Suggestions on a New Car (Budget Is $50k- $60k)

mikeyb on 19/04/2021 - 10:10
Last edited 19/04/2021 - 10:37 by 1 other user

Hey guys looking at buying a new car within the next few months so I have been test driving a few of them. I'm looking for a sedan sized car which has a bit of power. I plan on keeping the car for 10+ years so I want to make sure I am not missing something obvious. Mostly use the car for city driving.

Current car is a 2004 v6 Toyota Camry.

Currently tried:
Mazda 3 - Didn't like it felt a bit small
Hyundia i30 N Line - I liked it, felt like a nice car
Skoda Octavia RS - I liked this car the most, felt really nice to drive and was fun driving it in the sports mode

Is there anything I am missing or cars I should be looking at?

Budget is $50k-$60k.

Thanks guys.

Automotive

Comments

  • muckingfuppet on 19/04/2021 - 10:17
    +4

    Not interested in another Toyota?

    • mikeyb on 19/04/2021 - 10:21

      Good point I haven't test driven one of those yet. I will give a Camry a shot.

      • [Deactivated] on 20/04/2021 - 17:33
        -1

        Camry V6 SL… last of its kind with a V6.

        Kia Stinger… vrooom vrooom…

        Genesis 3.3T…

        Lexus IS350…

        Or if you are game enough… Merc C300, BMW 330, Audi S4.

        Less common ones - Subaru Legacy 3.6R, Subaru Outback 3.6R.

  • Muzeeb on 19/04/2021 - 10:24
    +9

    Budget is $50k-$60k.

    Camry SL Hybrid in Feverish Red, tint.

    /thread

  • SF3 on 19/04/2021 - 10:27
    +1

    What do you already have preference for? most people are looking for confirmation bias, rather than alternative options :)

    • mikeyb on 19/04/2021 - 10:30
      +1

      Currently have a preference for the Skoda as it was fun to drive. I do like the size of my Camry so going to test drive a Camry like above.

      • Presence on 19/04/2021 - 11:19

        Look at a Levorg if you like wagons that aren't slow.

        • FocusRider on 20/04/2021 - 07:57
          +2

          Interior in the levorg is below average compared to the Skoda

  • jsrz18 on 19/04/2021 - 10:37

    For a car that will be driven for at least the next 10 years, would probably stick with the likes of Toyota, Mazda etc.. Not all that familiar with Skoda though I'd imagine it would be the most fun to drive

    Maybe the 2020 Camry SX V6 if you can still find a new one, otherwise the 2021 Camry SX hybrid? Not sure how much power the 2021 will have though but will probably feel quick off the line..

  • SBOB on 19/04/2021 - 10:42
    +1

    Skoda Octavia RS - I liked this car the most, felt really nice to drive and was fun driving it in the sports mode

    I'd get the wagon version personally, but this choice if you want the extra fun factor…not necessarily the 10 +yr, just for city driving choice though

  • shouldercat on 19/04/2021 - 11:00
    -3

    The Volkswagen Tiguans are a nice car, try giving them a test drive.

    I also suggest looking into https://autoexpert.com.au/ . I don't condone his vids, he talks very violently about his opinions but the little prick does manage to get you some good deals. E.g. dealership offered me $65k for the top of the line 2021 tiguan, his company got it down for me to $57k.

    Good luck.

    • ol mate on 22/04/2021 - 06:50
      -1

      His company did Jack shit - they refer you onto another broker (can't think of the name) and pocket a referral from the broker.

      OP: I'd recommend The Car Concierge - he managed to get me $3.5k off a hybrid rav4 (3 dealers refused to even match it) but I managed to beat his price on my own so didn't end up going through him.

      • Euphemistic on 22/04/2021 - 08:29

        So you’d recommend diy?

        • ol mate on 22/04/2021 - 18:32
          -1

          If you aren't incompetent and know how to get a deal, yes. Otherwise, see above.

      • shouldercat on 23/04/2021 - 11:44

        Couldn't care who pockets a referral when I'm saving close to ~8k.

  • pingualien on 19/04/2021 - 11:07

    Rav4 Hybrid

    • Muzeeb on 19/04/2021 - 11:15
      +1

      buying a new car within the next few months

      • pingualien on 19/04/2021 - 11:36
        +5

        yep can buy it but wont receive it

    • DashCam AKA Rolts on 19/04/2021 - 13:22
      +4

      Doesn't OP want to transport a kayak?

  • follow on 19/04/2021 - 11:23

    kia Stiner

  • Drakesy on 19/04/2021 - 11:27

    TOyota Yaris GR
    or KIA Stinger

    Or find another 5k and get a Tesla (what i'd do).

