Europe Car VS Japan Car (SUV, Same Price Range) - Comment!

alakar on 02/09/2020 - 13:42

Hi folks,

Big question. Although I understand all the different theories and preferences will come flying out.
Planning to buy a (brand-)new SUV in future, just aiming for budget around 65-70k.
What would you choose? (I know Europe car at that price will be mediocre, but never had owned one before and would like to try one)
What are people's opinion on Car classes anyway? (eg who rides 'whatever' Mercedes model seems to be have a better image than a non-europe car? Easiest option - ask friends/wives who know nothing about car :D )

TIA

Poll Options

  • 6
    Mercedes
  • 40
    Toyota
  • 4
    BMW
  • 3
    Audi
  • 10
    Lexus
  • 3
    Range Rover
  • 9
    Mazda
  • 37
    Others
Automotive

Comments

  • Hybroid on 02/09/2020 - 13:44
    +14

    This is far too generic that none of the anecdotal answers will help you. Reconsider what you're asking by providing more information on what you're looking for in a car.

    • Euphemistic on 02/09/2020 - 13:46
      +3

      What he said. There are too many SUVs to choose from in lots of different classes.

      Option one is don’t buy new, don’t spend so much on a depreciating asset.

    • RockyRaccoon on 02/09/2020 - 14:50
      +3

      Added to this

      (I know Europe car at that price will be mediocre, but never had owned one before and would like to try one)

      The ability to try one by spending, 65K-70K, is a luxury most of us here at OzBargain dont have.

      • pegaxs on 02/09/2020 - 17:36
        +1

        It seems that this forum is predominantly inhabited by brodens, opportunists and humble braggers.

        • Hackney on 03/09/2020 - 08:57

          & Corolla “owners”.

      • 82norm on 03/09/2020 - 12:07

        Is that akin to saying, I’m prepared to buy a lemon and happy to throw my money away or I’ve never been kicked in the nuts, but wouldn’t mind seeing what it feels like?

  • Euphemistic on 02/09/2020 - 13:47
    +6

    Just because the badge is European doesn’t mean the vehicle is. Some BMW built in USA, some built in South Africa (I think). Even the Toyota Kliger isn’t built in Japan.

    • pegaxs on 02/09/2020 - 17:38

      Samenwith a lot of "Euro" cars. Some built in China, some built in India, some built in Thailand, some built in Vietnam…

    • Sensiekatie on 03/09/2020 - 11:19

      When we bought our Renault Koleos Bose, we also looked at the Nissan X-Trail for comparison. Same body from same factory. the Koleos had a Eurooean motor but also quite a few standard extras not in the X-Trail plus it handled much better. Nissan and Renault were both owned by the same company - not sure of they still are.

  • 87percent on 02/09/2020 - 13:49
    +1

    think you shoud factor in servicing/maintenance costs into your purchase, as Euro cars are GENERALLY more expensive to service

  • GG57 on 02/09/2020 - 13:51
    +7

    Buying a car/SUV based on the badge is a problem you need to overcome.

  • jason101 on 02/09/2020 - 13:54

    Minor point which I don't think is made in these Euro vs X posts. Every Euro car I have ever purchased new has come with soft Continental tyres which have pretty much worn out in 15-25k where as every Japanese car I have purchased new has come with Bridgestone/Dunlop/whatever brand, which seem to last 45K +. While its never been something I've given a 2nd thought about - I now look at the brand and type of tyre fitted to a new car when purchasing as part of my decision process.

    • [Deactivated] on 02/09/2020 - 14:48
      +2

      My last Euro factory tyres did over 100,000km brand new from assembly line.

      The tyres drive like wet shit but it did last.

      • Snoozer on 02/09/2020 - 16:09

        The size of the car is a huge variable here. The bigger the car, the faster the tyres will wear IMHO.

