[mickd]

Hi,
With  kayaking being added to snorkeling  on the  things to do list ,  a rethink on wheels is in order. Was thinking of just using Santa, but it's a little high for Anita to be loading /unloading kayak. Then we thought just use the i30, till we went on some of the tracks to the  best spots, the "i" wouldn't have made it .
 Friend has XV for her  adventures, combines roof height and ground clearance .
ix35  awd  also considered as between Santa & XV roof height.
Subaru have been around for donkeys and are as far as I know reliable.

[Dazzler]

XV is a bit under powered but probably no more so than the 1.8 petrol GD. Trish and I are not big fans of the alloys that come on the XV either. Think they are a bit of a love / hate design of wheel.

They are pretty much identical to an Impreza with a bit of cladding and slight increase in ride height. Probably biggest negative with Subaru is the servicing costs.

There is also a long running engine issue  with Subaru engines when the mileage gets up (discussed on Whirlpool ) that I didn't know of until recently.

They get lower reviews than i30 or Camry on product review website.

ProductReview.com.au

ProductReview.com.au

ProductReview.com.au

[mickd]

XV is a bit under powered but probably no more so than the 1.8 petrol GD. Trish and I are not big fans of the alloys that come on the XV either. Think they are a bit of a love / hate design of wheel.

They are pretty much identical to an Impreza with a bit of cladding and slight increase in ride height. Probably biggest negative with Subaru is the servicing costs.

There is also a long running engine issue  with Subaru engines when the mileage gets up (discussed on Whirlpool ) that I didn't know of until recently.

They get lower reviews than i30 or Camry on product review website.

ProductReview.com.au

ProductReview.com.au

ProductReview.com.au

Thanks,  didn't know re engine issue - Will investigate .
Alloys  myself , will replace space saver though.

[Dazzler]

XV is a bit under powered but probably no more so than the 1.8 petrol GD. Trish and I are not big fans of the alloys that come on the XV either. Think they are a bit of a love / hate design of wheel.

They are pretty much identical to an Impreza with a bit of cladding and slight increase in ride height. Probably biggest negative with Subaru is the servicing costs.

There is also a long running engine issue  with Subaru engines when the mileage gets up (discussed on Whirlpool ) that I didn't know of until recently.

They get lower reviews than i30 or Camry on product review website.

ProductReview.com.au

ProductReview.com.au

ProductReview.com.au

Thanks,  didn't know re engine issue - Will investigate .
Alloys  myself , will replace space saver though.

Couldn't find the engine issue on Whirlpool with a quick search but a guy called Dave mentions it ion one of the more recent (negative) reviews on the Product Review Site...

"We purchased ourXV brand new in 2013 and has been a good car till the oil burning issue became aware to us when the oil light came on 2000k before the service ! Then came the left CV failing at 120k now for the big one the CTV has failed at 180k
This car has always had log book service
Used everyday commuting to work by my Wife
I had a 2001 Subaru Outback before it did over 300k and only thing that I replaced was the front CV’s at 280k
I would not recommend a new generation Subaru"

[beerman]

They have a reputation of being expensive to service, I haven't bothered to see if this is still the case.

[Dazzler]

Don't get the CVT Mick (go the Manual if you get one)

The CVT gets heaps of bad reviews in that Product review thread! 

[mickd]

Don't get the CVT Mick (go the Manual if you get one)

The CVT gets heaps of bad reviews in that Product review thread! 

Found a few 2012 -2015 with cvt deaths. Lots of other complaints re cvt is when taking off or  in stop/start traffic  - engine has stop/start that  cannot be turned permanently off. Friend's is really rough during that process.  Found when driving FIL's Honda that it's cvt didn't like to creep at walking pace or less either,  similar to dct maybe?
Manual has fulltime mechanical awd -auto same as most fwd till awd is needed.

[Dazzler]

Sounds like manual is the way to go if you must have one, but do investigate the service costs. 

[Surferdude]

And the (real) fuel economy.