  • Simoneee on 19/04/2021 - 11:32
    -1

    Camry V6

    • brad1-8tsi on 19/04/2021 - 12:50

      I don't think these are sold anymore

      • [Deactivated] on 20/04/2021 - 17:35

        Dealers still got stock across AU. $50k

  • holdenmg on 19/04/2021 - 11:41

    Hyundai Elantra Sport Premium 1.6L Petrol Turbo 7-Speed Dual Clutch Transmission 2WD for ~$40K w/7 year warranty in in Runout.
    https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/hyundai-elantr…

  • rambao9 on 19/04/2021 - 12:04

    100% Stinger

  • netjock on 19/04/2021 - 13:51
    +2

    Your Camry would be same size as current Corolla Sedan.

  • mikeyb on 19/04/2021 - 13:58
    +4

    Think I'm going to go test drive a Camry and RAV4 Hybrid this weekend. Cheers guys.

    • jsrz18 on 19/04/2021 - 14:39
      +2

      I'm not sure how you go from your list in the original post, to the inclusion of a RAV4?

      • SBOB on 19/04/2021 - 15:02

        Camry on stilts;)

      • pingualien on 19/04/2021 - 15:14
        +1

        because I said so

  • brad1-8tsi on 19/04/2021 - 15:35

    I've owned a Skoda Octavia for 13 years / 201k. It's been very good and a lot of fun to drive.

    If I had $50k to spend I'd get a 2018 or 2019 Superb 206 Sportline AWD (they are as low as $45k ex-dealers). There will still be warranty left and somebody else has worn around $15k depreciation.

    You might even get a fresh MY21 for your $60k if you haggle a bit.

    • thrillhouse on 20/04/2021 - 07:51

      This. Superb 206 (get the wagon!). Volkswagen Golf R drivetrain, with heaps of features (Skoda tend to offer the best value out of all of the VAG brands).

    • BartholemewH on 20/04/2021 - 17:14

      Agree. Except I'd say stick with the sedan (which is really a hatch), the side profile and rear are nicer than the wagon and the capacity is nearly the same. Unless you want Kayaks on the roof of course.

      • brad1-8tsi on 21/04/2021 - 14:37

        I wanted a wagon but at the time they were $5k extra (no discount on wagons). I bought the hatch and even though there is only ~30litres difference in measured size the wagon is more versatile. I believe the volume measurement is only up to the window line.

        My next Skoda will be a wagon.

  • Euphemistic on 19/04/2021 - 16:50
    +1

    So you don’t really want a sedan as you are looking at hatch, wagon and now SUV. Also there’s no such thing as a sedan sized car, sedans come in all sizes (do they still make Yaris sedan?), from compact to immense (S class Marc, Bentley, BMW 7 series etc)

    What do you really want the car for?

    • mikeyb on 19/04/2021 - 18:32

      Honestly not really sure I guess I need to do more research. I know I want a reliable car that's decently sized as I felt the Mazda 3 was a touch small. I know I want it to last 10 years at least and have reasonable servicing costs/etc. I don't really have much of a preference between medium SVU/sedan but I found most medium SVU's were too expensive if I wanted to have a lot of the extra's included so moved down to Sedans.

      I've never really known much about cars I just need to replace my current one in the next year so only startted learning about cars in the last 2 months or so.

      • Euphemistic on 19/04/2021 - 20:08
        +1

        The first step is to work out what you use it for to determine what size/shape and features.

        The Mazda 3 and i30 are in the same size class. It can come down to packaging/design/colours etc wether it feels cramped or not.

        For basic city driving you don’t need a lot, cut your budget in half. It’s interesting you’ve set a budget, but seem to have tested cars a fair way under your budget.

        Ultimately, it’s your decision so buy whatever you feel is right.

      • lainey13 on 19/04/2021 - 23:42
        -1

        Mazda CX 5 is a medium suv, with a top of the line model (akera, all feature) smack bang in your price range.

  • whitelie on 19/04/2021 - 19:40

    If you like the Octavia, maybe look at a Golf R wagon?
    I think the Octavia RS is a great, under rated car but could do with AWD and a bump in power

    • thrillhouse on 20/04/2021 - 07:53

      I'd probably steer towards the Skoda Superb 206 (mentioned above), which has the same drivetrain as the Golf R, but you're getting more car for your money.
      I say this as someone who owns a Golf R Wagon (I love it by the way).

      • whitelie on 20/04/2021 - 07:54

        I'd personally go that way as well but given the list of other cars, think it would be too big for OP

        • [Deactivated] on 20/04/2021 - 17:36

          OP did say 10 years of ownership.

