Making the most of being in Aus (What car)
Discussion
Myself and my partner are quite a way down our visa process and looking forward to relocating to Aus (looking like Adelaide but not confirmed).
Anyway, one of the things I'd love to research on the car side is how I can make the best use of being in Australia. I've read with dread about some of the attitudes speed-wise, but there's nothing I can do about that. What I can do something about is the metal that I'll be driving.
So I guess this is a what-car, but I'm specifically interested in cars which are rare/non-existent in Europe OR probably more relevant - cars that are perhaps getting prohibitively expensive in Europe but haven't got the same following in Australia and therefore may be cheaper.
I did think JDM stuff might fall into the latter category but CIvic prices tell me that was a bad theory.
In other words I'm a skinflint and despite car ownership in Australia looking more expensive than the UK I want to find an angle where I'm cheered up. Rough wishlist:
- Sub 1200kg
- Enough room for 2 people a weekly shop. Anything else is great but a bonus
- Enough power to be interesting. In my book that's at least 90-100kw
- Under $7k
- Reliable. I know this seems obvious and of course no car is perfect but especially at the start of the move getting hit with a big repair bill would be depressing
- Convertible (though unless anyone has any amazing ideas this isn't going to be possible looking at the leggy MX-5s in budget)
Current car is a pretty new Fiesta. Not the ST but the 140bhp Ecoboost. I'm not expecting the same comforts as I know the budget is low.
Anyway, one of the things I'd love to research on the car side is how I can make the best use of being in Australia. I've read with dread about some of the attitudes speed-wise, but there's nothing I can do about that. What I can do something about is the metal that I'll be driving.
So I guess this is a what-car, but I'm specifically interested in cars which are rare/non-existent in Europe OR probably more relevant - cars that are perhaps getting prohibitively expensive in Europe but haven't got the same following in Australia and therefore may be cheaper.
I did think JDM stuff might fall into the latter category but CIvic prices tell me that was a bad theory.
In other words I'm a skinflint and despite car ownership in Australia looking more expensive than the UK I want to find an angle where I'm cheered up. Rough wishlist:
- Sub 1200kg
- Enough room for 2 people a weekly shop. Anything else is great but a bonus
- Enough power to be interesting. In my book that's at least 90-100kw
- Under $7k
- Reliable. I know this seems obvious and of course no car is perfect but especially at the start of the move getting hit with a big repair bill would be depressing
- Convertible (though unless anyone has any amazing ideas this isn't going to be possible looking at the leggy MX-5s in budget)
Current car is a pretty new Fiesta. Not the ST but the 140bhp Ecoboost. I'm not expecting the same comforts as I know the budget is low.
stanglish said:
Rough wishlist:
- Sub 1200kg
- Enough room for 2 people a weekly shop. Anything else is great but a bonus
- Enough power to be interesting. In my book that's at least 90-100kw
- Under $7k
- Reliable. I know this seems obvious and of course no car is perfect but especially at the start of the move getting hit with a big repair bill would be depressing
- Convertible (though unless anyone has any amazing ideas this isn't going to be possible looking at the leggy MX-5s in budget)
I'll ignore all of that and suggest to have the Aussie experience you need a newish V8 Commodore, a newish V6 Hilux or an ancient Hyundai Excel with extra rust, and golfball patina. - Sub 1200kg
- Enough room for 2 people a weekly shop. Anything else is great but a bonus
- Enough power to be interesting. In my book that's at least 90-100kw
- Under $7k
- Reliable. I know this seems obvious and of course no car is perfect but especially at the start of the move getting hit with a big repair bill would be depressing
- Convertible (though unless anyone has any amazing ideas this isn't going to be possible looking at the leggy MX-5s in budget)
I'd have no idea about a car that matches any/all of your criteria, as my car is x1.5 the weight, x2 the size, x3 the power, x4 the price. Fairly reliable and not convertable.
The laws regarding speeding in Australia (well WA at least) where a tyre chirp will get your car impounded (and can be confiscated first offence according to new laws), I'd suggest go for a comfortable cruiser (LS400/430, V35 Skyline, SS Commodore / XR8 etc).
Failing that,
Skyline R33 GTST that hasn't been wrecked (standard cars don't break).
Ignis/Swift Sport
Toyota JZX90 / Soarer / Aristo
MX5
Corolla Sportivo
Subaru WRX
300ZX Targa if you're brave.
Failing that,
Skyline R33 GTST that hasn't been wrecked (standard cars don't break).
Ignis/Swift Sport
Toyota JZX90 / Soarer / Aristo
MX5
Corolla Sportivo
Subaru WRX
300ZX Targa if you're brave.
Edited by Ten Four on Wednesday 11th January 06:12
May i suggest for a complete Australian experience you look for either a Ford Falcon or Holden Commodore ute.
There should be plenty available in your price range and there is plenty of room for your shopping.
