New Car, what would you choose?

Forums › Transport (cars, bikes and boats) › New Car, what would you choose?

itxtme

2102 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 557

#22970 13-Jun-2008 20:24

Hey guys,

I am a 22 year old male out of my degree and working fultime. I am looking to buy a new car and am being enticed over by the 1/3 + 1/3 + 1/3 @ 0% over at suzuki.

Now I have two options really. I was looking at the Suzuki SX4 AWD vs the Grand Vitara 3 door 1.6L. Here is the dilemma; in terms of looks I prefer the Grand Vitara, it looks like more fun when you see it and I have some people state they think the SX4 AWD looks like an old persons car. I disagree that it looks that bad but cant help but think, hmm maybe not quite right for a 22 year old.

So put looks aside and car for money the SX4 wins hands down - keyless entry, 2L engine (does better economy than the 1.6L Vitara), improved stereo, side curtain airbags, 4 doors to name a few. I am not a hardcore off wheel driver and the roughest terrain Im likely to take my car would be the beach.

Which ever car I get I intend to hold onto, both suit my needs in terms of space. i guess its the weigh in of looks over preformance and features!

Now i havent test driven either and of course will thoroughly do so before making my choice, but given what I have said which car do you think is the better option for me a 22 year old male?

Vitara -> http://www.suzuki.co.nz/auto/details.html?id=161

SX4 AWD -> http://www.suzuki.co.nz/auto/details.html?id=164

zocster

1994 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 105

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#137883 13-Jun-2008 20:32

hmm only two choices? i'd rather go with this... as with the two you mentioned ... what's the point of having a 4wd not 'willing' to take it to places where it should go?

itxtme

2102 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 557

#137886 13-Jun-2008 20:59

The Swift Sport was originally what I wanted to get but it doesnt caiter for me needs in terms of space. I windsurf and its just to small to fit gear inside. Maybe in a year or two get my partner one and steal it off her when I want a turn :P

m00

6 posts

Wannabe Geek

#137898 13-Jun-2008 22:59

It all depends on how much time you are going to spend in the car. If you have to spend a fair amount ie Auckland traffic.

You will want to have a comfortable ride plus nice stereo.

Adamal

544 posts

Ultimate Geek

#137912 14-Jun-2008 02:39

In all honesty, you're probably better spending about $5000 on a second hand car. Something like a Toyota or Nissan, as they're fairly cheap in terms running costs and reliability.
If you don't have that kind of money, you can get finance on that, which will have interest, but will be cheaper in the long run than getting finance on a new car.
If you do go down the second hand route, take it to get checked by a mechanic, not the AA. They miss things and specify things on their reports which are irellivent, unless the car is in really bad shape. Best bet would be to check it out with a mate who knows things about cars.
With the way petrol prices are now, second hand cars are becoming a lot cheaper, as people want to flog them off and get cars with a smaller capacity.
I just picked up an MR2 about 2 months ago in good condition for $2150.

sleemanj

1514 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 315

#138153 15-Jun-2008 12:41

A NEW car, what's that?!

Seriously, do you know how much brand new vehicles depreciate. Don't go there.

I'm going to assume that a Geekzone user at 22 you've got no kids to lug around, get yourself a nice used Mazda MX5, cheap as chips, lots of fun, ultra reliable (/me touches wood) and will really take a beating, drive brilliantly.

---
James Sleeman
I sell lots of stuff for electronic enthusiasts...

cokemaster

Exited
4937 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1089

Retired Mod

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#138154 15-Jun-2008 12:58

Adamal: In all honesty, you're probably better spending about $5000 on a second hand car. Something like a Toyota or Nissan, as they're fairly cheap in terms running costs and reliability. .

I went this route a while ago, with a Nissan bluebird. Excellent bargin (was in the realm of $3500) and it doesn't use much petrol. :)

webhosting

Loose lips may sink ships - Be smart - Don't post internal/commercially sensitive or confidential information!

New World

Shop on-line at New World now for your groceries (affiliate link).

9unk

22 posts

Geek

#138233 15-Jun-2008 18:43

hmmm as stated by other previously would definately recommend buying a second hand car unless ofcourse you are earning copious amounts of money as it is not really worth it as the day you drive it off the lot it has probably lost a 1/3 of its value (probably not that much but yeah).

I've got a Toyota Carib (1.6 manual front wheel drive) and its a great little runner and great on petrol and requires little maintenance but most you'll see are 4wd auto 1.8's.

Full time 4wd is going to use quite a bit of petrol but if thats what you want do look at getting a manual or you will be paying a huge amount in petrol!

my 2cents worth.

tonyhughes

Hawkes Bay
8476 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 6

Retired Mod

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#138239 15-Jun-2008 19:31

The guy clearly stated he is in the market for a new car - why shouldn't he buy one if depreciation does not bother him. He states looks are important to him - so an older car may not fit his expectations.

As far as new cars go, a small cheapish Suzuki (especially the good looking SX4) is going to hold value a bit better than say a Camry 4cyl or a Corolla.

My advice is forget the 'zuki, buy a V8 while petrol prices are still nice and low... :-P

Bung

6733 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2926

Subscriber

#138261 15-Jun-2008 22:21

itxtme: Hey guys,

I am a 22 year old male out of my degree and working fultime. I am looking to buy a new car and am being enticed over by the 1/3 + 1/3 + 1/3 @ 0% over at suzuki.

AFAIK the Suzuki deal is 1/3 down the the rest by 24 monthly payments 0% interest $300 documentation.

electrik

17 posts

Geek

#139209 19-Jun-2008 16:02

Ex-lease or ex-rental vehicles can be had for a substantial discout on new prices. Often these are 1-3 years old with perfect maintenacne records and in new condition. You could save $10K or more.

I would also be worried about fuel efficiency- be assured that petrol prices are not coming down any time soon, and may increase substantially.