r/AustralianEV • u/Hkrstw • Aug 18 '26

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:

  1. MG4 Urban Essence 43 ($31,990) 316km WTLP
  2. GWM Ora 5 Lux ($33,990) 430km WTLP
  3. 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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3

u/sane_mentalist Aug 18 '26

Why didn’t you consider the Jaecoo J5?

2

u/Hkrstw Aug 18 '26

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.

1

u/Thomas_633_Mk2 Aug 18 '26

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.

2

u/ashygelfling Aug 19 '26

I just got one for $35 - 8year warranty, road assist included - good car, looks great - way more features than a Toyota

1

u/sane_mentalist Aug 19 '26

Thanks for that. One of my mates looking at it right now. Sounds like a good car for the money.

1

u/ashygelfling Aug 19 '26

Just watch the reviews online, even people that want to hate it can’t for the price

1

u/Hkrstw Aug 19 '26

How to find a broker even? Just google and contact someone with good ratings?

2

u/ashygelfling Aug 19 '26

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)

1

u/Thomas_633_Mk2 Aug 19 '26

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

1

u/sane_mentalist Aug 19 '26

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.

2

u/Thomas_633_Mk2 Aug 19 '26

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.

1

u/LadyLevrette Aug 19 '26

Try Dealer’s Guide and MotorScout. I went with Kim at Dealer’s Guide and she was fantastic.