Australians could save thousands of dollars by opting for “fake” cars that have the same features but are cheaper, according to a new study. (Source: Supplied)
“Dupes” have become increasingly popular in the fashion and beauty industries as Australians look for ways to achieve a premium look without paying the high price tag, and now the trend has spread to the car industry, allowing Australians to save up to $75,000 by opting for top-of-the-line, low-cost options.
Karma auto expert Peter Willis told Yahoo Finance that “rogues” in the auto industry have always existed, but the rising cost of living has made them more popular.
“Looking back to the early 2000s, Kia and Hyundai started their marketing by selecting popular cars. [such as a] We’re going to launch the Toyota Corolla and the Tarago and bring cars to those markets that will compete at that price point,” Willis said.
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“The rising cost of living and its impact on consumers and their decisions is driving manufacturers to do more.”
“With financial pressures on the rise, manufacturers are looking to offer buyers the opportunity to buy a luxury car or one with all the bells and whistles, rather than a more expensive vehicle.”
Popular “dummy” vehicles include the Jeep Wrangler and Suzuki Jimny, according to Willis. A 2024 Wrangler retails for about $93,871, while a 2020 Jimny can be purchased for about $31,991.
“They both have solid front axles and 4×4 drivelines, so they’re essentially off-road adventure vehicles,” Willis said.
“But the Jimny is about $60,000 cheaper and has all the bells and whistles.”
Carma found that you could save thousands of dollars by buying a Suzuki Jimny over a Jeep Wrangler. (Source: Provided)
Top 7 fake cars
Carma’s experts have revealed the top ‘fakes’ available on the market and how much buyers could save by buying a comparable car second-hand.
2024 Audi RS 3 Sportback vs 2017 Volkswagen Golf R – Save $75,000
2024 Rubicon Jeep Wrangler vs 2020 Suzuki Jimmy – Save $60,000
2024 Toyota GR Supra GT vs. 2022 Subaru BRZ S – Save $56,000
2024 Ford Ranger Raptor vs 2021 Toyota Hilux – Save $45,000
2024 Land Rover Defender vs 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe – Save $30,000
2021 Toyota RAV4 vs 2021 MG HS+ EV – Save $18,000
2023 AUDI Q5 vs 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan – $13,000 savings
The story continues
Cost is a top priority for buyers
Hunter Valley resident Ashley Shelley recently purchased her dream car but said the cost was her biggest concern when making the purchase.
“We’re approaching retirement, so we’ve had to be more careful than ever, especially with our budget,” the 61-year-old told Yahoo Finance.
“This meant more carefully weighing the pros and cons of different options and considering not only the purchase price but also long-term costs such as fuel economy and on-road maintenance.”
She and her partner were looking for a new vehicle that would be versatile enough to tow their new campervan, go off-roading, and also be able to take their grandchildren to school to pick them up.
Ashley Shelley bought a Kia Sportage and was looking for a car with similar features and feel to her Suzuki Jimny. (Source: Provided)
The couple initially purchased a Suzuki Jimny through Karma for $11,000 with a $22,000 trade-in, but realized it wasn’t the right fit for them.
“We bought a slick blue model and after a week of driving it we realised it didn’t fit our camper,” she said.
The couple ended up searching for a “lookalike” that had a similar look and feel, settling on a Kia Sportage.
“It had all the features we wanted in a Jimny and suited our camping needs so we didn’t have to make any sacrifices,” she said.
Shelley said the purchase cost stayed within budget, and she spent an additional $1,000 on a trade-in for her Jimny.
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