2nd hand Holden Equinox LTZ-V - great deal, still avoid?

foxpants on 15/07/2021 - 18:36

Looks like in the next few months, family caught wind that we wanted to upgrade a car to a family SUV / Soft roader (yeah I know, why???, but that's what we want) and they have a 2018 Holden Equinox LTZ-V they will/would have traded against a new car.

They change over cars usually every 1-2 years, but liked this Equionox enough that they'll have kept it ~3 by the time they upgrade.

Looks like if we essentially match what a dealer trade in price would be it's ours. This already seems like a potential bargain because you only ever hear about lowball trade in's, it's never even close to market value. I have yet to learn what the actual, hard dollar value will be, as this is crystal ball territory.

I know Holden don't make cars here anymore and made a 10 year service and warranty promise and the clock has already started ticking.

So there is some risk in buying the car, namely out of warranty repairs and service items could be considerably more expensive should that be required.

Would it still be an avoid? Looking both on these forums and elsewhere, it seems like the car cops a lot of flak (a lot for the looks and being American), but actual owners of the car seem to really love it, as do the fam that will be moving it on as part of their 'cycle'.

Hit me with some of that patented Ozbargain 'wisdom'! What do ya'll think.

Automotive Car Holden

Comments

  • Stewardo on 15/07/2021 - 19:12

    North (American) *Mexico

  • Euphemistic on 15/07/2021 - 19:16

    If you get it cheap enough and expect it will drop in value quite quickly due to lack of support then why not?

    How long do you plan to keep it?

    • foxpants on 15/07/2021 - 20:27

      Probably at least 3 years, maybe more? Not really sure but it ticks boxes for what we're chasing in the here and now, and the deal seems like it'd blow any 2nd hand alternives out of the water.

  • SupeNintendoChalmers on 15/07/2021 - 19:19

    The Equinox is Made in Mejico, according to all reports, its a reliable, though very uninspiring SUV, with the interior being noticeably budget. The highlight is the 2.0l Turbo, which I believe is the most powerful for its class.

    It's probably lost a hell of its value due to the general leaving Australia, so hopefully you'll get it for a good price.

    • foxpants on 15/07/2021 - 20:29

      Price is definitely key in this transaction, or if be looking a lot more closely at alternatives, I think that's what it boils down to the most.

      Isn't there some saying to the effect of "there are no bad products, just bad prices", and while that's also still possibly false, here it would appear to apply.

      • [Deactivated] on 18/07/2021 - 18:04

        Then you have the answe already.

  • afoveht on 15/07/2021 - 19:35

    When your fam comes to your place in their shiny new car and sees yours in the driveway and ask "how's the equinox?" and it just 5hat itself the week prior and you don't know what to say, how will you feel? If you can deal with that then consider buying the car.

    • foxpants on 15/07/2021 - 20:26

      I don't mind having a slightly odler model car for one, and is there considerable evidence that this is likely to happen? Seems like the earlier "craptiva" had issues, yet to see anything remotely widespread on the 2T AWD equinox.

      • afoveht on 15/07/2021 - 20:27
        +1

        Nothing about this particular model, just family dealings can sometimes backfire.

        • foxpants on 15/07/2021 - 20:32
          +1

          Definitely a wise consideration, assuming there are no documented issues and it's sold in good faith, I'd be quite happy with it.

          • afoveht on 15/07/2021 - 21:31
            +2

            @foxpants: Sounds like you know what you're doing. Good luck!

            • foxpants on 15/07/2021 - 21:35

              @afoveht: we'll see I guess, it is one of the reasons I sanity check myself online.

            • RockyRaccoon on 16/07/2021 - 08:15
              +1

              @afoveht: Counter to you original argument, is that buying a car from a family member at the same price as the trade in means they will declare all the faults and issues they have because exactly that, they don’t want to visit and find the car up on chocks because something they knew about failed.

              They have no benefit selling you a known lemon when they can off load it to a dealer.

              Foxpants, Unless someone tells you about known issues with this model, it’s all about price. Keep in mind some dealers are offering good trade in prices so it might not pan out.

              Generally though family can give good deals and you have access to the cars history, a big plus.

              • afoveht on 16/07/2021 - 08:32
                +1

                @RockyRaccoon: Sounds like a fair consideration.

                Just remember, "The path to hell is often paved with good intentions."

  • Cartman2530 on 15/07/2021 - 20:16

    Unless you can get it for an Ozbargain price, I would pass.

    • foxpants on 15/07/2021 - 20:33

      Really seems like what would be an Oz bargain price, if it wasn't I wouldn't be giving it as much weight that's for sure.

      • SF3 on 15/07/2021 - 20:45

        Have you checked red book to get an idea of the price range?

        • foxpants on 15/07/2021 - 20:56
          +1

          Well it's not for sale, 'yet'. But they've essentially said when it comes to their new car, they'll get a trade in price, and ask me if I'm willing to pay that price at that point in time and it'll be mine instead if a dealer. Historically, this is generally favourable should you be in this exact position, but of course I'll want more price data in my head for that point in time.

