MG Z's, Kia Seltos or Hyundai Venue

Sydneyswans on 30/09/2020 - 13:16

So I'm looking to buy a new car and already learnt the hard way not to waltz into a car dealership looking at any random car. The salesman will try any tactic to get you to put pen to paper. Can I first ask a rookie question… is it possible for me to simply walk into a dealership for either a new or old car to just "browse"?

Currently single no kids and happy with my current Toyota Yaris but would love to upgrade to an SUV/Medium size car to future proof myself. So for a budget of up to 25k which vehicle would you suggest? I'll budget for up to 25k and it must be auto so family members can drive it too. I love the size of the MG SZ but people keep telling me Chinese cars are rubbish. I am not sure about the boot space for the Venue, but for me the Seltos looks a winner boot space and features and all. What do you guys think?

Automotive Car Hyundai Motors Kia SUV

Comments

  • brendanm on 30/09/2020 - 13:21
    +9

    Not the mg. Yes you can go and look, if they hassle you tell them you are just looking.

  • Drakesy on 30/09/2020 - 13:27
    +3

    Yep, agree the MG is trash.
    Seltos would be my bet, although Hyundai and Kia are practically the same company anyway so can't really go wrong with either.

  • jimbobaus on 30/09/2020 - 13:32
    +11

    Be interested to know how many people bagging the MG have driven or owned one?
    Are they being bagged because they are Chinese made?
    My next door neighbour has one and loves it. its almost 2 years old now and has never failed her once.

    I personally am not a fan of the design but it does seem you get a lot of bang for your buck and they are outselling Jeep's (lets not go there)

    • ykwon10 on 30/09/2020 - 13:37
      +5

      this^

      Would like to know too

    • websterp on 30/09/2020 - 13:53
      +3

      It is the armchair experts going with what they have heard/read about the first generation of Chinese cars and never having owned or driven one. Yes the Cherry J11s, J1s and Greatwall X200s and X240s were absolute trash with a horrifying safety rating, questionable materials, reliability that is so bad you won't even recommend to an enemy and not forgetting looks that only their designer could love….

      But things have changed rapidly and they have learnt from their mistakes and caught up with the rest pretty quickly. My bet is the Chinese will do within 10 years what the Korean's have achieved in 25 years. Practically all new entrants to the car market have gone through these cycles. In 60s and 70s Japanese cars, and in the 80s and 90s the two Koreans and now the Chinese.

      I've actually driven two different MGs. While you can't compare with their equivalent counterparts from Toyota for example you get the best bang for your buck since even the entry level models are loaded with active/passive safety tech, comfort features and comparable or better warranty and support deals as they are still trying to establish themselves in the heavily populated Australian car market and the buyers seem to respond well. I read somewhere that some Chinese brands grew in triple percentage figures while most established brands were struggling in the last FY.

    • justdigi on 30/09/2020 - 13:58
      +4

      I don't get the hate.The MG design and engineering centre is still in the UK, only the manufacturing is in China (at the parent company). How is it any different to an iPhone being "designed and engineered in California" (as is written the damn things) and then manufactured in China? The MG cars pass all the EU standards, surely that is sufficient?

      • jimbobaus on 30/09/2020 - 14:03
        +1

        Toyota Hilux : Number one selling car in Aus: Made in Thailand
        Toyota Corolla Sedan, Ford Ranger, Mazda BT50… Made in Thailand.

        Honda: Do not manufacture ANY cars in Japan anymore with most made in Thailand and India

        I agree with your comment. Where its made should not matter, its the design and engineering that should matter.

        My NDN loves it, and i have looked inside and been a passenger and it really is comfy and drives really nice.

      • Euphemistic on 01/10/2020 - 05:37
        +1

        its different to an iPhone being designed in California manufactured in China because MG cars are built down to a price. When you build down to a price you have to use cheaper materials that don’t last as well.

    • Drakesy on 30/09/2020 - 16:11
      +2

      I've had friends in the fleet industry actively discourage clients from taking out the MG's due to the repeated warranty issues their fleet has been faced with.

      Yes this may have changed in the last year or so but that's just my experience.

    • [Deactivated] on 02/10/2020 - 19:17
      +5

      I am no car expert and I have MG ZS and I love it.

      Easy to drive, easy to park. 7 years warranty, 7 years roadside assistance.

      2 first checks free (every 10k).

      Before covid i was driving 400 kms weekly without no problem.

