SUV AWD v FWD v Alternatives - Budget $35k Maximum

Francis82 on 10/02/2022 - 12:03
Last edited 10/02/2022 - 12:34 by 1 other user

Hi looking for good advice on SUVs, the time has come to change family car. All the rage seems to be SUVs. Will be driven 20k annually,90 percent daily commute/shopping/school run for my wife on bitumen in Perth. Rest probably parking on the grass/dirt at dog walking areas

I see AWD seems to have a fair bit of a premium price/costs over FWD, is it really worth it for our needs, much difference in daily driving and dry/wet, although it only rains about 3 weeks of the year here. LOL.

We've both only ever had FWD hatchbacks, she wants the SUV, my thoughts Mazda 6 wagon, Skoda or Subaru outback could be an alternative and not as mummy wagonish for when I'm driving it

Family of four 2 very young kids and dog hoping to keep at least 5 years max budget $35k

Automotive

Comments

  • askme69 on 10/02/2022 - 12:15
    +9

    Don't forget SUV are often compromised on interior/luggage space.

    PS: FWD is fine for your needs.

    • Francis82 on 10/02/2022 - 12:19

      Cheers we haven't thought of that just assumed it would have more than an astra or civic

      • p1 ama on 10/02/2022 - 15:22
        +1

        Why would you just assume that?

        • Francis82 on 10/02/2022 - 15:52
          +1

          Maybe it's because they seem more family friendly or more popular these days ,I assume there something going for them

          • Slippery Fish on 13/02/2022 - 11:22
            -1

            @Francis82: Check out haval jolion or h6, both nice to drive.

            • Euphemistic on 13/02/2022 - 11:43

              @Slippery Fish: But beware the depreciation. Or gonna tell you not to buy, but cheap with a relatively short history in Aus doesn’t inspire confidence in used consumers later on

              • Slippery Fish on 13/02/2022 - 14:29

                @Euphemistic: 7 year warranty, by then they will have almost a decade…

                But yes, they likely depreciate more but cost less so it should be ok.

    • capslock janitor on 12/02/2022 - 12:31

      why's that?

  • MrThing on 10/02/2022 - 12:18
    +9

    urban use AWD vehicles are a con, dont buy into it.

    Sure they might handle a little better in the wet and on gravel and tow a little bit more (marginally)….but really its unnecessary for an extra 5,000 or more?

    • Francis82 on 10/02/2022 - 12:36

      Would you say the driving in the rain experience is really tangible or with a full family and boot loaded up in AWD v fwd in dry conditions also?

      • tonyjzx on 10/02/2022 - 12:56
        +4

        fwd is fine, if you like wheelspin

        but in the real world does one ask the same question about a Camry? its fwd too

        fwd suvs are fine unlike what subaru would like you to beleive

        • Francis82 on 10/02/2022 - 15:56

          I personally like the modern camry ,never driven one, but I find the sedan restrictive with a dog and loading big shi it into where I can fold the seats good in a hatch ,so assuming prams etc more forgiving also in a SUV

      • [Deactivated] on 10/02/2022 - 13:06
        +18

        @Francis82

        Coming from a predominately FWD , then dipping into RWD and settling now on AWD .. i can tell you from experience its 90% everything to do with running a good set of tyres on the car and not skimping out and checking tyre pressures regularly to make sure everything is optimal.

        AWD means the car will be heavier by default , consume more fuel ..additionally more moving parts (more things that can go wrong and expensive down the line)

        For your lifestyle and what you will be using the car for its completely overkill and a waste of money.

        I will tell you for a fact that 80% of the time you will be driving in a straight line and the last 20% around bends and of those 20% of bends you might actually use the AWD capability to its full in around 5% of that.

