Please Suggest Car or SUV between $35,000 to $40,000

Leastwood27 on 13/03/2019 - 10:53
Last edited 14/03/2019 - 16:56 by 1 other user

Hello OzBargainers.

I am looking for a car under 35K, can go upto 40K with at least 1.5 ltr turbo engine and reasonable boot size with safety features like Auto Emergency Braking, blind spot sensor, Electronic Stability Control, Lane-keeping assist & cruise control etc.

Couple of weeks back a dealership offered me Hyundai i30 N line premium for 35.5K but the deal fell through later. I did not wanted to pursue it further as the car did not have blind spot detection. I am looking at couple of cars right now like Kia Cerato GT, upcoming Honda Civic RS, Ford escape ST, Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and upcoming RAV 4.

I am having hard time selecting the cars, guys please suggest. Thanks in advance.

UPDATE: So I went to Kia and Honda dealership today and test drove both cars again. The real life performance is pretty much same, although KIA looks better on paper.

So Honda dealer offered me new Civic RS for $33k including floor mats and exhaust finishor and Civic also had ongoing 7 years warranty and 7 years NRMA roadside assistance. So bought the car. Thanks for all your suggestions. Cheers!!

Automotive Car

closed Comments

  • HighAndDry on 13/03/2019 - 11:15
    +5

    Kia Cerato GT

    I think this is the cheapest with all your required features, plus it's Kia with Kia reliability and warranty. Plus, it's effectively almost just a rebadged i30 N-line anyway.

    • eastwood27 on 13/03/2019 - 11:38
      +1

      Kia looks great and has all the features, What do you think the resale value of KIA Cerato GT would be in lets say 5 years. What do you think about upcoming Mazda 3 GT, Thank you.

      • HighAndDry on 13/03/2019 - 12:03

        Don't know specifically about the upcoming Mazda 3 GT, but Mazdas still suffer from lagging behind tech-wise.

        As to the Kia's resale value, can't read the future but the fact it'll still be within factory warranty at that time should be a plus.

      • [Deactivated] on 13/03/2019 - 14:31

        The Kia Cerato GT looked amazing. Good value . Did u test drive one?

        • eastwood27 on 13/03/2019 - 15:29
          -1

          Yep, test drove the hatchback, as the dealer near me did not had Sedan same performance as i30 N. Sedan looks better though and has 504 ltr of boot.

          • Blurem on 13/03/2019 - 22:51
            +1

            @eastwood27: nowhere near same performance as i30N, have driven both, but the cerato GT is probably the best car under 35K you can buy today

            • eastwood27 on 13/03/2019 - 23:27

              @Blurem: not talking about 2 ltr i30N there is another i30 N line with same engine as Kia cerato GT.

              • Blurem on 13/03/2019 - 23:35

                @eastwood27: Oh right, thought you meant the N not the N-Line

          • [Deactivated] on 14/03/2019 - 09:25

            @eastwood27: I agree. Sedan look better. But what did u think of the ride. Most of the reviews says harsh ride :/

            • Blurem on 14/03/2019 - 11:28

              @[Deactivated]: Of the Cerato? I honestly didn't find it too rough, makes it feel a lot more sporty and engaging to drive, I'd say similar to a golf gti. Had they made the suspension softer it would've compromised on the great handling, which is one of the many benefits of the cerato

              • [Deactivated] on 14/03/2019 - 11:32

                @Blurem: Intresting.. I wonder how is the road noise in the freeways.. for cerato GT.

            • eastwood27 on 14/03/2019 - 11:51

              @[Deactivated]: I did try both Cerato GT and N line it feels smooth and sound kind a makes it look sporty. Acceleration is pretty good as well, i didnt time it but 0-100 kind a felt like 7 seconds.

              • [Deactivated] on 14/03/2019 - 12:31

                @eastwood27: Yea. I am not so interested in sporty handling as much as road noise. But i love the features and engine and sound enhancement. maybe nxt year i ll be getting one :D

    • gezza90 on 13/03/2019 - 21:54

      Yeah but the i30N comes in manual and the Kia doesn't.

