Which New Car? VW, BMW or Other?

Long time lurker first time poster…

These kind of threads often seem to get a lot of attention so thought it's time to register an account and get some advice from Ozbargainers!

In the market to buy a new car and here are the background details:

  • Partner & I are in late 20's and live in a house we own.
  • Have always had the one car we shared as my work had been easily accessed via Public Transport and to save money.
  • Company is relocating office at the end of the year to spot closer to home however harder to reach via PT so driving will take 25 minutes where as PT will take over 45 and require train & tram (also receiving underground car spot in new office at no cost)
  • Have a approx. $30K in savings right now due to saving for international holiday at end of 2020 which obviously won't go ahead and much greater ability to save over last few months with limited spending opportunities.
  • no immediate need to purchase car ASAP, working from home right now till god knows when and exact office move date TBC just been told "end of 2020" also will be waiting to have enough saved to buy outright and not need to finance.

Anyway that should be enough background detail which people always seem to ask for later in comments, onto the car itself, features or details most important to me in order:

  • Curb appeal / general appearance: I'm self aware enough to know I'm someone who is swayed by brands and have a liking of more premium products. e.g. I own an iPhone, my vacuum is a Dyson, chose Miele kitchen appliances etc. Many Ozbargainers would argue that there are cheaper brands which do the same or better job than the listed products however I enjoy using all of them and haven't had to go in debt or sacrifice necessities in order to afford them.
  • Comfort inclusions: Leather seats, sun roof, good quality digital interface: in no way necessary in a car however the first 2 are just nice to haves which make me enjoy driving more. Have noticed a big difference in the ease of use in infotainment consoles between cars and having one that works well would again be a nice to have.
  • On going costs: cost of insurance, fuel consumption and servicing / repairs:
  • Performance: reality is I'll be driving this car in traffic to & from work 80% of the time, 10% of time to the shops and to run errands remaining 10% will be on longer drives on weekend day trips or local holidays. I have no delusions about being a race car driver nor do I plan to hoon around in it. However I've also driven my parent's Prius & various crappy loan cars to know that I enjoy driving some cars more than others. If money and practicality were no factors would I prefer to drive a ferrari over a camry sure, would I prefer a golf R over a baseline again yes. If the difference in enjoyment of driving the car is significant enough and the cost/practicality difference small enough I'd consider the better performance option.
  • Only requirement is that I can fit my golf clubs in it, preferably in boot but with back seats down will do.

I Have a budget of $40K in mind but will gladly spend less or be willing to go slightly above should reason arise. Based on that and all the detail listed above I've got 2 quite different cars in my consideration list:

Option 1: VW Golf, series 7.5 with R line & Sound & Vision package:

$40K new and in low-mid 30's for used one with low KM's
- I like the look of it
- Comes with 5 year warranty
- Convenience of smaller car however with ability to fit a lot into boot with backseats down.
- More reasonably priced to service & maintain for a Euro

Option 2: BMW 4 series 2014+ Model, <80,000 KM, uncertain on model 420i/428i/435i

Can find multiple listings on Carsales & Pickles which fit within the above details and below $40K
- Like the look of it more than Golf
- Few years down the road will still feel & look like a premium car compared to the Golf
- More enjoyable to drive.
- no warranty & will be pricier to maintain.

These 2 cars have also falled under consideration based on cars I've owned/own.

First car was a $3,00 Ford falcon I bought when I was 18. 2010 BMW 1 series was second car I bought once I began full time work, bought for $20K, loved it had no issues with it for a year and then was T boned at intersection and it written off. Bought a brand new VW polo with pay out for 23K as it was at the same time of buying our home so wanted to keep any potential unexpected spend down and get something new with warranty. 4 1/2 years later it's done 75K with no issues and very much enjoy driving it.

So kind strangers on the internet, what are your thoughts on the above. 2 quite different options, the VW being the more sensible, reliable option of the two. The BMW being the one which will bring me more joy driving & owning (excluding costs!)

Let me know your thoughts/impressions on the above or please suggest other options to consider and I'm clearly leaning towards what I know.

Final note, not interested in the OZB love child of a Kia Stinger!

Comments

      • As I said, you can pick up a NEW Golf R with 5 years warranty for $50k.

        A new generation will depreciate all models of the previous generation.