        People often forget the moment you take your foot off the accelerator its bye bye AWD , to truly drive one you need to be that type of driver that isn't afraid to accelerate and carry speed through a corner , on the other hand with a FWD vehicle if you go too far over you can back off the accelerator and then tighten in your line without overly upsetting the car ….RWD is similar but can be a little more tricky in wet weather conditions. Ultimately unless your an aggressive driver AWD will be wasted on yourself.

        Speaking of wet weather conditions , AWD, or 4WD, has absolutely nothing to do with fending off vehicle hydroplaning or loss of control. ABS and EBD systems can assists but your AWD system will be inconsequential. Good quality tires, with adequate tread depth, are what is necessary to reduce the risk of hydroplaning and loss of control.

        At the end of the day its your money mate and if getting AWD makes you feel "safer" then by all means , you just have to understand the conditions you need to drive in to take full benefit of it.

        Last but not least when it comes to changing tyres you will have to change 4 in one go rather then 2 , because even if you do a tyre rotation you are still "relatively" getting even wear across all 4 axles (unless its a non "always on" AWD) and that might mean $1200+ in one go for a tyre swap vs half that amount if you went with a FWD or RWD by comparison…

        • Francis82 on 10/02/2022 - 15:46
          +1

          Many thanks awesome feedback

        • mtrkr on 10/02/2022 - 17:03
          +2

          spot on, so much this OP - good tyres, well maintained, does wonders regardless of weather. Can confirm that while AWD can make a (v.marginal) difference in bad snow blizzards, when we lived northeast cities of USA, our Mazda5 (sadly not sold in oz, but wonderful compact/sleek peoplemover, with ideal toddler seating) did the snow, the wet and stinky humid summers great with good quality Bridgestones. The electronic trickery of traction control systems in the Mazda5 got us thru scary snow storms on freeways safely where big SUVs spun freely, presumably with tyres and power wrongly applied? Similar experiences but in just wet storms in Sydney in our Mazda 6 wagon - again, good tyres made the difference. Also, the Mazda 6 wagon can be recommended for both space, toddler seats' practicality, and (some) driving enjoyment on paved roads, certainly compared to any SUV ;)

        • redvaldez on 11/02/2022 - 10:52
          +2

          I completely agree with your post. But as an aside, I find it incredibly ironic when people spruik the safety and handling benefits of an AWD car, just to run cheap or worn tyres. Your AWD is going to do jack-all when you are forced into an emergency braking situation in the wet…

        • knasty on 12/02/2022 - 11:50
          +1

          This is a great point. Manufacturers put really high treadwear low grip tyres on FWD SUVs as standard, with really hard brake pads meaning no feel. When I replaced the Kumhos and stock brake pads with proper quality tyres and pads it handled like a different vehicle.

      • p1 ama on 10/02/2022 - 15:27
        +1

        You're spending 35K, actually spend your budget on something worthwhile.

        For that price, you can get a really good hatchback, or an average SUV. You're already choosing the average SUV, why would you choose to bump that down further to a crappy AWD SUV. The more things you ask for, the less your budget goes.

        You're looking for a soccer mum car to drive around the suburbs, not to carry speed through corners. Forget the AWD, I'd personally also forget the SUV too for your budget.

        • MrThing on 10/02/2022 - 15:42

          I agree, get a good make or high spec SUV with FWD and for-go AWD

          rather than compromise and buy a haval AWD vs Mazda or Toyota SUV in FWD

          I like mid sized SUV for the space and also ride height means less bending down at the boot / getting kids in and out

        • Francis82 on 10/02/2022 - 15:43

          Many thanks for the reply What would you suggest ?

          • MrThing on 12/02/2022 - 23:43

            @Francis82: toyota or mazda anything within your price range.

            cant go wrong

        • Francis82 on 10/02/2022 - 15:48

          Many thanks would would you go for if that was max budget

          • Boomstick on 11/02/2022 - 09:16
            +2

            @Francis82: Be wary of people who make comments and have never owned vehicles. Seek out those who’ve driven and owned a few of these.