  • Numpty21 on 13/03/2019 - 11:25
    +6

    Subaru Forester

    • discountguy on 13/03/2019 - 17:24
      +2

      or Subaru Outback :)

      • altomic on 13/03/2019 - 18:41
        +13

        subaru spelt backwards is U R A Bus.

        think about it…

        • discountguy on 14/03/2019 - 08:01
          +3

          LOL … important criteria when buying a new car is the name of the vehicle spelt backwards :P

        • psyren89 on 14/03/2019 - 12:26

          Don't forget the Levorg…

  • GG57 on 13/03/2019 - 11:38
    +11

    Is this where we all just list our favourite cars?

    • eastwood27 on 13/03/2019 - 11:38
      +8

      yep

    • pegaxs on 13/03/2019 - 11:47
      +4

      Pretty much. And then act all indignant and offended when someone a) mentions an alternative, b) questions your suggestion.

      • eastwood27 on 13/03/2019 - 11:49
        +1

        cant decide up for myself so need bit of a help, would be great if any alternative is offered.

        • c0nfus3d on 13/03/2019 - 15:56
          +3

          Eventually you're most likely going to buy the car that meets your needs and you like the most and you're probably only looking for people who like the same car as yourself only to boost up your confidence. :)

          At the end of the day, cars are simply personal choice. If you were to ask me, I'd say Kia Cerato GT. Kia have come long way in last 4 years!

          • eastwood27 on 13/03/2019 - 23:51
            +1

            @c0nfus3d: Might be true, I am being swayed toward Kia now as majority of people seem to prefer it.

            • c0nfus3d on 14/03/2019 - 08:50

              @eastwood27: you won't regret, I drive Kia Sorento for last 4 years and it hasn't missed a bit! For me, priority was peace of mind.

      • cuteseal on 13/03/2019 - 14:10

        But <mentions some random performance fact>!! Are you a noob or something? :)

  • pegaxs on 13/03/2019 - 12:21
    +1

    Toyota Corolla ZR Hybrid.

    • eastwood27 on 13/03/2019 - 12:41
      +1

      Corolla has got tiny boot, wont be much practical. thanks for suggestion though.

  • apple2016 on 13/03/2019 - 12:24
    -4

    Do you really need Auto Emergency Braking, Lane-keeping assist?… Did you test drive all the cars you have listed and tried using the features you have listed? In my opinion Auto Emergency Braking is just marketing stuff that's not really usable. cruise control with braking would be more usefull!…
    Also is there a specific reason you need a turbo? why not 2ltr NA engines?

    • eastwood27 on 13/03/2019 - 12:30

      Test drove all of those cars but Ford Escape ST and RAV4 its nice to have AEB as it is standard feature in most cars anyway, BSM is must though, you are right about adaptive cruise control, its more useful. I am driving V6 now and turbo engine would be somewhat equivalent to it and 1.5 ltrs are cheaper, economic and comes closer to matching my V6. If 2.0 NA can perform as my V6 then i am all for it. Thanks for your suggestion.

      • apple2016 on 13/03/2019 - 14:22
        +1

        I always felt turbo introduces a lag until the turbo kicks in. This is annoying to me in traffic. Also they need higher RON fuel, consume more fuel under load. My recommendation is go for the car that's best when you drive it. Sometimes the additional features look good on paper but you never really use them. Good luck!…

        • andyfc on 13/03/2019 - 16:45
          +3

          How long has it been since you drove a turbo engine? Turbo engine these days are incredibly tractable and much nicer drive around town than a 2.0 non turbo because of the torque that's available from 1500-2000 rpm. Very little lag these days. Only downside can be more things to go wrong. Fuel is comparable usually if you drive mixed conditions.

          In reference to your original comment, auto emergency braking is hardly marketing, studies have shown it to save lives. Having had several work cars with it, theres no way I'd buy a new car without it.

        • brendanm on 13/03/2019 - 17:17
          +2

          Wrong on all counts. You wouldn't even know most modern cars have turbos, they just feel like a bigger engine, but with better economy.

        • goraygo on 13/03/2019 - 20:19
          +2

          Turbo lag is a thing of the past. If you are referring to a turbo car 10 years ago, that may be.

          Nowadays, turbo kicks in earlier and feels heaps better than NA engine.

          My B250 with 2.0L turbo can drive from SYDNEY to Gold Coast in 1 tank. For inner city drive, I don’t have to fill up in 2-3 weeks with node rest driving. Fuel efficiency wise, new turbo cars are better than NA if you have the same Litre engine size.

