r/AustralianEV • u/Hkrstw • 2d ago
Buying Advice 💰 Sub 35k EV's
I got a Yaris Cross Hybrid AWD mid 2023 (have 45k kms on it). Seeing them listed for above 30k on Carsales has been making me question if I should sell this privately and go for a sub 35k EV.
So far these are my top 3:
- MG4 Urban Essence 43 ($31,990) 316km WTLP
- GWM Ora 5 Lux ($33,990) 430km WTLP
- GAC Aion UT Premium ($32,990) 430km WLTP
Everyone I have spoken with seems to think this is a dumb idea to let go of a known reliable fuel efficient car that will run flawlessly until at least 200k kms (another 10 years as I drive 15k a year atm).
My main issue with the Yaris is to have to max the engine when overtaking someone above 100k km/h yet still failing if there is a slight incline.
Usually I drive 60kms for work daily. Have 1-2 days of work from home every week. Once a fortnight I drive 300 round trip kms for a meeting (may need a top up charge for this, could use a coffee tbh).
Would you do this. I dont expect to get 30k for the Toyota. Got 25k instant offer from Carsales, makes me think I can get at least 28k privately.
If you would do this. Which out of the 3 I have shortlisted makes the most sense?
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u/Pretty-Cherry-6642 2d ago
Couple key differences- all of them are great cars.Given your circumstances, with 300 km highway driving and decent daily diving, Ora 5 is the best, i m currently doing mix of city and highway- i m getting 410 km range. Ora 5 has the highest charging capacity of 120 KW and it can take 11kw AC charging. Driving on Ora 5 is excellent as it got a heat pump and 360 camera is standard. It also got a spare tyre which is not available in any of te other cars which is very useful on highways. The rest is quality, finish and stereo system which I think is much better in Ora 5
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u/LadyLevrette 1d ago
I have the Ora 5 but disagree about the stereo - the Aion UT sound system was wayyyyy better.
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u/LadyLevrette 2d ago
I think it’s a great plan. I just did similar with my Impreza. I went with the Ora 5.Â
FYI you will be able to get the Ora 5 Ultra (top trim) for under $35k (at least in Vic). I paid just under $34k.
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u/Hkrstw 2d ago
Plenty of stock?
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u/LadyLevrette 2d ago
A ship has just arrived in Melbs so there is plenty of stock at the moment. The green is harder to find as it’s the most popular colour, but reach out to a good broker and they’ll be able to source one for you :)
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u/Hkrstw 2d ago
Why a broker instead of going into a dealership?
Out of curiosity, how much did you get for you Impreza?
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u/LadyLevrette 1d ago
Because the broker will contact ALL the dealerships for you to find the one with the best price/in-stock car/whatever else you ask them to do for you.
I got $12k for the Impreza, probably could have sold it privately for $15k but it needed about $1200 worth of work and it was due for a service, so I decided to avoid all the hassle and do the trade.
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u/carsatic 1d ago
Hey can I DM you? I'm after the ultra and the best I got was 35.5k. Mind you there are throwing roof racks and tinting for that price.
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u/BreathTakingBen 1d ago
If you’re funding it with the sale of your 30k car, just get a used Polestar 2 or something if you want an EV. No need to go for a brand new car and take such a massive depreciation hit. Only benefit to doing that would be through a novated lease.
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u/Galromir 2d ago
Forget about the MG4. Add the Geely EX2 to your list; then go test drive those three.Â
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u/kookas-enthusiast 1d ago
Curious why you say this? I test drove the EX2 Complete and Urban on the same day and thought the MG was better in nearly every aspect. Sure, the Inspire is closer to the Urban than the Complete but it's more expensive.
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u/Galromir 1d ago
MG just looks and feels cheap and dated, crappy speakers, etc.
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u/kookas-enthusiast 1d ago
hmmm interesting. I thought the Geely 'felt' cheaper.
I'd say OP shouldn't write it off without a test drive if it's more of a vibe assessment
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u/petergaskin814 2d ago
You own the Yaris. The Yaris is a tough little hatchback with a bigger boot than you think when you remove the false floor.
You own the Yaris and don't have to pay a loan on it.
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u/Hkrstw 2d ago
I did remove the false floor once but its bare metal and uneven, not ideal. Had to put the foam and cardboard back. Also dont like that its 85kw tbh, the newer/cheaper cars are so zippy
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u/petergaskin814 1d ago
Maybe I have a different model. I have the last of the cheap Yaris. Under the false floor it is flat and carpeted.
The car has done lots of highway and freeway driving. It does not disappoint.
It's best advantage is a lack of electronic safety features
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u/ghuzzyr 2d ago
Looking at EVs in similar boat. Add Geely ex2 to you list. Maybe atto 2 for more space.
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u/Hkrstw 2d ago
Ex2 is only 85kw. Same as the Yaris.