    • Brick Tamland on 12/02/2022 - 10:44

      Yep definitely a con. I can drive my non-AWD everywhere including through hilly gravel tracks in parks. Although when I get to the parking area every other car is a AWD or 4WD.

  • pao2x on 10/02/2022 - 12:26
    +1

    The wagons your considering are very good choices. The only downside is it is set lower and bending your back a bit more to reach babies, child seat etc

    • Francis82 on 10/02/2022 - 12:28

      Cheers mate for the reply you pretty much nailed it why she was pulling for more the SUV about bending and pulling and reaching for seat and kids.

      • Nugs on 10/02/2022 - 12:38

        "bending and pulling and reaching". Sounds like exercise, unless have an ailment
        .

        • Francis82 on 10/02/2022 - 12:40
          +1

          Haha I here ya,but try telling that too a woman who's pregnant or difficult children and she does get a bad back occasionally

          • [Deactivated] on 10/02/2022 - 13:57

            @Francis82: How tall is she? If shes under 165, she will hate the suv.

            • Francis82 on 10/02/2022 - 15:49

              @[Deactivated]: 157 or around 5ft 2in! Ha ,what's your suggestions and what has been your experiences

              • [Deactivated] on 10/02/2022 - 16:01
                +2

                @Francis82: Best for her to try it and see whether the cars is the right height. Trying to tie down a 13kg 2yr old toddler chucking a tanty wont be pleasant if the car is too tall.

                check out the honda odessey… An absolutely sht car to drive… But works like a dream for the passenger and fetching kids around.

      • jacross on 11/02/2022 - 19:01

        I have a Subaru Liberty. I have no issues and notice no real appreciable difference between getting my kids out of the Liberty, getting them out of my mum's Trax, and getting them out of my MILs Rav 4 and Ford Territory. My wife has a reasonably bad back and is also okay.

        The car's being set lower is a good thing. It means they have acceptable driveability and handling whereas driving an SUv is like driving a tippy box of sadness and bad times.

        But go to some dealerships and mime getting your kids in and out. I did the same thing when I last purchased a car.

    • askme69 on 10/02/2022 - 22:25
      -2

      If this is a buying decison, what has the world come too.

      Women are far too soft nowadays.

      • jacross on 11/02/2022 - 19:01
        +1

        As a parent with children I took into consideration but still bought a wagon because wagons are awesome.

  • RockyRaccoon on 10/02/2022 - 12:42

    Look at this

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icqgT0xbHgM

  • YRT on 10/02/2022 - 12:50

    We like our 4WD (AWD Haldex) overall. Ours has 5% - 10% power sent to rear wheels during normal driving; the handling is better, much like the feel of RWD when chucked around in a corner.

    Fuel economy is not good - 0.9L/100km heavier than FWD model.

    • Francis82 on 10/02/2022 - 13:50

      What is your car

      • [Deactivated] on 10/02/2022 - 13:56

        Sounds like a vw group car with haldex.

        • YRT on 10/02/2022 - 15:35

          2021 H6 4WD. :)

          $35K would probably still get you a small Mazda AWD.

  • Muzeeb on 10/02/2022 - 12:52
    +3

    CX30 G20 Pure might be an option.

    Heaps of safety tech, looks more sedan than SUV and a little higher for kid access.

    You will need to check boot space though for strollers, dog etc.

    Think they are about $35k

    You don't need AWD for your use and the FWD generally use less fuel also.

    • Francis82 on 10/02/2022 - 15:57

      Cheers many thanks 👍

    • Euphemistic on 10/02/2022 - 16:07
      +1

      CX30 is Mazda 3 sized. Not really big for a family.

      • Muzeeb on 10/02/2022 - 16:13

        2 very young kids and probably for 5 years

        Should be ok for that.

        I think rear storage space will be the issue here.

