I'm now in NZ and need a good car...
Discussion
I've now arrived in Palmy North and have already got the typical family bus, an Estima, but need a nice car just for me. The TVR is on the way so sports car sorted, just need a smart looking sedan.
I've noticed that anything that in the UK would be a bit 'tasty' -WRX/EVO etc- are driven by the very young, usually with overly loud turbo's/exhausts and wheels (mags) that are too big. Am I getting old!!
The alternate seems to be the Holden/Ford choice. Which side of the fence should I be?
I'm looking to spend $20,000-$50,000 for the right car - any ideas? I don't know where to start as there are many models not available in the UK, I don't want to end up with a lemon that I couldn't shift later on.
Cheers
Mark
I've noticed that anything that in the UK would be a bit 'tasty' -WRX/EVO etc- are driven by the very young, usually with overly loud turbo's/exhausts and wheels (mags) that are too big. Am I getting old!!
The alternate seems to be the Holden/Ford choice. Which side of the fence should I be?
I'm looking to spend $20,000-$50,000 for the right car - any ideas? I don't know where to start as there are many models not available in the UK, I don't want to end up with a lemon that I couldn't shift later on.
Cheers
Mark
Welcome to NZ!!!
I'm only 45 minutes South from you on the Kapiti Coast.
Your correct on the WRX/EVO situation although some oldie's drive them trying to stay young (dig,dig). IMO the Ford/Holden isn't much better and should read Ford VS Holden as that's what it's like here in NZ. Also at the rate of fuel going up running the TVR and a V8 sedan would warrant a second job. Not knowing exactly your requirements I would suggest probably a clean good history BMW (although repairs and servicing would be higher) 30-50K would buy you quite a nice example (330i,323i etc). www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=53375643&key=298509 There's the Mazda SP23 www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Cars/Mazda/auction-53919273.htm and the Euro Accord's www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=53403891&key=302083 . Anything that the boyracers mod are immediately a higher theft risk and I personally avoid them just for that reason.
On a side note I have a close friend who may be selling his E36 M3 and I can honestly say it's a mint car. The only thing is it is a coupe and I would imagine you are after a sedan.
Hope that is of some help.
>> Edited by Kiwi Carguy on Tuesday 18th April 07:42
I'm only 45 minutes South from you on the Kapiti Coast.
Your correct on the WRX/EVO situation although some oldie's drive them trying to stay young (dig,dig). IMO the Ford/Holden isn't much better and should read Ford VS Holden as that's what it's like here in NZ. Also at the rate of fuel going up running the TVR and a V8 sedan would warrant a second job. Not knowing exactly your requirements I would suggest probably a clean good history BMW (although repairs and servicing would be higher) 30-50K would buy you quite a nice example (330i,323i etc). www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=53375643&key=298509 There's the Mazda SP23 www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Cars/Mazda/auction-53919273.htm and the Euro Accord's www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=53403891&key=302083 . Anything that the boyracers mod are immediately a higher theft risk and I personally avoid them just for that reason.
On a side note I have a close friend who may be selling his E36 M3 and I can honestly say it's a mint car. The only thing is it is a coupe and I would imagine you are after a sedan.
Hope that is of some help.
>> Edited by Kiwi Carguy on Tuesday 18th April 07:42
Coupe is fine, just want something a bit different but also like you say something that won't attract theft etc. I quite like the Chrysler 300C hemi in a strange sort of way but its too new to get a bargain and what will the resale be like. Are Range Rovers good for resale?
Holden VS Ford...I did have a C5 Corvette so something with the same engine. Or are Fords better.............?