      • Are you aware that a new Golf model is also coming later this year?

        • +1

          Golf Mk8 isn't coming to Aust until next year.

          The Mk8 Golf R will be even a longer wait. The Mk7.5 is heavily discounted and is still an great car.

          As I said, my preference would be a 2yo M240i, but surely the Mk7.5 Golf R for $50k is a much better buy than an R Line for $40k.

        • It's fugly tho.

          • +1

            @Tambani: I suspect the Mk8 will be like the Bug Eye WRX. It just looked terrible compared to the previous model WRX (2000).

  • +5

    InB4: "HaVe YoU tRiEd PuEgEoT, ReNaULt oR CiTrOeN? FrEnCh CaRs ArE bEsT CaRs!!1!!!!1"

  • +2

    Bmw F30 IMO with the N55. If you're all about the wank factor and performance and luxury, it's hard to beat. You can get clean examples for $30-$33k in this climate and the rest for the inevitable servicing.

    • I wonder if the current climate will indeed increase the supply and lower the price of second hand cars? A lot of talk on falling house prices since day 1 of COVID yet for the moment it's just that, talk.

      • +3

        The second hand car market is spastic at the moment. The problem is, people are finding ways to cut back, so instead of buying new, they are looking at lower cost alternatives, such as low km/near new/demo vehicles. The problem this is having is that new car sales are waaaay down, but every dealer I go to has almost no used stock as no one is trading in or is buying up their used stock.

        Car yards and wholesalers I usually deal with have a fraction of their usual stock (some that usually have 100~200 cars at any one time are down to 15~30). This is driving the used car market up. Auctions are going nuts as dealers try and buy up any available cars. No one is buying new, so no one is trading in. Cars that I could have picked up for $15k 4 or 5 months ago, are now selling at or just over $20k.

        If you want a new car, it's a great time to buy. If you want a near new, low km, still under warranty vehicle, be prepared to fight everyone else for them.

        • -1

          What do you mean by your use of the word "spastic"?

          • +1

            @GG57: Meaning "without control and randomly all over the place. Almost like uncontrolled random jerking motions. Erratic."

            • -5

              @pegaxs: You obviously researched a meaning of the word; you should have also noted how this term is widely considered as offensive.

              • +1

                @GG57: I didn't "research it", that's what I have always know it to mean. I am also aware of the offensive nature of this word, and it was not used to describe a person, but to describe the erratic and uncontrolled nature and reaction of an inanimate object, such as the whole used car sales market…

                Then just report it and neg it if you feel it offends you that greatly. That seems to be the trend here.. "I didn't like that word and I find it offensive…" *neg+report.jpg*

        • Interesting, I'm definitely in the bulls eye of the "near new, low km, still under warranty" bucket if looking at the VW or other hatches.

          What's your take on value/demand of the grouping that the approx 4-5 year old BMW's (or other similar cars) fall into?

        • every dealer I go to has almost no used stock as no one is trading in or is buying up their used stock

          A good indicator of this is carsales.com.au. At the start of the Covid-19 lockdowns, there were around 240K vehicles available for sale on the site. Fast forward 2 months and the figure has dropped to around 190K.

          • +2

            @PinzVidz: I've been watching a lot of auctions at the moment and I am just mind blown at the priced that some of these vehicles are fetching. One of the auction houses I have bought a few vehicles though said that pre-covid, their clearance rate was about 70~80% of cars on the day. Now they are at 95~100% clearance. They can hold up to 400 cars at a time, and today when I was there, they had 38. They stopped doing "Fixed Price" vehicles because of their clearance rates and higher prices they get at auction.

            I put cars on my watch list as I get notified about them being listed and go to call up the next morning about them and they are already on hold or sold. Prior to this, I could have a car sit on my watch list for weeks or months. Now they are lasting 1 or 2 days.

            The biggest movers are small/medium SUV market. People moving down from large SUV. Dual cab utes are almost as bad as people look to combine a work vehicle with a family vehicle and small/medium sedans/hatchbacks. Everything is crazy, but these seem to be the 3 worst categories I have been tracking over the last few months.

            • +1

              @pegaxs: Glad you posted this.

              Been looking at auctions, I thought with C19 restrictions on viewing, it would scare away punters depressing the price. Add economic recession and increase in repos. I thought this would depress the price of used cars.

