SUV around $60k- $70k

LMuscles on 03/01/2022 - 08:52
Last edited 03/01/2022 - 11:07 by 1 other user

Help me pick! Need some guidance here as I’m afraid I’ve missed something.
Yet to test drive as I want to narrow down the list first and obtain input.
Need to factor in some space for a rear facing baby seat.
Panaromic sunroof is ideal.
360 camera is ideal.
Mainly used for city driving.

  • Ford Escape Vignale: nice engine, panaromic sunroof, adjustable/moveable rear seats. Decent boot.
    Light steering, potential bumpy ride, some say seats are very uncomfortable but I guess thats subjective.
    8 inch infortaintment touch screen…
    Drive away $55k

  • Mazda CX-5 Akera 2.5 turbo: tiny sunroof, smaller boot and room for rear passengers, could be tight for the front passenger with a rear facing baby seat. 360 degrees camera.
    Reading about thin paint issues?
    Drive away $57k

  • VW Elegane or R line: still reading of DSG issues? Seems to have everything I need though. Adjustable rear seats, decent boot size. Panaromic sunroof if optioned along with sound package.
    Drive away $65-$67k (starting to reach luxury car prices).

Are there any other cars I should be looking at?
(The Subaru forester seems to be getting good reviews however the CVT is a turn off).

Automotive Car SUV

Comments

  • Mitchr1109 on 03/01/2022 - 09:26
    +3

    We were in the same boat as you. We were looking at something slightly bigger - Kia Sorento, Mazda CX-9, Hyundai Palisade and Santa Fe. In the end, we landed on Ford Everest. Why? For roughly the same amount of money, we had a full 4WD option. We won’t plan on doing a lot of 4WD driving but at least the option is there, we will do more beach with kids. Fixed price servicing and 5 year warranty. We also looked at Pajero Sport (no sunroof and tether straps location was useless), Isuzu MUX (no sunroof and 9 month wait) and Toyota Prado (had to buy $95k Kakadu for sunroof and 9 month wait). Mazda CX-9 was pretty close for us but no 3rd row air vents and expensive to service with 10K intervals. Good luck.

    • SBOB on 03/01/2022 - 10:01
      +1

      Did you find a significant driving quality drop off going the Everest over Sorento/Sante Fe/cx9 etc options?

      • Mitchr1109 on 03/01/2022 - 10:18
        +3

        There was a big difference between SUV and 4WD’s. SUVs are definitely more “car like” but Everest felt the best balance out of the 4WD group. Prado drove like a bus. CX-9 was my favourite drive. Great engine and handling on the road. I didn’t like the diesel or petrol engines from the Korean brands.

        • Zackeroo on 03/01/2022 - 13:56
          +4

          Prado drove like a bus.

          I drive a Prado and I can 100% back this lol

      • redvaldez on 08/01/2022 - 23:43

        I have a Pajero Sport GLS, my partner has a RAV4 Hybrid Cruiser - paid virtually the same price for both. Difference is night and day (in favour of the RAV4). The Pajero Sport isn't a bad car to live with - in fact I think it's damn good for a true 4WD - but to be frank I will never understand people who buy a 4WD without any intention to take it off road, or just some loose dream to do so. The RAV4 rides better (even though the PS has had a suspension upgrade), is quicker and more responsive, has nicer steering, servicing costs are significantly less, and its highway fuel consumption is about 50% less. The only advantages of the PS are that it's a bit bigger, there's less road noise (unsurprising given its ladder chassis), and I prefer the way the tech is implemented in it.

        I'm using my PS off road less than I intended to - it's not my first 4WD, but I've had a change in a number of circumstances since buying it - and I'm seriously considering replacing it with one of the last 6 cylinder Subaru Outbacks. I'll get something nicer to drive on road and more change in my pocket. Hyundai Sonata N Line is also tempting, but I live regionally and so something with some tyre sidewall and something you can mount a bullbar and driving lights to has serious merit.

