50-65k budget, looking for a new or relatively new car... Any comments on my shortlist?

Good afternoon!

I'm looking to buy a new car towards end of the year and have started to make a shortlist now

I'll be using the vehicle mostly to travel to and from work (8km drive each way) and I like a bit of class and power… so yes I know my budget might fall a little short in this regard

When I'm looking for this next car the key features I'm looking for are (in the order of priority):

  1. appearance/ look (decent, classy, preferably coupe)
  2. resell value (after 3 years)
  3. good headspace (i'm 189cm and always had difficulty driving small cars like velosters, i30s etc)
  4. ongoing service fees
  5. fuel efficiency (I probably travel around 10000km per annum so not too much)

So based on my research (albeit not too long), I have shortlisted…

1 Mercedes C200 Coupe (2017-2018 with around 10000-25000km on the metre)

2 Lexus RC300 (2017-2019 with around 10000 – 25000km on the metre)

3 Kia Stinger (2020 brand new) (expecting awful comments here but I'm giving serious considerations too on this one after much review)

4 BMW 4 series (2018 with around 10000 – 25000km on the metre)

With the same budget and considering the above 5 aspects I'm looking at, what are your thoughts on my shortlist? Or are there any other cars that you'd consider/recommend?

Thank you for your time :)

(I'm South Korean by the way so I have something attached to Kia…)

Poll Options expired

  • 24
    Mercedes C200 Coupe
  • 43
    Lexus RC300
  • 364
    Kia Stinger
  • 17
    BMW 4 series

Comments

                  • +2

                    @Jaystea:

                    more experienced, unbiased and knowledgeable source.

                    Those things, I'm probably not when it comes to Tesla or electric vehicles. I would like more experience with them. My bias is towards good vehicles made at reasonable price with good quality and back up service, and my knowledge of electric vehicle is pretty anecdotal (don't see many at work and recently had a customer trade their car in for a Tesla who just felt the need to ring up and tell me all about it and made all the typical Tesla owners stupid remarks about "LOL-OIL!!" and how they wont be coming in any more…)

                    As for how Tesla stacks up, I really dont know. I have not driven anything else that is electric. I'm not going out of my way to test drive a Kona or an Ionic (and let's face it, its apple and oranges here anyway).

                    I have not seen an Audi E-tron or MB EQ anywhere, so I have not had the chance to look at one in the flesh. But, in saying that, I'm not really inspired by Audi or MB to go looking at their offerings the way I was with Tesla. If anything, Tesla is doing a great job of marketing and using the exact same play book that Apple used with the iPhone. Build the hype, sucker in the fanbois and let them do your marketing for you.

                    There could be better electric vehicles out there on the market, but none of them are in the segment that I am interested in. At the moment, electric vehicles are a in a niche luxury segment and thriving there. I am glad that adopters are taking them up and progressing the market to a point where the technology is getting cheaper and more affordable.

                    What I want to compare is a every day average family type electric vehicle from say, Hyundai or Kia and compare that to something in the same bracket from Tesla. I want to look at the electric cars that average people will buy, the $25~$35,000 bracket vehicle for every day use and at the moment, this segment doesn't exist.

                • +1

                  @pegaxs: As someone who has owned 3 Performance Model S Teslas (updated every 1-2 years), I don't care about the 'cult', stigma, Elon Musk, social media updates or anything along those lines. I just enjoy the instant torque off the line every time, no need to rev and create a ruckus just to get decent acceleration. Without using the launch control, even my PDK 911 Turbo felt sluggish off the line in comparison.

            • +3

              @pegaxs: Ironically, on Ozbargain, I hear Tesla mentioned by you more than anyone else.

        • @pegaxsNot often I agree,but good response.That penalty box does look inviting,how do I get in there?

        • Tesla's cult following makes it hard to objectively measure the car. sure its electric and sure its fast. but.

          There are plenty of reports of pretty average built quality, terrible customer service and super expensive repairs.

          Rather buy a car designed, engineered and refined over decades by actual car makers (like BMW or Toyota) not just some dude who wants to save the world and has built a cult following and decided one day to build cars and since his followers are like trump followers they throw money (and their panties) at him before doing any research.

    • +1

      a leaking kayak (or a RAV4 without roof racks)

      Lol. I understand this reference.