              Nope, total opposite, no longer see cars bounce around auctions. Nope sell for higher price than usual and like you said, gone.

              Thats the normal passenger car,/family segments. Prestige and sports seem to have price decrease depending on model but not as much as I expected.

              • +1

                @Bid Sniper: I think used cars are the new "toilet paper"…

                Even today I was watching some auctions and cars that are at the dealers for $19,888 are selling at these auctions for $21~$23k (excluding buyers premium). Consequently, this drives up the prices at car yards, because they know the auction prices are so astronomical they can stick to their RRP. A lot of yards I have found, when you ask for a deal, they just say "Oh, that vehicle? That's a fixed price. The window price is the price."

                Went to a local car yard yesterday and made an offer on a car. I only knocked 7% off their asking price. The used car sales manager just laughed and said "no chance. The sticker price is the lowest." Didn't even off a counter offer. I thanked him for his time and said, "would you like my phone number if anything changes?" he just walked off and said to the young sales trainee "don't bother writing his number down, we aren't reducing the price…" With that, I left and will never be back.

                I think the thing is, that the used market is keeping the new car dealerships afloat. There is a shortage in the market and people opting for used or demos, that the dealers know there is a shortage of trade in vehicles, so can pick the people who will just pay "sticker price"

                • @pegaxs: This happened with the US cash for clunkers program, I get that but here, yeah toilet paper mentality. Guess people need cars but common sense would say HODL your current car and delay major spending.

                  Wouldn't be Toyota or Mazda you're looking at? I stay the hell from those n00bs bidders buy these cars at prices higher than you can get from dealers with some wheeling and dealing.

                  • +2

                    @Bid Sniper: Toyota is off the table. Of all the "glovebox full of cocaine" prices I have witnessed, Toyota vehicles are by far the worst. 11yo Hilux with 250k and no service history, that's $25k+. 8~9yo RAV4 with 180~200km, that's $20k… I am a Toyota fanboi, but these prices are just out there.

                    Looked at Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi Outlander, Hyundai Tucson/Santa Fe and Kia Sportage/Sorento and dealers just don't want to move on price and private sellers just want stashed cocaine prices. I dont need a vehicle, so I'm happy for all this to blow over or to worsen before I plonk any cash down.

                    I went to a dealer that had a brand new, 18 build plated, 19MY Hyundai Tucson Active (very old stocker) and they refused to even budge on RRP for that car. I just told them to keep it another 2 years…

                    • @pegaxs: BHAHAAHA cocaine prices

                      Have you tired spamming emails to dealers on carsales?

                      Had a similar story 2 years ago, I wanted the Subaru Levorg STI. Most dealers had cocaine pricing, found one that was willing to deal which was great (Roseberry Subaru used in NSW, highly recommenced). Subaru Chatswood lost my recommendation, they had one been sitting in their lot for a year. I went on to make offer $5K under their advertised price, they refused of course and renewed the rego infront of me. Bought a STI premium for less with less kays, 8 months later drove past that car was still there, getting onto 3 years old rotting in the sun.

                      • @Bid Sniper: My favourite response I get at dealers now is "Oh, we cant move on the price of that vehicle, we have already had a lot of offers on it and have several inquiries made on it just this week…"

                        To which I say "Oh, well, that will explain why it's been on your website for the last 3 months or more…

                        I dont find cars, cars find me. If they don't want to accept my offer, it's because the universe has a car for me, I just have not found it yet. After a few rejections, I always find something that was a lot better value, newer and a better price.

    • Sold mine a while back for $30k and was mint! Absolutely brilliant car, I just didn't want to pay to service it :)

  • +1

    Aren't Golf GTis around $45k? Surely Golf R line is not $40k, I have been offered a much lower price..

    • GTI starts at 47K, by time you add in leather seats & sunroof comes to 55K plus. so roughly a 15K price difference.

      I'm sure a fair bit can be negotiated off both of them, and perhaps there's bigger margins on the GTI to negotiate however am not prepared to spend roughly 15K more on a faster/sportier version of more or less the same car

      • All my BMWs, except one have had sunroofs, and I don't use them. Not sure who does.

        I know the dealer likes to throw them in, but I'd look at options for a hard top every time. Maybe a special price on a special order, depending on upcoming production. Not having a sunroof means it weighs less, and reduces body roll.