    • [Deactivated] on 03/01/2022 - 12:40
      +2

      I think this is a good option, and the new model with a V6 and much better interior is out this year too. Probably best value SUV/4WD. I saw a completely stock one keep up with my modified 4*4 through super soft sand on the inland trails on Fraser Island. Very impressive given the conditions.

      • entropysbane on 03/01/2022 - 13:51
        +1

        The Everest is in a different class to a prado, landcruiser or patrol though, despite Fird’s market positioning. It is in the range of Pajero sport, MU/X, Fortuna and other dual cab wagons, based on the ranger as it is.

        It is the best but also the most expensive of that category, but if I was a person spending a lot of time in north Qld as I do for work, it would be Toyota. I have a Santa Fe at home, but for work three years ago I got five MU/X for the crew as the lease was so much less than a prado, but we have just replaced them with Prados. Just better fit for that purpose. Range, off road capability, reliability and parts availability really matter.

        • Jackson on 05/01/2022 - 09:48

          Toyota…Camry

    • entropysbane on 03/01/2022 - 13:26

      Definitely should have a look at the Korean diesels on the list if you have 3 kids. I would think either the Santa fe or Sorento, depending on which interior/ exterior you like. More than 3 and it is really the palisade or the carnival. We have gone with the Santa Fe (nite it has DSG for economy, very smooth). Personally would have liked an Everest for the capability but realistically little off road driving and Everest is dearer, and the Santa Fe can tow up to 2.5t, which I don’t go over, and is more carlike on the road. The CX-9 was a great driver but let down by low tow capacity and thirst.

      OP seems to only have one kid so for me it would be a hybrid RAV4. Of that size SUV would have best trade in I would think if a couple more accidents happen and something bigger is needed.

  • iforgotmysocks on 03/01/2022 - 09:27
    +4

    Skoda Kodiaq for a less expensive and bigger Tiguan clone.

    • serpserpserp on 05/01/2022 - 09:38

      I test drived the top of the line model, was really unimpressed with cabin noise and handling. I am a happy Skoda owner btw so was a bit bummed. Keep in mind this was the 2020 model and not sure they had a massive overhaul since.

      • iforgotmysocks on 05/01/2022 - 19:48

        Hmm I'm an Octavia owner but thinking of upgrading shortly.

        • serpserpserp on 05/01/2022 - 20:20

          Just felt there wasn't a lot to love at that price point. Maybe I'm not focused on driving comfort than performance/power which I am sure the Kodiaq covers off well.

  • GoldenDragon888 on 03/01/2022 - 09:30
    -6

    Haval H6.

    • entropysbane on 03/01/2022 - 13:28
      +3

      Given how China is not buying our stuff it would be hard to buy a Chinese brand at the moment IMHO.
      You can’t do without Chinese goods, but at least we can kinda match China’s boycott with one of our own where we can.

      • serpserpserp on 05/01/2022 - 09:38
        +1

        What Australian car should we be buying?

      • Jackson on 05/01/2022 - 09:49

        tribalism at it's finest

      • Euphemistic on 06/01/2022 - 06:27

        Ooohh. Not buying 7 Chinese cars…. that’s really gonna hurt them.

  • MrScrew on 03/01/2022 - 09:34
    +1

    My wife and I where in a similar situation, we had a Rav4 that we found wasn't big enough for our needs so we traded it for a CX-9. We find it perfect for us but we are regional, you could look at the CX-8 for city driving if you find the CX-5 to small.

  • SS625 on 03/01/2022 - 09:44

    Heaps of my friends with kids going for RAV4 and cx5. I'm in a similar boat and looking for a SUV. I think I will be focusing on those two models. Maybe a cx8 or cx9 as well. Can't go wrong with Mazda or Toyota at the end of the day

    • shrek4 on 03/01/2022 - 10:50
      +2

      We were considering both those models and ended up putting an order in for the new Kia Sportage. Waiting for delivery. The new model has heaps of features and value and many great reviews.