    • brad1-8tsi on 02/09/2020 - 17:08

      The conti CSC2 lasted 45k km on my Skoda. I've had 2 sets of Bridgestone RE050A and they lasted 40k km. I'd log the 5k difference as being differing road conditions.
      The Michelins went 75k.

      The Dunlops I have now seem to disappear just rolling out the driveway. (not really but I'll be surprised if they last 30k)

  • Bid Sniper on 02/09/2020 - 13:54
    +4

    Does laziness in doing your own research factor in spending in $75K on a SUV, go benz in that case

  • Drakesy on 02/09/2020 - 14:11

    I'd go lexus if you want the badge but not the breakdown costs.
    But as previously mentioned, the question is far too broad

  • Muzeeb on 02/09/2020 - 14:28
    +3

    Is the question even English?

  • Brian McGee on 02/09/2020 - 14:30
    +3

    Buy something Japanese or Korean if you want value for money.
    Buy european if you want to get brand cache and want to pay extra for packages you get for standard in the asian vehicles.
    If you want to Just Empty Every Pocket, buy Amuurican.

  • Hithere on 02/09/2020 - 14:34
    +1

    Are you buying a car for yourself or for people to admire you in OP?

    Buying a Euro just to try it could end up being an expensive way of improving your image.

  • [Deactivated] on 02/09/2020 - 14:34

    Prior to the CV19 outbreak, people weren't buying that many cars. There were some huge discounts available. There were low km demo BMW X3 3.0i at the $70k mark. That is a better mid sized SUV than anything out of Japan (actually it's the best midsized SUV on the market, although the older Audi Q5 gives it a run for it's money). Those same cars are now retailing in the $90k space, thanks to supply and demand being flipped on it's head. Now that we're officially in the worst recession since WW2, watch consumer confidence plummet and the car demand and prices drop again.

    The answer to the question isn't really which car is the best in the price range, it's what is the best car you can get in your price range at the time of purchase. It varies and swings so much that regardless of what people answer, the information is out of date very quickly.

    • Snoozer on 02/09/2020 - 16:01

      Please explain how a demo BMW X3 at $70k is a better mid-sized SUV than anything out of Japan.

      • [Deactivated] on 02/09/2020 - 16:36
        +3

        More powerful, faster, handles way better, adaptive suspension, better interior, higher quality materials, strong build quality, far better infotainment/systems/nav/connected drive, better real world fuel economy, better gear box, better, more drivable engine, better looking, basically better in every way. The current X3 is a new model, latest generation and it shows. Everything from Japan is like driving something from 10 years ago.

        • w37hsyea on 02/09/2020 - 17:44
          +1

          pretty much what Burner says:

          Even a 2010 BMW 5 series or Audi A5 provides all of the above over a 2020 Toyota/Subaru equivalent sedan.

        • Euphemistic on 02/09/2020 - 20:24
          -2

          Might be better driving wise, but is the extra cost worth it to the owner?. The number of owners of Japanese/Korean vehicles says probably not. The difference isn’t that significant for a lot of people.

          • [Deactivated] on 02/09/2020 - 20:33

            @Euphemistic: You’re making it out like an X3 is a niche vehicle. It’s the best selling BMW in Australia and it’s within the same price categories as the Japanese cars.

  • Islund on 02/09/2020 - 14:34
    -2

    Audi Q3 Sportback - not pushing their barrow; just like what I see.

    • hashtagbargain on 02/09/2020 - 15:04
      -1

      The Q3 is overrated IMHO, the Skoda Kodiaq will give it a run for its money. Not to mention they both are built on the same VW platform!

    • [Deactivated] on 02/09/2020 - 15:22
      -1

      It's a Golf.

  • [Deactivated] on 02/09/2020 - 14:46
    +1

    Someone that doesn't list requirements likely doesn't have any apart from price.

    If you want to spend as little as possible on a brand new and still have something that will get the job done, get a FWD CX-9.

    If you need material expression of wealth at $70k, get a GLC200.