Holden VS Ford...I did have a C5 Corvette so something with the same engine. Or are Fords better.............?
with current models the (holden)commodore is considered to have a slightly better V8 (chev LSx but i'm not sure which one), while the (ford)falcon has a significantly better chassis. the falcon is also available with a 4.0 turbo straight-six that has more torque than any of the V8s.
neither would be my choice though, if you want a fun sedan the WRX/Evo is still a good option, or the M3 as suggested is more luxurious, and probably more fun if not quite as fast on demanding backroads.
if you have outdoors-type interests as a fairly major part of your life (skiing, tramping, etc) then something with 4wd would be a good idea, we have many gravel backroads leading to those sort of places which are alot of fun in a car that can handle it. (4wd is also big advantge on snowy skifield roads)
I'd also suggest looking at Subaru Legacies (search the nz forum for previous posts on this). admittedly i'm rather biased here, but theyre bigger and a bit nicer than Imprezas, and I expect jap cars in general will be much cheaper here than what you're used to. Older Audis may also be a good option.
neither would be my choice though, if you want a fun sedan the WRX/Evo is still a good option, or the M3 as suggested is more luxurious, and probably more fun if not quite as fast on demanding backroads.
if you have outdoors-type interests as a fairly major part of your life (skiing, tramping, etc) then something with 4wd would be a good idea, we have many gravel backroads leading to those sort of places which are alot of fun in a car that can handle it. (4wd is also big advantge on snowy skifield roads)
I'd also suggest looking at Subaru Legacies (search the nz forum for previous posts on this). admittedly i'm rather biased here, but theyre bigger and a bit nicer than Imprezas, and I expect jap cars in general will be much cheaper here than what you're used to. Older Audis may also be a good option.
Kiwi Carguy said:Ahem ! ! !
Your correct on the WRX/EVO situation although some oldie's drive them trying to stay young . . .
I 'resemble' that comment . . . but it's a STi not a WRX
so clearly you were referring to someone else. If pushed (hard) I'd try an Accord or a Maxima. A mate recently got a 2 year-old Lexus 430 but haven't had a ride or unbiased report yet.
Hm hard choice eh..
For the 'family' (lol just the two of us) car we plumbed for a forester, basicaly an impreza with more ground clearance and a bigger carying capacity. We've use its 4WD abilities loads, so much so that I think I may have rather gone for a bogun proper 4WD monster...
And thats without the weekend trips to the ski fields etc. If you have any sort of outdoor life here 4WD is very very handy.
Also a lot of people have boats n such here, a good 4WD hels an awfull lot with that.
You have a family wagon and a weekend toy, leave it at that until you've been here a bit and figured out what you need?
Or go for the Nissan stagia(sp?) thats got the skyline R34 running gear... sleeper...
Oh also if your getting Jap, private import. it works out cheaper and you get a better car with all the toys fitted,, which are usualy striped and sold separatly by the bulk importers. Takes a few months but worth it.
For the 'family' (lol just the two of us) car we plumbed for a forester, basicaly an impreza with more ground clearance and a bigger carying capacity. We've use its 4WD abilities loads, so much so that I think I may have rather gone for a bogun proper 4WD monster...
And thats without the weekend trips to the ski fields etc. If you have any sort of outdoor life here 4WD is very very handy.
Also a lot of people have boats n such here, a good 4WD hels an awfull lot with that.
You have a family wagon and a weekend toy, leave it at that until you've been here a bit and figured out what you need?
Or go for the Nissan stagia(sp?) thats got the skyline R34 running gear... sleeper...
Oh also if your getting Jap, private import. it works out cheaper and you get a better car with all the toys fitted,, which are usualy striped and sold separatly by the bulk importers. Takes a few months but worth it.
robdickinson said:Sensible move, just researching and understanding the market here, there's loads more choices!
Hm hard choice eh..
You have a family wagon and a weekend toy, leave it at that until you've been here a bit and figured out what you need?
robdickinson said:Where do I start with a private import, I thought you had to be registered to buy in Japan.
Oh also if your getting Jap, private import. it works out cheaper and you get a better car with all the toys fitted,, which are usualy striped and sold separatly by the bulk importers. Takes a few months but worth it.
When I was last in NZ the Legacy had a top of the range version that featured well in Autocar. Whats the fast prestige version called this year?
If you go 4x4 SUV I'd suggest a Ford Escape or Territory. The Range Rover Vogue's are o.k but make sure you get the smarter "facelift" model that makes it look like the 100K equivalent. The other nice 4x4 is the ML Mercs. ML320,430 or 500's or a 270 if you want diesel. I am looking to buy an Escape some time after the Westie arrives. We currently have a SP20 sportswagon (wifes), Nissan Serena (business) and the 911 Turbo (mine but almost sold). The Escape will serve as an allrounder. Tow wagon, family vehicle, semi business stuff etc.