      • SS625 on 04/01/2022 - 09:18

        cool, i heard many good things about the koreans car. my brother loves his 2019 i30

      • yellowfever on 09/01/2022 - 11:10

        the 2022 Kia Sportage looks amazing. I have sat in one. It is also the longer wheelbase in Australia, which is good. Boot space is equivalent to RAV4. Features and interior is far superior than a RAV4.

  • brendanm on 03/01/2022 - 10:19
    +1

    Have you had a car with pano roof? They are pretty overrated.

    • Muscles on 03/01/2022 - 10:23

      I haven’t actually… definitely not needed I guess.
      Can I get your thoughts why though?

      • brendanm on 03/01/2022 - 10:29
        +6

        I find I personally don't use it very often, little one likes to watch rain or the stars through it. On hot days, gets hotter inside than a non pano roof version. Not something I would personally put on a "must have" list.

        • entropysbane on 03/01/2022 - 13:14
          +1

          Same here. It wasn't something that is a decider for me. Probably used it about five times in a year, it’s a novelty like, but Mrs Entropy doesn’t like it.

      • tomleonhart on 05/01/2022 - 06:53

        My old Peugeot 308 had a panoramic moon roof, span from the front panel until the booth. It was huge. I thought it was cool then I realise I open it like… 3 times over the course of 2 years.

        I left the shade open one day and came back to the car, I swear I could make A nice roast dinner in it.

    • 87percent on 03/01/2022 - 11:10
      +1

      Yeah I agree. I’ve opened my pano roof maybe 3x since I’ve had it. (Once was probably the first time I got the car)

    • original15 on 03/01/2022 - 11:51

      Agree, the additional light is nice but we open it incredibly rarely

    • tight-ass on 03/01/2022 - 11:54
      +4

      Panoramic roofs / sun roofs are definitely overrated. We have a sun roof on our CX9 & don't use it, so the shade cover is always closed.

      Also got a Tesla 3 at work with the panoramic sun roof and hate it…..the cabin of the car is super bright & you can feel the heat radiating through the glass, especially in summer. To make matters worse the Tesla doesn't even have a shade cover you can use to block the light / heat.

    • nubzy on 03/01/2022 - 12:14
      +2

      Disagree. I have a fixed pano roof and love it. Makes the cabin a much more pleasant place.

      • tight-ass on 03/01/2022 - 12:26

        Does it at least have shade cover?

        We've been having some pretty long hot spells here in Perth this summer and not having a shade cover makes it unbearable.

        • nubzy on 03/01/2022 - 12:28
          +1

          Yes it does have a shade cover. I do close it a bit during the peak of summer, but even open it's not too bad with the A/C on. I love it.

      • brendanm on 03/01/2022 - 12:52

        It makes it a lot hotter place.

    • dcep on 03/01/2022 - 13:45

      overated for driver but not passenger

    • Koolness on 05/01/2022 - 15:31
      +1

      I have a pano roof and I love it. Figured that if I'm going to try to hold onto it for the next 10 years then I might as well try to fully option it out… please don't fail me vw reliability lol
      It's great at night and overcast days, not so when the suns blazing but the sun shad does its job.
      My main issue with the pano roof is losing the extra sunglasses storage compartments overhead

      • brendanm on 05/01/2022 - 16:01

        Yeah I'm sure its probably ok most of the time in Melbourne, sucks up here though. My vw is 10 this year, pano roof still going strong, so fingers crossed you should be good.

  • TruthNuke on 03/01/2022 - 10:23
    +1

    SUV for city driving

    Cringe.

    • Muscles on 03/01/2022 - 10:25
      +2

      I hear you however I would probably be happy keeping my Kia cerato hatchback however it does help getting the Bub in and out in terms of height.

      • serpserpserp on 05/01/2022 - 09:42
        +1

        You'll manage. Bub won't be small for long and you'll drive much less with a baby anyway.

    • rektrading on 03/01/2022 - 11:15
      +2

      It beats using filthy public transport.