My only other thought ignores everything you have asked for and that is to get something more in the SUV/4x4 spectrum.
Australia is bloody massive and having something you can jump in to go and look at some of it is a great idea. It might be out of your normal comfort zone for cars but you only live once and you are missing out if you come all the way down here and dont go see all of it (or at least some of it, been here 30 years and have not even scratched the surface).
There should be plenty available in your price range and there is plenty of room for your shopping.
My only other thought ignores everything you have asked for and that is to get something more in the SUV/4x4 spectrum.
Australia is bloody massive and having something you can jump in to go and look at some of it is a great idea. It might be out of your normal comfort zone for cars but you only live once and you are missing out if you come all the way down here and dont go see all of it (or at least some of it, been here 30 years and have not even scratched the surface).
AW111 said:
A convertible is fun, but not when it's 42 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. Aircon is also highly desirable.
Indeed. I had an MX5 not so long ago with aircon that was fubar - not much fun some days, but otherwise fine for licence-saving entertainment. V8 of some description should do it.Hello Mate
I have no idea how to answer the car Q as it is very particular! I just thought I'd say I made the move from Scotland to Adelaide 4.5 years ago and it's been fantastic. Great place with lots to do. Doesn't get the best rep from other Aussies but F em hehe
If you have any question then fire away.
Chop
I have no idea how to answer the car Q as it is very particular! I just thought I'd say I made the move from Scotland to Adelaide 4.5 years ago and it's been fantastic. Great place with lots to do. Doesn't get the best rep from other Aussies but F em hehe
If you have any question then fire away.
Chop
In your position I bought an XA V8 but you've no chance of that now.
You'll get a decent MX5 for that money, don't forget cars don't rust here like they do in the U.K. Though I question the benefit of a convertible here, I too had one with no air con and it was a punish.
I'd strongly consider a good AU XR8 ute. Consider too that listed prices here seem to be more flexible than the uk.
ETA: Ten Four has it right, and he's not a man to be doubted for car buying experience.
You'll get a decent MX5 for that money, don't forget cars don't rust here like they do in the U.K. Though I question the benefit of a convertible here, I too had one with no air con and it was a punish.
I'd strongly consider a good AU XR8 ute. Consider too that listed prices here seem to be more flexible than the uk.
ETA: Ten Four has it right, and he's not a man to be doubted for car buying experience.
Edited by Google [bot] on Wednesday 11th January 12:27
Adelaide is no place for topless motoring in summer, but with air, as most Ozzie cars have, a convertible is fine, top up. For the other 8 months topless is fine. No better way of enjoying those Adelaide hills.
To MX5 add RX7, & MR2, any could do the job. The Toyota is probably the top pick, if you don't do a lot of shopping at one time. If you're more adventurous look for a Triumph TR7. Most in Oz are either dead or pretty good by now. My 7 is my favourite car, & very reliable.
To MX5 add RX7, & MR2, any could do the job. The Toyota is probably the top pick, if you don't do a lot of shopping at one time. If you're more adventurous look for a Triumph TR7. Most in Oz are either dead or pretty good by now. My 7 is my favourite car, & very reliable.
First of all cheers for all the responses!
Jader1973 - Leftfield suggestion but I see why you put it out there as it meets a good few criteria. Unfortunately it also makes me want to cry when I look at it. I didn't even realise Aus got a totally different Capri!
Bibbs - I might well do the full Aus experience for me, but this is going to be a shared car at the start so it's got to be something that the missus is comfortable with.
Ten Four - Some excellent suggestions. The MX-5s I was really disappointed by though. I was looking forward to seeing what was on offer because I figured the climate might help with the rust but there is 1 NB in all of SA and it's probably priced about x4 that of the UK. I'm going to follow up on the other suggestions but the Swift seems like the 'head' choice and as a Fiesta owner it's sort of a natural place to be that I know the missus would drive also.
AussieFozzy - I may indeed go full-on Aus but not at the start due to the shared car thing. By making the most of Aus I didn't necessarily mean Aus-only metal but is that the only stuff that is 'good value' in your opinion? 4x4 is a good shout but many were Chery/Great Wall. Are there any hidden Chinese gems or are they all crap?
AW111/PomBstard - Gotcha. Can understand how AC is an absolute must as well as a convertible being crap when it's roasting.
Lambchopski - Thanks! Yeah I made the mistake of looking at stereotypes of each city out of interest and I can see it's not everyone's first choice. I think from what we have looked at it seems a great choice but I guess at some point you have to just jump in and be prepared to twist if it doesn't work out.
Google - Thanks for the pointers. I can see me in either of those when we are fully settled and I can think more about me. If you don't mind me asking what engine is in the XA, and what is the rego/tax like in your state for it?
