T&T OFFICIAL New Vehicle Prices & Discussion Thread

[A172]

Trying to find the right vehicle at a ‘reasonable’ cost is difficult in Trinidad. Any mid size SUV from the a new dealer under 350k - (which in my case is still a lot of money) - is lacking features or you have to live with some compromises. You go grey market you there is a big risk in the type of after sales service.
The features that are important to me include decent rear seating space, USB in the rear, fully adaptive cruise control, powered rear door, decent looks (rules out the Eclipse), decent power, plenty cup holders and reliability.

Is a powered rear door really a deal breaker ?

u ever owned a car with a powered trunk?

[feeldavibe]

My wife drives the 2019 Tucson DCT. Mid Spec. It's a nice car, but the DCT does make it weird to drive in certain situations. No powered tailgate, no leather seats, no cruise control of any kind. Her commute (pre-covid) was 20 mins from home to work at worst. She's super easy on her cars so hopefully this means I won't run into any issues too soon. Side note: Still loving my XV and as time goes on I'm even less concerned about the 1.6 engine than before. Car is fine as it is.

[e87]

As a first-time car buyer, this thread has been an amazing resource. Big props to all the contributors, and to agent007 for keeping the first post updated.

I've been researching new cars and I'm hoping for some sage advice. With a baby on the way, we need a car for groceries, errands and doctor visits. Once the lockdown ends, add wife's (short) office commute, beach trips and other all-day activities. Budget-wise, we could consider up to ~300k for the right car.

Must-haves:
1. Good safety rating and features
2. Enough trunk space for stroller and gear
3. Fits budget
4. Decent ground clearance for the steep angle off our main road. A Honda City at 150mm is too low at almost any speed

Nice-to-haves:
5. Reliability and ease of maintenance for a first-time owner
6. Resale value
7. Decent design and looks without being carjack bait
8. Extra features like Android Auto / Apple Car Play, powered tailgate, etc

I'm currently looking at:

Code: Select all

MODEL                    COST      GROUND CLEARANCE
Suzuki SX4 S-Cross (GLX) $195,000  180mm
Mazda CX-3 (2.0 entry)   $253,741  160mm
Mazda CX-30 (2.0 core)   $288,000  175mm
Mazda CX-5 (2.0 entry)   $316,000  193mm
Subaru XV (1.6 eyesight) $315,000  220mm


Should I scratch off any of these? Are there any obvious omissions?

I'm also assuming dealerships and licensing office all closed for the next 3 months of SoE, so I'll have plenty more time to ruminate over my spreadsheets, spec sheets and comparisons..

[Habit7]

Trying to find the right vehicle at a ‘reasonable’ cost is difficult in Trinidad. Any mid size SUV from the a new dealer under 350k - (which in my case is still a lot of money) - is lacking features or you have to live with some compromises. You go grey market you there is a big risk in the type of after sales service.
The features that are important to me include decent rear seating space, USB in the rear, fully adaptive cruise control, powered rear door, decent looks (rules out the Eclipse), decent power, plenty cup holders and reliability.

I've been researching new cars and I'm hoping for some sage advice. With a baby on the way, we need a car for groceries, errands and doctor visits. Once the lockdown ends, add wife's office commute, beach trips and other all-day activities. Budget-wise, we could consider up to ~300k for the right car.

IMHO both of you can get the Mazda CX-5. It is reliable, good resale value, well equip and the naturally aspirated engine give it greater longevity. You could check it out to see if you want the entry level or the mid-spec but its the same engine and drivetrain.

Alternatives would be the Honda CRV entry level. Just like the CX-5 but with more room. The turbocharged engine is risky but Honda is known for good engines though.

The entry level Toyota Rav 4 is also excellent and has a 2.0L NA engine, but it is more expensive.

No offensive to any other brands but most of the rest will be 4 years of good service then expect reliability issues to varying degrees.

[feeldavibe]

The CX-3 is tiny. You won't fit baby gear in that trunk. The CX-30 isn't that much bigger. I have an XV and a golf bag with clubs fits exact so you can probably scratch that as well. The only car that will fit your needs IMO is the CX-5.

