Now a good time to upgrade
Buyers Guide
When to trade up?
John owns a base model 2012 Nissan Qashqai with just over 50K on the odometer which he purchased initially as a pre-registered model with minimal kilometres.
He likes the vehicle very much but is wondering when he should consider selling.
“I don’t want the gap to widen too much on what we have to pay to upgrade to a later or different model. I’m not interested in trying to sell the Nissan privately either and will simply look for a fair change over figure,” says John.
Change over figure is around $18K
If you have the spare funds, now is as good a time as any to upgrade for a couple of reasons. Passenger vehicles have never been cheaper when you look at the prices and specification levels in comparison to four years ago. In general terms, retail prices have stayed a lot lower than vehicle upgrades which include improvements in safety and infotainment benefits across the board.
Dealers will also be very keen to get their hands on your vehicle for their used car stock so you are in a good position to negotiate a more than fair change over figure.
The Nissan is also out of new vehicle warranty (3 years/100,000kms whichever comes first) and while you shouldn’t expect to have any major mechanical issues if you do decide to retain ownership, there are other NZ-new vehicle distributors currently offering up to 5 years unlimited distance warranties and some as high as 10 years (conditions do apply). Then there are those distributors who also include routine servicing (for a specific time) inclusive in their retail prices.
To help keep the changeover figure within budget, keep an eye out for ex demonstrator vehicles which can have the additional benefit of having expensive accessories already fitted or pre-registered hardly-turned-a-wheel deals.
Ex rentals can also be worth a look as some are purchased back from the rental companies after less than 1 year with very low odometer readings.
Nissan Qashqai (from $35,990 new)
There’s a whole new model range to look at so the differences and upgrades in specification levels should impress as much as anything else. Mechanically it’s a refined version of what you already have, but the new body design adds big improvements in exterior looks and driveability.
A reverse camera is a welcome addition to the base model along with daytime running lights.
The ST L variant would stretch the budget whether it is new or second hand but additions include 19-inch alloy wheels, dusk sensing headlights, dual zone A/C and a panoramic glass roof.
Mitsubishi ASX (from $36,690 new)
The Mitsubishi and the Nissan are very close in specification levels with subtle wins either way for each. Body shapes and grill design is one area where potential buyers could easily decide to move from one showroom to another.
There are two 2WD models that may attract. The XLS is currently being advertised new for $30,990 (recommended retail $36,690) and the VRX which retails new for $40,490. Mitsubishi holds its ground very well in a very competitive market segment and has the added benefit of a 10-year warranty programme.
Toyota RAV4 (from $37,490 new)
The RAV4 is the bestselling SUV in the country but those figures take into account big numbers of rental and fleet deals. Rental sales can actually work in favour of those buyers looking to break into the new vehicle market but can’t quite stretch the budget to a brand new vehicle. Once again specification levels are similar to competitors.
Recommendations
If its peace of mind you’re after and the funds are available, then it’s a good time to make the change.