great to drive! but maybe too small for you.

                    • [Deactivated] on 14/11/2018 - 16:41

                      @elf888: Hahaha yes! Glad I'm not crazy… Or at least not alone in being so ;)

              • chumlee on 16/11/2018 - 13:33

                @[Deactivated]: You enjoy the sound of a diesel engine???

                Did you grow up on a farm listening to tractors all the time?

                • [Deactivated] on 16/11/2018 - 14:36

                  @chumlee: No, I just like the sound and torque, nothing wrong with that! They sound meaty and strong.

              • mangolassi on 16/11/2018 - 13:57
                +1

                @[Deactivated]:

                I hate paying for fuel.

                Then buy a Tesla Model X

                • [Deactivated] on 16/11/2018 - 14:35

                  @mangolassi: Great username! But no, a) not a real 4wd at all, and b) I rent - impossible to maintain an electric car without a place to charge it.

                  • mangolassi on 16/11/2018 - 16:20

                    @[Deactivated]: Thanks.. just curious, is your car a manual and what year is it? I have a CVT ‘15 Outback Diesel and its approaching 100k, havent had a problem with it yet.. I mostly do highway driving in it. Considering a XV or Forrester for the next car.

            • minotaurian on 15/11/2018 - 13:31

              @Hybroid: Agreed, wanting a cheap SUV, that needs to be a turbo diesel, cheap maintenance, doesn't drive that much sounds like a oxymoron. To pay back spending xtra 2 to 5k on diesel, you will need to drive 100000km at least assuming 30% increased efficiency, if you dont drive enough, how does passive regeneration occur = got to pay more to get the particulate filter cleaned and turbo diesel SUV less than 30k good luck with that, unless 2nd hand with lots of mileage.

              You could try a 2014 model turbo diesel Tiguan by VW

              If you had history with clutch issues (could be the way you drive as it happened twice- subconsciously or sabaru, we can't be certained). It's like Taylor swift, she can't hold a relationship, she blames the guys but in reality she is the problem based on her history. It is best just try driving an auto to negate the clutch completely.

              • [Deactivated] on 15/11/2018 - 15:29

                @minotaurian: I'm not after a new car, so that's no worries. It's not about spending extra on diesel anyway as most of the cars in this category are diesel only.

                As I've said before I am not looking to make the MOST financially perfect decision, I just want a big strong capable car. As long as it's not throwing money away at nothing that's fine.

                I don't see how driving infrequently affects DPF? When I drive, I drive really far and at highway speeds.

                • minotaurian on 15/11/2018 - 18:20

                  @[Deactivated]: Just answering based on the background information you have given. Nothing against your choices. Just giving my honest opinion. At least, when you do decide upon a car, you would have done it informed decision making, taking in other people advice, opinion, perspectives and blending it with your own :D.

                  There is a saying, you can have it fast, good, cheap. Pick two. If you want it good and cheap, it may not be fast.

                  If you want a good and cheap car, try a Suzuki Grand Vitara 4x4 Diesel Turbo 1.9L Manual.

                  • foxinsox8 on 16/11/2018 - 10:29
                    +1

                    @minotaurian: That 1.9 diesel is the same one in my old Renault Megane turbo diesel. I treated it so badly (having bought it for $6000 as a stop gap after my other car was wriiten off) and it has been bullet proof.

      • Dio on 15/11/2018 - 12:39
        +1

        @jrowls;
        I like the look of them but I really don't see many on the road and I haven't heard anything about them re reliability or anything. Toyota not known for its diesels outside the big cars…

        Totally wrong. Toyota is a well known brand for diesels. I had C series (toyota Premio, Allion, Corolla, town ace, liteace etc) and B series(toyota starlet) diesel engines in the past overseas. Very reliable engines.
        But be careful, generally as diesel engines have higher compression ratios they wear fast compared to petrol (and if it has turbo even faster). But diesels are reliable as they have lesser components compared to petrol.

        My advise in this case. Go for Rav4 petrol, as diesel fuel is expensive here in Australia you will not have much saving comparing cost per calorie and petrol vs diesel engine efficiencies.

