Looking to Buy Either Mercedes GLC 43 AMG or Audi SQ5

LKiller Inc on 27/02/2023 - 15:54
Last edited 27/02/2023 - 16:01 by 2 other users

Hi OzBargain family.

I am debating between the new Mercedes GLC43 AMG vs Audi SQ5

Context - looking to buy SUV, budget 100-130k.

I did test drive BMW X3m40i but not feeling it, Volvo XC60 B6 but I don't think it is worth the 100k ish price tag. Looked at Macan S/ GTS - Porcshe sales suggest that the boot in Macan might be a bit small, better to go with Cayenne or Cayenne S/ Cayenne E-hybrid. RSQ3 - Audi is not taking orders, due to a supply shortage. I've driven a Porsche Cayenne over 10yrs ago, it is a great car without a doubt and fairly reasonable to maintain but fast forward to the 2018-2019 2nd hand price is around $120-$140k with 20-30k on the odometers.

For the price range around 100-130k ish, I'm leaning towards a new car due to the current market, 2nd hand / near new are a similar price to new cars.

As much as I prefer Audi myself but I'm a bit concerned about the Turbo Diesel resale of SQ5… and Merc dealer's customer service is such a snob compared to BMW, AUDI or Volvo.

I would like to seek some owners feedback from Merc or Audi owners.

Thanks

Poll Options

  • 39
    Audi SQ5
  • 125
    Merc GLC 43 AMG
Automotive Audi Car Mercedes-Benz SUV

Comments

  • spackbace on 27/02/2023 - 15:58
    +41

    I would like to seek some owners feedback from Merc or Audi owners.

    Here?

    Good luck…

    • websterp on 27/02/2023 - 16:03
      +5

      Yes. Right here..

      • happydude on 28/02/2023 - 22:24
        +8

        And here…

        Yep, it's the high yield investment car. Never gets old.

        • Kuzdog on 01/03/2023 - 23:14

          Came here just to see this comment.
          Part of ozbargain folklore like Broden and JV

        • dearears on 07/03/2023 - 13:28

          Oh I remember that night..

          I bet he is running wespacs investment wing by now.

    • pegaxs on 27/02/2023 - 16:03
      +7

      What do you mean? Everyone here drives either a MB, Audi or a Tesla….

      • quog on 27/02/2023 - 22:19
        +4

        nah, thats whirlpool

        • Killer Inc on 28/02/2023 - 11:11
          +3

          haha! might post this on Whirlpool n see what type of response.

    • Gunnar on 27/02/2023 - 16:04
      +4

      There are a lot of second-hand (plus) BMW owners on here..

      • pharkurnell on 27/02/2023 - 16:29
        +25

        they are too busy arguing with the workshop for repair costs….

        • Gunnar on 27/02/2023 - 17:48
          +1

          What do you mean my new favourite phrase should be "VANOS oil leak"?

        • anonymous01 on 28/02/2023 - 22:41
          +2

          I believe it's because the indicators break down as soon as they buy it.

          • pharkurnell on 01/03/2023 - 11:18

            @anonymous01: are they ever connected in the build process?

            • anonymous01 on 01/03/2023 - 23:17

              @pharkurnell: Question is, do they come with an extra monthly subscription that people can't afford, like their heated seats?

    • Hackney on 28/02/2023 - 16:08
      +1

      @spackbaceSurely you could help him out with a nice ‘pre-owned’ Camry?

    • Mario g on 01/03/2023 - 11:59
      +1

      i drive a 1971 ford fairmont and its solid in everyway! the other car will crumble like a toothpick in a accident and it has a lounge for a front seat, cant go past that.

      • Hackney on 01/03/2023 - 13:35
        +5

        They are meant to ‘crumble’,would rather be in a modern car than your Fairmont.

        • Mario g on 01/03/2023 - 13:37
          -1

          yes they are thats why they need so many airbags - fairmont still comfortable then the plastic chairs they sell you these days.

          • MrFrugalSpend on 01/03/2023 - 23:09
            +6

            @Mario g: Sorry Mario g, but you seem to have zero understanding of tried and tested crash testing results!

