Looking for new family car
06-09-2009, 12:52 AM
#1
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Thread Starter
Looking for new family car
I have been car hunting lately as I look to replace the 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara.
As the Government is offering a 50% rebate on new cars I thought I might go a bit upmarket...but not too much.
On the list so far are:
Audi Q5
Subaru Tribecca
HSV R8 touring wagon
All these cars are priced around $60 to $70k mark. I have looked at BMW X5 and Merc ML350 however, they are closer to $100k
Any thoughts on other models that I can look at around this price range.
skc
As the Government is offering a 50% rebate on new cars I thought I might go a bit upmarket...but not too much.
On the list so far are:
Audi Q5
Subaru Tribecca
HSV R8 touring wagon
All these cars are priced around $60 to $70k mark. I have looked at BMW X5 and Merc ML350 however, they are closer to $100k
Any thoughts on other models that I can look at around this price range.
skc
06-09-2009, 03:31 AM
#2
HSV hands down.
Resale value is higher on the Audi but servicing would be the most expensive, followed by the Subaru.
The R8 looks amazing, ridiculously powerful, plus plenty of room for trips/holidays. Also, they're quite fuel efficient (owned a commodore, LS1 is better then a renny!)
Resale value is higher on the Audi but servicing would be the most expensive, followed by the Subaru.
The R8 looks amazing, ridiculously powerful, plus plenty of room for trips/holidays. Also, they're quite fuel efficient (owned a commodore, LS1 is better then a renny!)
Last edited by 2SeeKU; 06-09-2009 at 03:34 AM.
06-09-2009, 03:52 AM
#3
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Thread Starter
The sticker on the screen says 14l/100km however, the dealer principal is getting better consumption figures on his car.
I agree the HSV is very powerful and the wagon did well on the Top gear track...not that I will take it to the track. I am happy with taking the RX8 to the track.
At this stage I am leaning towards the HSV so it is just a matter of convincing the Mrs as she will be the one doing most of the daily driving in this car. Although I may need to convince her that the '03 Corolla is the better car as the shopping trolley. (our 3rd car)
skv
I agree the HSV is very powerful and the wagon did well on the Top gear track...not that I will take it to the track. I am happy with taking the RX8 to the track.
At this stage I am leaning towards the HSV so it is just a matter of convincing the Mrs as she will be the one doing most of the daily driving in this car. Although I may need to convince her that the '03 Corolla is the better car as the shopping trolley. (our 3rd car)
skv
06-09-2009, 06:21 AM
#4
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SKC,
I am sure she will like the Q5. Not sure you will like it as much though.
I have never seen a car that do better than the quoted econmical figure. Don't trust the salesmen.
I am sure she will like the Q5. Not sure you will like it as much though.
I have never seen a car that do better than the quoted econmical figure. Don't trust the salesmen.
06-09-2009, 06:06 PM
#5
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I don't know where you get the 50% rebate from.
The proposed 30% depreciation allowance is still not law.
If it comes in (and it is only on commercial equipment) you can claim 30% of your depreciation entitlement in the first year.
This could have some interesting implications if you sell early.
If you sell a 100k car for $70000 after 2 years you would have to have either claimed no depreciation in the second year or pay back the tax.
I would talk to an accountant.
What you should buy depends on whether you want off road ability or not.
I wouldn't take any of those on anything but a well made gravel road.
The next car I want to put beside the RX-8 is a Land Rover Discovery but I need off road ability as well.
The proposed 30% depreciation allowance is still not law.
If it comes in (and it is only on commercial equipment) you can claim 30% of your depreciation entitlement in the first year.
This could have some interesting implications if you sell early.
If you sell a 100k car for $70000 after 2 years you would have to have either claimed no depreciation in the second year or pay back the tax.
I would talk to an accountant.
What you should buy depends on whether you want off road ability or not.
I wouldn't take any of those on anything but a well made gravel road.
The next car I want to put beside the RX-8 is a Land Rover Discovery but I need off road ability as well.
