Need (Used/Demo) Family Vehicle - Budget $30k to $40k - Tips & Tricks

Chuckles79 on 27/11/2020 - 17:02
Last edited 27/11/2020 - 17:14 by 1 other user

I have recently started looking for a second vehicle, we need either a small SUV for my wife, or a larger SUV 4X4 for myself. I'd get a Pajero or Prado but it is way out of budget and not keen on too many kms on the clock.

It needs to be:

• in budget, no more than 40k
• accommodate two kids (2 and 5)
• nice interior, a few extras like reverse cam or lane warnings etc
• avoiding new, happy with demo or no more than 40k on the clock
• idea of best time to buy, when is the best time to negotiate with a dealer on price

I've looked at couple Volkswagons, Toureg and T cross, although was drawn to the little GTi (thinking we can get away with it with the kids).

Checked out a few Subarus, XV and Forester…just seems to be so many options, hoping for some ideas I haven't thought of yet!

I don't need finance so it is a cash purchase if that helps with advice.

Thanks in advance!

• 

  Euphemistic on 27/11/2020 - 17:05

  So which one do you really want to replace? And if you are looking for a larger SUV do you need proper 4wd or tow capacity?

  Small suv: get a Hyundai or Kia.
  Larger: ?

  • 

    Chuckles79 on 27/11/2020 - 17:07

    +1

    I have a 2011 Forester, but don't need towing really. Although nice to have I guess. By either I mean I will end up getting both down the track so have options for either small or large now.

• 

  [Deactivated] on 27/11/2020 - 17:06

  +2

  You're all over the shop.

  Pajero/Prado vs XV/Forester vs GTI. They are all vastly different.

  I think you need to pick a type of vehicle and driveline first and then work out the age that will suit your budget.

  What you're doing is setting a budget and vehicle age and then try to find something that will fit. It's about the worst way to go about this.

  • 

    Chuckles79 on 27/11/2020 - 17:09

    I can either go small or large now, but will end up with both down the track. I agree, a bit all over the shop!

• 

  salmon123 on 27/11/2020 - 17:24

  +2

  I'd get a Pajero or Prado but it is way out of budget

  A pathfindler might be a good option for you. They have a 2WD petrol version, which is quite affordable.

  It's a bit bigger than a Kluger or Outlander.

• 

  brendanm on 27/11/2020 - 18:09

  +1

  All the cool cats drive touaregs. Touareg to golf is a bit of a ridiculous range you are searching in.

  • 

    pegaxs on 27/11/2020 - 22:26

    +1

    Touareg to golf is a bit of a ridiculous range you are searching in.

    FTFY… :D

    • 

      brendanm on 27/11/2020 - 23:01

      Reeeeeee :(

  • 

    Polt on 28/11/2020 - 15:20

    We considered a VW, but ended up going for a Mazda CX-5. We found the base price of a VW was ok, but as soon as you wanted anything other than basic features the cost went up pretty fast. The CX-5 won by a long shot in terms of value for money, not to mention the servicing cost for VW is extortionate.

    FYI if you're not already aware, unfortunately the 2nd hand market at the moment is pretty crazy thanks to COVID so you will be paying a premium unless you can wait for more stock to come in to the market. This link makes for interesting reading.

• 

  serpserpserp on 27/11/2020 - 18:33

  You can maybe afford a sweet Yaris with that sort of coin. Better get in early before prices go you tho…

• 

  [Deactivated] on 28/11/2020 - 00:20

  +1

  What's wrong with your 2011 Forester? If you have to replace it, just get a 1yo Forester with low kms?

  It's really not clear what your use case is here for either vehicle.

• 

  spackbace on 28/11/2020 - 02:00

  +3

  idea of best time to buy, when is the best time to negotiate with a dealer on price

  Current used or new car market? Never

  You don't hold the negotiating cards here, you'll be lucky just to find one well priced considering age/kms etc.

  While you might rule out a new Prado, don't be afraid to consider new mid-size SUVs and the advantages that come from buying a new car.

  The used market is going so crazy that a 2018 car, adding stamp duty, could be new car pricing.

  But before asking us advice, narrow down your choices ffs. Get it down to a top 3 or something and then ask.

  New Kluger comes out in 6 months, but will be above budget