            We went through a bad period in the 80-90s where cars were both weaker and not very safe, particularly small cars… but 20+ years since then modern design is far far superior then anything seen before.

            They deliberately design in crumple zones to absorb the impact of an accident. If the car doesn't crumble, you do instead; However its more than that, then they design occupant protection for the cabin which doesn't collapse like an old 70s car would. Your old car would still crumple, just not in good planned places - Have a look at this video and see what happens to the supposedly solid old Bel Air - it doesn't have a collapsible steering column like a new car so the rod behind the steering wheel means the wheel even transfers the energy of the accident like a metal punch straight into the dummy's face and the roof bends down onto his head!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xmqVF9MVpY
            If the front seat is a lounge, your neck will snap as well…They design seats to support you in an accident too, because you aren't on your couch, you are in a moving vehicle!

            Time to upgrade mate

          • Hackney on 02/03/2023 - 17:20

            @Mario g: Rubbish,I have had a few Fairmonts, most modern cars are just as comfortable.

      • spackbace on 01/03/2023 - 14:24
        -2

        And that's got what to do with my comment?

        The other car would need all the airbags it can get in an accident with yours, as there's no way your car has the same braking power as a new car. Good luck to them if you're going straight for them

      • buckster on 01/03/2023 - 23:14

        More like a piece of junk!

      • johnno07 on 02/03/2023 - 01:11
        +2

        If your car doesn't have crumple zones - you're the crumple zone.

    • Hearthstone on 01/03/2023 - 15:02

      sarcasm aside on some of the post reading between the lines I can recognise there are plenty of rich ozbargainers
      not just in Salary but asset rich as well

    • HeWhoKnows on 01/03/2023 - 20:37

      In Europe Audi is just a cheap car
      Throughtout the world Mercedes is very highly regarded.

      Enough said

  • Euphemistic on 27/02/2023 - 16:00
    +21

    Right. Get neither. Get an EV.

    • pegaxs on 27/02/2023 - 16:06
      +6

      This and get on the lease rebate government incentive salary sacrifice thingamajig that I obviously dont know what it is called because my boss wont let me lease cars through them… :/

      In this price bracket it makes way more sense to get into an EV if you can dodge great swathes of tax and what not on it.

      • hothed on 27/02/2023 - 16:50
        +1

        @Killer Inc Look into FBT novated lease. You can get a vehicle and pay before you pay tax. This is a significant incentive.

        It's also applicable for PHEVs for next 2 years.

        • Killer Inc on 27/02/2023 - 17:28
          +1

          I did, the company i worked for does not offer Novated lease.. :(

      • knasty on 28/02/2023 - 13:02
        +2

        PSA: Gotta drop the budget from what OP stated in order to get the FBT benefit.

        "the first retail sale of the vehicle must be below the threshold (currently $84,916) "

      • od810 on 28/02/2023 - 16:07
        +1

        Too bad FBT rebate does not work on OP's price bracket. On a serious note, EV is way forward. Aparently the higher end the car is, the gap between EV and ICE is smaller.

      • gromit on 28/02/2023 - 19:06

        What Equivalent sized EV SUV's are in this price bracket though? most are either way more expensive and those that are in or below seem to all be considerably smaller or low end.

        • malich on 28/02/2023 - 19:13

          The ioniq5 or ev6 would be similar sized, maybe a little bigger.

          Fit and finish for those is fantastic. I drove an ioniq5 and the noise insulation is right up there with similarly priced German cars.

      • annielolz on 13/05/2023 - 17:52

        Now I think there is a catch? Being an FBT there's a reportable benefit summary report if it's over 2000$ at the end of every FBT year. Although you don't pay for the benefit, it's still reported. Don't you then have to pay it back through Medicare levy surcharge/ Help? Anyone got more info on this?

    • Jamesrulez1 on 28/02/2023 - 17:06
      +3

      Lots of people in huge waitlists plus charging network still needs to ramp up over the next 4 years.

      • Euphemistic on 28/02/2023 - 19:36
        +5

        Wait lists for lots of popular cars. Charging network will ramp up as EVs become more common. If you’ve got a place to charge at home, you’d hardly need a public charger anyway.