Don't like Superpoo's so can't help you there
>> Edited by Kiwi Carguy on Wednesday 19th April 06:57
Don't like Superpoo's so can't help you there
>> Edited by Kiwi Carguy on Wednesday 19th April 06:57
Kiwi XTR2 said:
Your correct on the WRX/EVO situation although some oldie's drive them trying to stay young . . .
I 'resemble' that comment . . . but it's a STi not a WRX
If pushed (hard) I'd try an Accord or a Maxima. A mate recently got a 2 year-old Lexus 430 but haven't had a ride or unbiased report yet.
Woopsie that's right you've got one aye
I think I read somewhere that they counted something like 17-18 pink Sti badges on one car
mark387mw said:
Where do I start with a private import, I thought you had to be registered to buy in Japan.
You dont import it yourself use an agent, know people who have used this bloke : www.carwebs.co.nz/ with excelent results.
IMO if your going offroad and not just to the supermarket dont bother with something expensive, go bogun, it will get knocked around , scratcghed, burried in mud/sand, whatever, friend has a bighorn he bought for $3k and its a stonking motor.
Depending on where you live and your insurance company there can certainly be a difference in the premiums. IMHO the 6's are good trucks, but for the presence and soundtrack I'd have an 8.
If you're going auto the earlier 8's had a bit of a dog transmission that would hunt badly and lurch the changes. The more recent ones are quite good. Not sure what the date of the fix is but a quick drive would show it up.
If you're going auto the earlier 8's had a bit of a dog transmission that would hunt badly and lurch the changes. The more recent ones are quite good. Not sure what the date of the fix is but a quick drive would show it up.
Depending on which V8 you go for, the difference might be a little or a lot. If you're going for an older 5.0V8 (Holden V8) they aren't a HUGE leap ahead over the 3.8L Buick 6 (Known as "ECOTEC" in later cars) The Chevvy-engined cars 5.7L as in all of the (I think) VT series Commodores onwards is a leap forward over the 5.0L engine in terms of power and torque and also lighter (all alloy versus iron-block). Recently Holden have moved from the 3.8L pushrod Buick V6 (Ecotec) to the new "Alloytec" V6 with quadcam. This came in about a year or 2 ago on the VY (I think) and again represents a great leap forward over the Buick V6 in tems of refinement and performance..... indeed an "Alloytec" V6 produces more power and torque than the old 5.0 Holden V8 did.
I'd say unless you want the soundtrack of the V8 and the (little bit) extra performance, then just go for the 6. Unless you get an HSV it won't really be "sporty" and even then it's hardly useful for anything other than chewing up rear tyres.
Personally, I'd steer clear of Holdens... I've driven 2 mid-90s Commodores and they scared me witless.... even driving down the motorway the car never felt really stable, was always making small corrections to the steering to keep it going in a straight line.... I thought they were just clapped out old fleetmobiles until seeing my mate driving his new HSV and him seemingly doing the same thing.... I'd beware any car that only very recently removed the "Radial-Tuned Suspension" badges from its models
I'd say unless you want the soundtrack of the V8 and the (little bit) extra performance, then just go for the 6. Unless you get an HSV it won't really be "sporty" and even then it's hardly useful for anything other than chewing up rear tyres.
Personally, I'd steer clear of Holdens... I've driven 2 mid-90s Commodores and they scared me witless.... even driving down the motorway the car never felt really stable, was always making small corrections to the steering to keep it going in a straight line.... I thought they were just clapped out old fleetmobiles until seeing my mate driving his new HSV and him seemingly doing the same thing.... I'd beware any car that only very recently removed the "Radial-Tuned Suspension" badges from its models
Yeah…control blade is clearly better (if you can actually figure out what control blade suspension actually is on a Ford? From what I can work out it’s just a compact trailing arm suspension with some fancy stuff done so it doesn’t need a swing arm). V8’s could get a bit thirsty as well being driven around town? I think they do the Ford “Fairlane” and Holden “Statesman” with the same engines.
