HSV,_I_GOT_ONE
18-01-2016, 01:06 PM
Hi Guys,
It's time to retire the wife's ever faithful 2002 Barina. We're not looking to spend big $$$ as the budget is $10k and we have a nice family car already. The wife is a school teacher and the Barina has taken the brunt of parking outside everyday for the last 14 years and kids (inc teachers :cussing: ) bumping into it all the time. It was a great car to not worry about and starts every time without fuss. No aircon and lack of 4 doors has now made it lose its appeal. This car will need to do the run between Gladstone and Brisbane on a monthly basis so comfort with decent fuel economy is a must.
I've narrowed it down to two cars and have test drove both. I've been impressed by both examples. I was initially looking for an Accord luxury but can't seem to find anything in my area (Gladstone) at my price range. Any other cars should we be looking at? Wanting something with leather, cruise and bluetooth for phone calls (but not essential, I can fit an after market head unit to fix this). Budget is $10k max, but less the better.
2007 Mazda 6 Sport Luxury hatch 100,000km's. Full options including sunroof. $9.5k negotiated price, won't budge.
2005 Hyundai Sonata Elite 2.4L 4cyl 75,000km's. Full options, towbar, no sunroof. $6k flat.
I test drove both and I took the Hyundai out first. Both drove beautifully but the Mazda felt nicer to drive. Couldn't put my finger on it but something made it just feel more refined. It was strange because I found the Hyundai quiet and smooth as well. The only thing I could truly put my finger on the mazda that made it nicer was the interior looks way classier and the brakes had better feel. That's all I could separate between the two. Both cars were neat with the Mazda showing a little more wear on the drivers seat than the Hyundai.
Wife says the Hyundai is ugly and the poor girl will be the predominant driver of said cars. I agree with her the Mazda 6 does look a lot nicer. What I'm looking for is a no fuss easy driver much like what our Barina was, but able to carry 2 kids and prams in comfort and easy to throw into tight car parks. Is the quality and the reliability of the Mazda worth the extra $3.5k or is it better in my pocket.
What would you guys do/chose in a similar situation?
It's time to retire the wife's ever faithful 2002 Barina. We're not looking to spend big $$$ as the budget is $10k and we have a nice family car already. The wife is a school teacher and the Barina has taken the brunt of parking outside everyday for the last 14 years and kids (inc teachers :cussing: ) bumping into it all the time. It was a great car to not worry about and starts every time without fuss. No aircon and lack of 4 doors has now made it lose its appeal. This car will need to do the run between Gladstone and Brisbane on a monthly basis so comfort with decent fuel economy is a must.
I've narrowed it down to two cars and have test drove both. I've been impressed by both examples. I was initially looking for an Accord luxury but can't seem to find anything in my area (Gladstone) at my price range. Any other cars should we be looking at? Wanting something with leather, cruise and bluetooth for phone calls (but not essential, I can fit an after market head unit to fix this). Budget is $10k max, but less the better.
2007 Mazda 6 Sport Luxury hatch 100,000km's. Full options including sunroof. $9.5k negotiated price, won't budge.
2005 Hyundai Sonata Elite 2.4L 4cyl 75,000km's. Full options, towbar, no sunroof. $6k flat.
I test drove both and I took the Hyundai out first. Both drove beautifully but the Mazda felt nicer to drive. Couldn't put my finger on it but something made it just feel more refined. It was strange because I found the Hyundai quiet and smooth as well. The only thing I could truly put my finger on the mazda that made it nicer was the interior looks way classier and the brakes had better feel. That's all I could separate between the two. Both cars were neat with the Mazda showing a little more wear on the drivers seat than the Hyundai.
Wife says the Hyundai is ugly and the poor girl will be the predominant driver of said cars. I agree with her the Mazda 6 does look a lot nicer. What I'm looking for is a no fuss easy driver much like what our Barina was, but able to carry 2 kids and prams in comfort and easy to throw into tight car parks. Is the quality and the reliability of the Mazda worth the extra $3.5k or is it better in my pocket.
What would you guys do/chose in a similar situation?