Gift-wrapped Bargains

Sydney Morning Herald

Friday June 22, 2007

David Berthon

It's the end of the financial year and time for the car industry to spread good cheer with deals galore. Drive's marketplace expert David Berthon has found the best to put a smile on your face.

Christmas comes twice a year for car buyers - once at the beginning of the year, when dealers are desperate to shift last year's stock, and in June, the biggest sales month of the calendar.

June is a big sales month because accountants generally encourage companies and small business owners to spend any spare cash and reduce their tax burden as the financial year comes to a close. Company cars and commercial vehicles are a logical choice for many.

And car companies, knowing that the fish will be biting, like to dangle a line in the water to get their share of the bumper catch.

This year the competition for your dollar promises to be the most intense on record.

The Australian car market is tipped to break through the one million sales barrier in 2007, so it's odds-on that this June will be the biggest on record.

And with more than 250 individual models on sale, cut-throat discounting is assured.

Adding to that, the stronger Aussie dollar against the yen has brought down the price of Japanese cars, putting enormous pressure on the cheaper Korean imports, whose response is some of the lowest prices seen for years.

The arrival of several new imported brands also has put pressure on the established brands, in particular the local manufacturers, whose share of the overall market continues to slide.

After an exhaustive phone-around among Sydney dealers this week, here are some of the best deals on new cars that Drive could find, from A to V.

ALFA ROMEO

Alfa sales are up 24 per cent this year and the Italian maker has a big push on Alfa Brera coupe "demonstrators" at drive-away prices. Pay $59,990 drive-away for the 2.2-litre JTS four-cylinder manual and save $8730 or pay $74,990 drive-away for the 3.2-litre V6 all-wheel-drive manual - a saving of $13,000. Most have never been demonstrated - just ask.

AUDI

Audi has expanded its range over the past 12 months and sales are up 41 per cent across the board. But its best-selling A4 is now in its run-out year, which means you can get S-Line sports enhancements valued at $7290 for an extra $1400. Pay $51,850 plus on-road costs for the base 2.0-litre A4 auto sedan with the extras.

If the sports enhancements don't suit, discounts of $4000 to $6000 can be negotiated on A4 and A6 models. The A8 has up to $12,000 off.

BENTLEY

With a new dealer taking over from the receiver this week, the upper luxury marque is still feeling its way. Recent sales suggest a $30,000 discount is easily negotiable on the Arnage sedan while the smaller Continental GT Coupe and Flying Spur sedan now have a $20,000 saving. No deals on the relatively new GT convertible.

BMW

Despite strong tallies for its new X5 luxury 4WD and 3 Series coupe and convertible, BMW's mainstream 3, 5 and 7 Series sedans are under sales pressure. Specification upgrades have just been announced across the range but existing models carry big discounts: negotiate from $4000 on 3 Series, from $6000 on 5 Series and from $10,000 to $20,000 on a 7 Series, depending on the model.

CHRYSLER

Chrysler sales are down by more than 3 per cent this year and deals are emerging for its most popular model, the large 300C sedan. You can negotiate $3000 off the V6s - the 3.5-litre petrol and 3.0 turbo diesel - and $4000 on the V8 models.

Scuderia Veloce Chrysler Jeep at Chatswood is selling the 3.3 V6 SE long-wheelbase seven-seat automatic Voyager Vision people-mover for $54,990 drive-away, a saving of nearly $5000.

CITROEN

Citroen's new C4 Picasso people-mover has boosted volumes for the French importer. However, it still has drive-away deals on the C3 hatch, C4 coupe and hatch (petrol and diesel) and selected C5 petrol and diesel sedans.

Save up to $3000 on the C3, from $3300 on the C4 and up to $10,210 on the C5 3.0-litre V6 at $49,990 drive-away. Rick Damelian Citroen at Leichhardt will negotiate a further $750 off C3, C4 and C5 drive-away prices. It also has three-years' free scheduled servicing on all new C5 models.

No deals on C2, the large C6 and the impressive new 2.2-litre twin-turbo diesel C5 automatic.

DODGE

The American brand is still establishing itself in Australia with an expanded Caliber five-door hatch line-up, which now totals nine models. Save from $2000 on the base 1.8-litre Caliber ST manual and up to $2500 on the top-line 2.0-litre SXT CRD turbo diesel.

FIAT

Another newcomer still feeling its way in its first year on the market. Local distributor Ateco Automotive has $1700 worth of extras on the well-equipped 1.4-litre petrol and 1.3-litre turbo diesel Punto Dynamic five-door hatches. Extra gear includes four free alloy wheels, a 2GB iPod Nano and free MP3 connection - pay from $22,990 drive-away.

Negotiate up to $1500 off the 1.9-litre turbo diesel five-door Punto Emotion and three-door Sport hatchbacks.