[mickd]

I never believe fuel figures , add 25% and you might be close.
Anita head is just below the roof rails of ix35. VX is just about mid eye leve
Also looked at ASX -right height  but seats like planks & cramped, Rav 4 - too tall,  Suzuki Grand Vitara - too tall .
Had a brain storm - Kona awd - no such animal   
Anyone got a 120mm lift kit for a GD i30 ?

[Surferdude]

I thought the Kona Highlander was AWD.

[Dazzler]

I thought the Kona Highlander was AWD.

All 1.6 Turbo Versions in Australia are AWD (like Trishs)

In the USA You can option the 1.6T with or without 4WD but over here it's pretty much $3,000 extra for the 1.6T (but the extra includes the DCT and AWD) 

I didn't suggest the Kona because it's fairly upright so I thought it might be too tall.

 

Somewhat higher ratings than the XV!

ProductReview.com.au

The ASX would be better than the XV in a few areas. More reliable and cheaper servicing I think.

Get some nice thick sheepskin seat covers to soften the seats. 

[mickd]

I thought the Kona Highlander was AWD.

Sorry  guys, did not say that we are trying to do this with about a $10000 plus i30 budget.  Was looking for Kona Go  tdi awd.  Have 2 values of 15k and 15.5 k for i39 on  21500 & 23000 cars.

[Dazzler]

I thought the Kona Highlander was AWD.

Sorry  guys, did not say that we are trying to do this with about a $10000 plus i30 budget.  Was looking for Kona Go  tdi awd.  Have 2 values of 15k and 15.5 k for i39 on  21500 & 23000 cars.

You might  pick up a used 2017 1.6 T AWD kona for mid 20's

[CraigB]

What about a little Suzuki Jimny https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/Suzuki-Jimny-2009/SSE-AD-6104138/?Cr=4 they're a great and very capable little 4x4, not to tall and perfect if just wanting something cheap and reliable that'll get you just about anywhere.

[Dazzler]

If You can't find a Kona AWD in your budget I'd be going the ASX. They have been around a while and sell pretty well so you should have plenty to choose from to find the exact specs and features you need (a diesel maybe?)

The other thing with the Subaru XV is if you were going a second hand one then it might only have the 3 year s warranty and from what I have seen you may need all the warranty you can get. 

[Surferdude]

I agree the ASX is a good option.

Just make sure the one you choose has had all its recalls done. Apparently there's  been quite a few. Lady my daughter works with has had seven recalls. But loves it. None of the recalls have been for things causing her any problems.

Despite that the owners are generally happy with them.

It'll be on my list when time comes to go up a size, along with the Kona.

[mickd]

Looked a bit more last night.
2016 onwards  XV with good kms  $30-37k. 3 year warranty.
West Aus is looking good for a 2018 model.

Check out this 2018 Hyundai Kona Highlander Auto AWD MY18.
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2018-Hyundai-Kona-Highlander-Auto-AWD-MY18/OAG-AD-17253790

[Dazzler]

I'm confused! I thought your budget was around 15 trade +10 =25k?

If you can stretch to $30 or $35k you'll get an excellent kona or ASX it's your money but after all that's been said in this thread I'm amazed you'd still consider an XV!

[mickd]

  it was,  but you know things change 
 

So .........
Will suss out a kona highlander this week.
Will get straight sale price as well as trade -in.
 The wa ones can be delivered with rego for about 3k extra  , being 18 build no sat nav or sunroof.

[Dazzler]

it was,  but you know things change 
 

So .........
Will suss out a kona highlander this week.
Will get straight sale price as well as trade -in.
 The wa ones can be delivered with rego for about 3k extra  , being 18 build no sat nav or sunroof.

Be careful. Don't just assume all Highlanders are 1.6T (all grades can come with either engine) Personally I'd consider an Elite with a 1.6T over a Highlander with a 2.0 Petrol. The 1.6T is just a so much better drive. Even Trish's Active is well featured although as a main car i would have wanted the Keyless entry and push button start which come only in the Elite and Highlander I think.  Have fun. 

[Dazzler]

Yeah, they are a great deal for the Turbo version. Trish loves that blue colour. With android auto, No sat nav isn't a biggie.