  • TheMindsetTraveller on 30/09/2020 - 13:48
    +1

    If I was price sensitive I would have no hesitation looking at MGs.

    They are improving their safety rating etc and one of their cars receivd a 5* ANCAP result.

    That said, a new 2020 model with 3 or 4* ANCAP result is likely to be safer than most 15 year old model.

  • GG57 on 30/09/2020 - 13:51
    +4

    I'm more intrigued by the intention to 'future proof'.
    What do you think will happen in the next, say, 5 years that will necessitate a larger vehicle, as this could impact on which of those to buy now.

    • Sydneyswans on 30/09/2020 - 14:04
      +1

      I was only thinking if I end up starting a family but as it stands right now I'm more than comfortable just picking up a new Kia Rio or Hyundai I30. I'm currently in a 2012 Toyota Yaris hatch which has already clocked up 160+km so you can understand why I would want to move on to at least a car of similar size to last the next few years. Not keen on anything with the size of a Kia Picanto however as the size is mighty tiny. Maybe I can just move on to a recent second hand Mazda3 or I30 with low KMs?

      • wiilson13 on 30/09/2020 - 15:13
        +5

        I have a 2016 i30. The backseat is actually quite roomy and can seat adults comfortably and has a large boot. Could easily fit a pram. I actually found when I was looking that some of the smaller suv's such as mazda cx3, hyundai kona, subaru xv (just to name a few I recall looking at) had tiny boots and felt much smaller than the i30.

      • GG57 on 30/09/2020 - 15:37
        +7

        If it were me, I would hang on to the Yaris until your circumstances look to be changing. As long as it is still running ok?
        The kms are largely irrelevant if it still runs well; I did over 300km in a previous car.

        When you know what is happening, you will have a few months at least to get a car to suit your future needs. If you find that you have triplets on the way, anything you buy now won't suit and you will have to go through it all again.

      • [Deactivated] on 30/09/2020 - 16:50
        +2

        Just keep the Yaris man. Change it when you need to. It's still working, no major issues. Doesn't matter how many kms it has unless you want to change it for some other reason.

  • Brian McGee on 30/09/2020 - 14:05
    +1

    MG, the best of british oil leaks and rust combined with chinese build kwality
    Hyundai venue is very tinny, reminds me of something circa 2000. Looked at one and got turned off by the "ka-thung" of the boot release
    Also looked at the Seltos and it felt like a proper new car.

    • Hackney on 01/10/2020 - 10:02

      There has been no evidence of “oil leaks”.Quality is coming on in leaps & bounds.It has too.otherwise their reputation will get tainted,so,really an uninformed statement.

  • pjetson on 30/09/2020 - 14:06

    Simply tell the dealer up front, when they first approach you, that you are not there to purchase today. And leave your wallet at home and don't sign anything!

  • nubzy on 30/09/2020 - 14:46
    -2

    All of those are rubbish

    • Sydneyswans on 30/09/2020 - 14:52

      Then feel free to suggest anything. Ideally what I want is:

      new or recent model car Can be an SUV, hatch or sedan
      within the 25 k price range
      Automatic (so the family can drive it too)
      Petrol preferred.

      • RicemasterPleb on 30/09/2020 - 15:13
        -4

        I would have a look around carsales, or the classifieds. I'm sure you will be able to find something more appealing than an MG, Kia or Hyundai there.
        For example, you could have a Mercedes https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2012-mercedes-benz-…. Probably a bit more expensive to run, but it's just an example.

      • nubzy on 30/09/2020 - 15:17
        +1

        Peugeot 308 T9 hatch would be perfect. Reliable, very fuel efficient, huge 470L boot, lots of features in higher trims, 12m/15,000km servicing, lovely to drive and great value due to high depreciation. If you want an SUV, I would wait for the new 2008 to arrive.

        • brendanm on 30/09/2020 - 15:48

          Reliable 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

          • nubzy on 30/09/2020 - 15:49
            +4

            @brendanm: Very. I should know, considering I own one..

            Tell me what can go wrong when they use an Aisin transmission the same as in Toyota, and the engines are shared with many other brands as well and have been around/refined for years? Diesels are bulletproof, the 1.2 petrol has won engine of the year numerous times and is very efficient, and the 1.6 no longer has any issues with the water pump or timing chain..
            https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/peugeot/308/reliability
            https://www.fleeteurope.com/en/connected/united-kingdom/anal…

            • brendanm on 30/09/2020 - 16:10
              -2

              @nubzy: All the electrics as per usual. Do the diesels still have issues with the injector seals leaking, welding the injectors into the head? That used to be a good one.

