Need Advice - Rukus or Not?

[trippytaka]

OK, so I am asking work for a car allowance or a novated lease and it looks like it'll go ahead - Joy.

The catch is that I will, more thank likely, have to get a Toyota. It's a long story, but they are a client.

So, with a budget of no more than 30k ( I have done the maths and don't want to spend more than 17k/year on the novated lease) I have 2 real options.

1) Corolla
2) Rukus

I'm leaning to the Rukus for space (I carry boxes of shirts in my spare time etc)... I am unsold on the styling and know I'll cop a hit on resale.

The question is, what do people think of the Rukus? Am I blind to the reality? I think they are pretty decent looking cars...

[SSD-85]

The rolla is a safe choice, youll always get resale on one of them. Unless im missing something, I dont imagine the Rukus having much more space for luggage. Rav4 maybe?

[trippytaka]

Originally Posted by Scotty85

The rolla is a safe choice, youll always get resale on one of them. Unless im missing something, I dont imagine the Rukus having much more space for luggage. Rav4 maybe?

Less space than the Rav, but the rav entry is 31k. Rukus build 3 (top spec is that).

[Brazen]

with that budget, I would be all over a Camry, much more solid and nicer driving car than the corolla, and not too much more expensive than the equivalent spec corolla. It also has a 5 speed auto compared to the 4 in the cars your looking at.

I think there is a limited edition camry touring which should be within your budget. Or there is an option pack on the base which includes rear camera and alloys, great cars for under 30k.

[melbzetec]

I like the Rukus. Strong square individual design. A bit of attitude.

A Corolla is like a decent fridge. Reliable but boring (and a light comes on when you open the door etc etc)

[Sorted]

My friend has a black Rukus - I call it a mini hummer

Ride is smooth, it has all the luxuries, climate control, power windows, cd player, radio controls on the steering wheel, auto, comfy seats, power steering and power sunroof.

Zippy little thing, doesn't have satnav though....unsure if it has cruise control?

I actually like it - I have not compared it side by side with a corolla - eg engine size, power, torque, economy etc etc but good lil car

[wrongwaynorris]

Originally Posted by melbzetec

I like the Rukus. Strong square individual design. A bit of attitude.

A Corolla is like a decent fridge. Reliable but boring (and a light comes on when you open the door etc etc)

True but the fridge is better looking and more exciting to drive . A white Corolla the most zero image car in the history of motoring .

[ZA-289]

I like the rukus, go on be different!

[GT-E]

Does it have to be new ?
Most places will do Novated on cars under 3 years old.
Can you get a better deal through Toyota, as you may be able to get a better model with a decent discount, like national Fleet pricing.
The Rukus is more a fashion type of car that will drop in value. It reminds me of a PT Cruiser

[Mr Hardware]

Novated leases are ALL about residual value. That's where you make your money. So if you have a car that's expected to hold 60% of it's value after 3 years, and your novated lease company is writing your cost down to 45% after 3 years (seems to be the industry standard) then after 3 years if you sell the car, you pocket the difference between actual car value minus residual payout cost.

[Fairlane]

Rukus here, alot cooler than a Corolla and I reckon the resale will be alright.

Rav 4 is about the only other one I can think off.

[Brazen]

I also thinks its a bit dodgy that your expected to get a Toyota with your car allowance or novated lease, its your money.

If the company wants you to drive a Toyota then they should be giving you a fully maintained car. Although if its your wish out of loyalty to a large client, then I fully respect that.

[trippytaka]

Originally Posted by Mr Hardware

Novated leases are ALL about residual value. That's where you make your money. So if you have a car that's expected to hold 60% of it's value after 3 years, and your novated lease company is writing your cost down to 45% after 3 years (seems to be the industry standard) then after 3 years if you sell the car, you pocket the difference between actual car value minus residual payout cost.

Extremely good advice.

I like the Rukus styling, but I am worried about the resale... they simply aren't selling.

[Brazen]

Originally Posted by trippytaka

Extremely good advice.

I like the Rukus styling, but I am worried about the resale... they simply aren't selling.

Dont be too concerned with resale if you can get a great deal on the initial cost, it means that you pay less interest on the vehicle and the savings offset what you lose at the end. Also, any profit you make between the residual and what you sell it for is taxable.

[trippytaka]

Originally Posted by Brazen

Dont be too concerned with resale if you can get a great deal on the initial cost, it means that you pay less interest on the vehicle and the savings offset what you lose at the end. Also, any profit you make between the residual and what you sell it for is taxable.

Very true... and I have been offered a heavyu discount.

[ute83]

Originally Posted by Brazen

Dont be too concerned with resale if you can get a great deal on the initial cost, it means that you pay less interest on the vehicle and the savings offset what you lose at the end. Also, any profit you make between the residual and what you sell it for is taxable.

Not if you buy it outright at the end of the lease.

[Mr Hardware]

Originally Posted by ute83

Not if you buy it outright at the end of the lease.

That's right.
So at the end of the lease you ensure it's fully unencumbered and you buy it off the lease company for the residual value. Then you go and sell it as a private owner for it's real value. This is not taxable. Any profit you make from buying and selling ordinary cars is not taxed in Australia.

[Brazen]

My mistake!

[grandpa_spec_F6]

Some of these have been done up into some stupidly fast cars.

Go on youtube and search "Turbo Rukus"

[Poetic Justice]

Not sure if there is any flexibility on your budget - but perhaps a 4x2 Rav4 Cruiser Auto. I have a black one in stock here that I could do for about 34.5k which has most of the kit you want (alloys, fog lights, roof rails, leather steering wheel, climate control, 6cd with bluetooth etc.)

[JADED6]

Corolla the obvious choice for mine but I wouldn't want to be in your shoes and have either of those as my daily driver.. I think the rukus looks shocking & would think that "unique" look would harm it's re-sale.

I really like the Aurion ZR6's & their dual exhaust..

[Poetic Justice]

Another 10k for the ZR6 Aurion though.

Corolla Conquest auto hatchback at 26k now is a good choice too - has a lot of the same features as the Rav I mentioned and now has a sunroof standard.

[chevypower]

The Rukus (Scion XB) is ugly. Get a Mazda 3.

[Feathers]

Saw a Rukus today while I was working.

Bloody awful!!
Get anything but that!!!

[Ben73]

Originally Posted by wrongwaynorris

A white Corolla the most zero image car in the history of motoring .

Agreed.

If I was a drug dealer or some sort of similar criminal, I would defiantly have a white corolla as my 'company' car

[JTFG]

Seen a few on the road which have been tastefully modified, wasen't to bad at all. I know this doesn't really help though :P

[cheek]

I'd go a rav4 if I were you, toyota passenger cars are borrrrring.

[XR Martin]

I would have to pick a Camry Sportivo in manual, it atleast looks reasonably decent, and be reletively enjoyable to drive (compared to anything else with a Toyota badge at that price range)
And unlike the bloody Aurion, you can fold the seats down in them.

[Auturbo6]

Man, just walk!

[JimNiki]

Can't you get another job?