What Car Should I Buy? $60k- $70k Budget

Richo7 on 01/11/2020 - 18:07
Last edited 02/11/2020 - 07:35 by 1 other user

Hey OzBargainers,

I am keen to purchase a car in the next 4-6 weeks with a budget of $60k-$70k and have felt a little overwhelmed with all the various brands and options available so I was hoping I could get some advice and answers to some questions I have.

What models should I have on my shortlist?

To give you all some additional info, the key priorities I have for a vehicle are:

1) Fun to drive and beautiful (I am young, no kids so I find coupes/sport sedans to be a very attractive option)
2) Great tech + silky interior
2) Comfortable for driving long distances (most of my driving will be round trips from Syd - Canberra and road trips from Sydney)
3) Decent resale value

From my research, the new / demo models which have jumped out at me so far and seem to be within budget are:

2020 Merc Benz C200 Coupe
2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce
2021 Tesla Model 3 SR+
2020 Jaguar XE P300
2019 BMW 430i

Used vehicles (all around ~25k kms) include the likes of:
2017/18 Merc Benz E300 Coupe / (C43 if I extend budget)
2017/18 Audi s5 coupe
2017 BMW M2 / (M3 if I extend budget)

Should I purchase new or used?

Looking at the above two lists, which set of cars would you personally gravitate towards if you were in my shoes?

I imagine I'll be looking own the car for ~3-5 years so the resell value of the car is important.

The other consideration I have is that I feel though the market is currently favouring new car buyers, particularly in Vic (where I currently live), where new car sales are down ~60-70% so I feel as though I can get a better deal whilst the used car market feels inflated.

How should I go about narrowing down my shortlist?

I am not very literate in the intricate differences between all the above models and whilst I think test driving them will give me some clarity, I'm not certain that 30 mins in each of these cars will give me sufficient information to make a decision which will affect me for the next 3-5 years. I'd love some advice from some OzBargain carheads on which models I should particularly focus on / or avoid and just some general tips for how I should go about this massive purchasing decision over the next 4-6 weeks.

Thanks so much for reading this and if you have anything even just a small point to contribute please post! Also feel free to DM me as well.

Automotive

Comments

  • grog on 01/11/2020 - 18:09
    +58

    Suzuki mighty boy

    • justdigi on 01/11/2020 - 18:34

      Why did they ever stop selling them! Outside of their home market, Australia was the only other market where they sold volumes.

      • newbargainer on 01/11/2020 - 18:50
        +3

        Hint - google Maruti Suzuki!

        • DevilInsane on 03/11/2020 - 03:49

          Don't understand why you got down votes..

    • mapax on 01/11/2020 - 19:13

      FPBP

    • smpantsonfire on 02/11/2020 - 18:28
      +1

      Fiat Niki

    • Sidog on 02/11/2020 - 21:31

      Wow, thank you so much! I always had these childhood memories of driving around in these Suzuki's in the 1980s with my dad called Squirts and going to this factory on the Gold Coast where they were made. My dad worked in the tourist industry and I think worked on some of the deals to get them used as rental cars by tourists. I'd always wondered what those cars were and sure enough they were modified Suzuki Mighty Boys!

    • bdl on 05/11/2020 - 00:09

      Suzuki silky interior boy

    • The-Kremlin on 22/12/2020 - 01:59

      LoL…

    • knasty on 01/11/2020 - 18:21
      +3

      A45/CLA45 are for old people? Ok…

      • No Username on 01/11/2020 - 18:44
        -5

        I'm talking about the one OP listed. If you play golf most of the older players drive Mercedes while younger people drive Land Rover, Porsche, BMW or Audi. I've also seen some Mercedes GT4 which young people own.

        • Sad Dino on 03/11/2020 - 15:33
          -1

          Looks like you've got old people downvoting you.

    • [Deactivated] on 01/11/2020 - 22:48
      +3

      Have you driven a Model 3?