    • entropysbane on 03/01/2022 - 13:30

      For getting kids in and out can’t be beat. Also if you have a three row for occasional use versatile, particular in primary school/ early high school for sport, dance etc when you are ferrying a horde.
      We used the third row two or three times a week at one stage after school, nit so much now kids are older.

  • nubzy on 03/01/2022 - 10:25

    Escape Vignale or Peugeot 3008 GT Line

  • Shnenz on 03/01/2022 - 10:32
    +2

    We have a Forester Sport, It has many if not all of your boxes ticked and comes in at around 45k. We were previously Mazda owners (had three straight) and initially gravitated towards the CX5 but the Subie was just better value and had everything we wanted for money. I personally don't get the hate the cvt gets I think it drives quite well and couples well with the standard awd system. Maybe test drive one and see if you still want to spend another 15k for an automatic gearbox.

    • entropysbane on 03/01/2022 - 13:32

      People dislike CVTs as they can be noisy, a,plthough recent versions can be less so. I want to love the subie, but really they need to do do thing about powerrrr.

      • TheTinMan on 06/01/2022 - 10:15

        Totally Agree We have an older turbo forester and love it, but need to replace it, and although the new foresters have great interiors and space, the (lack of) power is a deal breaker for us - leaning towards the Mazda cx-5 …..

  • Stalker on 03/01/2022 - 10:52

    Would you consider an approx 5 year year old Audi SQ5? We've had one for 4 years (dealer demo) and it's been flawless. Great fun to drive and super practical with 2 kids and a labrador. You should be able to find a nice low km example well within your price range. :) Good luck!

    • May4th on 03/01/2022 - 11:20
      +3

      it'll be a nicer drive i'm sure but i like to sleep at night so an out of warranty euro isn't appealing on that front

    • [Deactivated] on 03/01/2022 - 12:38

      The Audi Q5 is one of the least reliable SUVs money can buy. You've been lucky, but that's not the norm.

  • Baysew on 03/01/2022 - 11:08
    -1

    Above $70k is the sweet spot for OzBargain.

  • apple2016 on 03/01/2022 - 11:31
    +1

    I want to narrow down the list first and obtain input.

    The best way to do this is test drive unless its chauffeur driven!

  • original15 on 03/01/2022 - 11:52
    +1

    If thinking about having another child in the next few years encourage you to look at bigger models
    We got a Tucson for first child and now with two it’s borderline too small for packing for a trip away

    I mean I know you’re looking for city driving but just a thought

  • JohnSy on 03/01/2022 - 12:30
    +1

    For our first child we bought a CX5 - but we found the passenger seat was pushed quite forward with the rear facing carseat. When the second child was born we bought a Subaru Outback - it is a little bit bigger so didn't have the same problem. We still have both cars, and use the outback for daily use and I just drive the CX5 to work.

  • dcep on 03/01/2022 - 12:41
    +1

    2022 mitsi outlander phev

  • UnknownUser74 on 03/01/2022 - 13:03

    Maybe a Pre owned Hyundai Genesis GV80.

    • entropysbane on 03/01/2022 - 13:15

      Are there many of those around?

      • UnknownUser74 on 03/01/2022 - 13:17

        Just had a look on Carsles not many at that price, unfortunately. Probably have to wait a few more years. Perhaps not the best option at this stage.

        • entropysbane on 03/01/2022 - 13:36

          I would expect they are like Volvo Xc90s. Held onto family lux cars.
          They are less likely than other Volvo or genesis models to turn up cheap as the three year business lease comes to an end.

  • Islund on 03/01/2022 - 13:07

    pre-loved range rover?

    • UnknownUser74 on 03/01/2022 - 13:18
      +1

      Reliability? No doubt you could find Range Rovers at that price but reliability and long-term ownership might be an issue.

      • Islund on 03/01/2022 - 13:19

        I guess so. But then you can't take it with you…………………..