      • Spam Service on 27/11/2018 - 14:05

        Our hilux diesel is over 720,000kms now. It's been pretty reliable.

  • Cheeper on 14/11/2018 - 02:02
    -2

    Reliable, clearance, comfortable, no fuss, nice to drive, cheap & simple to service…. Kluger.
    Only comes in auto but the sport shift mode is great to manual drive.
    Not diesel though… dont know why you would have a preference for diesel if you are wanting to avoid hassles?
    An old mechanic I knew loved subys… they were helping him to retire earlier. :-)

    • [Deactivated] on 14/11/2018 - 07:43

      Klugers are incredibly bad on fuel - that's the main reason for diesel, big cars on petrol are thirsty.

      • MechEng on 16/11/2018 - 20:50

        Klugers are also not good for 4WD

  • iratepirate on 14/11/2018 - 07:19
    +6

    KIA Sorento or HYUNDAI Santa Fe. If you go off road a bit more than that a Colorado 7 with auto.

    • payless69 on 15/11/2018 - 11:07
      +1

      yep a "whitegoods" cart. Diesel got plenty of bottom end grund and if auto no dsb falling into pieces

    • Brianqpr on 17/11/2018 - 10:27

      You won't get a Santa Fe for anywhere near 30k.

  • Euphemistic on 14/11/2018 - 07:30

    If it is only for holidays and visiting family what about hiring when needed?

    • [Deactivated] on 14/11/2018 - 07:48
      +1

      It's just nice to have more than anything to be honest. The money isn't the biggest issue, I don't have (or plan on having) a mortgage or anything like that so I'm not too fussed about having a depreciating asset sitting there.

      Want to run away for the weekend at a moment's notice? Done.

      Want to pick up a bunch of shit from Bunnings? Done.

      Need to go to the hospital? Done.

      It's just a freedom thing, in this country it's hard to go without…

      • Euphemistic on 14/11/2018 - 21:22

        Fair enough, you obviously need it for more than holidays and visiting family then.

        • [Deactivated] on 14/11/2018 - 22:19

          I was just simplifying - but yeah :)

      • MechEng on 16/11/2018 - 20:52

        Mate, if you don't drive a lot, pick a Petrol.
        More diesels nowadays come with DPF. DPFs need a frequent long run at highway speeds to regenerate. If you don't run your car in those situations fairly often, it will get to a point that the DPF will not be able to regenerate.
        DPFs are expensive

  • pantsparty on 14/11/2018 - 08:03
    +1

    How often do you expect to take this car off road - how many times per year? Given it will be used infrequently do you even need a 4wd?

    You can goto Bunnings, drive to the hospital and go on a road trip just as well in a hatchback or a Camry - much better reliability

    • [Deactivated] on 14/11/2018 - 08:15

      About half of my travel is to the snow, renting chains sucks. Parents property is a long dirt road, then a steep earth driveway. Plus there's so much of this country I haven't seen yet that is 4wd access!

      And I think some people would argue with you over the reliability of a Camry vs a Hilux or something for example.

      I just want something very reliable, not literally bulletproof haha.

      • pantsparty on 14/11/2018 - 08:24
        +3

        Just on your second paragraph - this is Ozbargain - people will argue about anything!

        • TimApple on 14/11/2018 - 11:16
          +1

          That's the whole internet.

      • TheOtherLeft on 14/11/2018 - 12:19
        +2

        I'm going against the OzBargain grain here and say definitely go a diesel 4WD, not an on-demand AWD. As a previous poster has suggested, Mitsi Pajero or Pajero Sport is a good option. There's also the Isuzu MU-X which would fit into your price bracket for a used one.

        Yes you can drive to the snow or long dirt roads in a 2WD sedan/hatch but once the weather turns bad you'd wish you had a high clearance 4WD. I've driven in snow/ice/dirt/creeks lots of times and 4WD gives you so much more confidence.