              • pegaxs on 30/09/2020 - 16:43
                +2

                @brendanm: aLL tHoSe CaRz aRe RuBBiSh. HaVe YoU cOnSiDeReD a PeUgEoT?

                European car of the year, last 48 years in a row… I'd buy one…

                great value due to high depreciation

                Top kek of the day…

                International Engine of the Year…

                Peugeot has won 6 times in 1 category… (or and extra 9 if you include joint engines with BMW)

                Toyota, 22 times and Honda 23 times over multiple categories.

                In the Best Engines - North American Market, they didn't even rate a mention… :D

                World Car of the Year

                Peugeot, 3 mentions.

                Toyota, almost 20. Hyundai, 10+, Kia, 10+, Mazda, close to 30.

                Peugeot does so poorly against every other vehicle maker in the world, they have to have their own "Special Olympics" equivalent of "car of the year" by only narrowing it down to "European cars…" (Where, ironically, in 2005, it was won by a Toyota Prius and the Peugeot placed 6. Beaten at it's own award by a Japanese car. That's like Bruce/Caitlan Jenner winning "Woman of the Year…")

                • Hackney on 01/10/2020 - 07:59
                  -1

                  @pegaxs: Better still buy a FiAt.And drive a like a real Italian.

                • Hackney on 01/10/2020 - 10:05
                  +1

                  @pegaxs: Did not know you bought a vehicle for “high depreciation”,hell I am in the wrong business.Who cares about deeeepreeecccceation.It’s a bloody car!

  • nubzy on 30/09/2020 - 17:27
    +3

    They don't sell in North America.. yet, so of course they don't rate a mention! LOL. They will re-enter the market in the coming years though. Peugeot is a company that is innovative and on top of their game right now, they are building their best product in decades, it will just take time for people to come around to them in Australia.

  • Dr Prepper on 30/09/2020 - 23:48

    OOF! FUTURE PROOF! wItH aN sUv! (BAHAHA). It depends on your definition of the future.

  • PepperedAngus on 01/10/2020 - 06:24
    +2

    Keep the Yaris and save your money till something better comes out. Don’t jump the gun buying a new car. Wait till you need the larger car then buy it.
    Have you looked at a Suzuki Ignis??????

    • Sydneyswans on 02/10/2020 - 19:23

      Ignis looks good and it's good enough of an SUV for me

  • Hackney on 01/10/2020 - 08:10
    -1

    Buy a FIAT! Sound economic decision! Fantastic depreciation! 100-0 in seconds!Just sayin!

    • justdigi on 01/10/2020 - 08:39
      +4

      I drive a FIAT and it's a made in Italy one, not Poland. Never had a problem with it, it's 7 years old and all I've replaced is the battery and side mirror that someone took a cricket bat to. Yet everyone calls my car a 'Fix It Again Tony' and reckons I should've gotten something different. On the other hand my partner has an Audi - made in Germany - that has had air-con compressor, front seat sub-frames, airbag, radio, brake calipers and more replaced and it's only 6 years old. Not only that it failed diesel emissions and had to have the software patch applied. I think people have long memories from when certain brands were introduced and had problems. For FIAT this is DECADES ago, but the hate continues.

      • Hackney on 01/10/2020 - 09:38
        -1

        @justdigiI was being sarcastic.My daughter actually owns a 500s,she has it about 4 years I think,has had no trouble with it @ all.They are not my “cup of tea”,but you purchase what you are happy with.

  • OzHunterNSW on 01/10/2020 - 09:52
    -3

    Don't listen to people… the MG is a great vehicle. They are possibly so influenced by govt propaganda that they fail to see the beauty in the Chinese culture. Typical Western Ideology.

    The car your:
    If in the car yard, you have an 80% chance of walking out.
    If you are in the building, you have a 50% chance of walking out.
    If at the desk, you have only a 20% chance of walking out.

    You say you are single…. DON'T TELL THEM!
    Always have a "handbrake" … a bake believe wife/girlfriend… that you must consult B4 final decision. This is your out card! Oh, she doesn't like the colour, etc… then walk away.

    Look, you are entering a pool of sharks… don't walk in as if you know nothing. Research what vehicles you like. Research the value via "Red Book". Say NO to any extras.

    Go on Utube and look up "How to Buy… How to Negotiate… with a Car salesman.