      • hothed on 03/03/2023 - 09:49

        Not correct. Tesla has cars in stock for immediate delivery right now

    • AlexD on 01/03/2023 - 05:22

      Exactly. Anyone who can afford an EV should be getting one. Most people can’t justify the $60k+ entry point, but for those looking at expensive cars, it’s just irresponsible getting a more polluting model.

      Anyone looking at a fast SUV will only really see benefits from an EV. Still tall, but a lower centre of gravity with the battery pack. Instant torque, faster acceleration.

      I’ve driven a couple, and in this price range are Ioniq 5/EV6, Model Y Performance, and Polestar 2 with performance pack. If you’re after 200kw+ as per comment below and you want decent handling, you’ll probably be happier with any of them.

      • JPerez on 01/03/2023 - 09:47
        +1

        I like EV's myself and look forward to getting one. But I'm not one to tell people what they should buy with their own money.

    • CowFrogHorse on 02/03/2023 - 19:16

      WHY ?

      Befor eyou tell me they are better for the environment, dont repeat like a parrot - show me WHO AND WHY actually says this ?

      • Euphemistic on 02/03/2023 - 20:49

        Here’s a different spin: my guess is that these ‘performance’ euro SUVs are going to drop in value way quicker than other types of vehicles. People who may have previously bought them for ‘prestige’ are right in the budget for a new EV instead.

        If you can get an EV for the same money as one of these second hand, why would you pay more for less performance, more in fuel costs and euro service and parts prices etc. plus snob factor is wanting the new next big thing and EVs are the next big thing.

        Sure, people will still be buying ICEvehicles, but second hand buyers will want tow capacity, off road ability, track performance etc. not something that is a big compromise.

        Most used car buyers will want much better value for money going forward. Big thirsty euro SUVs are not good value.

        (They are better for the environment. Scientists and engineers say it, because it’s true. Fossil fuel shills are the ones that say they aren’t. If can’t figure that out for yourself, no point me trying to tell you where to look

        • [Deactivated] on 03/03/2023 - 15:59

          Never in history has a customer who is in the market for a euro SUV ever been concerned about “value”.

          • Euphemistic on 03/03/2023 - 16:02

            @[Deactivated]: True, but previously there were plenty lining up to buy them a few years old. I suspect the used market is going to quickly dry up for large thirsty euro SUVs as ‘luxury’ of EVs increase in the market at prices similar to what OPs choices might have been.

  • prisonmike on 27/02/2023 - 16:04
    +62

    Have you considered buying four Camrys instead

    • boomramada on 27/02/2023 - 16:11

      OP is after an SUV, perhaps a Toyota Hilux?

      • Muzeeb on 27/02/2023 - 16:15
        +7

        off road Camry's exist

        • WhyAmICommenting on 28/02/2023 - 20:04

          I love the pink “paint” job!

        • pharkurnell on 02/03/2023 - 11:35
          +1

          Thats not the offroad model… thats the Box Hill "Full License" special.

      • Euphemistic on 27/02/2023 - 16:29

        Hilux is not an SUV.

        • Nugs on 27/02/2023 - 17:15
          +6

          At least it's a U
          .

          • smartazz104 on 28/02/2023 - 14:31
            +6

            @Nugs: And certainly most, if not all, SUVs are not S.

            • Nugs on 28/02/2023 - 17:37

              @smartazz104: When I first started hearing the term SUV I pictured something like a TRD Hilux (but manual)
              https://www.redbook.com.au/cars/details/2009-trd-hilux-4000s…
              .

              • sumyungguy on 28/02/2023 - 17:40

                @Nugs: From rac.com.au:
                SUV is a relatively recent American term, popularised in the 1990s to refer to any high-riding four-wheel drive with greater ground clearance than a regular passenger car. Australia only followed suit using the term from about the mid-2000s.
                Before then, most people (including Americans) referred to such vehicles as four-wheel drives or 4x4s, because most had the ability for all four wheels to be powered at the same time by the engine.
                So, SUVs and four-wheel drives started off meaning the same thing.