  • Switchblade88 on 10/02/2022 - 12:56
    +2

    AWD can be overrated. My Sorento had it but given it was on-demand, it would normally drive FWD only for efficiency. The couple of times it actually kicked in I was already up to the wheel arches in mud and it was the vehicle mass that was more helpful than another two wheels also slipping.

    By the time you are interested in off-roading etc, you'd be skipping AWDs and going straight to a proper 4WD like a Cruiser that will actually handle loss of traction. But that generally doesn't apply to any of us that live on a paved street, moreso farmers and rural/remote people instead.

    I'd recommend the MG HS plugin hybrid for its' efficiency, but that's also above your budget at $46k unless you do your sums to show how much fuel you'll save every year.

    • Francis82 on 10/02/2022 - 15:59

      Cheers I could see that happening too also with the awd

  • pegaxs on 10/02/2022 - 13:41
    +5

    is it really worth it for our needs

    No.

  • [Deactivated] on 10/02/2022 - 13:49
    +4

    Many believe they 'need' an awd for day to day driving and 99.9% of those people wont need or even notice the difference of an awd vs fwd. Load of BS with the so call traction/handling when driving normally on a public road…

    I do notice the difference at sub 100km/hr powering out of an apex with the sti. I do also notice the post turn in acceleration out of a corner with the mx5…

    Day to day commute and not driving like a dxxk on a public road, within speed limit… Fwd will do fine, cheaper to maintain too. Like what many others have said, invest in a decent set of road tyres and ensure brakes are maintained… That's about it. We even managed to navigate through the muddy carpark on a rainy day at a farm on the ford focus, it was fine, be very gentle on the accelerator.

    • Francis82 on 10/02/2022 - 16:04

      Fairpoints 👍

  • Snake 4 on 10/02/2022 - 14:02
    -7

    Surely people are allowed to buy the vehicle they want without half arsed comments from others. How does a total stranger with comments as this You don't need AWD for your use know what is fine for your needs?

    Buy what you want to buy and don't worry about what anyone else thinks. It's your life, your enjoyment and your money.

    If someone wants a MG, who cares? If another wants a Hummer, who cares?

    • p1 ama on 10/02/2022 - 15:28
      +2

      If someone wants a MG, who cares? If another wants a Hummer, who cares?

      Sure, but if you're asking for an opinion on an MG, then I'll give it to you, even if you might not like it.

      If you just want to get an MG, then just get an MG and don't post on forums to ask about it if you don't want to hear from others.

      • Snake 4 on 10/02/2022 - 16:58

        This is the last place I would come for car buying advice.

    • Euphemistic on 10/02/2022 - 16:10
      +4

      In this case the OP actually asked for a response and even outlined their usage case. Why wouldn’t we answer?

      AWD isn’t necessary for 90% (probably more like 98%) on road and a little parking on the grass.

      • Snake 4 on 10/02/2022 - 16:59
        -1

        There is a difference in answering to telling the OP You don't need AWD for your use

        • Euphemistic on 10/02/2022 - 17:09
          +3

          OP does NOT need AWD for their use.

        • RockyRaccoon on 10/02/2022 - 17:40
          +1

          So will preferencing such opinions with ….

          IMHO, and without prejudice, or qualification, based on the information provided, this might be worth considering….

          satisfy you

        • p1 ama on 10/02/2022 - 21:57
          +1

          It's true that for what OP wants to do, i.e. suburban driving (even in the rain) will not require AWD. Not a matter of opinion.

          If OP wants AWD, then OP should get AWD, doesn't change the fact OP doesn't need AWD. Same goes for if you ask me whether you need a Ferrari. No, you do not need a Ferrari. However, if you want a Ferrari, you should get one, doesn't change the fact you don't need it.

  • Oofy Doofy on 10/02/2022 - 14:21

    Buy a real 4WD or don't buy one at all, is my advice. I've done it myself, wouldn't do it again. Unless you're actually going off-road and doing some Overlanding and camping etc, honestly just get a FWD vehicle. 4WD vehicles that are more commuter town cars (soft off-roaders) don't cut the mustard off-road and they're too low anyway.