    Do it!

    • Hackney on 01/10/2020 - 09:58
      +1

      There is no doubt the Chinese vehicles are the “big movers & shakers” @ the moment,they are doing what the Japanese did many years ago when they entered Australia in the 1960’s.For me personally? No,would not go near one.A lot of people look @ the affordable side of them.Gets them into a new vehicle.Each to his own.

    • Euphemistic on 01/10/2020 - 16:12
      +1

      They are possibly so influenced by govt propaganda that they fail to see the beauty in the Chinese culture.

      No they aren’t. They are concerned that the Chinese vehicles are built down to a price and they haven’t built a reputation for reliability yet. MG is just a well known badge to stick on their otherwise cheap cars.

      Give them a few more years and most likely they’ll be reliable enough.

    • Speckled Jim on 02/10/2020 - 13:22

      so influenced by govt propaganda that they fail to see the beauty in the Chinese culture.

      What beauty is that?
      Human rights violations? Surveillance state? Trouble for Tibet, Taiwan, HK and Xinjiang?

      What culture is that?
      "Chinese culture" is that which is defined by the CCP. See above.

      A major purchase for Chinese-owned MG? Hard sell.

      Typical Western Ideology.

      What is?
      Logic? Principles? Cause and effect? Consequences?
      If that's Western ideology, I'll happily maintain and champion it.

  • Speckled Jim on 01/10/2020 - 10:07

    Was in the daily email, so I'll chime in with my opinion.

    Hyundai Venue: So offensive to my eyes, I need to binge-watch Family Guy for a cleanse.
    MG ZS: I'd only consider the forthcoming ZST or EV, as it's a bit underpowered. Both over your $25K budgie.
    Kia Seltos: We have a winner!

  • nephilim on 01/10/2020 - 10:12
    +5

    suzuki vitara, its 27k drive away, easy to haggle to 25k

  • jackspratt on 01/10/2020 - 13:10

    If you buy an MG Z , it was most likely manufactured in Thailand - where of course many other makes and models for the Oz market are manufactured.

    • justaperson on 01/10/2020 - 22:42
      +1

      Doesn't mean anything regarding quality just because it's built somewhere with a good track record. Hyundai/Kia products and GM Holden products circa 2015 were both built in South Korea, yet GM were making far, far worse cars like the Captiva at the same time the Santa Fe was in the market. They were miles apart in quality and reliability.

      • jackspratt on 01/10/2020 - 23:07

        The uninformed whinging above was about MG vehicles being manufactured in China.

        I was merely trying to correct that, and particularly that Thailand has a pretty good record on producing good quality cars across many brands.

        Do you have any recent surveys or analyses about the quality of MG vehicles produced in Thailand?

        • justaperson on 01/10/2020 - 23:20
          +1

          I was merely trying to correct that, and particularly that Thailand has a pretty good record on producing good quality cars across many brands.

          And I was merely trying to correct that even places like Thailand or Korea which have high manufacturing standards can still build crap depending on the brand and differences in level of quality control.

          Do you have any recent surveys or analyses about the quality of MG vehicles produced in Thailand?

          Do you? The burden of proof is on you, since you're the one trying to prove that MG has quality control standards in Thailand no different to Toyota or Honda, when I didn't even specifically bring up MG.

  • JayMac93 on 02/10/2020 - 07:33

    Bit of a different perspective here, I'm in the same boat, looking for a small SUV something around the $25k mark, I'm fortunate enough to have a brother who is a mechanic. After sitting down and talking to him + my own indipendant research this are my takeaways.

    MG: I'm not going to sit here and trash Chinese manufacturing and make unfounded claims about poor quality, the reality is there's unlikely to be any real resale value and should you have issues, there aren't as many trained technicians and massive warehouses of spare parts around. I looked at the MG's, they look nice, they drive ok but for me the aftermarket concerns outweighed the savings.

    KIA Seltos: drives well, looks great (IMO) has market leading 7 year warranty BUT I don't think anything under the Sport badge with Safety pack is worth buying as the cheaper ones are so stripped of features it hurts. So that would be closer to $30k

    It sounds like something like the Hyundai Venue, as for $25k you get get decent spec, or maybe even a Mazda CX-3 would be much safer bets. Good luck!

    Disclaimer: these are just my opinions formed through my independant research.

  • Brick Tamland on 02/10/2020 - 10:13

    I think you will struggle to get a Seltos on $25k that is future proof. For a future proof car you will need to get the safety packages (automatic brake, lane keep, blind spot and rear monitors).

