Range Rover taste with a Barina budget?

Carma reveals vehicle ‘dupes’ to save your wallet

With cost of living dominating headlines everywhere, “dupes” have found a special place in the heart of Aussie consumers. While it first started with the fashion and beauty industries, Carma - Australia’s fully digital pre-owned car platform - has today revealed the dupes now transforming the automotive industry.

In Australia, new car prices have skyrocketed nearly 20 percent since April 2020, which is well beyond the consumer price index. Yet the unfortunate reality is that salaries haven’t kept up, growing only 4.2 percent between 2022 and 2023. Coupled with inflation and rising rental costs, it’s no wonder dupes have entered the mainstream, with many turning to used cars and affordable equivalents when looking to purchase a vehicle.

“While we still see people buying premium vehicles, we understand that inflation and rising cost-of-living is undoubtedly having an impact on consumers’ purchasing decisions. Car buyers want quality vehicles that are going to provide the best value in the long-term, and this list of automotive dupes caters to those Aussies who are looking to gain access to premium-feeling items, at an affordable price tag,” said Yosuke Hall, Co-founder of Carma.

Advice for buyers

Buy a prestige vehicle that’s a couple of years old: New cars experience a sharp depreciation in value during the first few years of ownership - in fact, a new car can lose 10-15% of its value the moment you drive it off the lot and up to 40% over five years. Buying a dupe, or a high quality used vehicle, is equivalent to having your cake and eating it too.

Pay attention to new model roll-outs: When new models come out, there’s going to be a rush of previous models available on the market as people are selling to get the new version. This increase in supply is a great opportunity to buy, because there’s so much competition among sellers, turning it into a buyer’s market.

Review running costs: Some luxury and overseas models can have noticeably higher costs for parts and repairs, while particular makes and models can equally cost you in insurance premiums. It can be helpful to factor in these costs over time to help make your decision.

What our experts are saying

There’s no doubt that the Jeep Wrangler is iconic, but the immensely popular Suzuki Jimmy stacks up. Both vehicles are equipped with solid front axles, making them extremely capable off-road machines. With a 4x4 drivetrain and four seats, they're perfect for hitting the trails with the fam on your next outdoor adventure.

The Land Rover Defender is a car many large families aspire to own. However, if you're looking for a vehicle with a spacious cabin, flexible seating, advanced tech, and stylish design, the Hyundai Santa Fe is a strong contender.

Other Dupes

For the adventurous go-getters: By opting for the popular Toyota Hilux over the Ford Ranger, you can better utilise your savings for aftermarket accessories and modifications to make your new 4WD that much more capable.

For families who value space and versatility: If you love the appeal of the Audi Q5’s luxurious interior and refined driving experience, the Volkswagen Tiguan provides a similar level of comfort and versatility at a more budget-friendly price.

For those who live for the adrenaline of the open road: Whilst the power and performance of the Toyota GR Supra GT is enviable, for those price-conscious individuals, the Subaru BRZ S also offers an agile driving experience ideal for enthusiasts seeking sharp handling.

For eco-conscious drivers who demand efficiency: While the Toyota RAV 4 is popular for good reason, the MG HS + EV offers a visually comparable alternative for a fraction of the cost, making it a great option for budget-conscious buyers.

For urban enthusiasts who demand precision: The Audi RS 3 Sportback offers a premium performance option with its five-cylinder engine, however the Volkswagen Golf R delivers impressive AWD dynamics and agility at a more affordable price point.

Methodology

Carma’s team of automotive experts led by Peter Willis, Director of Buying and Hugo Acosta, Director of Operations, review thousands of cars a year to see if they live up to Carma’s quality standards. They took some of the most sought-after prestige models on the market and combined data and 50+ years of expertise working across all OEMs to come up with the best “dupe” available on the market.

Criteria includes:

• Performance that outmatches the price tag
• Looks/feels just as good, quality finish
• Holds its value over time
• Inexpensive to service