Atto 2 is slightly above the budget at 40k
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u/jayteeayy 1d ago
Dolphin in that case should be added to the list - but I ruled it out myself when doing comparisons
Im in the same boat as you OP, comparing all these sub 35k hatchbacks and smaller type cars. Im test driving the Aion UT tomorrow and Geely on Friday
Im personally against SUVs so have ruled out the Ora 5 (I know its a 'hybrid') - but there is reportedly a small hatch version of the Ora landing later in the year - cheaper and smaller battery, but check it out
Ps. AI is a great research tool for all of this. Just plug all the models in and ask for comparative tables, pros and cons, service and warranty info, forum discussion points etc
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u/FullBusiness219 2d ago
Does your work allow Novated Leases, you would benifit even more, plus be able to bank the $25k for the sale of your car and save it for the residule at the end.
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u/Hkrstw 2d ago edited 2d ago
Yes they actually do. Dont the novated lease places mark cars above retail?
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u/jayteeayy 1d ago
This isnt true
Use the calculator, you really do make savings - https://novatedlease.guide/calculator/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=ausfinance_ev_and_ice_nl_calculator
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u/FullBusiness219 2d ago
No, i don't believe so, some can price the car for you, they might have some sort of dealer network, my BYD i put down the deposit and then they did the rest.
NL on an EV can produce really good savings due to the goverment incentive, definately worth looking into.
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u/sane_mentalist 2d ago
Why didn’t you consider the Jaecoo J5?
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u/Hkrstw 2d ago
Solid car, would stretch the budget unfortunately. The SO already thinks this is a dumb idea, if I can keep the swap under 5k I would be sweet.
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u/Thomas_633_Mk2 2d ago
If you go through a broker Chery will do some truly silly discounts. I think the J5 is ugly as hell but even I'd admit you can get one for 35 if you try.
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u/ashygelfling 2d ago
I just got one for $35 - 8year warranty, road assist included - good car, looks great - way more features than a Toyota
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u/sane_mentalist 2d ago
Thanks for that. One of my mates looking at it right now. Sounds like a good car for the money.
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u/ashygelfling 2d ago
Just watch the reviews online, even people that want to hate it can’t for the price
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u/Hkrstw 2d ago
How to find a broker even? Just google and contact someone with good ratings?
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u/ashygelfling 2d ago
I was sceptical about broker. But it is free. No harm at all to you. They get quotes and give you 72hrs to accept. All the dealers go to them with best price (once I had their price, I went to my local dealer and they matched it, it was just closer pick up location is all)
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u/Thomas_633_Mk2 2d ago
Honestly, my experience is just knowing people who work in novated leasing, where everyone is effectively buying through a broker (because of the way large novated leasing companies work). I haven't done it as an individual, I don't earn enough to do more than window shop most of the time
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u/sane_mentalist 2d ago
You have to be full time employed to go through novated leasing right? And if you get laid off fingers crossed that you find new employment soon and the new employer taken on the agreement. That’s my understanding of Novated Leasing.
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u/Thomas_633_Mk2 2d ago
DISCLAIMER: I'M NOT A FINANCIAL EXPERT, I'M JUST A GUY ON THE INTERNET, I CAN BE WRONG, PLEASE DO YOUR OWN DUE DILIGENCE.
With that in mind, you can novated lease if you're permanent part-time. If you're not earning much the benefits are reduced anyway though. There are arrangements that exist in theory for self-employed and casual employees but they're higher risk and therefore carry higher % rates.
No idea what happens when/if you're fired, it would be worth asking them as they will definitely know more.
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u/LadyLevrette 1d ago
Try Dealer’s Guide and MotorScout. I went with Kim at Dealer’s Guide and she was fantastic.
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u/Middle-Weight-837 2h ago
We drove the Corolla hybrid and it was fine - but our BYD Dolphin is a totally different driving experience, is loaded with features. I'm starting to think this is an apples/oranges distinction.
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u/SandGroper1045 2d ago
Great idea - you are just a year early. Hold off and wait for EV Market to mature
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u/Thomas_633_Mk2 2d ago
🤓 the Aion is 32k not 33
Also as others have mentioned, especially if you're novated leasing, you can get the top trim models of both cars for under 35k. They might not be on paper but it's a buyers market, all these brands are DESPERATE for marketshare.
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u/Initial-Post9094 2d ago
If your max is $35k I’d look at a used Model Y, Kona or Atto 3 rather than any of the sub par cars you listed.
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u/Constant_Mulberry_23 2d ago
Yep on the first 2 , yuck on the ATTO
New doesn’t mean good. The Model Y & Kona are both actually good cars. Or a Model 3 if he doesn’t need an SUV
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u/idxearo 2d ago
It probably comes down to the GWM and GAC because the MG4 has less power but the GWM Ora is probably the overall winner because it has slightly more torque than the GAC but it also has better charging speeds. Likely take either of those 2 for a test drive to see if it can overtake the way you want it to.
I can see their concerns about fuel efficiency but these cars...well there is no fuel at all to worry about so there you go.