BEST DEALS ON DEPARTING HOLDENS — AND STAYING RIVALS
The brand is departing with sharp deals — and rivals are vying for attention, too
It’s a case of get in quick if you want a hot deal on a Holden before the brand is retired forever within months. A surge in interest following the February 17 announcement Holden would be packing up for good means some dealers are running low on stock.
Some expect to be out of stock by April but others will still be selling till June, so it pays to shop around.
Dealers low on stock claim that, in the rush to secure a deal, buyers have put their names down on unsighted cars still on freighters. Many others are still keen to do a sharp deal.
It means that if you still want a tempting price you may have to visit multiple dealers and compromise, for example, on colour or specification — and you’ll save more on 2019plate vehicles.
Start your search online then hit the road to find a deal that suits you. But be warned, there are huge price fluctuations between dealer online ads — some have been asking up to $20,000 more than others for the same model.
If you can’t find the deal you want in a Holden, we’ve included some other sharply priced alternatives in what is a perfect storm of activity in the new car industry — many brands are fighting for a slice of the slimmer new car pie.
The Japanese financial year ends on March 31, so there’s pressure from the respective head offices to move some metal.
HOLDEN TRAX $20,990
Decent buying for a 2020 build. The base LS gets functional and stylish cloth trim arguably better than the fake leather on the top-spec LTZ. Midlevel LT, for another $1000-odd, adds smart key and a sunroof. Get a 2019 model for $1000 less.
ALSO CONSIDER
Mitsubishi ASX ES $26,740. It’s getting on in years and Mitsubishi is good at sharpening the pencil. The ASX is basic motoring — throw in the seven-year warranty and two years’ servicing ($398) and it’s tempting.
Suzuki Vitara 1.6 $24,990. Simple but honest, the Vitara is one of the underrated compact SUVs. With decent space and plenty of gear, including smartphone mirroring and smart key entry, there’s much to like.
HOLDEN EQUINOX BLACK EDITION $29,990
There’s still the odd LT and LTZ in yards, the former going in the high-$20K price range. But there are also plenty of the Black Editions with black highlights on wheels and grille, 19-inch alloys and a panoramic sunroof. Get one for $29,990. Again, 2019 models will be cheaper.
ALSO CONSIDER
Nissan X-Trail ST $29,990. It’s not particularly exciting to drive but has the space and features expected in a mid-size SUV. Prices are sharp: you’ll get a base model below $30K.
Ford Escape Ambiente $28,990. This longstanding deal represents circa-$5000 savings on the entry-level Escape. Its perky 1.5-litre turbo and loads of gear, including satnav, reinforce the value.
HOLDEN ACADIA LT $37,990
The Acadia, main picture, is arguably the car that best filled the role of the Commodore for