        • [Deactivated] on 14/11/2018 - 19:22

          Yeah not interested in on demand AWD. It's either 2wd or proper 4WD. Older Subarus have low range, but the new ones don't from what I can tell - what's the point!? Though I'm sure they're relatively capable.

          I'm checking out the MUX and the Pajero Sport at the moment, good options - thanks.

      • Austaurean on 15/11/2018 - 08:24

        yep, my partners father has a Hilux single cab and its done about 600k, plenty of trips, long poor dirt access road to their place and out into the sticks, Euston, Robinvale etc and out to a family members farm, they also have a Prado which has also done well for them, its been around Australia, over Big Red etc.

        Though I have a 2015 Outback 2.5 Auto Premium, its been great so far just clocked 60k on it. What year is yours?
        Its a bit underwhelming but its ok, I get about 7.5 l/100 that's due to a 60k round trip to work and back 5 days a week.
        I know it would be more if I was more stop start

  • jsb on 14/11/2018 - 08:12
    +1

    When you know you don't drive enough, you shouldn't be focussing on diesel. Otherwise, running cost, maintainance will be higher

    • [Deactivated] on 14/11/2018 - 08:21

      All cars need maintenance… How much more expensive is it going to be? A couple hundred dollars a year?

      • jsb on 14/11/2018 - 14:56

        I only mentioned it because you said you won't be driving much. In that case if the need be DPF replacement could be in 1000's. Read about diesel particulate filter (DPF).
        Check from 11:30 in the video below.
        https://youtu.be/C1uM3GtzHTU

        • [Deactivated] on 14/11/2018 - 14:58

          I meant frequency rather than distance. I never really drive short distances, I walk to the shops and work.

          Also, I was under the impression that only certain diesels had struggles with DPF - notably Subaru.

          • jsb on 14/11/2018 - 15:05
            +1

            @[Deactivated]: As per the video, it's standard in all diesel cars. Subaru is just upfront about it when you choose a diesel car.

            • brendanm on 14/11/2018 - 17:20
              -2

              @jsb: Just get the dpf deleted.
              Just get an mux, can't go wrong

              • blergmonkeys on 15/11/2018 - 13:57

                @brendanm: Super illegal.

                • Gumster on 16/11/2018 - 13:49

                  @blergmonkeys: Its not stopping anyone from removing them
                  Its cheaper to get a new exhaust with DPF delete or just a gutted dpf and a tune to suit on most Diesel engines than it is to replace a DPF.

                  • blergmonkeys on 17/11/2018 - 13:39

                    @Gumster: Or just don’t buy a diesel car and save the hassle and possible $10k fine.

              • brendanm on 15/11/2018 - 14:09

                @brendanm: Got negged by a Greenpeace voter?

          • Bargainkappa on 21/11/2018 - 07:53

            @[Deactivated]: If you look up any of the diesel cars you want to buy with a dpf, they all have issues with it. It only occurs because people don't drive their cars long enough at higher speeds. This heats up the exhaust and dpf and burns off the build up. Small trips to shops etc don't warm up the system enough and the dpf clogs up.

            The dpf aren't so much the issue, it's the type of driving people do. Sounds like you mostly do longer trips, so you won't likely have any issues. The Mu-x is a very good option. In my opinion I would go that over the pajero sports

            • [Deactivated] on 21/11/2018 - 16:50

              @Bargainkappa: @Bargainkappa

              Thanks mate, that's my understanding of it too. Only ever do trips at highway speed, really. Maybe once or twice a month run to the shops or something like that.

              Mu-x seems extra reliable which is awesome, but the same price Pajero Sports has way more comfort/safety stuff. Definitely between those two at this point though. It's a toughie!

              • Bargainkappa on 22/11/2018 - 20:51
                +1

                @[Deactivated]: Yeah the Mu-x is not as nice as the pajero inside. The mu-x has an older engine and gear box which has been around for some time and is shown to be very reliable. The Pajero sports on the other hand, has a newer engine which probably hasn't been around long enough to know how reliable it is. Traditionally, the Challenger/triton have not been known for their reliability, however who knows what the new one is like. Your decision comes down to luxury/comfort Vs potential reliability.

