Tell me what car to buy
Discussion
So, bit of background
I do between 30 and 50,000kms a year (a lot of variables in terms of work). Mainly on roads like the Pacific Highway, Hume, M1, and New England. So good quality, main roads.
I need a presentable car for work – not too flashy but not a rust bucket.
I don’t want a big car. The biggest I’ll go is something like a Honda Accord Euro.
Long distance comfort, cruise control, good safety and decent economy are my main things of importance. I’ll get a second car as a fun car.
Budget is between 5k and 25k I’ll keep the car for 18 months – 3 years and turn it over.
Here are my options
1) Skoda Octavia VRS pre-FL http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Skoda-O...
2) Skoda Octavia VRS post-FL http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Skoda-O...
3) Alfa 159 JTS Q4 http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Alfa-Rom...
4) 2002 Saab 9-5 aero http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Saab-9-...
5) 2007 Saab 9-3 Vector http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Saab-9-...
6) 2006 Saab 9-3 aero http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Saab-9-3...
7) Honda Accord Euro http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Honda-Ac... plus many others from 7k-13k
8) BMW 330i http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/BMW-330...
9) Various Subaru Libertys 3.0 spec b, GT tuned by Sti e.g. http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Subaru-...
10) http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Subaru-...
11) http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Subaru-...
12) Lexus IS250 http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Lexus-I...
or an auto http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Lexus-IS...
13) Or get a boring new Focus, Alfa Giuletta or something similar in size for 25k.
So tell me what to do already. All of them with the exception of the Liberty seem like a backwards step in terms of performance, but the Libertys also seem like a pointless exercise as it is kind of the same thing, just a bit cheaper.
I do between 30 and 50,000kms a year (a lot of variables in terms of work). Mainly on roads like the Pacific Highway, Hume, M1, and New England. So good quality, main roads.
I need a presentable car for work – not too flashy but not a rust bucket.
I don’t want a big car. The biggest I’ll go is something like a Honda Accord Euro.
Long distance comfort, cruise control, good safety and decent economy are my main things of importance. I’ll get a second car as a fun car.
Budget is between 5k and 25k I’ll keep the car for 18 months – 3 years and turn it over.
Here are my options
1) Skoda Octavia VRS pre-FL http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Skoda-O...
2) Skoda Octavia VRS post-FL http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Skoda-O...
3) Alfa 159 JTS Q4 http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Alfa-Rom...
4) 2002 Saab 9-5 aero http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Saab-9-...
5) 2007 Saab 9-3 Vector http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Saab-9-...
6) 2006 Saab 9-3 aero http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Saab-9-3...
7) Honda Accord Euro http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Honda-Ac... plus many others from 7k-13k
8) BMW 330i http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/BMW-330...
9) Various Subaru Libertys 3.0 spec b, GT tuned by Sti e.g. http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Subaru-...
10) http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Subaru-...
11) http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Subaru-...
12) Lexus IS250 http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Lexus-I...
or an auto http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Lexus-IS...
13) Or get a boring new Focus, Alfa Giuletta or something similar in size for 25k.
So tell me what to do already. All of them with the exception of the Liberty seem like a backwards step in terms of performance, but the Libertys also seem like a pointless exercise as it is kind of the same thing, just a bit cheaper.
Edited by Colonial on Monday 30th September 02:36
Looks like you've got it covered really.
I'll throw in one of these only cause my mum just bought a 01 sedan with the 3L V6 (DI).
http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Nissan-...
I'll throw in one of these only cause my mum just bought a 01 sedan with the 3L V6 (DI).
http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Nissan-...
Also on my third Sube...
Gen3 Liberty 2.5
Gen4 Liberty 2.5
07 Forester 2.5
...and would happily have another, either Liberty R-B or GT. But, whilst Subarus are great cars, in my experience, you don't buy one for the economy.
Of the OP's list, I'd look at the Honda and keep a shedload of cash for the fun car. Another to consider would be a Mazda 6. Though, are you sure you'll want another car if you're already doing those kms in something else??
Gen3 Liberty 2.5
Gen4 Liberty 2.5
07 Forester 2.5
...and would happily have another, either Liberty R-B or GT. But, whilst Subarus are great cars, in my experience, you don't buy one for the economy.