    • [Deactivated] on 02/11/2020 - 14:27
      +3

      I’ll take your downvote as a no. Thanks for commenting on the handling of a car that you haven’t driven. Valuable contribution.

      • No Username on 02/11/2020 - 14:41
        -5

        Didn't neg you. I'll even give u a +1. Driven no. Been in one yes. We are talking about an electric vs engine. Static vs Dynamic. Driving a petrol car is going to be more fun as your able to change gears and get audible responses to your actions. The only thing fun in a Tesla is flooring it as it has electric motors. So if you think electric is fun then your perception of fun must be pretty boring.

        • blergmonkeys on 03/11/2020 - 00:05
          +12

          … define fun

          I find instant torque pretty damned fun.

          • Mishgy on 03/11/2020 - 15:43

            @blergmonkeys: Driving is about experiences such as changing gear, rev matching, hearing pops and burbles from the exhaust, listening to the revs rise and fall as you go faster, changing down for a corner. All of that is taken from you when you go electric. Electric cars also tend to have poorer resale values as batteries need to be replaced. I know an article is going to be listed that says otherwise but replacing those batteries is going to cost quite a bit, and people on the second hand market think about these things.

            • bargaineer on 03/11/2020 - 20:28

              @Mishgy: I would agree with you somewhat in the driving experience front, but instant torque can become pretty addictive.

              The tide will turn in the next 5-10 years. I'd much rather own an electric car that needs a new battery (battery costs will drop significantly over time), rather than one that will be on it's way to becoming obsolete.

        • Slopshua on 04/11/2020 - 21:59

          I'm really surprised people don't mention this more. Electric cars may blow recipro engines out of the water on raw performance but they will never match them for the theatre.

          Have any of you electric fanboys/girls watched a Formula E race? I'd rather watch paint dry.

          If you want a true driving experience then the noise the thing makes has to be as important as the performance it's capable of…. And a Tesla, as impressive as they are, will never be able to compete with the noise of a screaming naturally aspirated, high revving reciprocating engine. That's my opinion anyway

          • blergmonkeys on 06/11/2020 - 16:07

            @Slopshua: The problem with your arguments is that it calls on 'The Good Old Days' argument where people are nostalgic for some past that is seen via rose-tinted glasses. All of this is subjective and, although many do enjoy the grunt, rumble and sound of a V8/10 with a nice aftermarket exhaust, many just don't care that much and, honestly, after experiencing a P100D test drive in the city, I don't see myself missing these things. The instant torque of a supercar equivalent E-car is insane. 0-100 in 2.8s was lovely. And all that torque instantly at my toe-tips was certainly intoxicating in a way. So yes, I get what you're saying, but your definition of fun is purely subjective.

  • kipps on 01/11/2020 - 18:17
    +55

    Tesla 3 SR+

    • Bryden on 05/11/2020 - 10:47
      +2

      Assuming you have the budget; buying any car other than a Tesla right now would be insane. i own the model 3 and i can tell you right now this car will hold its value at a much higher rate than ANY brand new European vehicle (all the others you have listed). additionally you will nolonger be hostage to petrol prices, if you have solar you could hypothetically drive for free, and you will now have basically no servicing costs besides tyres. even the brakes dont wear because of the constantly updating and improving practically perfect "Hold" driving mode.

      • 1st-Amendment on 17/11/2020 - 14:30
        +1

        Assuming you have the budget; buying any car other than a Tesla right now would be insane

        Unless you need more space, like to go offroad, or tow, or go on long drives, or want a car today, or…

        I get some use cases, an EV is perfect. But perfect for you is not perfect for everyone. I looked at a Tesla, but I own a boat and they are absolute crap at towing and touring.

        Oh and the fact that they look like a Mazda but cost $70k+ was too much for me to swallow. To each their own I guess…

        • Bryden on 19/11/2020 - 11:04

          It is an unfortunate truth that Evs suck at towing, myself im an efficiency man, from what i understand towing decreases the range by 50-70% depending mostly on the speed and wind resistance. towing at speeds below 80kmph will yield much better range than above 100kmph.