  • +3

    I currently have an X5 and have only ever owned European cars. My partner works at Kia and I can tell you the Stinger is by far the best value for money on that list, most features and fun to drive. The upgraded 2021 version is bangin.

    • I have researched the 21 Stinger and I think the starting price will be much higher than the 20? therefore out of budget…

      I think it's coming out towards end of the year - when I spoke to Kia dealership last week

      • +1

        I just asked and said $68k but yet to be confirmed :/

  • Out of those options, servicing warranty etc I would recommend the stinger.
    If you wanted to save money and for resale valve it would be best as I'm sure your aware to get a 2019/2018 model - as your loss would not be as great as a brand new vehicle.
    Nonetheless all comes down to personal choice and preference.
    Keep in mind KIA has a 7 year warranty. Selling a Kia with some Years left on the warranty would be advantageous.

  • +6

    VW Arteon

  • +2

    Have you considered a Peugeot or Renault? Haha just kidding. Of your list, the stinger and Lexus fit most of your list.

  • Out of the selection in your pole I'd go BMW then Lexus IMO. The servicing is the only issue, but maybe you can find an independent BMW mechanic.

    • +1

      BMW shittiest car.

  • +3

    Stinger such a nice car and I own current model STI

    But
    "I'll be using the vehicle mostly to travel to and from work (8km drive each way) "

    seriously, pushbike. I'm faster on my bike than my 400HP STI in Sydney

    • +3

      Judging the the hate poured on bikes I assume the I ozBargain so I can afford petrol crowd is out.

      • +2

        I'm a cyclist and I hate the lycras road bike Karen/Kevins. They deserve all the hate IMO

  • +1

    I personally love the Lexus RC body shape, but also the Stinger is great value for money.

    If they were the same price i'd head in the Lexus direction.

  • Powerrrr!

    1 Looks; I like them (we have a WM Caprice)
    2 resale; not too common
    3 headspace; tick
    4 Service fees; should be ok
    5 fuel efficiency; next question…

    https://www.carsales.com.au/cars?sb=~Odometer&q=(C.Make.Holden+Special+Vehicles._.Model.Grange.)&pg=1
    .

    • +1

      reliability; don't mention it

  • I think you mean Odometer.

    Out of the above, Stinger or RC300 for me.

    Give me a fun car over a luxury cars anyday.. I'd pick a i30n Fastback at the <$50k mark.

    • +1

      I'd pick a i30n Fastback at the <$50k mark.

      Holy shit, I would too. I saw one a few days ago in polished undercoat grey, and thought it was a mini Stinger. 11/10, would buy.

      • +1

        I think it's a very stylish car.

        Personal opinion only but looks way classier than the Hatch. No bias, as I've never owned a Sedan, and last 2 cars have been hot hatches.

        Not a fan of the looks of the Stinger, trying way too hard. G70 looks better.

      • OP said they'd prefer coupe otherwise I'd have suggested it as well. I was considering one myself but I'm not sure I can live with the lower ground clearance as I semi regularly drive on gravel and grass.

        • +1

          Carsales lists the Fastback as a coupe. Haha

          It's more of a coupe than the Stinger.

          • @JimB: Good point, I forgot the Stinger is actually a sedan. In that case OP definitely consider the I30 Fastback N

            • @apsilon: Stinger is a hatch… Big hatch, but still a hatchback.. Like a Commodore… :-)

    • I know people that work at Hyundai. If buying the i30n, know the updated one comes out in about 6 month. Much nicer interior and bigger screen. It will also now come in automatic as current ones are all manual. I've driven the i30n and it is a lot of fun to drive. Fastback has a worse resale value though.

      • +1

        Good point, particularly if the OP is looking for an Auto.

        I'm surprised the Fastback has worst resale. IMO the hatch looks a little cheap compared to a GTI. Anyway, better for me, as I plan to upgrade my 13yo car once Covid is over. Considering a 1yo Fastback (manual) as it ticks a lot of boxes.

  • JCW Mini. I've had clients from 4'6" to 6'4" in my driving school car.

  • 3 Kia Stinger (2020 brand new) (expecting awful comments here

    The poll votes say otherwise

  • +1

    Stinger all the way. Sexy car

  • +1

    AUDI RS3

  • +2

    The GR Yaris at $40k drive away ATM. It will be more fun to drive than anything else listed. Need to order ASAP for price. Expect long waits with random allocation. Head room might be a little tight.