  • Euphemistic on 15/07/2021 - 21:17
    +1

    https://www.redbook.com.au/cars?q=(And.RecordType.Car..CountryCode.AU..Service.Redbook..(C.Make.Holden..(C.Model.Equinox..Badge.LTZ.)).YearRange.range(2018..2018).)

    Sorry. That link doesn’t seem to want to paste

    Check out Redbook for trade/private prices to get an idea what it could be worth.

  • whitelie on 15/07/2021 - 21:50
    +1

    Depending on how many kms it's done, if the dealer prices it around $25k, it will be a reasonable buy IMO.
    Probably valued at low 30's going by what's on carsales. If they want more like $30k, I'd only buy it if you're set on it.

  • tonyjzx on 16/07/2021 - 01:19
    +1

    again, i would go on about risk

    i quite like this equinox, i quite like the us style and i think an ltz turbo 2.0 4wd would be a fine thing

    however if you're not like me and not an enthusiast of sorts then why do you want this?

    if you just want a relaible family shopping trolley then hold out for a korean or an xtrail or rav4 or anything low risk

    i wouldnt bother getting on the orphan holden train UNLESS its a VF SS V8 6 spd where the risk if worth the reward

    if its holden astra or a zb commodore then the risk is defintely not worth the reward

    by the same token would i take a honda crv 1.5 turbo? no way. why risk something when the reward is nil

    i also quite like the acadia but unless it was a screaming bargain why would you bother? others do it better and with less headache

    • foxpants on 16/07/2021 - 11:17

      I do like it too, I must admit I am somewhat drawn to it.

      I am a bit of an enthusiast, but I also like flying under the radar, this has some mild performance chops to it, but won't attract attention to myself like a VF SS for example would, or likely get me in as much trouble if I were to push on.

      I'm also fairly handy with cars in terms of servicing and repairs and treat my cars well.

      This will also do things say a wagon or sedan generally won't, like being taller and easier to get in and out of, which has been identified as a must for our next car, as well as some mild offroad ability, think more confidence in beach driving than a FWD/RWD lower car. Plus the handyness for camping trips and that with extra power sockets about and roof racks, that sort of thing.

      Life's a bit too short for boring cars, I absolutely don't want an Xtrail or Rav4 for example, I'll take some risk for actually enjoying a car that drives better, pushes on better and has a tonne of kit.

  • nubzy on 16/07/2021 - 09:58
    +1

    It's only 3 years old, get it for a good price and enjoy it. I don't know anything about them, but they look good and would be very practical. Do your research and check for any issues but otherwise sounds like a good deal to me.

  • Hardlyworkin on 16/07/2021 - 13:14
    +1

    Rented one recently, was surprised at the performance. Much more pick up than expected. Other than disliking Holden's for the sake of it, I was happy for the week I drove it.

    If you're saving a good 5k or more, worth thinking about.

  • csimpson on 16/07/2021 - 16:58
    +1

    They're well engineered cars on a reliable platform. Heaps of room inside for the exterior dimensions. Flat floor with the seats down is really useful when you need it. Good engine combined with an excellent gearbox, parts are widely used in other GM cars of the era - and with very reasonable servicing costs and much cheaper and more easily accessible parts compared to any Euro.

    Huge set of features included for a car of its price - Android Auto/Apple Carplay, dual-zone climate control, heated/cooled leather seats, heated wheel, pano sunroof, USB-C and 240V ports, adaptive cruise and active safety, front and rear parking sensors with beep and vibrate, 360-degree camera, unlimited kilometre warranty.

    If you like performance you'll like to know that there's a well regarded US tuner that only works with GM products that has an engine and gearbox tune for the 2.0T Equinox. I can speak to the gearbox tune that does wonders for the nine-speed's shift times and shift logic.

    I picked up a 2019 Acadia LTZ-V late last year for all of these reasons above. It's similar in quite a few ways to the Equinox, just a bit more full-fat…

    • foxpants on 02/12/2021 - 12:04

      Hi! been a while but I was wondering if you could elaborate on the US tuner?

  • snajper on 18/07/2021 - 23:42
    +1

    My brother bought one and it excellent drive and comes with tons of equipment. The 2l engine is really smooth & fast and it also handles quite well for an SUV. Zero issues in 2 years. The engine itself (once you drive it) will make you buy it compared to any competitors in that price range.

  • Master Haggler on 23/07/2021 - 13:32
    +1

    I believe it’s the same 2.0 Turbo in the ZB commodore. Superb engine.

    • foxpants on 23/07/2021 - 21:16

      it appears that it is! same motor and same 9 speed trans, but iirc the Equinox gets ~3kw less as if that matters. Seems like a big reason this SUV is as good as it is. My deal still seems on, it just could be months before I get it, which is fine.

      • Master Haggler on 24/07/2021 - 14:47

        The engine is also used on certain models of the corvette in the US.

        • foxpants on 26/07/2021 - 13:20

          I didn't know that, cheers!

          • tonyjzx on 03/12/2021 - 13:21

            @foxpants: lol there's no 2 litre corvettes

            • foxpants on 07/12/2021 - 16:24

              @tonyjzx: Correct, not the Corvette, but it's definitely in the Camaro

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