        Losing traditionally 'good idea' items like sunroofs and tow bars can make your car behave better on the road than the model up, that has them ;-)

        • Had a sun roof in previous car and loved it and always enjoy driving other people's car who have them also :)

    • Yeah had to look that up myself, Golf R* 7.5 The cheapest used is 40k, new from 57-60k. Couldn't find a trim level of R in a golf when i looked.
      Is the *R in this post the quick one in this instance or is there an R line upgrade available to the boring normal golf so you can kinda feel better that you don't have the full pov pack one but still know you didn't buy the top spec one.

      Given VW are now doing online orders for cars, that sets the expectations as to how little they're willing to discount.

      Careful for anything from an auction (pickles, greys etc) you really need to know exactly what you want and about the car, even down to things like making sure it hsa both keys! Then the buyer premium loaded on top of the bid price once you're done.

      For that kinda money I'd be looking at the Mazda 3 for sure but would be more inclined to look at the Mazda 6, really nice car in the higher trim levels which might be just over budget but you're getting a lot of car for the money.
      Go put bums in seats and drive a couple cars around and see what you do or don't like, you've got time before you buy so why not use it?

      • "R Line" pack is an optional extra for the 110 TSi Highline.

        Gives it different wheels, slightly different body kit and tinted windows.

        The one in this post refers to the boring normal golf that looks little better e.g.: https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2020-volkswagen-gol…

        Have tested the Golf but not need to test others.

        Thanks for pointers on Pickles.

  • +1

    Don’t forget to ensure the car you get u can afford for expensive servicing down the road should something happen to it!

    Imo get a sedan, way more appeal than a hatch. I hate BMWs but I’d still choose it over the golf. New Audi A3 coming out, potentially good time to get a used S3.

  • I'm not a car person by any stretch but my partner and I were in the same position as you earlier this year. We bought a used (2 yr old) BMW 420i gran coupe in March for $40K and I love it, the best part of the car (for me) is that it has a lift gate at the back so there is so much space in the boot. Definitely enough space for your golf clubs and it is a four door with the backseats being quite well sized in my opinion.

    • Nice one! what made you chose a 4 door 4 series rather than a 3 or 5 series which is also 4 door?

      Assume you haven't had it serviced yet but what kind of costs are you expecting for a general service?

      • +1

        the 4 series has better performance than the 3 (this was a criteria set by my partner) and the 5 series was out of the budget. Mainly the lift gate on the back of the 4 series was the selling point for me. I told my partner "I don't care what car we get but it has to have a boot large enough for IKEA trips".

        I'm not sure about what our general service costs will be but I'm guessing no more than $500ish for each general service? It'll also depend on where we end up sending the car for serving (dealer or other mechanic)

        • +2

          320i, 420i or 520i have the same engine and the same drivetrain performance. I believe your partner chose the 4 for its look. But for the price, that was a great find.

      • General service can be done for $150 at an independent mechanic.

      • If you buy second hand through BMW dealer you can get capped priced service around 1.5k for 3 year plan. If you go to an independent mechanic that is a "European specialist" will cost around the same.

        Also would recommend buying through BMW dealer especially if they feel they can retain you as a customer because you get treated better.

  • On going costs: cost of insurance, fuel consumption and servicing / repairs:

    Toyota Hybrid

    ok going back to the "features or details most important to me in order" that you discussed, I think you may already know that the BMW ticks more of your boxes than the Golf, except for the ongoing cost part.

  • +7

    I think you should keep your options open and test drive some cheaper/more Asian vehicles, BUT I totally understand you wanting something 'nicer'.

    I also think people are misinterpreting your needs/projecting. You aren't prioritising sportiness, you just don't want a gutless bag. That's super easy to sort because most new cars other than base rentals and most hybrids (and some CVTs) feel like they have more than enoguh power.

    One more point I have to offer that someone else did as well… you have a great condition Polo that you've already bitten the depreciation on. You could go with an older vehicle here, save on depreciation and install an aftermarket head unit. Think 10k low kms Honda Accord Euro/Lexus xxx or something. Since you just want some curb presence and comfort… don't need to burn 20k. Invest it.