      • poppingtags on 01/03/2023 - 11:29
        +1

        If you tie all four Camrys together, one on top of the other - it'll be bigger and badder than any SUV on the roads. Other drivers will tremble in fear.

    • bdl on 27/02/2023 - 18:15
      +7

      I vote for a RAV4 with roof racks

      • Muzeeb on 27/02/2023 - 18:53
        +6

        Does op kayak?

        • prisonmike on 27/02/2023 - 19:30

          Op does everything except for Kayaking

      • Killer Inc on 28/02/2023 - 11:11

        Umm no thanks :\

        • FrugalBoi95 on 01/03/2023 - 11:20

          RAV4 is the best, luxury vehicles are overrated and overpriced

    • mrvaluepack on 28/02/2023 - 15:49

      You mean 2 camrys… with that budget

    • SolitaryMan on 28/02/2023 - 17:30

      How would he drive four cars at once?

      • prisonmike on 01/03/2023 - 14:18
        +1

        They can list them on car next door and then makes monies. From the earned monies they can buy more Camrys and keep on listing them on car next door they they are filthy rich. Once they have enough monies they can buy Camrys for us mortal OZBargainers.

        • SolitaryMan on 01/03/2023 - 14:20

          Man comes to Ozbargain for advice on what car to buy to drive, gets investment advice worth what he paid for it instead.

          • prisonmike on 01/03/2023 - 14:26

            @SolitaryMan: That’s how we roll here brotha. Ask for a nail and get a hammer for free without the nail.

    • johnfuller on 01/03/2023 - 14:14

      and leasing them out $$$$

      • prisonmike on 01/03/2023 - 14:18

        Why would need one car when you can have many and start a business using them.

        • johnfuller on 01/03/2023 - 14:19

          yes agreed, at current pricing, probably only two camrys so for people out there living their life that want to make the most of it and not care about "investments" and making money, just go for the AMG, great cars imo

  • Hybroid on 27/02/2023 - 16:08
    +7

    Owned a 2017 GLC 350 and absolutely loved it. Really comfy and great car that moves. I can only imagine what a 385 HP AMG version would do…

    Sometimes buying a car is more about your heart than your head. Try it and see if it's for you. That's all that really matters.

    • Killer Inc on 27/02/2023 - 17:29
      +2

      Thank you! will book a test drive this weekend!

      • boomramada on 27/02/2023 - 17:51

        New GLC is much nicer inside, if you get a chance, try to test drive one.

      • ATangk on 02/03/2023 - 21:52

        Just forewarning. The RHD GLC AMG 43 has potential issues with crabbing.

    • p1 ama on 27/02/2023 - 20:40

      Sometimes buying a car is more about your heart than your head.

      Then OP would not be buying an SUV.

  • Muzeeb on 27/02/2023 - 16:16
    +12

    Macan GTS and don't worry about the boot space.

    • boomramada on 27/02/2023 - 16:18

      at least it comes with a spare wheel.

      • Killer Inc on 27/02/2023 - 17:29
        +2

        yea i want a Macan too… Boot space is future-proofing

        • omguleh on 27/02/2023 - 20:54
          +2

          Get the car you want now, then when the time comes for more seat/space buy a people mover.

          Extremely happy with my X3 M40i and Hyundai Staria Highlander combo.

          • Killer Inc on 28/02/2023 - 11:09
            +1

            @omguleh: As mentioned X3m40i is a bit dull /my partner is not impressed with the test drive..

            I personally don't mind X3m40i.. only issue is not X3M

            SQ5 feels nicer to drive overall.

            • omguleh on 28/02/2023 - 13:20

              @Killer Inc: Get the car you want now, come future trade it in or something and get a bigger car.

            • rodtp on 28/02/2023 - 16:41

              @Killer Inc: Did you put the bimmer on Sport+ mode during the test drive? I own a X3 M40i and absolutely love it. The X3M will cost you another $40k on top if I'm not mistaken.

            • xdigger on 01/03/2023 - 13:26

              @Killer Inc: Did you try the X3 EV? in your price range I believe.