    Personally I wouldn't touch the MG, only for the reason that Hyundai and Kia offer so much more for only a little more money.

    Maybe a Hyundai Venue might get you everything you want for your budget.

  • [Deactivated] on 02/10/2020 - 19:20

    I have a mg zs, just turning 1 year. I love it.

    Came with 7 years warranty, 7 yeara road side assistance, first 2 checks free (every 10k km).

    I am no car expert (far from it), but for what i need, it is excellent.

    Easy to drive, easy to park.

    • Sydneyswans on 02/10/2020 - 19:30

      I'm genuinely considering it right now too despite the negative comments. The lack of ZS and say Haval H2s I see out and about on my travels compared to say the Seltos is concerning. I worry that the Australian market are keen to stick to tried and tested say Hyundai and say Mazda but I'm sure in time Australian's will warm up to Chinese engineering.

      • [Deactivated] on 02/10/2020 - 19:59

        When i was about to buy I read many negative comments. But also read people who had problems MG was quick to give them a new car.

        When I took it for my first service they were fab, drop me where i wanted to stay while waiting (could have been home… i went to the mall), when the car was ready they picked me up.

        When I had problems with the key (battery issue with my key fob), I called the road side assistance and they helped me to open the door. May sound silly for many, but I didn't know what to do andnthey were excellent in explaining to me.

        So honestly, with 7 years warranty, how can you go wrong?

  • Sydneyswans on 02/10/2020 - 19:31
    -1

    Guys any thoughts on Volkswagen T-Cross? That and the Suzuki Vitara are also on the list

    • Brick Tamland on 08/10/2020 - 09:03
      +1

      Guys any thoughts on Volkswagen T-Cross?

      I'd test my luck with the MG before a VW T-Cross.

      Suzuki Vitara are also on the list

      Suzuki's are great cars, the Vitara looks good value but maybe a but dated…

  • Apostle0748 on 04/10/2020 - 18:13
    +2

    Just bought a base model 2020 Hyundai Kona for $24,250 including free floor mats and full tank.

    Like Hyundai because 5 year warranty, lifetime capped price serving and 10 years road side assistance.

    • [Deactivated] on 07/10/2020 - 22:24
      -1

      24k and a plastic steering wheel, you poor soul.

      • Speckled Jim on 08/10/2020 - 15:36
        +1

        Nothing a $20 leather steering wheel cover can't fix.

        • [Deactivated] on 08/10/2020 - 15:38

          It's no the same :(

          • Speckled Jim on 08/10/2020 - 15:47

            @[Deactivated]: If you mean the CAT or RM Williams branding, be aware there's plain leather ones too. I had the $20 Big W offering in mind when posting.
            As long as the touch-point feels good and it's protected from UV, most people wouldn't care.

  • Sydneyswans on 08/10/2020 - 19:02

    Update guys. Since I'm still single no family to deal with there is no reason for me to rush out and get an SUV but the option is still on the cards.
    Still going to be on the lookout for a low mileage recent or new vehicle that at the very least is akin to a Hyundai accent/i30 Kia Rio/Mazda3. Staying away from the likes of Kia Picanto as it's too small for my needs. Once my situation changes then I can always consider something bigger.

  • Dr Prepper on 10/10/2020 - 19:26
    +1

    Good idea on the Hyundai accent/i30 Kia Rio/Mazda3.

    All these are more sensible options even if you have 2 kids and a Mr/Mrs than an SUV. My mother in law who does school runs for 4 kids made my father in law trade in a near new Mazda CX-5 for a Corolla Hybrid.

  • spinningfree on 11/10/2020 - 18:16

    kia stonic will be coming out soon, end of this year or early next, and sits right below the seltos so might be worth looking into

  • WreckTangle on 18/10/2020 - 17:22
    -2

    MG sounds like a good deal - cheap and with a 7 year warranty. I don't understand why people neg them…perhaps its a racist thing, because most reviews I read are good.

    Plus the Kia Seltos is a silly name…it sounds like a cell toss in a prison

    • [Deactivated] on 18/10/2020 - 17:25

      Or maybe the car is just shit? It's a SAIC motors shopping cart. They bought the MG badge to get away from the Chinese car association, but it's still an outdated, underpowered, poorly built front wheel drive raised hatch, with questionable reliability, in a brand that probably will leave the country before the warranty is up.

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