FORD

Ford sales continue to slide this year (down 9.3 per cent). The best deal is on the ageing six-cylinder Falcon sedan, due for replacement early next year. Ford dealers have 2006-build BF MkII sedans with a Euro sports pack of six-speed automatic, 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control and stability control for $29,990 drive-away. Previously $34,990 plus on-road costs, these models are now $9510 off.

The 2.0-litre five-door manual Focus hatch with air-conditioning is currently $19,990 drive-away, a saving of $4400.

Thomson Ford at Parramatta also has LPG XT Falcon four-speed automatics for $26,990 drive-away - save $13,120 after a $1000 government rebate.

The 4.0-litre Ford Territory TX rear-drive is now $36,990 plus on-road costs. Save $2500 and gain stability control. Most Territorys now have a $3000 minimum discount.

HOLDEN

Holden this year has arrested its sales slide but the Korean-built Barina and Viva models are under pressure - the 1.6-litre three-door Barina is now $700 cheaper, available from $12,990, while the 1.8 Viva five-door hatch is $1000 cheaper, from $17,990. Both prices are plus on-road costs.

Holden has added equipment to the 1.8-litre Astra CD five-door hatch, which is $21,990 plus on-road costs but has $1500 worth of extra gear, including alloy wheels, cruise control and rear power windows.

There are no deals yet on the new Epica sedan but you can get good discounts on the mainstay Commodore, despite recent stronger sales. Pay $29,990 plus on-road costs for the 3.6 V6 Commodore Omega automatic plus air-conditioning at Heartland Holden, Parramatta and save $4500.

The same dealer has a $5000 saving on the 3.6 V6 Calais auto - pay $40,490 plus on-road costs.

Well-managed supply on the in-demand Calais V models, SS V8 and long-wheelbase Statesman-Caprice has kept discounts lower, at about $2500.

A new limited-edition Holden Commodore Lumina sedan based on the Omega automatic is just arriving in Holden dealerships. At $32,990 plus on-road costs, it has free air-conditioning, alloy wheels and rear parking sensors valued at $3500 - total saving more than $5000.

The automatic 3.2 V6 Holden Captiva SX 4WD is now $34,990 plus dealer delivery and stamp duty. With free registration and CTP Green Slip plus the $1000 discount, that's a saving of $1700.

HOLDEN SPECIAL VEHICLES

Discounts are hard to find. Paul Wakeling Holden at Campbelltown has HSV 6.0-litre V8 GTS six-speed manuals for $76,000 drive-away, a saving of $6500.

HONDA

Honda is on a roll this year, with sales up 24 per cent thanks to a decision to shift to mostly Thai-built cars, which don't carry the usual import tariff because of our free trade agreement.

But the Accord Euro sedan and Odyssey people-mover - both built in Japan - have the best chance of a saving here, with free registration, stamp duty and CTP Green Slip as well as the first 12 months standard Honda comprehensive insurance. Save up to $3300 on both models and, on the Odyssey, get $500 in free accessories. Most dealers will sharpen their pencils on this popular people-mover by another $1000.

HYUNDAI

Hyundai is struggling. Sales are down 11.3 per cent this year and it is the most likely to discount. The 1.4 manual Hyundai Getz hatch has been $1000 cheaper for some time at $12,990 plus on-road costs with the five-door version the same price, a $2000 saving. Little room to move here but squeeze another $500.

The front-drive Tucson City SX wagon at $24,990 plus on-road costs has free automatic transmission, a saving of $2000. Again, push for another $500 off.

Sydney City Hyundai at Waterloo has a special deal on all new vehicles: get a free portable DVD player, an iPod Nano, satellite navigation and a roadside assistance package for five years - total value $1880.

JAGUAR

The 2.1-litre V6 LE X-Type sedan is the best value. Pay $49,990 plus on-road costs and save $3000. Trivett Jaguar at Parramatta also has three years' free scheduled servicing valued at about $2000.

Deals are being done on the large XJ sedan on an individual basis but expect to negotiate $10,000 off a 3.0-litre XJ6 at $149,900 and up to $20,000 on a 4.2-litre Super V8 at $229,000. As you'd expect, there are no deals on the excellent new XKR coupe and convertible.

JEEP

Jeep has drive-away incentives plus two years' free insurance.

The 3.7-litre Cherokee Sport auto is available for $39,990 drive-away with free leather - a saving of more than $4000. The two years' free insurance saves a further $2000 on average - based on age, driving record and location. The 3.7-litre Grand Cherokee Laredo auto at $51,990 drive-away with free satellite navigation saves more than $5000 and the two years of insurance saves a further $3000.

The best Jeep deal is the 5.7-litre V8 auto Grand Cherokee Limited at $64,990 drive-away with a free sunroof. Save $7000, plus up to $4000 with the two-year insurance deal.