Hasbeen - Yeah I'm being a bit short-sighted and thinking of the 8 months but I get what you and the others are driving at RE melting. RE MX5s see doubts above. RX7s I love but my brain went rotary>short journeys>disaster. I'll check availability (edit - Christ they are pricey). TR7 I have much love for but availability is obviously challenging. MR2s were on my current UK list post-Fiesta but it breaks my heart that for a sorted one I'm looking at x3 the cost.
I think part of this is I just need to adjust with the fact that cars cost more and hopefully when we're setup and not spending GBP that won't hurt as much.
Jader1973 - Leftfield suggestion but I see why you put it out there as it meets a good few criteria. Unfortunately it also makes me want to cry when I look at it. I didn't even realise Aus got a totally different Capri!
Bibbs - I might well do the full Aus experience for me, but this is going to be a shared car at the start so it's got to be something that the missus is comfortable with.
Ten Four - Some excellent suggestions. The MX-5s I was really disappointed by though. I was looking forward to seeing what was on offer because I figured the climate might help with the rust but there is 1 NB in all of SA and it's probably priced about x4 that of the UK. I'm going to follow up on the other suggestions but the Swift seems like the 'head' choice and as a Fiesta owner it's sort of a natural place to be that I know the missus would drive also.
AussieFozzy - I may indeed go full-on Aus but not at the start due to the shared car thing. By making the most of Aus I didn't necessarily mean Aus-only metal but is that the only stuff that is 'good value' in your opinion? 4x4 is a good shout but many were Chery/Great Wall. Are there any hidden Chinese gems or are they all crap?
AW111/PomBstard - Gotcha. Can understand how AC is an absolute must as well as a convertible being crap when it's roasting.
Lambchopski - Thanks! Yeah I made the mistake of looking at stereotypes of each city out of interest and I can see it's not everyone's first choice. I think from what we have looked at it seems a great choice but I guess at some point you have to just jump in and be prepared to twist if it doesn't work out.
Google - Thanks for the pointers. I can see me in either of those when we are fully settled and I can think more about me. If you don't mind me asking what engine is in the XA, and what is the rego/tax like in your state for it?
Hasbeen - Yeah I'm being a bit short-sighted and thinking of the 8 months but I get what you and the others are driving at RE melting. RE MX5s see doubts above. RX7s I love but my brain went rotary>short journeys>disaster. I'll check availability (edit - Christ they are pricey). TR7 I have much love for but availability is obviously challenging. MR2s were on my current UK list post-Fiesta but it breaks my heart that for a sorted one I'm looking at x3 the cost.
I think part of this is I just need to adjust with the fact that cars cost more and hopefully when we're setup and not spending GBP that won't hurt as much.
stanglish said:
First of all cheers for all the responses!
Jader1973 - Leftfield suggestion but I see why you put it out there as it meets a good few criteria. Unfortunately it also makes me want to cry when I look at it. I didn't even realise Aus got a totally different Capri!
Jader1973 - Leftfield suggestion but I see why you put it out there as it meets a good few criteria. Unfortunately it also makes me want to cry when I look at it. I didn't even realise Aus got a totally different Capri!
It was slightly tongue in cheek tbh. I thought you might go "A Capri. For $7k." and then google it and think "f
k me that is dreadful."If you only want a starter car to tide you over then any of the small Jap hatches is a good idea.
I jumped straight in and spent $20k on a year old ex-rental Falcon. Great car but it ended up being the OH's daily and was a little bit too big (as evidenced by the numerous scrapes on the corners).
stanglish said:
Bibbs - I might well do the full Aus experience for me, but this is going to be a shared car at the start so it's got to be something that the missus is comfortable with.
Totally understand. My first car here was a Subaru Outback.It was junk. Once I'd got a few pay cheques, I chopped it in on a Hilux. Big cars here are not an issue as the roads / parking are designed for them.
Hit up Gumtree in the area and see what sort of things are available for your price. I'd probably be looking at a Commodore/Falcon. At that price it'll be a basic spec one, but they were still good drives and designed for Australia.
Yes Ozzie car prices are high, perhaps that most are still sound body wise helps there.
The important thing to remember of course, they are still high priced when you come to sell them, so you probably lose no more on the overall transaction.
I hesitated to suggest the Ozzie Capri. I bought one for a daughter who had a foot operation & needed an auto. She loved it for cruising, but when she left it with me after recovery, I found it an annoying thing.
I don't know how they managed to get a Mazda 323, [in drag we considered it], to use so much fuel, or go so slow.
The important thing to remember of course, they are still high priced when you come to sell them, so you probably lose no more on the overall transaction.
I hesitated to suggest the Ozzie Capri. I bought one for a daughter who had a foot operation & needed an auto. She loved it for cruising, but when she left it with me after recovery, I found it an annoying thing.
I don't know how they managed to get a Mazda 323, [in drag we considered it], to use so much fuel, or go so slow.
Edited by Hasbeen on Thursday 12th January 11:17
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