Proper budget car comparison

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groen_mamba

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So here's another one of those "which car is better" posts....

So I've taken a couple of relatively similarly priced vehicles which I consider options, and worked out the instalment per month based on the quoted purchase price, as well as the expected fuel economy in terms of the quoted figure, coupled with an estimation of the fuel price based on the amount of kilometres I do in a month (roughly).

Here they are:
Price Quoted fuel economy
Renault Duster R217 000 7.5l/100km
VW Polo (1.2TFSI Comfortline) R210 000 4.9l/100km
Kia Rio Sedan 1.4 R190 000 6.4l/100km
Renault Sandero Stepway R160 000 5.4l/100km

I do say 1600km's per month, and I used the petrol price at R14/l

I know the fuel consumption is not realistic, but as I'm using all the manufacturer's quotes at least I'm comparing apples to apples.

Then I've used the same finance terms accross all the vehicles, namely R45k desposit, 6,5% interest rate (bank employee), 20% residual and 72 month term.

So herewith the results. This is instalment, and then monthly fuel cost:

Duster - R2421-75 + R1680 = R4 101-75
Polo - R2318-95 + R1100 = R3418-95
Rio - R2083-97 + R1434 = R3517-97
Stepway - R1584-64 + R1209-60 = R2794-24

So the results are quite interesting as the Stepway is by far the cheapest, followed by the Polo, the Rio and then the Duster, due to its fuel consumption.

Thing is I can't see how the Stepway can not be the eventual choice, as it is by the cheapest, and has the specs as well, such as bluetooth, rear park assist, service plan etc etc.

I know that the third and last component that is missing is probably insurance cost, although I haven't done the exercise of getting quotes.

So given the above, any thoughts, comments etc would be appreciated. My heart says new Polo, but my wallet says Stepway....(which I don't mind to be honest)

Thanks for your input.
 
supersunbird said:
Some of those cars are not budget, so of course the Sandero will win on overall costs.
Click to expand...

Yip understand that, although I do feel they offer similar size and specs, with the Duster being the exception, although still within the same price range.
 
Unless you are off roading, why compromise handling and fuel economy with the Duster? My vote is for the Polo... Best car on there.
 
Quantum Theory said:
Unless you are off roading, why compromise handling and fuel economy with the Duster? My vote is for the Polo... Best car on there.
Click to expand...

Duster is there because of its size and value for money IMO, but agreed technology-wise Polo is best, just feel like for R50k is it worth it over the new Stepway?
 
If you take the cars for a drive you'll be able to justify the extra cash for the polo, well in my experience anyway.
 
Thanks for the suggestions, hopefully it will be the Polo, otherwise if budget is an issue, probably Stepway...
 
HeftyCrab said:
In that price range what about the "new" Toyota corolla quest? Or honda jazz?
Click to expand...

Crap Toyota is crap.


Take the Polo, if budget is an issue, find the money somewhere. Renault service is useless from my experience, and the Rio isn't comparable at all. The Polo really does outdo all the mentioned cars by a huge margin.

The Sandero has decent kit for the price yes, but the engine is weak and will need to be pushed a lot so you definitely won't get 5.4 out of it.
 
groen_mamba said:
So here's another one of those "which car is better" posts....

So I've taken a couple of relatively similarly priced vehicles which I consider options, and worked out the instalment per month based on the quoted purchase price, as well as the expected fuel economy in terms of the quoted figure, coupled with an estimation of the fuel price based on the amount of kilometres I do in a month (roughly).

Here they are:
Price Quoted fuel economy
Renault Duster R217 000 7.5l/100km
VW Polo (1.2TFSI Comfortline) R210 000 4.9l/100km
Kia Rio Sedan 1.4 R190 000 6.4l/100km
Renault Sandero Stepway R160 000 5.4l/100km

I do say 1600km's per month, and I used the petrol price at R14/l

I know the fuel consumption is not realistic, but as I'm using all the manufacturer's quotes at least I'm comparing apples to apples.

Then I've used the same finance terms accross all the vehicles, namely R45k desposit, 6,5% interest rate (bank employee), 20% residual and 72 month term.

So herewith the results. This is instalment, and then monthly fuel cost:

Duster - R2421-75 + R1680 = R4 101-75
Polo - R2318-95 + R1100 = R3418-95
Rio - R2083-97 + R1434 = R3517-97
Stepway - R1584-64 + R1209-60 = R2794-24

So the results are quite interesting as the Stepway is by far the cheapest, followed by the Polo, the Rio and then the Duster, due to its fuel consumption.

Thing is I can't see how the Stepway can not be the eventual choice, as it is by the cheapest, and has the specs as well, such as bluetooth, rear park assist, service plan etc etc.

I know that the third and last component that is missing is probably insurance cost, although I haven't done the exercise of getting quotes.

So given the above, any thoughts, comments etc would be appreciated. My heart says new Polo, but my wallet says Stepway....(which I don't mind to be honest)

Thanks for your input.
Click to expand...

I almost bought a Sandero Stepway because of the same reasons you mention. Test drove the Rio, Sandero stepway and Polo last month. Sandero has many toys, but its nowhere near the Rio and Polo in terms of quality, ride, etc. And resale will be crap! (Speaking from Renault experience). I'd go Rio, Polo, Duster, Sandero. I went for the Polo because of the VW 399 insurance special, normal insurance would've been 2k Polo, 1.8k Rio, 1.2k Sandero. Rio Tec won the battle, but lost the war...
 
I'm also in the market for a new car and have looked at similar options as you.

For me it's currently between the Ford Ecosport and the Sandero Stepway. However I haven't test driven any of the cars yet.

I see that Nangi doesn't rate the Stepway that highly but I can't help but feel that the amount one would save will be worth it. I don't drive a lot. So a car is basically something for me to get from one place to another. I can't help but feel that with the money I save on the car I will be able to buy a new bed and a new PC and actually a lot of things just as example.

I mean the Polo is R50 000 more expensive than the Stepway. Plus the extra insurance and well I'm wondering if the extra comfort is worth it when the money can be used for other things.
 
True, money could always be used elsewhere. If you would prefer the Sandero then go for it. I know what my choice would be, and it matches with what most here have said.

Inb4Roux : Opel!
 
How are these budget cars? Budget cars are i10s, Sparks, Picantos at a stretch the Vivo and Figo. Not the listed cars here.
 
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