2012 Plate Sales

[jiffo]

Watching TV the other night and was inundated with 012 plate offers, so thought why not.

Got three 6-cylinder cars in the garage and only one bum, might be a good time to grab something smaller.

Then the fun started, price under $20K, cheap to run, easy to park etc.

Mazda 2, Suzi Swift, Barina, Focus, Hyundai, Kia, Lancer, Skoda.......

Forgot to mention, I was trading a mint 01 Fairmont with 95k on the clock.

The Holden guy tried to sell me an ugly little bugger, thought I'd brought the wrong glasses, nothing like the Barina I saw on TV. Turned out to be something from Chev and not what i was looking for.

Took the real Barina for a run, couldn't hear any conversation from the back seats at all, unbelievable road noise. Doors shut like the back gate, all up a very poorly presented effort. No thanks Mr Holden.

The Suzi just felt right, Great visibility, zippy for a small engine, but unfortunately the other half said not what she was after.

Mazda 2 was just 2 small for an old codger. Funny gearstick too, thought I was in a CV Citroen.

Focus was not bad. I'm no Ford fan and this isn't a bad car but priced at the top end of the range for a car with rear drum brakes, just like the Barina.

Anyway the upshot was Hyundai have got all the bases covered. No matter how much cash you come in with they've got a vehicle in your price range.

Can't afford an i-30, how about an Accent. Still too big try the i-20.

What was clear from all these 5-star ANCAP vehicles was how strongly their bodies are constructed.

Sill panels would be 3X as wide as my R32's and its doors shut better than a Golf's.

Airbags everywhere, what would happen if they all went off together.

Electronic gizmos everywhere, cruise control, reverse cameras, blue teeth...

Oh and I'm still undecided.

[GTR-N1]

EVO 7 RS for $22,000 suit (asking price)?

...on carsales

Haggle $2,001 off it?

[Seano350GT]

Have you considered a Corolla? Great fuel efficiency, good reliable car. Has all the safety to match the competition. Resale value will pay you back in the long run over all the other cars you've mentioned. Yaris's are great too.

Edited February 9, 2013 by Seano350GT

[NYTSKY]

The wife and I looked at Accents a few months ago, for the money no other car comes close in value for money terms. The mid spec one with the upgraded interior was very nice.

Only thing about these cars is you can't argue the price because there are 5 people behind you ready to buy one lol

[Seano350GT]

Not just that Dave, the margin in small cars is next to 0. For instance, even the new Camry's selling at $28,990 are already in at a negative of close to a $1000 that's how competitive this industry is but Toyota is backing that customers will buy after care products, more than likely finance, and have a decent trade-in. Oh and i work for Toyota.

[jiffo]

Not after 2nd hand or quite that sporty for this one Terry.

Nearest Tojo dealer is 100k's way and although No2 son just bought a Prado from them, AND my wife taught the salesman in year 12, they couldn't do anything in the same price range.

Something like a Yaris was great but they didn't want to deal.

And to top it off Tojo servicing in country Qld is absolutely the pits. Need to improve their game, they're a bit complacent now that every mine vehicle wears their badge.

Leaning to Hyundai for their capped price servicing, roadside assist, mega warranty.......those blokes have really done their homework.

[GTR-N1]

Agreed about Hyundai whilst as a carer on Sat, I've used the old guy's Getz with only 2000Km on it.

About that time, Hyundai has been very active in their R&D.

I wonder if the +ve spinoff is a better depreciation rate? I tend to think so.

[Yo-Yo]

Not just that Dave, the margin in small cars is next to 0. For instance, even the new Camry's selling at $28,990 are already in at a negative of close to a $1000 that's how competitive this industry is but Toyota is backing that customers will buy after care products, more than likely finance, and have a decent trade-in. Oh and i work for Toyota.

I can second that on small cars, I used to be a sales manager for nissan & then mitsubishi a few years back & the margin on micras & colts were about $700 max if that. This is 4 years ago so things can change since then.

...But really? Camrys coming in negative on invoice? I'm not doubting you just sounds insane to me, do the dealers mark up 'delivery' charges or are there factory incentives you can claim back? don't answer if you don't want to, I'm just curious...

[Seano350GT]

I can second that on small cars, I used to be a sales manager for nissan & then mitsubishi a few years back & the margin on micras & colts were about $700 max if that. This is 4 years ago so things can change since then.

...But really? Camrys coming in negative on invoice? I'm not doubting you just sounds insane to me, do the dealers mark up 'delivery' charges or are there factory incentives you can claim back? don't answer if you don't want to, I'm just curious...

Yep, i know a bloke at Mitsubishi too that makes sweet FA on most small cars.

It seems hard to beleive, i was told that information by my asst manager who's been here for 17 years so i trust what he's told me. It is definitely insane no doubt about that, as you would know there is mega-bucks in finance and after care products so that's where the money comes back into the company. Then with factory warranty, servicing makes an absolute killing. I was reading the details about the % of profit each part of the company brings into the business and service actually contributes 66% of the entire companies earnings. Plenty of ways for a dealer to bring money back in, so the actual cost of the car is not so important but to bring the car out from factory under cost is pretty crazy.