          Either way you are right, but OP appears to be looking for a luxury car brand, and the other options dont offer better space.

          For me im driving more than ever, making any excuse to go for a road trip, and the more i drive, the more i save, and the closer i get to breaking even.

          its a lot like investing in solar, not useful for everyone, and reliant on market rates which could change at any moment.

          • 1st-Amendment on 19/11/2020 - 11:27
            +1

            @Bryden: Solar is similar, it works great if you have a house with a dedicated roof, not so much if you live in a high rise with 1000 other people :)
            This is the thing that gets lost on a lot of the 'green' energy people. New things work good for some, not for all, so let's not force everyone to use it - looking at you Boris Johnson :)

  • knasty on 01/11/2020 - 18:20
    +6

    That is a very decent budget my friend. My suggestion is to test drive a few and find what makes your heart beat faster. In general buying 2+ years old but still in warranty makes more sense than buying new. I'm not sure what silky interior means but look and layout is a very personal thing so invest some time in sitting in the different brands/models and work out what kind of guy/girl you are.

  • Marcsie on 01/11/2020 - 18:27
    +8

    Lexus all the way !

    • Richo7 on 01/11/2020 - 18:34

      What Lexus model?

      • jacobb on 01/11/2020 - 21:15
        +4

        RC350

      • dcep on 02/11/2020 - 00:05
        +2

        ISF

      • cjmorgan87 on 02/11/2020 - 22:55
        +1

        I had an RC F before my model 3 & Audi A5 previous to that. 100% I would say to get the Model 3, best thing I’ve ever purchased! The new price drops makes it a clear winner

        • TheMindsetTraveller on 02/11/2020 - 23:11

          Hi, do you mind telling me how the build quality / interior quality is of the tesla compared to the rc f / a5 ?

          • cjmorgan87 on 02/11/2020 - 23:28
            +2

            @TheMindsetTraveller: Doesn’t compare. The Quality of the other 2 cars was years ahead. But the Tesla still wins hands down. I have learnt to love the interior of the Tesla now and everything else looks so funny… sooo many buttons

            • backupper1 on 04/11/2020 - 22:15
              +1

              @cjmorgan87: Model 3 interior is bland at best with a glaring omission of a hud or buttons for basic things. So dangerous to use a screen while driving for even basic functions, interior design defies simple logics and common sense.

              • Lion007 on 04/11/2020 - 23:55
                +2

                @backupper1: I don’t understand how using mobile phones is dangerous while driving but all these new cars with touch screens are completely fine

      • Slopshua on 04/11/2020 - 22:03
        +1

        Get a Lexus RCF.
        Import a set of Novel equal length headers
        Get an RR Racing tune..

        And enjoy a reliable, well built, fast, nimble coupe with one of the most beautiful sounding engines ever built.

    • Lexan on 04/11/2020 - 10:45

      Yes. Lexus spends less time at mechanic.

  • sweefu on 01/11/2020 - 18:46
    +18

    Head says Tesla

    Heart says Alfa

    • Marcsie on 01/11/2020 - 22:57
      +13

      Brain says Lexus

      • jv on 01/11/2020 - 23:36
        +48

        Groin says Maserati.

        • pyramid on 02/11/2020 - 08:50
          +103

          Ozbargain says Toyota

        • Tinkle Ass on 03/11/2020 - 21:48

          Apparently Maserati reliability is AIDS.

  • pharkurnell on 01/11/2020 - 19:01
    +4

    Why do you need to spend $60k on a car these days?

    The market is loaded with bargain used cars… let others pay the driveway tax.. you reap the benefits.