KIA

Korea's other major brand is also struggling, with sales down 12.8 per cent this year.

That has sparked the best small-car deal in the market until June 30. Pay $12,990 plus on-road costs for the 1.4-litre Kia Rio LX five-door hatch. Save $2000 plus get $1000 of free fuel. Hornsby Kia will discount the Rio by a further $1000 - pay $11,990 plus on-road costs.

The Kia Carnival EX eight-seat people-mover with five-speed manual and 2.7-litre V6 has had free on-road costs for some time - pay $32,990 drive-away and save $4000. Kia has now added free automatic transmission until June 30, a further saving of $2500. Steve Jarvin Kia, now at Burwood, will save you a further $1000 - pay $31,990 drive-away for the automatic.

LAND ROVER

Another brand that is struggling in the face of tough competition and fighting back with discounts. The 4.0-litre V6 SE six-speed automatic Discovery 3 is the best value at present. A factory promotion of $63,990 drive-away provides a saving of $6485. Metallic paint adds $1500.

Trivett Classic Parramatta also has free registration, CTP Green Slip and stamp duty on the 2.7 V6 Discovery3 S, SE and HSE models valued at about $4000 - pay from $72,923 drive-away for the S automatic with manual function.

LEXUS

Lexus sales are up by more than 16 per cent thanks to strong demand for the IS250 sedan and RX350 4WD. But astute buyers in the highly competitive prestige market can still negotiate a sharp deal. You can get a $3000 saving on the IS250 and RX350 models and up to $5000 on the larger GS series.

No deals yet on the new large Lexus LS460 sedan.

MAZDA

This is one of the fastest-growing brands on the market but the arrival of a new Toyota Corolla with more specification has sharpened discounts on the Mazda3.

West End Mazda at Parramatta has the better-equipped 2.0-litre five-speed manual Mazda3 Maxx Sport five-door sedan for $26,990 drive-away, a saving of $3000.

Armed with factory support, Mazda dealers have been selling hard with the popular 2.0-litre Mazda3 - expect to negotiate $1500 on the base Neo and $2000 off the Maxx, Maxx Sport and top-line 2.3-litre SP23.

Mazda dealers also have the 1.5-litre manual five-door Mazda2 Neo sedan for $14,990 plus on-road costs with free power windows and mirrors. Save $1642.

MERCEDES-BENZ

With a new model around the corner, there are savings on the C-Class, although most models have options. Twist an arm for a $4000-$5000 discount. On the dearer Mercedes models, aim for no-charge options rather than hard discounts - as with BMW, finding a standard car without expensive extras is hard.

Discounts on Mercedes-Benz top-end models range from $10,000 to $20,000 but more than likely they will be hidden as over-allowances on your trade-in.

MINI

Dealers are holding good supplies so there's a little pressure on the showroom floor. You can generally negotiate a $1500 discount on most models but the big savings are on the new Sidewalk version of its older Mini Cabriolet.

Listed at $42,100 for the manual Cooper version, the Sidewalk has $9500 in extra equipment for a $4600 lift in price. However, my radar tells me that you can easily negotiate a $3000 discount.

MITSUBISHI

Mitsubishi has rebounded this year, with sales up 17 per cent, driven by the value-packed 2.4-litre ES Lancer, which is $19,990 drive-away in manual, $22,490 in automatic with cruise control, air-conditioning, anti-lock brakes, power windows and alloy wheels - a saving of nearly $5000. With the one of the best new car warranties in the market and five-year roadside assistance, it is excellent value.

You can also get a $4000 discount on most Pajero 4WDs - the 3.8 V6 five-speed auto VRX is the best value at $49,990 plus on-road costs, a saving of $6600.

Alto Mitsubishi at Gordon has the 2.4 Mitsubishi Grandis LS automatic seven-seat people-mover for $39,990 drive-away, a saving of $4500.

NISSAN

Nissan dropped the price of its 2.5-litre manual X-Trail ST 4WD wagon by $2000 to $29,990 drive-away with metallic paint late last year. Until June 30 also get $1000 in free fuel.

The higher grade manual X-Trail ST-S, at $31,990 drive-away, gets alloy wheels and a sunroof plus the free fuel. Steve Jarvin Nissan at Burwood will add free leather seats valued at $2200.

Best Nissan buy is the 3.5-litre Maxima ST-L automatic sedan - now reduced by $5000 to $34,990 drive-away with leather trim.

PEUGEOT

Peugeot has free leather trim on 307, 307 Touring wagon, 307 CC and the larger 407SR and ST sedan and wagon models - save $3500 to $4500. Also get free on-road costs on 407SV sedan and wagon (both petrol and diesel 3.0-litre V6s): pay from $55,990 drive-away and save a minimum $6010. Also free on-road costs on the 407 Coupe where you pay from $68,190 drive-away and save $5810.