    Vehicle advice? A reliable late model Mitsubishi Outlander (not the new Nissan/Renault/Mitsu one) with the CVT, FWD. They've had a long life cycle, so all the issues have been ironed out and they've proven themselves over the last 10 years. Service it every 7500km and replace the transmission fluid every 2nd service.

  • toomuchdogfur on 10/02/2022 - 14:33
    +2

    I had an AWD Subaru Liberty 3.6R and I did really enjoy that absolutely nothing fazed it - even doing a hard right from a dead stop in the rain.

    Having said that, the only times I've triggered traction control on every other FWD car I drove was when doing dumb things, 99.99% of the time because I was trying to beat a light or car.

    If you're a careful, prim and proper driver, FWD will be fine. Remember that regardless of FWD or AWD, your car still brakes using all four wheels and most hazards are avoided by stopping rather than speeding up.

  • brad1-8tsi on 10/02/2022 - 14:42

    I've owned 5+ FWD, 3 AWD, 20+RWD and currently a vehicle I can swap from RWD to AWD to 4WD.

    If the option is there I would buy an AWD.
    I like the lack of wheel spin if you have to do a quick launch out of a T-intersection.
    Not having to turn back if the track / farm driveway / country dirt road I'm on gets a little difficult.
    Sure it uses a bit more fuel but I think the trade-off is worth it.
    I also think the AWD will retain value better and be easier to sell

    • Francis82 on 10/02/2022 - 16:06

      Very true I can see the awd hold there prices more ,have you ever had a Honda CR-V or mazda , Toyotas looks a bit over priced tbh

      • brad1-8tsi on 10/02/2022 - 20:34

        I've had 2x Subaru Outback and a Liberty. I wouldn't buy a current Subaru due to CVT transmission and head gasket problems although I do like the look/size of the XV.

        Currently have a Pajero Sport

        I'd get the Mazda CX-5 if that's the size you are after. My SIL has one and it's a nice car.
        Have a look at https://youtu.be/kYhxevjBuMg for the best engine type

        Here are some other choices https://youtu.be/qja_PKyiECE

        Unless there's a miracle, Honda won't be in Australia in 5 years.

        • Euphemistic on 11/02/2022 - 06:31

          head gasket problems

          Really? This is so old. There are millions of Subaru’s out there with well over 200,000km and still going strong. If head gasket problems were really a thing don’t you think they’d pack it in prematurely and no one would but them.

          • brad1-8tsi on 14/02/2022 - 21:48

            @Euphemistic: people buy cars with issues all the time. Look at the popularity of VW product.

  • tonyjzx on 10/02/2022 - 16:36

    i think OP is seriously overthinking things

    if you owned a hatch then just buy a fwd compact suv that suits your needs

    thats' it

    these compact suvs have crummy fwd systems anyway…

    even if you spend the $2-$3k whatever for 4wd then what does it matter

    that money isnt a big deal (or you would stick with a hatchback) and the mpg difference isnt that big a deal anyway

    there's people out there who buy hiluxes who rarely go off the beaten path so to speak

  • Snake 4 on 10/02/2022 - 16:55
    -4

    You don't need AWD for your use Is telling the OP what he doesn't need.

    I think people spending hours gaming on a computer is brain numbing but I don't give a rats if they do. I certainly don't come here telling them they shouldn't do it.

    • Euphemistic on 10/02/2022 - 17:16
      +2

      i think people coming onto a forum and giving the opposite of an answer to a fairly specific question (twice) is a waste of time…. and I’m now pointing that out because I’m stuck in isolation and have nothing better to do.

      I’m not going to tell you not to do it however, just pointing out the futility of the post.

  • Drakesy on 10/02/2022 - 18:12
    -1

    HAVAL JOLION
    WHEN GOOD LOOKS TRUMP MECHANICAL RELIABILTY!