  • Bratam on 20/04/2021 - 07:13

    Suggest you try a Subaru XV it’s a cracking car filled with great technology and an excellent ‘eyesight’ system. If you want something slightly bigger then try a Subaru Forrester.
    Whatever you do just keep away from Tesla cars as the build quality is horrendous. They are the most unreliable car brand in the US.

    • brad1-8tsi on 20/04/2021 - 15:02

      118kw implies it's a bit of a slug…

  • Slippery Fish on 20/04/2021 - 07:15
    +1

    Get the haval h9 you road warrior! Fulfill your destiny by riding the white horse of death!

    Ultra auto is 46k
    Armor playing 10k
    Lance 2k each
    Good light bar to blind others 1k

    Get on the stallion mate.

  • thardy456 on 20/04/2021 - 09:18
    +1

    Tesla have just recently dropped their prices, the model 3 now starts at $64k. As least take one for a test drive. EV's are the future, don't buy an ICE vehicle, as they are old tech. EV's have less moving parts, so lower maintenance costs, lower running costs, approx. 1/3 the fuel costs, much safer, Tesla has the highest safety rating in the US.
    https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2019/09/19/tesla-m…

    • mikeyb on 20/04/2021 - 11:01
      +2

      I tried one on Saturday and didn't think it was that amazing. I don't have anywhere to plug it in at my apartment either so not really an option.

      • thardy456 on 20/04/2021 - 11:32

        Ok fair enough, thanks for considering. :)

      • brad1-8tsi on 20/04/2021 - 15:06
        +1

        The guy in the space next to mine has a Model X. It cost him $2k to get to charge point installed (he was 20m from the DB). That's 1300litres of PULP98

  • Waltervp on 20/04/2021 - 09:59

    Food for thought…. If you buy a new car, after 1-2 years it will feel second-hand, and after 10 years you will need to fork out many tens of thousands for another new one, plus you would've been driving a fairly outdated car for the last 5 years. If you don't mind driving a 5 year old car for 5 more years, like in that 10yr scenario, why don't you buy say a 3-year-old car today (for half the price), and when you want a more modern car say 2-3 years later change again. That way you can save money and drive a much nicer car, and always have a reasonably modern vehicle to drive; 3-6 years old, plus you don't have to fork out tens of thousands when you change as between 3 and 6 years the car wouldn't have lost too much value. I am not in the 40k market, so I drive 5-10 yr old cars, but drive really lovely vehicles of my choice, cars I could never buy new.

    • SBOB on 20/04/2021 - 10:50
      +2

      why don't you buy say a 3-year-old car today (for half the price)

      covid premium makes that incredibly unlikely. Most popular 3 year old cars are selling for well over 'half the price'

    • mikeyb on 20/04/2021 - 11:00

      I have to buy a new car due to asset write off. So need to go for a new one.

      • BartholemewH on 20/04/2021 - 17:22
        +1

        Not true. Instant asset write off applies to used assets also.

  • nephilim on 20/04/2021 - 11:05

    BMW 128ti? You like hot hatches and its being heavily discounted as the 2021 is a new engine and such.
    Selling demos for 60-65k, but most likely a lot of haggle room for new.

  • N1NJ4W4RR10R on 20/04/2021 - 20:32

    If you're up thaw t high might as well check out the Kia Stinger 330s.

    Also, if you can wait the Hyundai Sonata N Line is apparently pretty good. But that's expected mid year - spring iirc.

  • blackrose192 on 21/04/2021 - 16:19

    Welcome to buy my Golf R :D, it's right in your price budget haha and is the very definition of a fun drive

  • Bargain4Days on 21/04/2021 - 20:28

    Any particular reason to upgrade? You current car is pretty good and reliable atm.

    • Hero on 23/04/2021 - 15:16

      Agree, unless there's an issue with your car.

      Why are you upgrading and do you really need to? Besides the car being fun, what exactly are you looking for?

      $50k can be put into a house or bank account for interest.

      Have you asked yourself these questions?
      - do you have a partner that also wants to drive the car?
      - do you have family? If not, considered a 2 door to be a bit sporty or a small zippy car for easy parking?
      - go outback or country? Then you may need a awd/4wd.
      - you want it for >10 years, then you may want something reliable and hold its value like a Toyota/Lexus.
      - want to save petrol? Thought of a hybrid?
      - Buy lots of crap at stuff from bunnings? Then you may need a wagon or a 4wd.

      How many hours do you actually sit in your current car and drive in a week? It would suck if you watch your $50k ish car de-value in your garage when you only drive your car <30mins top a day.

  • argonbay on 23/04/2021 - 00:22

    Tesla driverless car is the way to go!

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