Alec Mildren Peugeot at Artarmon is throwing in $1000 in free accessories and has a special hire-purchase finance rate of 6.99 per cent.

PORSCHE

Officially there are no deals but discounts can definitely be negotiated - up to $5000 - but a sale price is hard to define, as many vehicles carry options. Up to $10,000 off the top-line Cayenne 4WD. Boxster roadsters are currently $114,900 drive-away, saving about $5000.

RENAULT

Best savings are on the Megane hatch and excellent, but somewhat overlooked, sedan. Generally negotiate a $2500 saving - pay $22,490 plus on-road costs for the 2.0-litre manual Expression sedan.

Parramatta European has the 1.4-litre automatic Renault Clio Campus five-door hatchbacks for $19,980 drive-away: save $3500.

The 2.0-litre Renault coupe cabriolet is also an excellent buy, reduced by $4000 to $44,990 plus on-road costs.

ROLLS-ROYCE

There have been just four sales of the Phantom sedan this year and Drive understands most recent sales have included large discounts of well over $30,000.

SAAB

Saab is really chasing business this month with free on-road costs on its 9-3 and 9-5 models, plus free automatic transmission valued at $2500, free scheduled servicing valued at $1000 and a portable satellite navigation system valued at $900. Biggest saving of $11,010 is on the 2.8-litre V6 turbo 9-3 Aero six-speed automatic convertible at $90,800 drive-away.

SSANGYONG

SsangYong's best deal is on the new 2.0-litre turbo-diesel manual dual-cab Actyon ute at Peter Donnelly SsangYong at Campbelltown. Pay $28,500 plus on-road costs and save $1490. Steve Jarvin SsangYong at Five Dock is also providing $1000 in free diesel fuel on all Actyons sold this month.

SUBARU

The best deal on a Subaru is at Scuderia Veloce Motors at Lindfield. The 2.0-litre automatic Luxury edition Impreza sedan gets free on-road costs valued at $3100 plus a luxury pack of leather seats, power sunroof and 15-inch alloys valued at $5000 for $1500. Pay $27,490 drive-away and save $6600.

SUZUKI

Suzuki sales are up by more than 40 per cent this year but the Japanese maker has good discounts on its best-sellers.

Lander Suzuki at Blacktown has drive-away prices on 2.0-litre and 2.7-litre V6 manual Grand Vitaras. Pay $28,990 and $30,990 drive-away and save up to $3000. Also pay $1500 rather than $2000 for an upgrade to automatic transmission.

Steve Jarvin Suzuki at Five Dock has the best deal on the small Swift five-door hatchback: $16,990 drive-away, a saving of $1550.

TOYOTA

Toyota has finally come up with big discounts on the Aurion sedan.

Pennant Hills Toyota has the 3.5-litre V6 Aurion AT-X six-speed automatic for $31,138 drive-away, a saving of $7400. The price includes free 12-month Toyota comprehensive insurance and metallic paint.

Lander Toyota has the 2.4-litre, four-cylinder five-speed manual Camry from $28,888 drive-away, a saving of $3112. Free comprehensive insurance for the first 12 months could save another $1000 depending on your driving record.

The Corolla remains our top-selling small car and, despite the recent arrival of an all-new model, discounts abound in the marketplace. The Ascent is priced from $20,990 plus on-road costs and Drive is aware of recent $2000 discounts.

Lander Toyota also has the 4.7-litre V8 LandCruiser Sahara 4WD wagon for $76,588 drive-away, saving more than $13,000.

VOLKSWAGEN

Volkswagen sales are surging but good deals still exist on diesel models and even the once-scarce Golf GTI hot hatch. Petrol and diesel Golfs have had drive-away pricing for some time, with savings of up to $3500.

Barloworld Volkswagen Airport and Five Dock has the top-line V10 TDI Touareg 4WD wagon for $121,990 drive-away, a saving of $8604. Save up to $4000 on V6 Touaregs.

Twist an arm and dealers will discount diesel Jetta and Passat models by $2000.

VOLVO

Sales are up 24 per cent this year, helped by a strong incentive on the best-selling S40 sedan and V50 wagon.

For $1000 more than the 2.4-litre S40S sedan (listed at $39,950), you get the higher grade S40LE with free leather trim, power driver's seat with memory and a high-grade sound system valued at $5000. Pay $40,950 for the S40 five-speed automatic sedan, normally $44,950. Total saving is $9000.

Alto Volvo at Artarmon has the XC90 D5 4WD seven-seater wagon with 2.4-litre turbo diesel and automatic transmission for $69,950 plus on-road costs, a $3000 saving.

No deals yet on the new C30 hatch.

© 2007 Sydney Morning Herald

Back to News Index | Back to Home