    You can get VF Series 2 with 20,000km in your budget. This will be a different kinda fun. They also don't seem to be depreciated much. I found a few unmarked redlines for cheap too (Advertised redlines have ~40,000km more for similar money).

    2L Stingers have better balance. I would still buy the 3.3L as the 2L depreciate like lead balloons. 3.3L is stupidly slow for how much power it has (nanny tech and auto gearbox). If you can get the wheels to spin, it cuts out after ~ half a second.

    • +1

      I'd say OP would prefer an Auto

      • Good pick up.

  • -4

    Korean?

    Ssangyong Musso Ultimate (SWB)

    Lifestyle vehicle with all the mod cons.

    Otherwise the Rexton Ultimate

    Take your pick, tray or wagon.

  • +1

    How about a 2016 C43 AMG? A bit old but you can find a Sedan with around 30,000kms for 65k

    • +4

      Poor mans C63..

      • +1

        Ozbargainer's C63?

    • I've given some considerations but not a fan of Merc before the facelift in 17/18

    • +2

      $65k for an out of warranty, lower end AMG C class MB or a brand new Stinger with 7 years warranty from a company with a much better customer service track record…

  • +7

    Single occupant car for 8km commute… This is the main reason why our roads are congested..

    I'd say invest in an e-bike, get a Specialized Turbo Levo and pocket the change..

    • +1

      Op doesn't want to breathe the fumes.

    • make that a turbo creo for max speed gainz

  • +1

    It’s a pretty healthy budget. Hold out for a bit longer and get electric. More models coming and would suit low kms.

    • Yes the shortlist is as of now and it may change next month or two as i plan to buy towards EOTY

  • +3

    Tesla Model 3 - $80k but you'll save on fuel and servicing. Faster than all those cars and awesome fun to drive.

    • Lets use Tesla own calculator for that, base model 3 no options.

      Est. loan payment $1,048 /mo
      p.a. comparison rate ‡ 2.99 %
      Est. Petrol Savings $67 /mo
      $0 down, 84 months, $0 balloon payment, $88,032 total amount paid

      save money, $1000 a month but estimated saving of $67 a month.

      Tesla, another high yield investment car.

      • +1

        Your fuel saving is more than used on the interest from the loan not to mention a 7 year loan = :(

        • Long range is even better value but you save money on servicing and fuel!

          Est. loan payment $1,319 /mo
          p.a. comparison rate ‡ 2.99 %
          Est. Petrol Savings $67 /mo
          $0 down, 84 months, $0 balloon payment, $110,796 total amount paid

          • +1

            @Bid Sniper: Stop it, you’re making them look silly and you will end up in the penalty box!

            But I do like the “tEsLa” suggestions being an option for every “what car should I buy?” thread that gets asked… $30k SUV, tEsLa. $40k sports car, tEsLa, second car under $10k, tEsLa. Etc, etc…

            And when asked “why the stupid suggestion out of the price bracket?” It’s always the same shit…

            “Op WiLL sAvE tHaT iN fUeL aLoNe. tEsLaS OnLy iNcReAsE iN VaLuE. tEsLa StOcK, tOO tHe mOON!!¡¡!1!”

            • +1

              @pegaxs: Need the performance model will full self driving option, just a faster affordable EV

              Est. loan payment $1,645 /mo
              p.a. comparison rate 2.99 %
              Est. Petrol Savings $67 /mo
              $0 down, 84 months, $0 balloon payment, $138,180 total amount paid

              to drive that 8km in traffic where a $400 pushbike will do and just as fast….

        • why not just pay cash? if you can't afford it then don't buy it right?
          does everyone buy cars with big loans?

    • +1

      Have a Performance, and have spent a few days driving an SR+. They are both super fun to drive.

      The SR is very fast, the Performance is Stupid Fast. I figure the LR is somewhere in the middle.

    • +1

      The local speed limit is 50km/h. 8km at 50km/h sounds like an awesome drive.

  • +4

    Have you considered getting something less “cool” and cheaper given that you will only be in it for 45mins a day, and investing that money instead?