    • modsec802 on 01/11/2020 - 21:50
      +32

      Have you looked at used car prices lately? Up 30% since COVID. Hardly any bargains out there

      • Tambani on 02/11/2020 - 12:24
        +2

        That might depend on the market segment you're looking at. The Kia Rondo I was selling dropped $2,500 in value over two months!

      • [Deactivated] on 02/11/2020 - 14:28
        +2

        Yep, second hand prices are through the roof. The OP and his upvoters have no idea what they’re talking about.

    • dji1111111 on 02/11/2020 - 12:44
      +9

      What world do you live in? Used car prices are through the roof. New car prices are up too with dealers not prepared to let go of their limited stock at discount

      • pharkurnell on 02/11/2020 - 13:16
        -5

        Not around here they arent…. from personal experience.

        • [Deactivated] on 02/11/2020 - 14:29

          Rubbish. Just look at carsales. It’s nationwide.

          • pharkurnell on 02/11/2020 - 18:56
            -3

            @[Deactivated]: So what I found when I went shopping for car for son didnt happen… My bank account thanks you…
            My brain laughs at you.

            • [Deactivated] on 02/11/2020 - 19:13
              +2

              @pharkurnell: Yeah, you likely got ripped off. But you didn’t realise it.

    • The-Kremlin on 22/12/2020 - 02:01

      LoL…

  • Mikeee on 01/11/2020 - 19:06
    +28

    Tesla, even though it has it’s faults, is the car I’d choose. Good and constantly improving tech, instant throttle response, no scheduled maintenance and great resale.

    Definitely go for a test drive! They’re all quite different beasts to drive.

    Beware of maintenance (esp with the 3 year old M3)

    • capslock janitor on 03/11/2020 - 11:41

      peeps keep keying tesla's but hey it's got sentry mode

    • cruiserbruiser on 01/11/2020 - 19:12
      +19

      OzBargain may be the reason OP has a 60-70k budget

    • perhaps on 01/11/2020 - 21:21
      +2

      No one is asking you why you are here, so why ask OP?

    • Ryanek on 02/11/2020 - 09:13
      +4

      A bargain does not have to mean it's cheap.

    • this is us on 02/11/2020 - 22:11
      +1

      Stupid comment. I'd give you 10 negative votes for this comment if I could. He has the money because he doesn't waste… And he is asking because he still doesn't want to waste…

      Following your "logic", Ozbargain should be restricted to members with a maximum annual salary of what… 50k?

  • teardrops21 on 01/11/2020 - 19:37
    +46

    Leave the badge envy behind, get a stinger GT. Use the money you on purchase and running costs on wining and dining to make use of the ample space in the back seat

      • WhyAmICommenting on 02/11/2020 - 14:26
        +1

        The appeal is the engine and drivetrain I believe

        • pegaxs on 02/11/2020 - 15:55
          +11

          The thing looks like a shark on steroids… Of all the performance type saloon cars out there in the same class and price bracket as the Stinger, it beats a lot of them in the looks department.

          Guy in my street has the dark metallic blue one, and as many times as I have seen in, I am still struck with how good it looks, let alone how good it looks… "for a Kia…"

        • roozmik on 02/11/2020 - 16:51
          +1

          It just looks like a random car with fake styling bits stuck on it.
          About as bugly as the Honda Civic Type R.

      • tap on 02/11/2020 - 17:51

        Looks are subjective. I love the Stingers' proportion. I've been asked many times what sort of car ours was saying they thought it was a Maserati, Lexus etc..

        • roozmik on 02/11/2020 - 21:39

          Yes, the rear does actually remind me of a Maserati.

    • Menzoberranzan on 02/11/2020 - 19:06
      +4

      Honestly if I had to buy a new car again to meet the triangle of price, performance and comfort, I'd get a Stinger. Gets that Kia 7 year warranty too. Aside from the badge, not really many downsides

    • mousie on 03/11/2020 - 20:11

      I've driven a stinger, the optima gt was more fun as had more of a roar. Stinger was quick, fav. Car was rs3 by long mile. 70k on a car is a bit.