                All cars breakdown and have their own faults. If there was a perfect car everyone would just be driving that.

                If you only want to keep for a 5 years or so, it doesn't matter on the car as they will be under warranty. If you want to keep it for a long time, whatever you get, look after, service it regularly and it will last.

        • Austaurean on 15/11/2018 - 08:28

          yeah try the Subaru Outback Diesel DPF, its ridiculous and why I didnt get the diesel.
          from memory they are about 5 - 7k to replace and at about 100k that's again from memory - i.e 2.1/2 years ago when I looked into it.
          so many people having issues with them (any DPF) a lot of people are mainly city drivers with stop start and that craps them out

  • MITM on 14/11/2018 - 08:46
    +1

    Honda currently running 7 year warranty + other bonuses.
    New HRV styling looks cool and rides nice. Could pick up a base model newy for <$30k.
    And the sport model looks sweet and would be my choice.
    The massive sunroof in the LX model is amazing and has all the bells and whistles >$30k.

    Had my CRV since 03 and done over 300,000km - been a great car but I'm now looking around.

    • [Deactivated] on 14/11/2018 - 09:02
      -1

      Yeah I'm a bit of a Honda fan tbh, have owned 2, but spending 30k and not getting a proper 4wd would feel like a bad deal to me I think.

      • blergmonkeys on 20/11/2018 - 01:22

        You’d be hard pressed to get a decent proper 4wd for $30k in anything that’s newish with lowish mileage.

        • [Deactivated] on 20/11/2018 - 16:27

          That's why I asked! I had done some searching, I wanted to see if there was anything obvious that I'd missed. Turns out, there isn't. So I either need to up my budget or lower my standards!

  • spiff on 14/11/2018 - 11:45
    +3

    What car DO you like? Everyone's suggestions have been shut down

    • [Deactivated] on 14/11/2018 - 11:50
      -3

      That's not true, I've shut down a Camry, a small Mitsubishi, and a Kluger.

      I just wanted to hear what people's experiences had been.

      • spiff on 14/11/2018 - 11:54

        Suzuki, Rav4…

        • pegaxs on 14/11/2018 - 12:08
          +1

          Both Suzuki and Rav 4 were shut down…

          • [Deactivated] on 14/11/2018 - 12:11

            @pegaxs: So now asking questions about it is shutting it down? I was being critical to print a response to the critiques, not to say "bugger off I'm not interested".

            Re the Suzuki, they aren't even out yet, and are a very niche vehicle.

            • Kangal on 15/11/2018 - 15:34
              +2

              @[Deactivated]: Overall, go and buy an Isuzu Dmax or Mux.

              Made in Japan, very high detail in engineering and QC, standard parts, and no-nonsense repairability.

              They don't look as stylish, nor do they have the brand reputation of Toyota/Mercedes. What you're paying for really is the product, function before form.

              I'm thinking of getting one (used) in the future, a dualcab, on the shortlist is also Hilux, Ranger, and Amarok.

              • Bargainkappa on 21/11/2018 - 07:54

                @Kangal: The mu-x and dmax are made in Thailand, but they are still great cars.

              • Euphemistic on 21/11/2018 - 15:54

                @Kangal: elsewhere in the world Isuzu has a pretty decent reputation. Thing is, that the reputation is more about trucks than cars because it is a truck company that also makes some small commercial vehicles.

  • redvaldez on 14/11/2018 - 12:20
    +1

    If you want to get out exploring and going places you've been unable to visit because you have an Outback, then you need to buy a 4WD, not a SUV. I don't think any of the suggestions made in this thread at the time of this post, save for the Jimny or Pajero, will give you any more ability off the beaten track than what you already have. But having said that, a diesel 4WD in your price range will probably have similar fuel consumption to a late model petrol Kluger, which you've already said is too thirsty for you.

    I own a 4WD that sees off-road use so I'm not saying not to buy one, but if you aren't going to use their extra capability a SUV will be cheaper to buy, cheaper to run, and nicer to drive.

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