    • I already have a less "cool" and cheaper car and this is a upgrade so I'm not motivated to go cheaper…

      I still travel around during weekends here and there :D

  • -2

    You must go for quality…. Merc, or BM

    • +2

      Yes I'm leaning towards Kia… but again something inside me tells me Kia is Kia.. Merc is Merc…

      • +5

        in otherwords, kia is reliable, and the Germans are unreliable pieces of shit? yep my thoughts exactly,
        source: ex owner of an audi q7

        • Agreed. While I've still got a few german cars in the garage, they're unreliable, use poor quality plastics in the engine bay that heat cycle and snap, suspect quality digital displays. Still love them though 'cause I'm a sucker for punishment. Except for an audi a4 I had a while ago, that was an unrelenting POS with no redeeming features.

          Japanese and korean cars for reliability every day of the week by comparison.

      • +1

        The Lexus gets the best of both worlds then

  • About 4 months ago I bought a 2018 Merc C300, first registered 2019, 9000K on the dial, from MB dealer with 2 year factory warranty and 1 year MB extra warranty with 2 packs (pano sun roof, head up display, heated leather seats) for $58 drive away. For your budget I would go the C300 over the C200.

    Coming from a VW Golf R I certainly feel the Merc has more street appeal and feels very nice inside but the engine, transmission, and rear wheel drive are certainly a step down from the R. It depends what you value more.

    Just a warning though, I'm 6 foot and my hair scrapes the ceiling of the C300 whereas a never had that feeling in the golf. I have the seat down as far as possible but I like to have the back rest up quite vertically.

    • Just a warning though, I'm 6 foot and my hair scrapes the ceiling of the C300

      Part of that is also the space lost to the panoramic sunroof. Head clearance is better in the non-sunroof model, especially in the back. Having said that, I went pano sunroof too and have no regrets :)

  • My mate had a Stinger, I think it was 2018. Drove it, It felt very nice indeed.

    All the other car I can't say for certain since I haven't drove any of them.

    I think you'll be happy with a Stinger. Suggest buy a slight used 2018 where the chunk of depreciation already happened.

    • Thank you John, i'm looking into 2019 one too now because of that depreciation :D

      • You won’t get much change out of 60k for a MY19.Used car values in general have gone up.Due to stock shortages,demand etc.

  • +1

    cross off the 2 germans right away,

    you are left with 2 good choices, the lexus and my personal favorite the stinger.
    wait for the updated kia stinger 2021, it looks amazing, tasty new upgrades. well worth the few months wait
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3945rWOpsXY&ab_channel=SEANM…

  • I would love to know what the op has “attached” to Kia?Do we need to know?

    • +1

      Nationalistic pride cause he and the company is Korean.

  • +1

    I know people are bagging Tesla's here but OP at least go test drive one to see for yourself. Very low depreciation for model 3's atm, that may change in a year or two when there are more EV choices, model Y, etc.

  • +3

    Maybe I am the crazy one, but I think spending that sort of money on a car (and having resale value as one of the considerations) is madness UNLESS your income is $200k+

    • I know people who earn $200k+ pa and they still drive a bomb. I’d put the savings away for a property (or another investment property if OP already has one) for a more comfortable future/retirement. In this economic climate you never know if the extra savings will come in handy.

    • Agree. No way I'm spending that kinda money on a car. (I wouldn't even if I earned 200k).

  • I have been looking at 2016-2017 Mercedes S400 for around $80k …… this might be something you could look at.

    These cars are $150k drive away only a few years back.

  • +1

    $50k+ for a car you mainly drive to a station seems like a big extravagance. Lots of depreciation and stations are known for car damage / thefts. I'd be going 2nd hand car or ride a bike. If you like the Germans, don't forget Audi also.

  • I've always admired the external elegance of the Mazda 6 when I drive past one.

    They've recently released their 100th anniversary limited editions - good for resale value I'd say, and I think the dealers would still have some. Price is in the 50k range.

    Can't speak of the headspace though.

  • I would get the Lexus. Having had 2 of them with over 100,000 miles when I bought it (in USA), I would not hesitate any time.

    On another train of thought, I currently own a 2011 Lexus IS and looking to upgrade to a 2013-2014 GS and I am having so much difficulty justifying the purchase ($35,000) because I have a perfectly servicable car.

    Yes, I can pay cash for the GS outright and still having so much difficulty making the call, ugh

    • My Lexus has over 200000 on the clock and still going strong - touch wood. I too can’t justify an upgrade whilst it is still so good.

