Upgrading to a New Small - Medium SUV (Needing Some OzB Input)

ThePriceMatchGuy on 15/03/2024 - 10:50

G'day everyone!

Hoping to be able to gage the OzB community on some sound suggestions for what new Small to Medium SUV I should be upgrading to.

Bit of a backstory, I currently reside in the NT, relocating to Melbourne (Western Suburbs) later this year. I currently drive a 2011 Toyota RAV4 Altitude (75,000km on ODO) which I plan on selling before the move, in very good condition hoping to get close to $13.5k.

I've started doing some preliminary research on the best kind of SUV that hovers in and around that $40k mark.

Things I require are satellite navigation and preferably some sort of heating element in the seats (although this one isn't a dealbreaker). I only envision driving through the suburbs, to the city and freeways. No off-road or tricky routes here.

My partner currently drives the top spec KIA Seltos GT-Line AWD, and I've driven it around a few times, no arguments there.

Considering I'm upgrading from a 10+ year old car, and with Satellite Navigation being my only really must have, what car should I be aiming for?

Thank you very much for the assistance in advance!

Shortlist so far:

Toyota Corolla Cross
Hyundai Kona
KIA Seltos Sport+
Haval H6 Lux
Nissan Qashqai

Automotive Car Haval Hyundai Motors Kia Nissan SUV Toyota

Comments

  • barge-in hunter on 15/03/2024 - 10:56

    Out of those options, I'd go with the Toyota.

    I used to consider Hyundai/Kia as well, however some have sporadic engine troubles - not sure if these models are included though. ** lots of owners never have a problem, but enough do that there are multiple class action lawsuits around the world now.

    Have you looked at the Mazda offerings? A CX-3 or CX-30 could be quite nice.

    • ThePriceMatchGuy on 15/03/2024 - 10:57

      Thanks for contributing!

      Can't say I've included Mazda in my initial look around the market, but not to say I won't and I've definitely noted down both of those options to look at!

  • pjetson on 15/03/2024 - 11:12
    +1

    The Corolla Cross has built-in satnav, but as I understand it, it only works for a year (I'll find out for sure on July 15th, lol), then you need to pay a per-month charge for it. The built-in satnav makes some strange navigation choices sometimes, I much prefer Google navigation.

    Heated seats is only available in the highest-spec Atmos version, which is well over your $40k mark.

    You'll probably also have to wait for a year or more to get a Corolla Cross, unless you're extremely lucky.

  • Ryanek on 15/03/2024 - 11:26
    +7

    I require are satellite navigation

    Why? Android Auto or Carplay are way better alternatives.

    Oh and a 2011 Rav with only 75k for 13k is a steal. You should bump that to 15k at least.

    • OhMaJuck on 15/03/2024 - 12:17
      +1

      When you drive in rural area with no reception your Andriod Auto or Carplay is useless, hence satellite navigation is a must.

      • RockyRaccoon on 15/03/2024 - 12:30

        The op says they won’t be driving in rural areas that much.

        Given their current RAV4 is 10 years old, they probably don’t have much of a head unit and certainly don’t have any inbuilt navigation, so it could be they are just wanting navigation like facilities that also come with Waze or Google maps, as much as a dedicated navigation service.

      • Euphemistic on 15/03/2024 - 12:33
        +5

        Phones have satellite receivers for your location . They can download maps before hand as required.
        Most areas that dont have phone reception dont have a lot of roads so it isn't difficult to maintain course.

      • ESEMCE on 15/03/2024 - 13:15

        And it works perfectly fine if you take a few seconds to prepare and download the map/s prior to going remote.

  • pharkurnell on 15/03/2024 - 11:36
    +6

    Why sell the Rav4?

    • ThePriceMatchGuy on 15/03/2024 - 18:14

      Relocating from Darwin to Melbourne, will be a significant less of a headache to drive/ transport it down.

      Figure I could get $13k or so to go towards a new car already in Melbourne for me.

  • altomic on 15/03/2024 - 11:43
    +1

    last night I was looking at the Haval Jolion Premium for $25,990 Driveaway.

    it reads as a decent car. -very few negative reviews.

    they certainly look decent.

    sell your rav for 15k and then it's only 11k to upgrade.

    • netjock on 15/03/2024 - 13:18

      Reviews have been suppressed by the the politburo

  • p1 ama on 15/03/2024 - 11:44
    +7

    Bit of a backstory, I currently reside in the NT, relocating to Melbourne (Western Suburbs) later this year. I currently drive a 2011 Toyota RAV4 Altitude (75,000km on ODO) which I plan on selling before the move, in very good condition hoping to get close to $13.5k.

