December is usually a good time to buy a new car but stock shortages mean that deals are very thin on the ground. There are still some bargains, though.
The end of the year is traditionally a great time to buy a new car, as dealers scramble to clear excess stock and collect juicy bonuses from manufacturers for meeting annual sales targets.
But chronic stock shortages mean this December has been a bleak one for new-car buyers.
A global shortage of semiconductors – tiny computer chips that run everything from your touchscreen to your safety tech – has strangled supply of new cars, while demand from consumers has remained high.
When demand exceeds supply, prices inevitably rise.
A quick scan of car manufacturers’ websites shows very few deals available. The three biggest brands in the country, Toyota, Mazda and Hyundai, aren’t offering deals, while others have taken the opportunity to increase recommended retail prices. To add insult to injury, customers paying top dollar are being forced to wait months for delivery of the more popular models.
The semiconductor shortage is unlikely to resolve itself until the middle of next year – some pundits are predicting it will last until 2023 – but there are some brands that continue to offer good value.
Here are some of the better deals available. None are razor-sharp but they’re better than most.
MG ZST CORE, $25,490 drive-away
This compact SUV makes a strong first impression. The cabin is neatly presented and very well equipped for the price.
There’s a large 10-inch colour screen on the dash that’s compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auro, a 360-degree parking camera and a comprehensive active safety package that includes auto emergency braking, lane departure warning, radar cruise control and blind-spot detection.
The driving experience isn’t as polished as the mainstream brands and the 1.5-litre engine is a little underpowered and noisy, but for many it will be sufficient. For those wanting a little more grunt, the Excite model ($29,990 drive-away) has a 1.3-litre turbo engine that delivers more grunt. A long seven-year warranty may seal the deal for many.
MITSUBISHI ASX ES manual, $25,990 drive-away
If you’re prepared to shift your own gears, the ASX may be a good choice (an auto costs $28,240 drive-away). The ASX is well overdue for an overhaul but the bones of the car are solid and it’s well equipped for the price, with a 2.0-litre engine, 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 18-inch alloys and above average space for the segment.
It doesn’t have the active safety tech of the MG, though.
On the plus side, Mitsubishi offers an industry leading 10-year warranty, provided you service the car through Mitsubishi dealers.
SKODA FABIA, from $24,990 drive-away
This little hatchback is in run-out mode and is priced attractively at $24,990 drive-away with a peppy turbo three-cylinder and a seven-speed auto.
It doesn’t have the latest tech but is fun to drive and well finished inside, with clever touches including an umbrella under the driver’s seat, bins in the back and a cargo net in the boot.
There’s a little black-and-white driver display with a digital speedo, and a smallish touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Auto emergency braking and adaptive cruise control are standard, but blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and parking sensors are part of a $3200 premium pack.
RENAULT KOLEOS, from $33,990 drive-away
Mid-size SUVs are the most in-demand vehicles on the market, so deals are scarce and waiting lists for some models – including the top-selling RAV4 – stretch out for months.
The Koleos shares underpinnings with the popular Nissan X-Trail, which has proven to be a reliable vehicle over a number of years.
The cabin is well thought out and comfortable, with a classy iPad-like centre screen and a digital display in front of the driver.
The 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, paired to a CVT transmission, has enough power to get the job done, although it can sound a little noisy when pushed. Composed and comfortable on the road, it is well suited to family freighting duties.
NISSAN NAVARA ST-X, from $57,990 drive-away
This drive-away deal is only $2000 more than the recommended retail price, which means a saving of roughly $3000. To sweeten the deal, Nissan has thrown in leather seats and a towbar, making the Navara ST-X one of the better value utes on the market.
Nissan says the deal is only available to ABN dealers but twist the dealer’s arm and you should be able to secure a deal.
It may not have the driving smarts of the Ford Ranger or the resale appeal of a HiLux, but the Navara is refined, generously equipped and well screwed together.
For extra peace of mind the Navara comes with five years’ roadside assistance.
MITSUBISHI PAJERO SPORT, from $46,740 drive-away
If you’re not game to venture overseas yet, why not see some of the Australian outback in this genuine four-wheel-drive.
Based on the Triton ute, the Pajero Sport has a punchy but frugal diesel engine that will tow three tonnes.
It’s not as good to drive as the rival Ford Everest or Isuzu MU-X, but it has loads of gear and is considerably cheaper.
The drive-away price is roughly $1000 cheaper than the recommended retail price, which means you’re probably saving about $6000. That will buy a lot of petrol for that lap of Australia.
Originally published as End of year car discounts thin on the ground due to stock shortages
For all the latest Technology News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