[j.o.e]

Trying to find the right vehicle at a ‘reasonable’ cost is difficult in Trinidad. Any mid size SUV from the a new dealer under 350k - (which in my case is still a lot of money) - is lacking features or you have to live with some compromises. You go grey market you there is a big risk in the type of after sales service.
The features that are important to me include decent rear seating space, USB in the rear, fully adaptive cruise control, powered rear door, decent looks (rules out the Eclipse), decent power, plenty cup holders and reliability.

Is a powered rear door really a deal breaker ?

u ever owned a car with a powered trunk?

Yes I did in the states but it was a luxury vehicle….. why I ask because looking at the requirements he’s asking for he’s not in the market for a luxury vehicle, a cheap vehicle with a powered tailgate is a weird request to me. To me it’s nice to have but a gimmick and hardly a deal breaker he said his budget is under TT350k

[pipser]

Just saw this article

https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/mazd ... -cx3-dead/

Not sure if/how this will affect the local market but when I got my 3 at the end of last year I was told that they won't be bringing in the CX-3 anymore.

With regards to the fully loaded 3 that I ended up with we are very happy with the purchase 5 months in, first service is due next month but we'll have to see if things open back up to allow for servicing. Fortunately not much driving is happening right now so the mileage isn't ticking over too fast.

[triniboi49]

Powered tail gate - need is that the wife is a teacher and are hands full when going to the trunk - she has to always do some weird balancing to get stuff tailgate or trunk open.

Pre Covid teachers all ways have extra load. - test papers to mark, texts books, work bag etc.

Active cruise control - traffic after work, picking up the kids after school activities is stress - and it’s a long drive. Normally bumper to bumper traffic.

These are not deal breakers but as we are looking for a larger vehicle these were some of the things I’m looking at. I guess watching too much Doug Dimero and quirks and features.

The XV seems good with the iSight. Tuscon is missing the active cruise control as well as the Cx5.
A lot of the grey market CRVs coming with all the features at a good price. The Honda Sensing seems to be very good.

Rav 4 - I had a Toyota once, dealing with their service was not a positive experience.

[Habit7]

You can have an aftermarket powered tail gote added on to any of these too. I have normal cruise control, I go from South to North regular and it is a godsend especially when speed traps around. Active cruise control will surely be an enhancement but at some point, we need to be not too disengaged from actual driving. IMHO

[snypaz]

Prices not bad. Sure they will rise in the very near future though.

[triniboi49]

Chevrolet makes the Vitara?

[ProtonPowder]

The graphic design intern in lifestyle probably just didnt give a damn.

[K74T]

Suzuki Trax FTW!

[Kronik]

How does the jeep compass hold out over time?

[PariaMan]

Jeep in the states not know for reliability

How does the jeep compass hold out over time?

[triniboi49]

I may be mistaken but I'm sure I saw a new model Sorento today. Does anyone have any idea of the process? I understand the Santa Fe is here as well and it is being listed at 575K.

[triniboi49]

I may be mistaken, but I'm sure I saw a new model Sorento today. Does anyone have any idea of the price? I understand the Santa Fe is here as well, and it is being listed at 575K.

[Gladiator]

I may be mistaken, but I'm sure I saw a new model Sorento today. Does anyone have any idea of the price? I understand the Santa Fe is here as well, and it is being listed at 575K.

EX 4x2 Gas 7 Seater - $460,124
Downpayment - $50,000
7 years - $5605 monthly
8 years - $4999 monthly

EX 4x4 Diesel 7 Seater - $485,437
Downpayment - $50,000
7 years - $5951 monthly
8 years - $5307 monthly

That's what the rep sent me...

[carluva]

Are those prices cheaper than the previous model? They sound that way cause iirc, the previous model was 500k+.

I may be mistaken, but I'm sure I saw a new model Sorento today. Does anyone have any idea of the price? I understand the Santa Fe is here as well, and it is being listed at 575K.

EX 4x2 Gas 7 Seater - $460,124
Downpayment - $50,000
7 years - $5605 monthly
8 years - $4999 monthly

EX 4x4 Diesel 7 Seater - $485,437
Downpayment - $50,000
7 years - $5951 monthly
8 years - $5307 monthly

That's what the rep sent me...

[Gladiator]

Are those prices cheaper than the previous model? They sound that way cause iirc, the previous model was 500k+.

I may be mistaken, but I'm sure I saw a new model Sorento today. Does anyone have any idea of the price? I understand the Santa Fe is here as well, and it is being listed at 575K.