  • Snake 4 on 01/11/2020 - 19:41
    +2

    @ Cobalt Owl.

    Why do people like you and others have a right to tell others how to spend their money?

    He/she asked for advice on which car to buy not financial advice.

    • John Kimble on 01/11/2020 - 21:18
      +7

      Why didn't you just reply to their comment?

      • perhaps on 01/11/2020 - 21:21
        +2

        haha

        • Dagwood-Dog on 02/11/2020 - 10:23
          +5

          Hope all the kids are well Jannette. Bills going ok since surgury. Lots of love.

      • Vote for Pedro on 02/11/2020 - 15:03
        +1

        Might have a tumor

    • [Deactivated] on 02/11/2020 - 21:59
      +1

      why do people like you and others have a right to ask people why they tell others how to spend their money?

      Oh wait, we all have a right to speak in Australia.

  • pegaxs on 01/11/2020 - 21:41
    +21

    i30N and pocket the $20~30k difference.

  • 2jzzzz on 01/11/2020 - 21:46
    +1

    Don't bother with any Mercs other than AMG.

    • [Deactivated] on 01/11/2020 - 21:52
      +2

      I think most of the bigger engines non AMGs are pretty good too. A GLE 400d is a pretty sweet car.

      • [Deactivated] on 01/11/2020 - 23:27
        +2

        Even AMGs are rebaged these days. Good old AMG days are long gone.

        • [Deactivated] on 01/11/2020 - 23:45
          -1

          I think today's AMGs are better than any older AMGs. The E63 is great (if not great looking after it's facelift).

          But I agree with you about the 43s and the a35

          • [Deactivated] on 01/11/2020 - 23:48
            -1

            @[Deactivated]: SL, GT or nothing.

            Other ones are mostly shopping trolleys. At least see them quite often at local shopping centres. Nothing special, really. Oh well, might be the feel good factor too.

            • [Deactivated] on 01/11/2020 - 23:57
              +2

              @[Deactivated]: You think the SL is a good car? It's a 20 year old design. The original SL55 was a great car at the time, but they still use the same chassis and just made it uglier.

              And if you think an E63S is a shopping trolley, you literally know nothing about cars.

  • nubzy on 01/11/2020 - 21:48
    +1

    Giulia Veloce or Peugeot 508 GT. Entry level German cars are boring.

  • modsec802 on 01/11/2020 - 21:52
    +1

    New Golf GTi and invest the rest in ETFs

    The current gen 7.5s will still be desirable when you go to sell as they have 5 year warranty and have better reviews than the new 8s coming out next year

  • Muzeeb on 01/11/2020 - 22:14
    +17

    3) Decent resale value

    Then makes a list of mainly European cars.
    Lol

    If your going euro do it properly

    • [Deactivated] on 01/11/2020 - 23:22
      +3

      Totally agree. Porsche is still relatively palatable (non-suvs). These days merc, bimmer, audi and the like are like shopping trolleys.

      Lucky to even get 50% of purchase price after 3 yrs. If resell if your concern, I wouldn't touch euro metal. The Jag&Alfa OP mentioned are particularly bad.

      • pharkurnell on 02/11/2020 - 09:52
        +1

        this is so true… mate bought a Merc for 32k but came to 42k with new wheels, tyres and sports exhaust..
        few yrs old and was over 100k new.

  • [Deactivated] on 01/11/2020 - 22:49
    +1

    From that list there are only two option for me. M3 SR+ or M2. I’d be inclined to buy the M2.

  • jv on 01/11/2020 - 22:59
    +9

    What Car Should I Buy? 60-70k Budget

    Toyota Yaris

    • [Deactivated] on 01/11/2020 - 23:34
      +1

      Perfect for a 23yr old.

    • pharkurnell on 02/11/2020 - 10:02
      +2

      yea that ticks 0 of his boxes…

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