06-09-2009, 06:15 PM
#6
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A Tribeca?? Are you blind?? 
One of the ugliest cars ever conceived! 
Surely the SS Touring will do just about everything the HSV thing would, especially in your wife's hands. Don't see the point myself in shelling out the extra.
Do you need a truck for a family car? If not, look at the A4 wagon or the Passat for that matter - both a great drive and more refined than the Holden - your wife would love them. Better active safety than the trucks you're looking at too, not to mention fuel consumption.
If you want something a bit different the Citroen C5 wagon is good buying (but admittedly not great on resale).
If you must buy a SUV, I still think the Subey Outback is hard to beat for family work and play. Basically indestructible, drives well, not offensive to look at and great resale.
I'd drive all of them (or perhaps your wife should??) before buying the HSV or a truck.
One of the ugliest cars ever conceived! Surely the SS Touring will do just about everything the HSV thing would, especially in your wife's hands. Don't see the point myself in shelling out the extra.
Do you need a truck for a family car? If not, look at the A4 wagon or the Passat for that matter - both a great drive and more refined than the Holden - your wife would love them. Better active safety than the trucks you're looking at too, not to mention fuel consumption.
If you want something a bit different the Citroen C5 wagon is good buying (but admittedly not great on resale).
If you must buy a SUV, I still think the Subey Outback is hard to beat for family work and play. Basically indestructible, drives well, not offensive to look at and great resale.
I'd drive all of them (or perhaps your wife should??) before buying the HSV or a truck.
06-09-2009, 06:25 PM
#7
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Thread Starter
I have spoken to my accountant about this matter. Businesses that have an annual turnover of less than $2m can claim 50% rebate on the next tax return, this rebate used to be 30%. You are also entitled to claim the usual depreciation as well.
I need to do choose before June 30 as we will not qualify for the full rebate after that.
I did consider the Discovery 3 however, over the last three years we have only used the current SUV once for off road activity therefore, I don't see the point of a large SUV. However the wife has got used to the high driving position.
I need to do choose before June 30 as we will not qualify for the full rebate after that.
I did consider the Discovery 3 however, over the last three years we have only used the current SUV once for off road activity therefore, I don't see the point of a large SUV. However the wife has got used to the high driving position.
06-09-2009, 06:32 PM
#8
rev it up
Thread Starter
A Tribeca?? Are you blind?? One of the ugliest cars ever conceived!
Surely the SS Touring will do just about everything the HSV thing would, especially in your wife's hands. Don't see the point myself in shelling out the extra.
Do you need a truck for a family car? If not, look at the A4 wagon or the Passat for that matter - both a great drive and more refined than the Holden - your wife would love them. Better active safety than the trucks you're looking at too, not to mention fuel consumption.
If you want something a bit different the Citroen C5 wagon is good buying (but admittedly not great on resale).
If you must buy a SUV, I still think the Subey Outback is hard to beat for family work and play. Basically indestructible, drives well, not offensive to look at and great resale.
I'd drive all of them (or perhaps your wife should??) before buying the HSV or a truck.
One of the ugliest cars ever conceived! Surely the SS Touring will do just about everything the HSV thing would, especially in your wife's hands. Don't see the point myself in shelling out the extra.
Do you need a truck for a family car? If not, look at the A4 wagon or the Passat for that matter - both a great drive and more refined than the Holden - your wife would love them. Better active safety than the trucks you're looking at too, not to mention fuel consumption.
If you want something a bit different the Citroen C5 wagon is good buying (but admittedly not great on resale).
If you must buy a SUV, I still think the Subey Outback is hard to beat for family work and play. Basically indestructible, drives well, not offensive to look at and great resale.
I'd drive all of them (or perhaps your wife should??) before buying the HSV or a truck.
Thanks for the tip, I will have a look at the A4 wagon.