  • You should be able to negotiate a new c200 for 65k

  • Ongoing service costs, then remove 1,2 and 4 off your list.

  • KIA Stinger! I remember watching a YouTuber commenting on this car before.
    It feels like you're sitting on Italian shoes.
    Speedometer projected on your windshield.

    https://youtu.be/O9Z_6yKoqLQ?t=750
    https://youtu.be/VV37h1LrK-g?t=57

  • I wud say wait for 2021 ..u will get more gr8 options..
    Like genesis

  • I had a similar budget and bought a Lexus ISF two years ago with 40k on the clock. 311kw NA V8 that revs hard, good anchors, clean interior and a solid car - it's a beautiful thing and it's been flawless. 12l/100km mixed but it's worth it for the sound alone.

  • Vouch for Golf R or the higher end of the GTIs - I tend to lend towards the GTIs because of its history, sportiness and reliability.

    Im not sure if the new MK8s are good though - I love my MK7. I feel like it has lots of space and definately a nice car to drive around the city.

  • Get a used Volkswagen Arteon. I'll bet you didnt think about that ;)

    That's a classy, fast, fastback. A thrill to drive.

    (FYI they are not available new right now because COVID messed up VW's supply chains).

  • +1

    Stretch your budget a little - get an electric vehicle - I paid 73k for my Tesla Model 3 (drive away price) last year; I haven't paid for gas in a year and worked out charging with my apartment Strata; I plug into a standard wall outlet and pay $16/month back to Strata for its use.

    No maintenance required so far.
    Did some travelling from Sydney to snowy mountains the other day, Superchargers were great, and there were even free NRMA chargers at destinations.

    You can't go wrong, we are transitioning to electric, why be stuck with ancient tech?

    Autopilot is great as well.

  • I guess the other consideration for BMW/Merc/Audi - most of them are sold from the dealerships with a full service plan that's for 5 years. So if you get a 2018 4 series, it will still have 3 years of free servicing. Something to consider :)

  • For that budget, you could get a Porsche Macan or Cayenne .

    Not sure about their service and running costs.

  • Alfa Romeo Giulia.

    At the upper part of your price range you could possibly get the Veloce as a demo.

    Unique car, so you won't be like everyone else on the road and it looks amazing.

    • Possibly the only choice less reliable than a used German make.

      • -1

        They used to be unreliable yes, but not so much now with these newer cars.

        The other thing people on this forum don't seem to realise is, of course European cars will be more unreliable than the Japanese cars. Euro cars have so many more features, electronics, more powerful engines…so there are a lot more components to deal with.

        The OP seems to have a bit of spare cash so why not splurge and go for a more unique and stylish car, especially given that was his number 1 priority.

        A car for some is not just something to get from A to B.

        • A car for some is not just something to get from A to B.

          While I definitely agree, for most people it is just transport and needs to be reliable. According to reports the Giulia has just a 13% chance of NOT needing repairs in the first 3 years. That's pretty abysmal IMO.

          • @apsilon: https://www.cars.com/research/alfa_romeo-giulia-2019/consume…

            If you go looking for something on Google you'll find it. Good or bad.

            The OP I would suggest doesn't fit the category of 'most people' given the choice of cars he's going for and his list of priorities.

            For most things it's best not to fit the mould of 'most people', to be average at anything in life is generally not the best, nor the aim…that's my take anyway.

            • @SelfMade:

              If you go looking for something on Google you'll find it. Good or bad.

              The OP I would suggest doesn't fit the category of 'most people' given the choice of cars he's going for and his list of priorities.

              True but I was referring to industry reports so I'd believe them more than other sources.

              OP very much strikes me as "car is transport person" which is fine. Their choice of cars and priorities is very much focused on appearance, some prestige and very main stream concerns like resale, servicing and fuel costs. Not things that top the list for enthusiasts IMO.

  • Also car choice would depend on your budget for servicing, if money is a bit tight then go for the Lexus…not the greatest inside though…but a happy medium. The Kia might be the choice of many on here purely because of 'value'.

    Style wise (which is always personal taste) the Kia doesn't look great and as your number 1 preference is to have a classy appearance, I'd say the C200 out of your shortlist would be my pick…also the interior is quite nice too.

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