Of the OP's list, I'd look at the Honda and keep a shedload of cash for the fun car. Another to consider would be a Mazda 6. Though, are you sure you'll want another car if you're already doing those kms in something else??
PomBstard said:
Also on my third Sube...
Gen3 Liberty 2.5
Gen4 Liberty 2.5
07 Forester 2.5
...and would happily have another, either Liberty R-B or GT. But, whilst Subarus are great cars, in my experience, you don't buy one for the economy.
Of the OP's list, I'd look at the Honda and keep a shedload of cash for the fun car. Another to consider would be a Mazda 6. Though, are you sure you'll want another car if you're already doing those kms in something else??
Hmmm, another vote for Subaru. Economy is flexible. My driving is 25 minutes on 70k roads with about 8 traffic lights and then 1 hour sitting on cruise control at 120, so it doesn't tend to be that bad, regardless of car. I'm doing it in a Golf R at the moment, so turbo and AWD and I'm averaging 8.2l/100km which includes booting it around roundabouts and away from lights. Gen3 Liberty 2.5
Gen4 Liberty 2.5
07 Forester 2.5
...and would happily have another, either Liberty R-B or GT. But, whilst Subarus are great cars, in my experience, you don't buy one for the economy.
Of the OP's list, I'd look at the Honda and keep a shedload of cash for the fun car. Another to consider would be a Mazda 6. Though, are you sure you'll want another car if you're already doing those kms in something else??
Your point regarding actually wanting to drive is a decent one. I've got it worked that I tend to commute (1.25 hours each way) twice a week, three times max, then the odd long distance business trip, such as up to Ballina, Tamworth, out to Cobar, lots of trips to Canberra etc so I'm not stuck in the car that long all the time if that makes sense.
I think I'd be looking at the Honda Euro, Mazda6 or Gen4 Liberty 2.5. Maybe a 05-08 Forester XT...??? All have a decent chassis and ride/handling balance to keep you entertained on twisty bits, though you'll not set the world alight with any, and all need the manual box rather than auto.
I used to do Northern Beaches to Newcastle a lot with the Gen4 I had and it was genuinely fun using the Pac Hwy from Hornsby to Gosford in each direction, even if grip was the dominant sensation - 4wd, 215/50/17 tyres and only 125kW. If you're happy with an auto, what about a Lexus IS300? All are perfectly capable of the kms you need to do, and all are Japanese, which in my book means generally reliable.
Full service history, oil changes esp for any Sube, one owner, recent major timing belt service and under 150,000 kms if poss, and I reckon they'll be a lot easier to sell on than a leggy 330i or 9-3. Should get something decent for under $10k that'll last for another 100,000kms. Flog on at that time for about $4-5k, lose $5-6k in depreciation, and put the rest into a toy.
I used to do Northern Beaches to Newcastle a lot with the Gen4 I had and it was genuinely fun using the Pac Hwy from Hornsby to Gosford in each direction, even if grip was the dominant sensation - 4wd, 215/50/17 tyres and only 125kW. If you're happy with an auto, what about a Lexus IS300? All are perfectly capable of the kms you need to do, and all are Japanese, which in my book means generally reliable.
Full service history, oil changes esp for any Sube, one owner, recent major timing belt service and under 150,000 kms if poss, and I reckon they'll be a lot easier to sell on than a leggy 330i or 9-3. Should get something decent for under $10k that'll last for another 100,000kms. Flog on at that time for about $4-5k, lose $5-6k in depreciation, and put the rest into a toy.
How about this
its friggin awsome...............sorry I meant awful.
I cannot believe he seriously spent anywhere near 60k on it, let alone think anyone else is that dumb.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/2013-Lamborghini-Revent...
its friggin awsome...............sorry I meant awful.
I cannot believe he seriously spent anywhere near 60k on it, let alone think anyone else is that dumb.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/2013-Lamborghini-Revent...
james280779 said:
How about this
its friggin awsome...............sorry I meant awful.
I cannot believe he seriously spent anywhere near 60k on it, let alone think anyone else is that dumb.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/2013-Lamborghini-Revent...
But, but, it's snaps necks .. its friggin awsome...............sorry I meant awful.