    Why sell the RAV4? 75k on the odometer means it's still pretty much as good as new.

    Change the head unit for something that supports Apple Carplay or Android Auto and you'll be golden.

    Things I require are satellite navigation and preferably some sort of heating element in the seats (although this one isn't a dealbreaker). I only envision driving through the suburbs, to the city and freeways. No off-road or tricky routes here.

    Then why do you need an SUV? Just get a Toyota Corolla if you just want a city car.

    Toyota Corolla Cross

    Corolla Cross is a good car, but it's a bit silly (at least IMO). It's the same size as a Corolla (go sit in one and you'll see what I mean), just on stilts and with puffier body panels to make it look bigger. Save your money, get a Corolla instead and save 30%.

    Similarly, most of the other cars you've listed are just raised versions of their hatch counterparts - get an i30 instead of a Kona, a Cerato instead of a Seltos Sport+…etc. and you'll save yourself 30%+ of the cost of the car, you'll have a more aerodynamic car which will be more efficient to run.

    • spackbace on 15/03/2024 - 11:59
      +3

      Why sell the RAV4? 75k on the odometer means it's still pretty much as good as new.

      Change the head unit for something that supports Apple Carplay or Android Auto and you'll be golden.

      This

  • OhMaJuck on 15/03/2024 - 12:14
    -1

    Highly recommend hybrid

  • Euphemistic on 15/03/2024 - 12:19
    -1

    Install carplay/android auto head unit. Road trip your rav south. Save for EV in next 3-5 years. Youre pretty close to EV budget anyway.

    I dont see any point spending $40k on a new petrol car unless youre driving more than 2/3 the range of thw battery more than once a month.

    Alternatively, sell RAV, buy cheap used tiny hatchback in Melbourne and then spend on an EV in 2 years.

  • jugsy on 15/03/2024 - 12:30

    Foz

  • sumyungguy on 15/03/2024 - 12:56

    In relation to satnav and without speaking for Android people, I use Apple Maps hands-free via a single AirPod. Also allows me to legally message and call while driving. I do however rate having a windscreen-mounted satnav for the GPS speed display. I know there's an app for this but my phone is typically in my pocket.

  • netjock on 15/03/2024 - 13:20

    If your Toyota is more than 10 years old and you don't have 150k/kms on it I think you are leaving money on the table.

    Other than the good feeling of having a new car and +$30k of outlay what are you really getting? You probably want to drive an old car if you are going to be living in Western suburbs.

  • ChrisLevo on 15/03/2024 - 13:46

    I had a Seltos Sport+ FWD for 3 years, and it never missed a beat.

    Powerful enough for outer suburbs and the odd country trip, and super-comfortable for an old fart with a crook hip.

    I only sold it to fund a small upgrade to a Genesis GV70…

    • May4th on 15/03/2024 - 14:07

      how is the GV70?

      • ChrisLevo on 15/03/2024 - 15:31
        +2

        Fantastic!

        My wife talked me into it (it's a fair bit of money, even for the 2.5 RWD), but I'm so glad that she did.

        It gets lots of comments on how good it looks, it's super-luxurious inside, has all the gadgets you could ever want and goes like sh1t off a shanghai.

        Five years of free service helped, as well.

        • miwahni on 16/03/2024 - 01:16

          That's good to hear - I have this car on my short-ish list in carsales.com.au but didn't know anyone who had one.

  • Sinnerator on 16/03/2024 - 08:56
    +1

    Avoid nissan they turned to crap 20 years ago and haven't recovered

  • ThePriceMatchGuy on 25/03/2024 - 13:05

    Thank you to everyone for providing not only their insights, but also personal experiences with some of these makes/ models.

    At the moment I'm leaning towards selling my RAV4 before the move, if I can get close to $15k I'd be happy (it's pearl white, and without any major damage anywhere. Minor scratches on the bonnet due to the neighbourhood cat walking on it but will most likely detail out.)

    The Haval Jolion Ultra is currently leading the way for new car of choice, ticks the value for money tag for me and does what I need it to do.

    • arislan on 25/03/2024 - 15:30

      If you care about long term reliability, which translate to ongoing cost and annoyances thoughout your ownership lifetime, Toyota is amongst the top brands, definitely above your other options.

      Value for money should include long term maintenance costs… you may pay less now, but more later - unless your plan is to always swap cars every 5 years or so.

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