        • blwnhr on 14/03/2019 - 08:10

          2019 Mazda 6 GT, 2.5T engine,91RON fuel, no lag. In fact, they make so much bottom-end torque they are torque limited to prevent excessive wheelspin. Debunks pretty much your entire argument.

          • apple2016 on 14/03/2019 - 14:13

            @blwnhr: Its interesting as most of car listed with turbo and no lag is auto. I haven't driven auto's much. I have felt lag mostly on volkswagen engines on manual trans. maybe its changed now.

  • Tightpocket on 13/03/2019 - 12:35
    +1

    Sounds like Honda CR-V VTI-L or VTI-LX is the SUV for you.

    • eastwood27 on 13/03/2019 - 12:46
      +1

      CR-V VTi-S AWD is around 40k and has got all the safety features, i have very petty reason for not considering CR-V though.

      • Hunter14 on 14/03/2019 - 12:44

        As a CR-V VTi-S owner, I am offended. Please explain yourself!

  • spackbace on 13/03/2019 - 12:42
    +7

    2019 RAV4 Hybrid

    Will be the new player on the block in May, and besides Android Auto/Apple Carplay, will offer the most, especially safety features. BSM standard from entry level upwards, all other safety features standard. Expect 12m/15,000km servicing

    • eastwood27 on 13/03/2019 - 12:49

      looks like its gonna be. lets see how it drives. Thanks.

      • spackbace on 13/03/2019 - 12:49
        +1

        They're already in the country but should be officially available from May 1st.

        • [Deactivated] on 13/03/2019 - 14:14

          Does any dealers have the RAV4 in VIC . Would love to have a look. thanks

        • [Deactivated] on 13/03/2019 - 14:29

          ok. THanks

    • capslock janitor on 13/03/2019 - 15:59

      Android Auto/Apple Carplay

      Thought they won't come with ACP, and will not come with AA. As per what I've seen from YouTube.

      officially available from May 1st.
      won't go out to dealers till late April

      Does that mean it's on pre-sale from May? o_O

      • spackbace on 13/03/2019 - 16:06

        Does that mean it's on pre-sale from May? o_O

        No, it'll be on full sale from May lol cars will be at dealers.

        We're taking 'orders' now, subject to pricing. We know what we're getting in the first batch

    • Spam Service on 14/03/2019 - 08:56

      and besides Android Auto/Apple Carplay, will offer the most

      Android Auto/Apple Carplay can always be added later for a pretty low price. I have both in my 2006 RAV4, the head unit + everything needed to install was about $450.

      • spackbace on 14/03/2019 - 10:15
        +1

        Not that simple in new cars

        • abuch47 on 14/03/2019 - 11:15
          +1

          pretty odd that a 2019 release doesn't have phone mirroring.

          priceguide low to high?

        • Spam Service on 14/03/2019 - 11:16

          Why is that? Most of the features (bluetooth, carplay, android auto, usb, aux, microphone) are built into the head unit or plug directly in, so are simply replaced when you replace the head unit. The external accessories built into the car (reverse camera, steering controls, antenna) usually plug in with very little wiring or just use an adapter.

          • spackbace on 14/03/2019 - 11:18

            @Spam Service: New Mazda, Toyota's have a "floating screen", it's not a simple double-din swap

          • abuch47 on 14/03/2019 - 12:21

            @Spam Service: Its really hard these days and can remove standard features and function often.

    • [Deactivated] on 14/03/2019 - 18:26

      It looks more rugged than refined. For that price point, you would expect both.

  • pao2x on 13/03/2019 - 13:08

    I wouldn't necessarily go hybrid unless you drive enough kilometers that the initial cost will be recouped in 3-5 years or so. Otherwise RAV4 Hybrid or Kia Cerato GT sounds like a good choice depending if you want an SUV or sedan/hatch

    • spackbace on 13/03/2019 - 13:13
      +4

      $1500 premium for hybrid, savings depend on whether the car needs premium fuel or regular.

      On a Camry hybrid, 10,000kms/yr, you'd recoup that in about 3yrs @ 10,000km/yr (most people do more kms than that). I would expect the RAV4 to show similar fuel savings. Corolla hybrid, at 10,000kms/yr, would take about 6-6.5yrs to recoup.

      Hybrid also has more benefits. For 1 thing, in entry level models, you get keyless entry/start and climate control included. Brake pads last longer (not using them as much/the energy goes back into the battery). And they're generally smoother and quieter to drive.

      Servicing costs are no different to petrol.

      • pao2x on 13/03/2019 - 13:20
        +1

        Good value, especially if you do the Ks.

        • spackbace on 13/03/2019 - 13:24
          +1

          Yeah can't wait for the hybrid RAV4 to hit the market, should be pretty popular!

          Once supply isn't an issue on the hybrid batteries (can't supply hybrid Camry currently), it should be an easy up-sell. I'd predict the majority of our sales next year to be hybrid, in the vehicles where we have a hybrid option

      • bohn on 13/03/2019 - 14:12

        it also depends on what sort of driving you are doing though?
        hybrid cars won't save you as much if you commute on freeways a lot.
        is that right?

        • spackbace on 13/03/2019 - 14:24

          It'll still charge the battery from the petrol engine, then switch to battery when you're cruising. But you're right in a way, braking and decelerating charges the battery, hence suburban driving or stop-start driving actually helps a hybrid save fuel.

        • brad1-8tsi on 14/03/2019 - 08:51

          I've had a couple of Camry hybrids for work trips out to the country. They average ~6L/100km driven like a company car (quickish but not quick enough to draw attention to yourself).

          They are a really good car (and I'm not a fan of Toyotas) if the OEM Michelins haven't been downgraded to something cheap.

    • eastwood27 on 13/03/2019 - 13:35

      me neither, as RAV4 happily runs on 91, the savings wont be that much. But it looks like hybrid is gonna be more powerful though.

  • uk3000 on 13/03/2019 - 13:12
    +3

    A few weeks ago I negotiated a deal on a new Hyndai i30 Active Auto with SmartSense for $25K drive-away. I believe SmartSense has all those safety features. I used some bargaining tactics described here.

    • spackbace on 13/03/2019 - 13:17

      I used some bargaining tactics described here.

      What did you use, out of curiosity? :)

      • eastwood27 on 13/03/2019 - 13:44
        +1

        at the dealership tell that you want a X car and describe your budget couple of grand less than the actual price, be unsure if you really wanna buy it, also talk about alternatives and suggest maybe if you wanna go with that one, then they might offer you a discount or give you extra perks.

        • spackbace on 13/03/2019 - 13:51
          +1

          FYI I'm a Toyota salesman if you didn't already know ;)

          Was curious to see what uk3000 used

          Side note, we aim to find people the right car as salespeople, so if you said it wasn't the right one for you, we'd try to find the right one lol

          Easiest is really not to play games. Pick a car, colour etc, and negotiate. Be firm on your negotiation and if we can do it, we'll do it. We won't let you walk out if you're a committed buyer.

          • eastwood27 on 13/03/2019 - 14:34

            @spackbace: and whats up with Toyota Finance, was haggling me so much to the point that I had to cancel my deal, lost my $200 as well.

          • eastwood27 on 13/03/2019 - 15:26

            @spackbace: Well, it depends how you call it, playing game or negotiating.

            • spackbace on 13/03/2019 - 15:29

              @eastwood27:

              Well, it depends how you call it, playing game or negotiating.

              What? If they needed more financial information, it's because your financial position was a bit shit, or a bit complicated. For an easy situation, its just most recent payslips and ID.

              They wouldn't just 'play games' with you, I'm sure the BM has enough on his plate to not bother with that.

              • eastwood27 on 13/03/2019 - 15:34
                +1

                @spackbace: i meant about negotiating tactics, not regarding finance. it wasn't to do with payslip or ID as those are standard but they wanted my tax return for whatever reason and they also wanted me to reduce my credit limit and on top of that wanted me to take 7 year loan and I canceled the deal.

                • spackbace on 13/03/2019 - 15:36

                  @eastwood27:

                  but they wanted my tax return

                  Are you buying under an ABN or just personal?

                  • eastwood27 on 13/03/2019 - 15:38

                    @spackbace: Personal, that's what made it weird. I felt like they did not believe on my payslip or something.