    • YRT on 10/02/2022 - 19:19

      don't think so, their reliability is just under toyota in China (~79/100 vs 80 from memory) and is widely seen as a toyota alternative there.

      Heavy on fuel, yes. Torson beam rear suspension, yes. These are some reasons we went with H6.

  • spad on 10/02/2022 - 18:53
    +1

    for city driving, unless you accelerate very hard from standstill very often, FWD is fine. I doubt how powerful a engine can be given your 35k budget
    AWD only helps when you accelerate, it does nothing when you brake or driving at constant speed, simple physics. Only tires and suspension can give you more grip

  • nephilim on 10/02/2022 - 22:31
    +1

    Suzuki Vitara turbo 4x4?
    Their 38.5k drive away, so could haggle down to 35k.

    Only real neg is they are dated, Europe has gotten 2 different hybrid versions in last few years. Australia is still stuck in 2015 (Ignis, swift and baleno from 2017).

    • Slippery Otter on 12/02/2022 - 11:58

      Eyeing the Ignis Hybrid and Swift Sport Hybrid!

  • thrillhouse on 11/02/2022 - 08:37
    +1

    Since you mentioned wagon, you absolutely should consider a SKODA Octavia Wagon. Pricing is a bit ridiculous right now (for all cars, really), but they're a great buy and generally are more well equipped for the money vs a Golf Wagon (which they are identical to). I'm not a Skoda shill, I don't own one (have a VW) but have spent a lot of time researching and driving them.

    SUVs offer nothing more than a higher seating position and more ground clearance. Neither of which you need for your use-case.

    savethewagon

    • jacross on 22/02/2022 - 14:38

      I also don't own a Skoda but they seemed fantastic when I looked into buying a wagon a few years ago. The only reason I didn't get one was because I was in the used market and there werent' as many going around (and I found a Subaru liberty for a very good deal).

      Re SUVs, for the higher ground clearance and seating position you also get poor driveability, handling, feel.

      Wagons4eva!

  • Exclsior on 11/02/2022 - 09:03
    +3

    There's an about year old now Youtube channel called ReDriven which specifically focuses on reviewing Used Cars in the Australian Market and focuses on cost, maintenance and reliability and made by an Aussie Car Journalist and Aussie Mechanic. They have recently done videos specifically on SUVs under $30,000 (both best and worst) which may help you.

    The prices quoted on their slightly older videos are a bit lower than you'll find on the market thanks to COVID, but still a good rough guide and the only resource I've found that actually talks about out-of-warranty maintenance costs in Australia.

    I highly recommend checking out their website Redriven.com as they have cheat sheets for cars reviewed (not a lot of cars yet as they're new) and their "Top 5" lists for best and worst on Youtube.

    Relevant Vids for you, but check out their other videos for other cars you're considering:
    - Top 5 SUVs UNDER $30,000
    - Top 5 WORST SUVs UNDER $30,000
    - Top 5 FAMILY CARS under $30,000. NO SUVs (Mazda 6 GT Wagon is their top pick)

    Not affiliated with these guys at all, just want them to get views/traffic so they keep reviewing used cars

    • Francis82 on 13/02/2022 - 19:56

      Thankyou looks a great YouTube channel !

      • Exclsior on 14/02/2022 - 09:32

        You're welcome Francis, hope it's helpful!

  • Boomstick on 11/02/2022 - 09:25
    +2

    My wife and I did this dance about four months ago. We were looking at all the options from sedans, wagons and mid-size SUV. We test drove about 20 cars and landed on the Haval H6. For use it came down to the below:

    Comfort
    Rear leg room for passengers
    7 year warranty / unlimited KM
    Towing capacity
    Features
    Price

    We chose the H6 Ultra FWD and haven’t got a complaint to offer. I would only recommend ( if they’re in your region) keeping miles away from any Westpoint Dealership, that was our only mistake.