  • [Deactivated] on 02/09/2020 - 14:56

    Are you crazy, just ask the salemans for best #1 car👍👍

  • Ryanek on 02/09/2020 - 14:58
    -2

    Korean

  • nephilim on 02/09/2020 - 15:04

    Q3 sportsback or stelvio, haggle hard
    You can get a stelvio for 51k drive away on carsales, most likely get it down a lot more due to poor sales.

  • nubzy on 02/09/2020 - 15:41
    -1

    45k will get you a top of the line Peugeot 3008, it's the best SUV in its class and a far more appealing car than any Korean/Japs in this price bracket. The Stelvio is another good option as suggested by nephilim.

    • brendanm on 02/09/2020 - 16:45
      +1

      How would op overcome the poor reliability though? Surely that's off-putting, as well as the abysmal resale value?

      • nubzy on 02/09/2020 - 16:54

        Peugeot's are exceptionally reliable cars, the most reliable brand in the UK last year in fact. Abysmal resale?? 3008 seems to be doing just fine, it's no worse than any other Euro car..

        • brendanm on 02/09/2020 - 18:59
          +1

          Near $20k off over 2 years for an allure? Sounds excellent. Most reliable 🤣

      • Rimas on 02/09/2020 - 19:22
        +2

        Peugeots built after 2014 are extremely reliable cars and fun to drive. There's this unfair vibe against them here in Australia but they sell petty well everywhere in Europe. I personally buy cars to drive and enjoy for a few years, not to sell in 2 years to loose lots of money, and besides I never ever buy them brand new, so the more "absymal" their resale value, the better :)
        P.s. I drive a Renault myslef and I absolutely love it.

  • pegaxs on 02/09/2020 - 17:25
    +3

    HaVe yOu cOnSiDeReD ReNaULt oR CiTrOeN??

    What? No Mahindra, LDV or Haval?? I'm disappointed… At least Tata is covered…

    • brendanm on 02/09/2020 - 19:00

      Peugeot are the best silly, most reliable car in the UK don't you know guv.

      • Rimas on 02/09/2020 - 19:24

        I bet he's never owned or even driven one. It's Ozbargain and anything other than Camry us stupid to buy

        • nubzy on 02/09/2020 - 19:29
          +1

          These two are just trolls, same old BS in every automobile thread

      • pegaxs on 02/09/2020 - 20:00

        Yeah yeah, I know. I've even heard that Peugeot uses "award winning parts". Any truth to this rumour?

        • brendanm on 02/09/2020 - 20:16

          There is indeed, the indicator stalk won an award in Mongolia for "excellence in satisfying click" 2 years in a row.

          • pegaxs on 02/09/2020 - 20:26

            @brendanm: I've heard that Peugeot developed an air conditioning system that remained on and functional, even long after the vehicle was switched off. Has to be a design award in that, surely ? If only the engineers at Toyota could develop something like this.

            • whooah1979 on 02/09/2020 - 20:34

              @pegaxs: Just buy a vehicle that doesn't turn the engine off when it's stationary.

              • nubzy on 02/09/2020 - 20:44

                @whooah1979: Yeah.. old Peugeot, probably not looked after properly, no wonder he had problems!! But the CURRENT range (as in 2014 onwards, when the 308 was released) is very good. At least he can recognise the positive qualities of a Peugeot compared to a boring old Corolla…

  • w37hsyea on 02/09/2020 - 17:27
    +1

    'image' will be the financial death of you

  • RiseAndRuin on 02/09/2020 - 17:32

    buy one of each so it's easier to decide which one you like

  • Headless on 02/09/2020 - 17:34

    Can't go wrong with Japanese for reliability and quality
    But if it's style you want go european

  • Zephyrus on 02/09/2020 - 17:46
    +2

    Firstly, get some grammar lessons.
    Secondly, figure out what features you need and what you need to do with the car. i.e. number of seats, luggage capacity, mod cons etc.
    Thirdly, make a list of all the cars that do what you want, don't limit yourselves just to SUVs, there's likely station wagons that will do what you want. There's at least a dozen brands you haven't listed. Then compare them.