        • dcep on 03/01/2022 - 13:50

          would love a 11 year old evoque at 20k

          still looking beautiful to this date

          not sure about reliability though

          • [Deactivated] on 03/01/2022 - 15:17
            +2

            @dcep: The Evoque is junk. It's a rebodied Freelander, which itself is a rebodied 2005 Ford Mondeo, except it comes with less reliable engines and gearboxes. And the practicality is terrible with the sloping roof. I hit my head getting in and out. Just a junk car aimed at aspirants who think it's a Range Rover. Not a Range Rover.

      • nubzy on 03/01/2022 - 13:35

        You can get lucky with Land Rover. I know a few people with Discoveries, no major issues to speak of. As with all cars, service history is everything. And on the second hand market they can be great value if you want a capable and luxurious 4WD. I’m not scared of buying a well serviced out of warranty Euro at all, much rather that than buy a brand new Kia or Hyundai.

        • UnknownUser74 on 03/01/2022 - 13:40
          +1

          I agree with you that service history is important. But I wouldn't want to own a Land Rover or Range Rover outside of the allocated warranty period.

    • Ade99 on 04/01/2022 - 08:13
      -2

      LR's fine until around 120,000 km then starts to degrade very quickly in price and risk goes up that something major will break!

  • May4th on 03/01/2022 - 14:59
    +1

    CX-9, Kruger (hybrid or petrol), peugeot 5007, tiguan allspace

  • ozbargainsam on 03/01/2022 - 17:04

    We ended up getting parents the 2021 Tiguan Elegance 147TDI with the sound/vision, luxury, and pano sunroof for 63k.

    Obviously a bit higher than what I was originally looking at but it is more car. Car has way more features than they would use but it would

    • 360 cameras much better than the other cars I was looking at
    • wireless CarPlay (has Android Auto but not sure about wireless)
    • interior is nicely appointed
    • the pano sunroof doesn't really add much to the heat of the cabin but allows a nice natural light to fill
    • the centre console screen is really high-res and relatively easy to use
    • assisted driving on highway (active steering) works a charm

    But

    • ride is a little harsher than I like (I didn't get to test drive other cars on this aspect)
    • nubzy on 03/01/2022 - 17:07

      The Tiguan is quite nice but I am wondering if you compared to 3008/5008?

      • [Deactivated] on 03/01/2022 - 17:09
        -1

        Lol.

        • tonyjzx on 10/01/2022 - 18:00

          lol

          you would gamble on the worst VW product over the best french product

  • lainey13 on 03/01/2022 - 20:01
    +3

    I have the CX-5, upgraded from a corolla hatchback for incoming baby. Its really not that big once the rear facing seat is in and the pram fills the boot. Drives great though (got the GT turbo). With a capsule the front passenger was too small for my husband (just under 6 feet). Was a tight squeeze for me (just over 5 feet). With the rear facing kid seat he can just get in, while I have enough room to be comfortable.

    • azhar7772 on 04/01/2022 - 13:51

      Not sure if you need the GT Turbo with the baby capsule in the car. Lol. Yeah Mazdas are not that big inside.

      • serpserpserp on 05/01/2022 - 20:36

        Mazdas have a history of being terrible with baby seats, know a few that were shocking 10-15 years ago

    • Muscles on 06/01/2022 - 08:11

      Thank you, this gives me insight, we are approx the same heights.
      Sounds like it’s not great but still possible in a worst case scenario.

  • Boogerman on 04/01/2022 - 08:01
    -1

    If you can, hold off until the Tesla Model Y goes on sale shortly
    Running costs & depreciation are far lower than any SUV, including Porsche
    Rear wheel drive might fall inside your price bracket, all wheel drive might be around $85K - but due to aforementioned cost savings, it will be cheaper over 5 years than any car you mentioned
    Expect depreciation on ICEVs to accelerate as they come closer to being 'stranded assets'

    • Ade99 on 04/01/2022 - 08:16
      -1

      issues still around endurance and availability of suitable recharge points (especially if not in metro area). In addition lotsof new EV taxes appearing , like in Victoria.