    Other things I would consider if I were you:

    1. Audi A5. Good looking car, not too old, quick enough, big enough/small enough.

    2. Audi A4. See above.

    3. Audi A3. Again, same story but newer, smaller. This one MIGHT be my pick if I was you.

    4. BMW 320i Sport Line. Looks good, goes decent. Comfy, plenty of room. BMW badge.

    5. BMW 320i High-Line M Sport. As above but looks better, but bit older.

    6. Kia Optima. Won't mention Cerato as it's already been covered, but basically same story but more conservative/better looking design (depends who you ask). Get a newer car with a big Korean warranty. Also see the GT version for more goodies.

    7. Mazda 3. SEDAN. I think that the hatch is gorgeous, but I think the sedan is more mature and is one of the best looking cars on the road. Get a basically new car, good luxury, good performance (better than base model Euros) and damn good looks in my opinion.

    8. Mazda 6. As above, slightly less good looking but bigger and more luxurious.

    9. Mercedes… just kidding. I think they're all ugly as sin. Don't get one.

    10. Skoda Superb. You might balk at this but they only get good reviews. Decent looking car with all the features you could need without the badge.

    11. Subaru Impreza hatch or Subaru Impreza sedan. It's the top of the line small Subaru. They look decent, price is right, goes fine, luxury inside, bags of safety and practicality. Can't go wrong unless you can't stand the CVT.

    12. Subaru Liberty. This is a left-of-field option because I barely see any on the road, but they're a great car by all measures (for people who don't need a wagon/hatch). More luxurious inside than anything else (new-ish) in your budget I would suggest.

    That's about all there is I reckon. But if I were you I'd at least consider all these options and ideally drive four or five of them before you make a decision. A Golf or BMW 4 Series isn't gonna be a bad choice but it just might not necessarily be the best one.

    • +1

      Thanks for the detailed response!

      Will expand search to see what good deals can be found on 3 series as those that you've listed have pretty great price to KM ratio compared to 4 series I've seen.

      Growing up Subaru Liberties, the late 200's ones always caught my eye as a good looking unique car! shame the current models look so bland as otherwise it'd be a serious consideration as a toned down more reasonable WRX alternative!

      • Agree re the older Liberties, they looked great. The current styling is very subdued. It's not offensive at all but it doesn't make you want one desperately.

        Would love to hear your thoughts about the other options and what you end up trying/going with.

    • +3

      As an ex-Liberty owner (gen 4) Subaru has absolutely killed that sub-brand. The new ones are ugly AF and completely gutless IMHO, plus they have removed the wagon option. They have tried to make the Levorg into their performance wagon but then it has a CVT in it which is not really going to appeal to people who are looking to replace an older Liberty (the spec b had the same 6 speed gearbox as an STI Impreza, can't go from that to CVT).

      It's a real shame. I hope they do what Toyota has sort of done with the Supra and 86 and realise why people liked Liberties and WRXs in the first place… I would buy a good looking, fast new Liberty in a heartbeat.

      • +1

        Agreed with everything you said. Though I don't think the new Liberty is really ugly or bad, it's just bland. Still a good car, but a very different design brief to the car we liked from 20 years ago.

        I'd have a Levorg in a heartbeat if it didn't have a CVT. Even a good auto would be acceptable.

        • +1

          Yep, it was my default 'next car' until I found out about the transmission.

      • +1

        I drove the Levorg before I got the Skoda Superb 206. Let's say the Levorg is an acquired taste.

        • Can you expand on that?

      • Think screwbaru really screwed up there, they needed to offer a manual, if they had a manual I would of probably bought one. Also name is stupid, call it WRX sportwagon and they would of sold way more including the CVT

        I was in the same boat coming from a GD WRX 5MT. Test drove the Levorg, I actually really liked it, the CVT with eyesight works really well. Ended up with a STI, which ironically has more bootspace than our XV and cheaper than the Levorg.

  • +1

    My favourite car in that price bracket I would go the Mazda 3 in G25 spec. Like the previous poster said, the Mazda 3 hatches are actually gorgeous and the upper spec G25 models come with all the tech you could want.

  • +1

    This may have been addressed elsewhere, but if your current savings are $30k, why would your budget be $40k for a new car? You'd either be wiping out your savings completely or going into debt to buy the car.