Considered a “performance” VW Passat/Audi or similar?
Edit: Although judging from my local boy racers what you really want is a “Mazda Familia” with a big exhaust and shiny wheels.
>> Edited by speedy_thrills on Friday 21st April 15:56
Considered a “performance” VW Passat/Audi or similar?
Edit: Although judging from my local boy racers what you really want is a “Mazda Familia” with a big exhaust and shiny wheels.
>> Edited by speedy_thrills on Friday 21st April 15:56
There are some import "q" cars here... but they're few as most of them have been hotted up by the boyracer brigade.
Something like an original and unmolested Evo or GTR skyline would be good as these are almost always "modified" so a standard one is really rare and stands out from the crowd
The Rover/MGZTV8 did come here, but in small numbers so you'd maybe be pressed to find one. You should have a local MG/Rover dealer that should be able to help you find one..... an MGTZV8 in charcoal.... mmmm that's some car
Something like an original and unmolested Evo or GTR skyline would be good as these are almost always "modified" so a standard one is really rare and stands out from the crowd
The Rover/MGZTV8 did come here, but in small numbers so you'd maybe be pressed to find one. You should have a local MG/Rover dealer that should be able to help you find one..... an MGTZV8 in charcoal.... mmmm that's some car
Before you get too carried away with the V8 route you really should remember the petrol situation. Not just for fill-ups but be prepared for massive depreciation if the $2.00 litre becomes a reality. Having said this HSVs tend to keep their value no matter what!
If it was me and I wanted a good family car that would be fun for when I was driving it on my own, and I had your budget i'd also think about :
A really new or brand new Mazda 6 MPS (turbo'd version of the fantastic Mazda 6).
Imported Honda Accord Type 'R' in the latest shape - sexy looking car and by all accounts better than the last one which is saying something! The quality of these is top notch too.
Golf GTI (latest shape).
Skoda Octavia vRS (I've got a soft-spot for Skodas and this is basically a Golf GTI in a bigger body!).
Baby lexus.
Or if it was just for fun why not go for a classic of some sort? There are some fantastic classics in NZ and despite having a similar climate the cars don't seem to rust in the same way - probably down to the salt in the roads in winter back home in Blighty.
I've got a WRX by the way. It cost me $6000 with 180k on the clock (it's done 218k now) and was in mint condition. It's my commuter car. My wife has a Mitsubishi Legnum VR4 which is superb but very thirsty (IMHO it's better than contemporary Subaru Legacys). I've also got a TVR Chimaera (which I'm selling) and a BMW 2002 Tii which is in storage awaiting restoration and is just fantastic.
If it was me and I wanted a good family car that would be fun for when I was driving it on my own, and I had your budget i'd also think about :
A really new or brand new Mazda 6 MPS (turbo'd version of the fantastic Mazda 6).
Imported Honda Accord Type 'R' in the latest shape - sexy looking car and by all accounts better than the last one which is saying something! The quality of these is top notch too.
Golf GTI (latest shape).
Skoda Octavia vRS (I've got a soft-spot for Skodas and this is basically a Golf GTI in a bigger body!).
Baby lexus.
Or if it was just for fun why not go for a classic of some sort? There are some fantastic classics in NZ and despite having a similar climate the cars don't seem to rust in the same way - probably down to the salt in the roads in winter back home in Blighty.
I've got a WRX by the way. It cost me $6000 with 180k on the clock (it's done 218k now) and was in mint condition. It's my commuter car. My wife has a Mitsubishi Legnum VR4 which is superb but very thirsty (IMHO it's better than contemporary Subaru Legacys). I've also got a TVR Chimaera (which I'm selling) and a BMW 2002 Tii which is in storage awaiting restoration and is just fantastic.
mark387mw said:Do you buy them through VW/Audi? Suppose you could get a Seat as well. I’m really surprised by the number of new Renaults I see, I’m not aware of a single dealership (unless they are sold through other PSA brand dealerships?).
I didn't know the Skoda was available here.
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