      • Boogerman on 04/01/2022 - 08:26
        +2

        EVs last longer than ICEVs - far fewer moving parts, which themselves wear & need servicing
        With the increasing prevalence of regional fast chargers, we are getting to the point of being able to travel anywhere
        You could argue Mallacoota & its surrounds is the only out of place area in Victoria for some EVs. This will probably be eliminated this year

        • tonyjzx on 10/01/2022 - 18:32

          i think you'll be waiting a while and i doubt you'll get anything for under $80k

          i mean why would elon even bother… he knows he could sell every Model Y for top dollar here

          i'm pretty sure there are no RHD models on the roads as yet… even the UK HK JP will be before us

          • Boogerman on 10/01/2022 - 20:43

            @tonyjzx: ”If you can, hold off until the Tesla Model Y goes on sale shortly”

  • Thejustin on 04/01/2022 - 08:07

    We got the Tiguan all space highline (same engine as golf gti) which is slightly longer and has 7 seats. The petrol model is quite good on fuel economy (particularly on long drives) and a pleasure to drive - much cheaper than other European cars but feels well built and premium

  • btech on 04/01/2022 - 11:14
    +1

    +1 Škoda Kodiaq. Is basically an Audi/VW equivalent. Has everything you want and more. Comes in under your budget. I think it's severely underrated in these threads. Unless you care about the badge I don't see why you'd buy a VW or even Audi because this is basically the same thing. In my personal opinion, which is very subjective of course, it's better than the Santa Fe and CX-9 and previous gen Kia (haven't driven the new Sorrento). I strongly suggest you at least have a look at it.

    Edit: before I get slammed, of course people should (and do) buy VW and Audi if they prefer them for whatever reason.

    • serpserpserp on 05/01/2022 - 20:44

      Do you own a Kodiaq?

      I currently own a Skoda and love the car/brand, but it is a step down from a comfortline equivalent and definitely a step down from Audi, having also had extensive drive time in those cars too. 6-7 years ago Skoda was great value, but as time has gone on, the gap in pricing has shrunk, but you still get stiffed on dampeners and other finishes that make a VW a more comfortable ride and Audi is a step up from there (if you aren't looking at the cheapest base Audi to buy.)

      • btech on 06/01/2022 - 11:18

        I do, yes. I also have owned several Audis. I won't argue that there is definitely a space for all of the brands in the market and people will have their preferences. In my personal, subjective opinion, the Skoda is up there for quality and ride (and everything else) with VW and Audi (for the price). For value, it's worth consideration and this is ozbargain after all 😊

        • serpserpserp on 06/01/2022 - 11:38

          Do you own a Kodiaq RS model? I just found the top of the line model to be really underwhelming for the price you pay, and comfort and ride wise, just not in the same class as even a mid-spec VW.

          • btech on 06/01/2022 - 12:59

            @serpserpserp: It's interesting. We have the 132tsi which would be classed as the 'Style' now. It's fully specced though and has the adjustable suspension and the ride is excellent. I don't have experience with the RS specifically but likely a sportier (harsher?) ride. I would expect (as an assumption) that the Audi SQ would be far superior (but again, at a significant price difference). I guess it goes to show that it really is a highly personal experience choosing a car and nothing is better than personally trying the options.

            • serpserpserp on 06/01/2022 - 15:06

              @btech: True. I want any family car to drive like a cloud, be quiet inside but have enough guts when you need it. I wouldn't want a sporty ride unless I actually bought a sports car. I don't mind a sportier look I guess.

              Still I think that RS's are a bit of a rip now. But if you want performance on a budget I guess it is worth a look.

  • lew380 on 04/01/2022 - 13:06

    Tesla model x

    • [Deactivated] on 05/01/2022 - 20:58

      Not on sale and more than double the OPs price range when it comes back here in 2023. Did you ever read the title?

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