    Otherwise I'm on the side of "buy a second hand, fully optioned Mazda 3 SP25".

    • +2

      Not buying car right now, waiting till finished WFH. Savings accumulating quickly given current climate. Max budget is 40K hoping to spend less.

      • +1

        Gotcha, but you'd still be wiping out a decent chunk of your savings, even at 30k.

        I'm not really a car dude, but generally find the best value for money deals are cars that are a couple of years old with less than 15k on the clock. Dudes who buy cars but then don't drive them.

        Maybe just have a browse of the market for these types of cars and see what's around at the 20k mark. I think you might like what you see.

  • Unless OP is serious about the brand snobbery, I'd seriously consider a Mazda 3. I never used to like these cars as half my friends owned one, and they had awful cabin insulation, but recently drove one of the new models as a loaner and it feels every inch as premium as a German.

    • Yeah have driven a 2019 model and agree the interior finish, leather, stainless steel trims, bose speakers etc. are all very high quality and would not feel out of place at all in an euro car.

      I don't like The body shape though, feels to me like it'll be dated very quickly. looks completely different to last gen MAzda 3 and the one before that. Golf & 1 series look pretty timeless and consistent by comparison to me.

      • +2

        Styling is so subjective. I think the Golf’s look so dowdy and it’s starting to show it’s age compared to newer designs such as the corolla.
        On the other hand the new Mazda 3 is so sleek it’s almost got an Alfa Romeo style going on.

        • +2

          Totally agree. Think it's the sexiest car on the road. I am a total non-consumer, prefer bargains and holding on to stuff. I also have no use case for a brand new Mazda 3. But I want one. I would take out a loan to have one. They're gorgeous and if it had an Alfa badge on the front and a Busso under the bonnet, it'd be car of the year across the world and cost $80k.

  • -4

    I'm someone who is swayed by brands and have a liking of more premium products. e.g. I own an iPhone, my vacuum is a Dyson, chose Miele kitchen appliances etc.

    damn this is so sad and pathetic

    • +4

      Think 95% of people are like this most just aren't willing to admit it or even aware.

      I'm sure every item in your shopping trolley is Supermarket brand and you don't own a single Nike or adidas sporting item.

      • no

        • ozb is a meme at this point

          • +1

            @abuch47: It's been explained before, ozbargain doesn't mean getting the cheapest, shittiest thing you can get, it means getting the thing you want at a great price.

            • @brendanm: ozbargain license: being a wank with more money than sense

              • @abuch47: Not buying cheap shit that lasts 5 minutes is being a wank? Sounds pretty silly.

                • @brendanm:

                  I'm someone who is swayed by brands and have a liking of more premium products. e.g. I own an iPhone, my vacuum is a Dyson, chose Miele kitchen appliances etc.

                  Not buying cheap shit that lasts 5 minutes is being a wank?

                  Ecksdee

                  • @abuch47: Those things have a history of lasting a lot longer than 5 minutes.

                    • @brendanm: hailcorporate

                      • @abuch47: Okay mate. Keep buying your $2 trinkets and replace them every month.

                        • @brendanm:

                          premium products

                          wew lad

                          iPhone, my vacuum is a Dyson, chose Miele

                          • @abuch47: Ok. Glad you've figured out how to quote, I'll get your certificate printed up.

                            • -1

                              @brendanm: thx ozb influencer

                              only if ya can fit it between the shilling

  • +1

    Renault Megane GT or RS and you’ll save $5-10k or so.

  • +1

    Would a Camry SL V6 really be that bad of am option though…?

    • Current gen Camry feels like you're driving a box controlled with sails and a rudder.

    • Finally found the car Im looking for so I comment here.

  • +3

    I don't think either of those cars have curb appeal.

  • -1

    We have the golf you listed, a 7.5 2017 model but in wagon form.

    It’s great - really love it - done 60k no dramas except a small rear window rattle.

    The heated leather seats are great, so is the full length pano sunroof (in the wagon). The adaptive cruise, automated parking and all the driver stuff is amazing. The only thing it doesn’t have but would be good is an electric tailgate.

  • You've completely paid off your house in your late 20's?

    • -1

      I suspect both of them are only children with parents and grandparents combining assets from China? I've met a few.

      • You salty?