              • Killer Inc on 01/03/2023 - 13:32

                @xdigger: Other half not a fan of BMW and we are not after an EV at this stage :\

        • boomramada on 27/02/2023 - 21:06

          future-proofing? In future, you earn more to by something better and the car you got now probably need replacing lol

    • bejahi on 01/03/2023 - 13:53
      +1

      Macan boot space 488/1503
      Sq5 boot space 520/1520

      I wouldn't take the sales people's word as gospel. The system volumes are very similar. It would be worth a look to see if they are both similarly practical eg wheel wells, loading lip etc.

  • Seraphin7 on 27/02/2023 - 16:19
    +17

    Happy to help. What's the expected yield?

    • Killer Inc on 28/02/2023 - 11:07

      wonder whats the resell value gonna be like for Sq5 vs GLC43 amg say in 5yrs time? would it still be around 60-70k mark?

      • WhyAmICommenting on 28/02/2023 - 20:06
        +15

        Think of it as an investment in yourself - because you’ve earned it (once you landed your first graduate job, that is)

        • buckster on 01/03/2023 - 23:19
          +2

          Good giggle

      • us3rnam3tak3n on 28/02/2023 - 21:08
        +3

        Tricky times for ICE. I expect a cliff but who knows when.

        • Euphemistic on 01/03/2023 - 06:07
          +3

          The value of ICE ‘premium’ SUVs is going to drop like a rock. Anyone with a big budget that doesn’t tow long distance will be going EV in the next 5years. There will be virtually no market for these cars outside some diehard petrol heads that just have to have a V8.

          Budget ICE cars will still be reasonably popular because EVs are going to be more expensive for a while yet. Used car buyers will hang onto ICE until there are more used EVs at the price of a used Camry.

          • Gaz1 on 01/03/2023 - 16:00

            @Euphemistic: A great comment - it will be interesting to see what happens to older cars in the future.
            Perhaps our new envronmental issue will be how to dispose of all the old (mostly perfectly working) ICE cars.
            I wonder if classic cars will also drop in price - or maybe stay the same or increase further as more people want the old classic car experience?

            • Euphemistic on 01/03/2023 - 16:11
              +1

              @Gaz1: I think that there will be a market for used ICE for a few more years, but I can’t imagine people who can’t afford an EV to be paying more than 10yo Camry price for everyday transport especially if fuel prices stay high.

              Classic cars will be interesting to watch. Some will be highly sought after as original. Others will be popular for EV conversions, there are already kits available for Porsche and VW models. There will still be an enthusiast ICE market for classics for quite a while, but they’ll be driven less and less unless they can get cheap fuel and pollution tax doesn’t become a thing.

              • Viper18 on 02/03/2023 - 13:23

                @Euphemistic: I think e-fuel like the one Porsche is currently wanting to create will also be an answer for the longevity of ICE cars:
                https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-10/efuel-plant-proposed-…

                Zero emission fuel that works in all ICE engines, created using renewable energy. Can't argue with that…..

                • Euphemistic on 02/03/2023 - 13:36

                  @Viper18: Sounds OK in theory, but still not great for the environment. It’ll probably be good to keep old classics running but can’t see it being mainstream.

            • CowFrogHorse on 02/03/2023 - 19:18

              @Gaz1: Repeat your concern but replace ICE with EV….and in your answer show me ANY real GOV or EV company that actually shares their recycling program to customers.

  • Drakesy on 27/02/2023 - 16:29

    I owned an Audi.
    Would never buy one again. Badges these days are barely worth the metal they're put on and i find being wedded to a brand for brands sake is not worth it. China is demonstrating that you can have luxury touches and ridiculous performance on a budget, see the Chery Tiggo 8 plus 0 to 100 in <5 seconds and 100km of electric only range plus 7 seats for around $35k. Admittedly they haven't had to invest in the R&D like the Euros have.

    Mercedes would be in the same boat for lack of reliability.
    But if reliability wasn't an issue i'd go for a Range Rover Velar/Sport in a heartbeat, looks sensational.

    I'd get a Tesla Model X or BMW IX3 if EV
    Or hands down the Genesis GV80 would wipe the floor and provide you with great reliability.

    Mind you Internal combustion cars are going to depreciate like a rock over the next decade.

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