The appeal of the HSV is the raw power and the $65k drive away price on a demo with 3k on the clock.
skc
06-09-2009, 07:24 PM
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I would take the Passat over the A4. Far more fruit on essentially the same car for a truckload less money.
e.g.
http://www.drive.com.au/buy/new/car_...&SG=-826066677
e.g.
http://www.drive.com.au/buy/new/car_...&SG=-826066677
06-09-2009, 08:22 PM
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I have been car hunting lately as I look to replace the 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara.
As the Government is offering a 50% rebate on new cars I thought I might go a bit upmarket...but not too much.
On the list so far are:
Audi Q5
Subaru Tribecca
HSV R8 touring wagon
Any thoughts on other models that I can look at around this price range.
skc
As the Government is offering a 50% rebate on new cars I thought I might go a bit upmarket...but not too much.
On the list so far are:
Audi Q5
Subaru Tribecca
HSV R8 touring wagon
Any thoughts on other models that I can look at around this price range.
skc
Subaru Tribecca is out of question. I looked at it while I was shopping for my family car, my Honda Pilot feels/drives much better than Tribecca yet cheaper than Tribecca. :p
I was shopping for a SUV back in 2006 and Tribecca navi can't even have my home address which my Pilot finds no problem. (my house address was pretty new back then).
just my 2 cents
06-09-2009, 11:38 PM
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wait how does this rebate work? I'm looking to relocate to Australia...a 50% rebate on new cars would be tempting to me!
Found info using Google, seems to be only a tax write off if used for business purposes.
Found info using Google, seems to be only a tax write off if used for business purposes.
06-10-2009, 12:42 AM
#13
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skc
06-10-2009, 06:58 PM
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The new Tribecca looks a lot better although and has all the bells and whistles. However its is not as refined as the Q5.
Thanks for the tip, I will have a look at the A4 wagon.
The appeal of the HSV is the raw power and the $65k drive away price on a demo with 3k on the clock.
skc
Thanks for the tip, I will have a look at the A4 wagon.
The appeal of the HSV is the raw power and the $65k drive away price on a demo with 3k on the clock.
skc
Try the Passat too. If you want some grunt the R36 goes hard.
Understood re: the HSV but the SS ain't exactly slow and I doubt you'll notice the difference in most driving conditions. Also think about ride and whether you want wifey scuffing the HSV's large rims in supermarket carparks.
06-10-2009, 07:01 PM
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06-10-2009, 07:01 PM
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Passat has been mentioned, but I'd especially suggest the R36 wagon.
Alternatively, the Q5 with the V6 TDI engine...did I say torque!
Or, since you like to play the system, the Q5 with the 2.0 TDI (125Kw and 400Nm) avoids LCT because of its fuel economy. And you can chip it!
Alternatively, the Q5 with the V6 TDI engine...did I say torque!
Or, since you like to play the system, the Q5 with the 2.0 TDI (125Kw and 400Nm) avoids LCT because of its fuel economy. And you can chip it!
06-10-2009, 07:03 PM
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Be careful about fuel consumption with the CX7 and CX9 - they both make the RX8 look like an anorexic. Although if you're seriously considering the HSV I'm guessing fuel consumption ain't top of your priorities... ;-)
06-11-2009, 02:30 AM
#20
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skc
06-13-2009, 07:42 AM
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The V8s are ugly in the city.
expect 15-16l/100km if you drive in peak hour traffic.
With deactivation they claim 7.5-8 l/100km on a trip.
Living in Brisbane might not be too bad. It would probably use no more than the RX-8.
expect 15-16l/100km if you drive in peak hour traffic.
With deactivation they claim 7.5-8 l/100km on a trip.
Living in Brisbane might not be too bad. It would probably use no more than the RX-8.
08-04-2009, 03:06 AM
#24
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Thanks for the feedback guys. After looking at all the options I just picked up a new Mercedes ML 280. It is a 3L V6 turbo diesel with tons of torque. Comes with a few goodies such as Zenon lights, sun roof, 13 speaker sound system, electric tail gate and a few other cool features.
My wife loves it which is great.
skc
My wife loves it which is great.
skc