EX 4x2 Gas 7 Seater - $460,124
Downpayment - $50,000
7 years - $5605 monthly
8 years - $4999 monthly

EX 4x4 Diesel 7 Seater - $485,437
Downpayment - $50,000
7 years - $5951 monthly
8 years - $5307 monthly

That's what the rep sent me...

Not sure bro... but i feel the idiot send me the prices for the old model...LOL

[Gladiator]

All you Subaru XV fans here... I see Massy advertising the new model with more HP. Of course queries to their reps for info going unanswered... any of you know what are the new specs and also I see it starting at $279K now... is that correct?

[carluva]

Not sure bro... but i feel the idiot send me the prices for the old model...LOL

[triniboi49]

Are those prices cheaper than the previous model? They sound that way cause iirc, the previous model was 500k+.

I may be mistaken, but I'm sure I saw a new model Sorento today. Does anyone have any idea of the price? I understand the Santa Fe is here as well, and it is being listed at 575K.

EX 4x2 Gas 7 Seater - $460,124
Downpayment - $50,000
7 years - $5605 monthly
8 years - $4999 monthly

EX 4x4 Diesel 7 Seater - $485,437
Downpayment - $50,000
7 years - $5951 monthly
8 years - $5307 monthly

That's what the rep sent me...

Not sure bro... but i feel the idiot send me the prices for the old model...LOL

The prices listed for the older model on Don Stephen’s site is lower than these.

So why would someone pay Massy almost 100K more for the exact vehicle? Is there something special about the Santa Fe over Sorento? I guess that’s why I see so many more Sorentos then Santa Fes.

[triniboi49]

Those prices are current but for the older model.

I just got the newer model prices:

Gas- $550
Diesel 2wd $555
Diesel AWD $585

Closer to Santa Fe, and it was all the features I'm looking for, except for the price. I guess I could wait 3 years and get them for just over half the cost used. I'm seeing some of the new model CRVs now at 290 on Trinicars for sale.

[feeldavibe]

All you Subaru XV fans here... I see Massy advertising the new model with more HP. Of course queries to their reps for info going unanswered... any of you know what are the new specs and also I see it starting at $279K now... is that correct?

Where are you seeing the ads?

[Gladiator]

All you Subaru XV fans here... I see Massy advertising the new model with more HP. Of course queries to their reps for info going unanswered... any of you know what are the new specs and also I see it starting at $279K now... is that correct?

Where are you seeing the ads?

Facebook ...

The most powerful Subaru Crosstrek ever is here, with extra horsepower to bring you more fun and adventure – both on-road and off. The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek features up to 20% more available horsepower, starting at $279,00 for 7 years with 0% down offered.

[feeldavibe]

You sure that's not a north american ad you looking at bro? Cuz that wording is straight from Subaru North America. For one, we don't call it the Crosstrek, and the one they are referring to is a 2.5 liter engine.

[Gladiator]

You sure that's not a north american ad you looking at bro? Cuz that wording is straight from Subaru North America. For one, we don't call it the Crosstrek, and the one they are referring to is a 2.5 liter engine.

See link

https://fb.watch/5KrSCwkoFK/

Zachary John - Luxury Sales Executive at Massy Motors
@LuxurySalesZacharyJohn · Automotive Consultant

[zando]

At 182hp that's supposed to be the 2.5 boxer I think, at 279 that's not bad considering their 2.0 model starts over 300 grand I feel I gonna message this guy.

You sure that's not a north american ad you looking at bro? Cuz that wording is straight from Subaru North America. For one, we don't call it the Crosstrek, and the one they are referring to is a 2.5 liter engine.

See link

https://fb.watch/5KrSCwkoFK/

Zachary John - Luxury Sales Executive at Massy Motors
@LuxurySalesZacharyJohn · Automotive Consultant

[carluva]

If you do contact him, can you report back on your learnings?

I'll probably give a call out of curiosity

At 182hp that's supposed to be the 2.5 boxer I think, at 279 that's not bad considering their 2.0 model starts over 300 grand I feel I gonna message this guy.

You sure that's not a north american ad you looking at bro? Cuz that wording is straight from Subaru North America. For one, we don't call it the Crosstrek, and the one they are referring to is a 2.5 liter engine.

See link

https://fb.watch/5KrSCwkoFK/

Zachary John - Luxury Sales Executive at Massy Motors
@LuxurySalesZacharyJohn · Automotive Consultant