    • whooah1979 on 02/09/2020 - 20:16

      I'm no English teacher, but I'm pretty sure that way you used i.e. and etc is incorrect. Your punctuation marks are also all over the place.

  • nick90 on 02/09/2020 - 18:19
    +2

    For feature set, you can't go wrong with a European Car.

    However, for resale value, reliability, maintenance and running cost, Japanese all the way!

    For example, if you were to buy a European petrol car, it will most likely need 95 Octane to run. While a Japanese car will most of the time require only 91 Octane.

  • Myone888 on 03/09/2020 - 08:18

    Buy latest Merc GLC 200 At $70K + face lift model. You will be amaze by the MBUX features. It’s got everything.

  • YeemaiI on 03/09/2020 - 08:56
    -1

    If money isn't an issue, get a Range Rover. Very comfortable and a capable off roader, unlike some of the other soft roaders I see. Go with what you want though, maybe get a test drive?

  • OzHunterNSW on 03/09/2020 - 10:22
    +3

    Apart from the house, purchasing a vehicle, especially at that price range, constitutes the second most expensive item you would ever purchase in your life.

    Experience the beauty of a finely crafted machine that only European breads offer.

    Or simply be a sheep in your Toyota - always wondering - always envy of the badge next to you.

    • Hackney on 03/09/2020 - 10:28
      +1

      @ozHunterNSW.”Oh not a good feeling”!

  • mini2 on 03/09/2020 - 11:13

    $70k buys a lot of things. How many km's, age etc are acceptable? You could get an older Range Rover Sport, Macan or even a Cayenne if you don't mind higher km's and being diesel.You might wanna figure out maintenance, tyres, insurance costs, are there any good independent workshops in your area and common failure points for each options too.

  • giveback on 03/09/2020 - 12:46
    +2

    Definitely choose Euro if you haven't driven one before! Who knows, you may never get another chance to buy Euro car due to family commitment, etc and will never know what it feels like to own one!

    For Euro cars within that budget, I would consider Volvo and Renault for reliability. I drive a Renault Koleos and was driving Jap cars all my life.

    If I really have to pick up a new SUV with only $70k budget, I'd choose the XC40 over the Stelvio Ti because I like faster cars and you can't really go wrong with Volvo when it comes to safety and reliability. Volvo has come a long way to where they are at today. Alfa isn't as reliable in comparison.

    Personally, I would rather save up an extra 10k for the Q5 or Q7 if lucky.

    At the end of the day, it comes down to personal preferences. If I'm going to spend that much $, I would want something that makes me really happy everytime I see and sat in it.
    So buy what you really want!

    Remember, you get what you pay for (status, satisfaction, etc).

    Excited for you, OP and all the best!

  • [Deactivated] on 04/09/2020 - 14:06

    Don't get a new one, buy a 1-2 yr old one and save 10-20k.

  • Pro-crastinator on 15/10/2020 - 03:25

    LOL - always heaps of votes for Toyota - OP, have you sat in a Toyota recently? I feel like I've stepped back into the 90's… early 2000's at best. IMO, they're one of the most boring cars on the road, still trading on the perception they're somehow more reliable than any other brand. I have never seen a Camry that's not dented and/or scratched.

    I would have a look at VW or Skoda - both better value propositions than Merc.

    If you need a flagship brand, I found BMW are good too. If you want to go Jap, then Mazda gets my vote (and no CVT!).

    Hope you read my comment before it gets negged to oblivion and disappears… this forum is full of Toyota fanboi's from way back! lol :)

  • Brick Tamland on 15/10/2020 - 09:44

    Dont shop on brand or image. Actually do some proper shortlisting and find the models that suit your needs.

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