    We also chose FWD because of three reasons:
    Servicing costs were 20-30% more for AWD
    Fuels consumption was higher
    We were never going to take this car to the snow.

    We got a brand new car for 39000 with all the bells whistles and safety tech where’d for similar spec other companies ask $47000 to $60000.

    My recommendation?
    Test drive them all.
    Take the baby seats, how easy are they to fit, how well do you fit.
    How much shopping can you get in the back with a pram, change bags, and some toys that you’d take to the park? Can you fit your dog with the picnic set?

    Test the practicality of each car and drive them, like do 100KM drive them.

    The dealer is there for you to be accommodated, use this to your advantage and see what works.

    • Francis82 on 11/02/2022 - 14:42

      Thanks for the awesome feedback will definitely read up about it🙌

    • p1 ama on 14/02/2022 - 01:52

      How much shopping can you get in the back with a pram, change bags, and some toys that you’d take to the park? Can you fit your dog with the picnic set?

      I genuinely do not understand this sentiment - how much stuff do you actually want to fit in the back of your car? My family car is a Toyota Corolla and the entire family fits inside, with far more than enough boot space for a pram, "picnic set", all of the shopping I could want to carry and probably still room left over for a suitcase.

      At some point, I can't just help but feel that we've reached an absurd point where people are buying cars bigger than they'll ever need, to fit more things than they'll ever need inside.

  • kiitos on 11/02/2022 - 09:30

    A pity the Mazda 6 hatchback is no longer an option, it had a huge amount of luggage space and flexibility.

    • Francis82 on 11/02/2022 - 14:42

      Thanks yea not a fan of sedans tbh

      • p1 ama on 14/02/2022 - 01:55

        Sedans are still the best kind of car IMO. Here's a tip, all of the executive cars, e.g. the S-classes, of the world are still sedans.

        Why? Because sedans ride extremely comfortably. Lower centre of gravity vs. SUVs are better for passenger comfort, better for handling. Longer wheel base is good for legroom and smoothness on the road.

  • 2esc on 11/02/2022 - 10:32

    Go the fwd awd is a bit of a con. Even if your driving 90% of the time on gravel you don't really need it unless you drive too fast for the conditions.

    • Francis82 on 11/02/2022 - 14:41

      Cheers mate👍

  • redvaldez on 11/02/2022 - 11:05
    +1

    I've had a couple of large FWD sedans (a Magna and two 380s). Absolutely no issue with traction in 'normal' driving whether wet or dry. I ran good tyres, though this is something you should regardless of whether a car is FWD, AWD or RWD.

    You could definitely provoke wheelspin if you were taking a corner in a hurry from a standing start, or were wanting a hard launch in the wet. Easiest solution was just to take off at a normal pace (say, up to 20km/h), then really feed in the throttle. I should also mention that I drove those cars quite spiritedly, and they were a lot more powerful than your econobox SUVs…

    With the way current cars handle, and their safety features, I'd only really get an AWD if you had a specific need (e.g. regularly drove on gravel roads).

    • Francis82 on 11/02/2022 - 14:40

      Cheers thank you!

  • md333 on 11/02/2022 - 12:47

    If you will be driving in the same sort of conditions as you currently drive with FWD, you should have a good idea of the benefits, based on how often you find wheelspin a problem.
    If you are frequently having to back off to avoid wheelspin, or having traction control cutting in annoyingly, then you can assess how much you are willing to pay to remove the annoyance.
    For me I like that if I accellerate too hard from a standstill in the wet, it doesn't spin. Not sure I'd pay the premium if I didn't have off road uses as well.
    Better tyres can achieve some of the benefit (but better tyres and AWD) would be even better.

    If you never have any issues with wheelspin, you probably won't notice any benefit from AWD.

    I do think its a great benefit on rough dirt roads, allowing you to go slower and more carefully even if it is on roads that you could have got through in front wheel drive.