                    • brad1-8tsi on 14/03/2019 - 08:55

                      @eastwood27: Why are you borrowing non-tax deductable money to buy a depreciating asset? It's nuts. Just buy something nice you can afford and upgrade in a few years time.

      • Worf on 13/03/2019 - 16:13

        i bought a new honda a little while ago and one of the staff (the sales guy introduced us to another guy, possibly the business manager) and they said they would sell us the car at cost price. We were sceptical. Is this a real thing people do to sell cars (i.e., zero markup/margin) or are they just lying to make us feel like we're getting a deal? How do dealerships make money (sales, target volume bonus, accessories, servicing)?

        • spackbace on 13/03/2019 - 17:03
          +2

          There's 2 forms of "cost price", one which the dealer pays for, and one that they sell for. In between is the dealer profit, which the salesperson and sales manager don't get, it's all internal profit.

          Definitely not uncommon for a manager to do a minimum deal though, at the lowest they can. Salesperson (depending on pay structure) will get about $100 for the deal, and maybe a % of the finance commission if you finance.

          So yeah, that's why the next time you go shopping around for quotes, go back to the guy that test drove you. It'll be a minimum deal, but at lease kinda pays for his time with you.

      • uk3000 on 13/03/2019 - 17:55
        +1

        @Spackbace, I contacted all the dealerships within the reasonable driving distance and asked for their drive-away price for this specific model - by e-mail. I did not ask for "the best price" and I specifically mentioned I prefer emails as I'm not available for phone calls during business hours. I used carsales.com.au for price guidance so I knew what to expect, more or less.

        Most of them replied by email with a quote, some tried to call me and left a message asking for a callback, I didn't get back to those. I used the best email quote to approach the other dealerships and asked if they could beat it. It took a few rounds, but eventually the person who initially offered the best price was the one who got my business.

    • eastwood27 on 13/03/2019 - 13:39
      +1

      I did the same, I was given choice of i30 N line or N line premium for 30 and 35.5K driveaway respectively. I put $200 deposit and the finance department started asking a lot of documents and also asked to lower my credit limit, got pissed and canceled the deal. But I believe 35.5k was a good deal for N line premium with 8 years warranty though.

  • [Deactivated] on 13/03/2019 - 13:19
    +5

    Subaru XV

    • eastwood27 on 13/03/2019 - 13:41

      friend of mine has one, drove it but did not find t upto the mark accelerating wise.

      • isthisreallife22 on 13/03/2019 - 17:32
        +4

        Acceleration is slightly sluggish but you'll be used to it in 1 day. It's sensational around corners compared to most SUVs though.

        Only con I can really think of is tight storage space, which would personally send me to look at the Honda HRV (if they have an AWD in Australia now)

        • coco1458 on 13/03/2019 - 19:39

          Can't agree more with you here, sluggish but stays planted through a corner

  • brad1-8tsi on 13/03/2019 - 13:35

    Holden Astra RS or RS-V hatch ticks all the boxes and will come in way under your budget.

    2018 plate MY18.5 RS-V will be under $25k, the RS under $23k. It will be a bit of an orphan, depreciation will be way up there and Holden might not be around in 5 years time but $10k cheaper than the others is nothing to sneeze at.

    Before you buy anything get some insurance quotes.

    edit: Also check out the Skoda Fabia and Octavia 110

    • [Deactivated] on 13/03/2019 - 13:43
      -2

      And that's why you don't ask for car Advice on ozbargain.

    • eastwood27 on 13/03/2019 - 13:45

      No Holden, the reason being your comment in second paragraph.

      • brad1-8tsi on 13/03/2019 - 14:40
        +1

        Fair enough.

        Everyone told me that Skoda wouldn't be around for long when I bought the Octavia in 2008…

        Re your list of wants. Isn't ESC a mandatory fitment on all passenger vehicles these days?

        Manual or Auto?

    • spackbace on 13/03/2019 - 13:52
      +1

      More Holden talk?

      WTF?

      • brad1-8tsi on 13/03/2019 - 14:36
        +1

        I didn't realise having a thread about a larger car precluded me from commenting about smaller cars in other threads.

        As I'm actively scouring carsales ads at the moment, these things get noticed and this is OzBargain.

  • upsidedownlemon on 13/03/2019 - 14:38
    +1

    Between 35-40k or under 35k, which is it?

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