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2018-Hyundai-Kona-Highlander-Auto-AWD-MY18/OAG-AD-17253790

[mickd]

Okay , update re Subaru XV.
Deal done this arvo.
Getting the KONA HL 1.6T 7DCT Lagoon Blue from W.A. as per link.
$33500 delivered to the door. 
Allow  $1850 for rego, ctp and stamp duty, $35350 all up.
Local dealer would only talk 19 model with 4 month wait for the blue, $45k with $13k trade in,  $32k balance.
Now to sell our GD,  Carsales/Pickles have offered $13500 straight up, so
$21850 .
(Anyone after a 2016 GD4 S2 Active X i30 ,tint, mats, weathershields price as above.)

[Dazzler]

Okay , update re Subaru XV.
Deal done this arvo.
Getting the KONA HL 1.6T 7DCT Lagoon Blue from W.A. as per link.
$33500 delivered to the door. 
Allow  $1850 for rego, ctp and stamp duty, $35350 all up.
Local dealer would only talk 19 model with 4 month wait for the blue, $45k with $13k trade in,  $32k balance.
Now to sell our GD,  Carsales/Pickles have offered $13500 straight up, so
$21850 .
(Anyone after a 2016 GD4 S2 Active X i30 ,tint, mats, weathershields price as above.)

Congrats to you and Anita. I don't know if i should tell Trish. she loves that colour! Will be an awesome car. 

Pick a sale price and i can put an add in the for sale section on your behalf. 

[mickd]

Okay , update re Subaru XV.
Deal done this arvo.
Getting the KONA HL 1.6T 7DCT Lagoon Blue from W.A. as per link.
$33500 delivered to the door. 
Allow  $1850 for rego, ctp and stamp duty, $35350 all up.
Local dealer would only talk 19 model with 4 month wait for the blue, $45k with $13k trade in,  $32k balance.
Now to sell our GD,  Carsales/Pickles have offered $13500 straight up, so
$21850 .
(Anyone after a 2016 GD4 S2 Active X i30 ,tint, mats, weathershields price as above.)

Congrats to you and Anita. I don't know if i should tell Trish. she loves that colour! Will be an awesome car. 

Pick a sale price and i can put an add in the for sale section on your behalf. 

Go on, tell her,  be brave 
We took a base  model awd for a spin the other day at Bega.
Salesgirl - "sure, get it out the dirt road, no worries at all. You should have seen the Santa fe that was driven all over a farmer's paddocks last week "
Went well,  rode well and handled the dirt road well. (twice as fast as the i30-took wrong turn last week  ) 

Thanks for the offer Dazz,  $15k would be great.

[Dazzler]

I told her.. but also told her she got a better stereo and Sat Nav (just to soften the blow) - she isn't jelly belly about the extra bling but she is about the colour.. 

I'll post the add shortly! 

[Dazzler]

Okay , update re Subaru XV.
Deal done this arvo.
Getting the KONA HL 1.6T 7DCT Lagoon Blue from W.A. as per link.
$33500 delivered to the door. 
Allow  $1850 for rego, ctp and stamp duty, $35350 all up.
Local dealer would only talk 19 model with 4 month wait for the blue, $45k with $13k trade in,  $32k balance.
Now to sell our GD,  Carsales/Pickles have offered $13500 straight up, so
$21850 .
(Anyone after a 2016 GD4 S2 Active X i30 ,tint, mats, weathershields price as above.)

Congrats to you and Anita. I don't know if i should tell Trish. she loves that colour! Will be an awesome car. 

Pick a sale price and i can put an add in the for sale section on your behalf. 

Went well,  rode well and handled the dirt road well. (twice as fast as the i30-took wrong turn last week  ) 

Told you they were great. Bloody quick for a small auto SUV - nothing else comes close!

[Surferdude]

Lagoon Blue.
That's  Cameron's colour. 

[Dazzler]

Lagoon Blue.
That's  Cameron's colour. 

I hear it's pretty cold in Canada, that would do it! 

[Surferdude]

Lagoon Blue.
That's  Cameron's colour. 

I hear it's pretty cold in Canada, that would do it! 

Cam is in Brisbane.
David is in Canada.

Do try and keep up.