    I think most of the cornering/handling stuff is irrelevant for public road use, you should not be getting close enough to the limit for it to make a difference, if you are front wheel drive would probably be a good idea to slow you down a bit.

    • Francis82 on 11/02/2022 - 14:39

      Many thanks for the great feedback!

    • Euphemistic on 11/02/2022 - 15:26

      If you have trouble with wheelspin, you are doing it wrong. Learn to drive to the conditions - including the vehicle you are piloting.

      Using AWD to get more acceleration can lead to being too fast to quickly for the braking and steering ability of the vehicle. It gets you going faster, but provides negligible difference when it comes time to stop.

  • jacross on 11/02/2022 - 18:57
    +1

    The mazda 6 wagon, Skoda Octavia wagon, Skoda Superb Wagon, and Subaru Outback (which is classed as an SUV but is basically a raised wagon) are all fantastic vehicles.

    Station wagons are great. They have great storage space and much better handling and driveability than SUVs. SUVs are terrible terrible cars with terrible handling, impractical storage, and no business existing except for the actual large SUVs that are genuinely designed for offroad purposes.

    Please don't follow the SUV trend. Wagons are cool.

    • Francis82 on 11/02/2022 - 19:00

      Which would you choose ?

      • jacross on 11/02/2022 - 19:08

        Well I went through this choice in real life a few years ago and I ended up choosing a Subaru liberty (which is an Outback without the cladding and without being raised) but I chose that car because I wanted to buy used and it ended up being really good value. I'm happy with it but if I was buying new and without looking at prices I'd buy a Skoda Superb or Octavia. They are a great overall package with excellent features. I couldn't find one used. The Mazda 6 is really good and I almost bought one.

        So find some, touch them, get in them, test drive them.

        VW Passat is also good.

        …oh the Liberty wagon is called a 'Levorg' now.

        If your wife wants an SUV and if you like SUVs I'd very much recommend the Outback. It has the 'benefits' of an SUV along with the vast majority of the benefits of a wagon.

  • 2023 on 11/02/2022 - 19:55

    The biggest suggestion I can give is;
    With two young kids, take your carseats to a test-drive, or at worst take the measurements, adjust the seats accordingly and try sitting in the passenger / driver seat and see if it's still comfortable.

  • Commander Shepard on 12/02/2022 - 10:18

    I was hoping to get a 3 year old Alfa Romeo Stelvio for around 30k.
    But COVID stopped the depreciation curve.

    Seems like a good sized car for the price.
    And I loved my 159 1750 Ti and Giulietta QV.

  • utsc on 12/02/2022 - 10:48
    +1

    If you shop around and negotiate you could get a Mitsubishi Outlander LS 7 seater FWD within your budget
    Outlander is made in Japan and comes with a 10-year factory warranty and capped price servicing.

    Mitsubishi has been bashed in many forums primarily for boring designs but they have been making high-quality passenger, commercial and heavy vehicles for a very long time.
    https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/recalls/hyundai-recalls-more-…

  • Wiser on 12/02/2022 - 11:33
    -3

    Go for AWD OPi
    If that is what you want. Great on wet roads
    Avoid Subaru. No that great build quality
    Try to get a Hybrid.

    • Euphemistic on 12/02/2022 - 12:04
      +2

      If you want AWD for grip on wet roads, Subaru is the best system. Many AWD offerings are part time AWD and really don’t do much, traction control cuts power before the AWD system makes a difference. The electronics take over and make AWD irrelevant.

      And if you really think you must have AWD on wet roads you either need new tyres or are driving like a clown.

      • p1 ama on 14/02/2022 - 01:59

        And if you really think you must have AWD on wet roads you either need new tyres or are driving like a clown.

        People don't realise that AWD is for cornering on tracks or offroading, where you need to send power to the tyres that have the most grip, similar to a limited slip differential, but for front/rear rather than left/right.

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