  • +4

    Lexus IS200 F-sport, or you could go the hybrid route in the same IS model. European styling, handling and luxury with the reliability of a Toyota. Used, they hold value really well also. You could easily pick up a used 2015-2016 model (maybe even later model) with low Km's with your budget. Arguably one of the best value for money cars in its class. Plus they look amazing.

    • Hard to argue against Lexus. I don't like the styling but they are a great car and reliable as anything.

  • -2

    VW, cars for people who insist on owning a Euro but don't want to stretch the budget. Simple but true.

    • Rubbish, we spent ages looking at wagons and settled on Passat 206tsi as it ticked all the boxes for us, being a euro brand had nothing to do with it. I'd prefer to buy a Japanese car but they had nothing on offer that came close to the VW.

      • Outback Premium?

    • -1

      VW is the biggest European automaker by a country mile, and the de facto yardstick.

  • -1

    Old BMW's are money sinks. I owned one for 15 years. A 6 year old one will start to show its age very soon, all the plastics in the engine break down and need replacing one after the other, the engine starts leaking oil etc. You can read all about it on google. In the end I was spending $1k-$1.5k every year just for maintenence at an independent shop (maybe 2x that if you service at the stealer). VW's are the German equivalent of Toyota, everyone knows it except the people who drive them. Get a Mazda or Honda, still premiumish but much better value.

  • Audi S3 2016+ or RS3 15+, VW 7.5R

    Whatever you get, let me know and I'd be happy to help out a fellow ozbargainer with PPF ;)

  • +1

    No to VW.

  • volvo s60

  • why on earth would you purchase a golf 7.5 when the 8 is around the corner? Seems you've done no research at all..

    Go for the newest 1 series imo, there's discount going around too.

    • When I test drove the 7.5 I inquired when they were expecting series 8 to come to Australia and they said that due to COVID it's likely to be delayed to early 2021. This was back in March. If i can wait that long am sure a good deal could be found on a demo 7.5.

  • Consider & drive the below options.
    1. Polo GTI with its optional packages (new)
    2. BMW 125 & 140 hatch F20 series (pre owned 2017 onwards)
    3. Mercedes Benz A200 & 250 (2018 & onwards, new series)

    Polo is nice but a tad small. BMW 428/430 is absolute bullet if u can get a fairly new one at this price but will depreciate quickly and cost more in long term.

    A250 hatch will be my pick, interior is different from anything else in market.

    • Have polo currently and if had to get a second car on budget than would not hesitate to get another Polo, lovely little car that does everything I need.

      BMW 1 series is definitely a considerable option between the Golf & 4 series and am keeping an eye on good deals for them.

      The Mercs look amazing on the outside but can't say I like the interiors, regularly drive a friends GLA180 and find the dash, circular vents, unnecessary key pad off putting.

  • Tesla Model 3 or Tesla Model Y

  • For that budget, I'd look at 2nd hand Mercedes C350 coupe. Solid and reliable car with a little over 300hp and great handling and curb appeal without looking like a try hard.

    You'll end up with money left over too.

    • For the price range I'm in I think I'd only be able to find an early 2010's model?

      The 300 HP isn't a draw card but some savings would be!

      • No, you'd be looking at a 2013 / 2014 for around $40K I'd say and that's at Mercedes Certified with less than 50,000km.

        I would not go the earlier model (pre-facelift) as they are pretty dated inside and have a few niggles.

        If you were looking at 2010, I'd definitely look at finding a pristine AMG C63. They're awesome, but they are expensive to maintain… stupid really, but oh so great to drive!

        Avoid the C250 because they are known for major engine issues like the cam gears being worn and broken by the timing chain.

  • I got a brand new mk7 r-line with premium paint for 32k 2 years ago from the leichhardt VW if that helps guide your negotiations. wouldn't pay more than 2k more for the sound & vision pack

    • That's good insight. Was this just after the 7.5 series came out? or was the 7 the current model then?

  • Don’t take R line package for Golf. It makes the ride much less comfortable, and it’s a Golf so nobody cares or will notice the different in the looks of it unfortunately.The comfortline + dynaudio and ACC tick all the boxes.

    • I wouldn't be getting it for other people or to impress anyone.

      I personally think it looks nice and that's why I'd get it? Test drove it and didn't feel any less comfortable a drive than current Polo.

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