Automotive

Could really use some help! Car selection under 30k (advice/guidance)

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  • Jul 25th, 2019 1:11 pm
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Apr 15, 2011
1484 posts
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Could really use some help! Car selection under 30k (advice/guidance)

Hi RFD community!

Hope you are all enjoying this brutal heat wave :D

I'm sorry to bug you all but I really need some guidance or second opinions. I've been swamped with work and haven't had a moment to do the necessary research into a new vehicle as my term is expiring. Realistically I need to do 2-3 test drives tomorrow and purchase date would be Wednesday.

I live in BC (Vancouver) if that helps.

I'm open to either buying a vehicle straight up in full (if there is a decent "retail cash rebate" you guys know of? or I'm open to financing)

I've been looking at the Mazda 6 GS or the Honda Civic Sport both 2019.

Does anyone have any other recommendations under the 30k threshold?

I really appreciate your thoughts, and I hope you all have a pleasant week.

Kind regards,
11 replies
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Apr 15, 2011
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I'm seeing the Mazda 6 GS at:

Retail Price Dealer Cost
$29,145.00 $27,156.00

I'm seeing the Mazda 6 GS-L at:

Retail Price Dealer Cost
$33,845.00 $31,656.00

I'm pretty confident in my negotiating abillity, and the 1.5k over budget isn't the end of the world as long as I could keep it relatively close to dealer cost.

Any people got thoughts?
Member
Apr 22, 2019
492 posts
606 upvotes
I would not recommend purchasing the Mazda 6 new, they depreciate really fast and have horrible resale. How long are you planning on keeping the vehicle? The civic is a good vehicle, just avoid the ones with the 1.5L engine because those have had some trouble in recent years. Have you considered an accord? Competes more with the Mazda 6. What are you looking for in a vehicle? From your options it’s obvious you want something that’s not mind numbing to drive, maybe look into the VW Golf GTI, it’s a great car to drive.
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Apr 30, 2006
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Markham
I think in BC, the 1.5T oil dilution issue may be less common since the weather is warmer. That said, I drive a 2019 Civic Touring 1.5T and have zero issues thus far. I do agree Mazdas in general depreciate more and a 6 isn't really an apples to apples with a Civic.

I also agree a Golf would be a fun drive. It'll also depreciate rather quick, but isn't as expensive as the Mazda 6 or Civic.

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Dec 11, 2011
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CALEDON
Beamerguy28 wrote: I would not recommend purchasing the Mazda 6 new, they depreciate really fast and have horrible resale. How long are you planning on keeping the vehicle? The civic is a good vehicle, just avoid the ones with the 1.5L engine because those have had some trouble in recent years. Have you considered an accord? Competes more with the Mazda 6. What are you looking for in a vehicle? From your options it’s obvious you want something that’s not mind numbing to drive, maybe look into the VW Golf GTI, it’s a great car to drive.
I'd like to echo the Golf GTI recommendation here. You will not be disappointed. It's a great platform, with a shape that's practical, an interior that feels expensive and german, an engine / transmission that satisfies most car enthusiasts needs and lastly awesome handling when you feel like having a little fun.

The Accord and the sportier-feeling Mazda are good vehicles. They aren't however, great vehicles, in my opinion. I can only imagine that after the new car affect wears off, they would leave you wanting more.
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Jun 18, 2018
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Toronto
VW Golf GTI is great. If you're looking for a little cheaper alternative, the 2020 Corolla is great as well (go with the higher trim if you want something comparable to the VW Golf GTI)
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Aug 3, 2005
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Electrah wrote: VW Golf GTI is great. If you're looking for a little cheaper alternative, the 2020 Corolla is great as well (go with the higher trim if you want something comparable to the VW Golf GTI)
If you get a higher trim Corolla (plus the dealer leaves $10,000 cash in the trunk by accident), it still wont even be close to a GTI.
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Apr 15, 2014
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Gti would be over 30k with taxes. Imo subaru imprezza.
Please respond
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Nov 26, 2008
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GTA
Wouldn’t the OP be into a 2017/18 GTI to stay under 30k?
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Jun 18, 2018
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Toronto
ekcivichb wrote: If you get a higher trim Corolla (plus the dealer leaves $10,000 cash in the trunk by accident), it still wont even be close to a GTI.
Yes so the Corolla is cheaper as I said? ..
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Dec 24, 2009
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GTI or better yet used Golf R or BMW 335i if you find one with extended warranty

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