I cannot believe he seriously spent anywhere near 60k on it, let alone think anyone else is that dumb.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/2013-Lamborghini-Revent...
The look is kinda there, but with awful wheel arch gaps, and it looks like the rear has sagged in the heat.
You'll also get that true Lambo sound from a 20 year old turbo'ed Nissan.
You'd be better off attaching a dildo to your head like a porno unicorn. You'd get just as many looks, but you'd have spent a whole load less than on that mobile fiberglass rape shed.
SGOxon said:
How can anyone waste so much time and money on something so completely s
t?
Back on to topic Colonial, my vote would go to the Subi - they last well and are ever so slightly more interesting than other Jap stuff IMO and cheaper to fix than a Euro.
Having had a couple of Euro's in the family they ain't cheap to fix.t? Back on to topic Colonial, my vote would go to the Subi - they last well and are ever so slightly more interesting than other Jap stuff IMO and cheaper to fix than a Euro.
My fozzie TD get's 6.4 L/100 in Sydney peak hour traffic and a bit better on the open road, and more importantly only gets to around 9.0 L/100 towing Nemo ( car & trailer combined 1 tonne hanging on the back ) also had no trouble overtaking B Doubles on the Hay Plain when towing down to Tanunda in 2011.
The only disadvantage with the 2010 fozzie is it was only available as a 6Sp manual but I think an auto is in the pipeline.
I've only ever owned euro cars. 2 x BMW 3 series 1 x Audi S3 1 x Golf R and never found them that expensive to own.
Parts for all of mine tend to be cheaper than parts from Subaru (family has owned Subarus for years).
Down to the Liberty and a Saab 9-5 aero at the moment. Saab is a lot cheaper and I've always had a soft spot for them.
Parts for all of mine tend to be cheaper than parts from Subaru (family has owned Subarus for years).
Down to the Liberty and a Saab 9-5 aero at the moment. Saab is a lot cheaper and I've always had a soft spot for them.
I bought a Mazda 6 upon arrival in Aus and agree that it's a nice car. However I'm a little disappointed by the handling having driven it's sister car (the Mondeo) in the UK several times before leaving.
It may be the tyres or Perth's poor roads but it wants to do nothing but under-steer - Trail braking can help a little but that does nothing to aid cornering speeds.
I have the 2009 2.5 Auto Wagon.
For every occasion other than when trying to have too much fun, the car is great. Perhaps that's a good thing really given the anti-car laws over here.
It may be the tyres or Perth's poor roads but it wants to do nothing but under-steer - Trail braking can help a little but that does nothing to aid cornering speeds.
I have the 2009 2.5 Auto Wagon.
For every occasion other than when trying to have too much fun, the car is great. Perhaps that's a good thing really given the anti-car laws over here.
I suppose for your requirements, I'll go with the consensus of Subaru.
Having owned an 3.0 R-B auto it's good for cruising and has enough toys. But, I ended up getting rid purely because it was boring. Plus, the auto box can be annoyingly clumsy too. So, go for the 6-speed manual if you can find one.
The 9-3 Aero you've selected is a good choice as a mid size, hoon-able cruiser.
But, I'm going to throw in a new suggestion: Mondeo XR5...
Having owned an 3.0 R-B auto it's good for cruising and has enough toys. But, I ended up getting rid purely because it was boring. Plus, the auto box can be annoyingly clumsy too. So, go for the 6-speed manual if you can find one.
The 9-3 Aero you've selected is a good choice as a mid size, hoon-able cruiser.
But, I'm going to throw in a new suggestion: Mondeo XR5...
Last week I towed Nemo from Sydney to Caloundra and back behind my Fozzie TD.
With just under a tonne hanging off the back plus tools / luggage etc and sitting on the posted limit all the way there and back it returned 7.4L/100, went up the New England and back on the Pacific
This pic was taken on the Adelaide run in 2011 but the setup is still the same
With just under a tonne hanging off the back plus tools / luggage etc and sitting on the posted limit all the way there and back it returned 7.4L/100, went up the New England and back on the Pacific
This pic was taken on the Adelaide run in 2011 but the setup is still the same
Gassing Station | Australia | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff