View Full Version : Advice?
Blitz_
02-25-2007, 05:14 AM
The folks are (finally) parting ways with the Falcon. Good stuff anyway, gearbox was on its way out and its a bitch to drive with that and the buggered front discs. They're looking for a car in the mid 20's range, preferably mid car size as they dont really need a large sedan. I suggested a Mazda 3 or Ford Focus. What do think would be a reliable, relatively good looking and fuel efficient medium sized car in this price range? Cheers for any help :)
IBrake4Rainbows
02-25-2007, 05:18 AM
I'd probably go the Mazda 3 - for mid 20's you'd likely get a 1 - 2 year old SP23 with all the trimmings.
the Focus is still a very good choice. it just depends on equipment, style and the deal you guys can get.
SlickHolden
02-25-2007, 06:11 AM
Your not far off my mums fav the Vectra CDXI...
But have a look at Camry even if it kills you:D.. And also Honda Accord Eruo that bad looking things with some goodies on board, Should be 1-3 years old about mid to large but should be cheap enough.
The_Canuck
02-25-2007, 05:31 PM
Impreza or Jetta?
SlickHolden
02-25-2007, 07:07 PM
Hey it's mum and dad:D
Jetta might be not expensive here for there price range.
coolieman1220
02-25-2007, 08:02 PM
Nissan Altima!
Blitz_
02-25-2007, 10:00 PM
Never considered a jetta actually, are they a nice car??
adrenaline
02-25-2007, 11:05 PM
I'd say the Jetta is above your price range.
Rockefella
02-25-2007, 11:10 PM
Jetta's are for girls. Get something else.
Blitz_
02-26-2007, 12:10 AM
The old man is feeling good about a 06 focus ghia for 31K driveaway, but im trying to steer him towards the Mazda3 SP23
LOL my mums a girl / woman yeah?
Ferrer
02-26-2007, 12:13 AM
I like the C4, altough I guess french cars are not very popular in Australia...
Rockefella
02-26-2007, 12:13 AM
LOL my mums a girl / woman yeah?
Kind of forgot about that aspect, but yeah.. Quiggs likes the Jetta 2.0T and he's a girl so that was my reasoning.
fpv_gtho
02-26-2007, 12:16 AM
IMO, go a new Focus/3/Golf or a used 6/Accord Euro. Theyre youre best bets. Although, those are enthusiasts choices. If you want something like a Camry, Sonata (or maybe you can wait for an Epica) then you'll get something that will either be affordable or reliable. Probably very debatable whether either of them are that great of a looker.
fpv_gtho
02-26-2007, 12:26 AM
I like the C4, altough I guess french cars are not very popular in Australia...
Not at large, but i guess like alot of European manufacturers, theyve got their cult followers.
Here is the local Citroen price list as well: http://citroen.com.au/cms/media/CitroenPriceList.pdf
john14
02-26-2007, 01:51 AM
Blitz_, My Dad bought a 2006 Ford Focus CL (5 speed manual) and he says the car is great to drive compared to the 2 Korean cars (Hyundai Lantra's) he owned before he bought the Focus. Also, the Focus is quite spacious and practicle and I think it's farily good looking car. IMO, The interior very nice too.
The Honda Accord Euro is a great choice as well. I've only heard good reviews in relation to the HAE.
Ferrer
02-26-2007, 03:33 AM
Not at large, but i guess like alot of European manufacturers, theyve got their cult followers.
Here is the local Citroen price list as well: http://citroen.com.au/cms/media/CitroenPriceList.pdf
They are cheap, even compared to spanish prices. The top 2-litre auto costs 1.400€ more here.
SlickHolden
02-26-2007, 06:53 AM
I like the C4, altough I guess french cars are not very popular in Australia...
You should see there popularity in the U.S:p..
French cars are everywhere here, Just there not the normal car for a Aussie to buy first.
fpv_gtho
02-28-2007, 02:38 AM
They are cheap, even compared to spanish prices. The top 2-litre auto costs 1.400€ more here.
It seems most products from Europe are alot cheaper here. For instance, the Fiesta Zetec is almost $AUD30K sold in the UK, over $AUD10K more than we pay for them.
Blitz_
02-28-2007, 06:11 AM
Small update, mum has an eye for the Mazda 3 at the moment, we've only contacted a few dealers but best price for a new Maxx drive away is around the 30 - 31K mark, im hoping that there are some good deals for the SP23 around WA actually.
Mr. Jinx
03-02-2007, 09:29 PM
Not the best advice, but as far as a family car goes, I would suggest a Hyundai Sonata Elite. Its cheap, decently sized, smooth, quiet, safe and has a fair bit of kit. It sure as hell doesnt feel (or look) cheap. As far as day-to-day concerns for a family vehicle go, I think its an excellent choice.
Hell, my family bought a Sonata Elite V6. I'd discourage you from the V6 because its a thirsty bastard, but you do get ESP in the V6 models, as well as a 5-speed auto over the 4-speeder. Its sure as hell NOT a drivers car though. Personally, I'm glad that I got my family to buy that car.
We've not had a problem with it, and managed to get a 8 year/150 000 km warranty.
If this is not the way you wish to head, I would agree with the Mazda 3 Maxx Sport, or a Focus with the new safety pack. Or maybe an Astra CDTi?
The_Canuck
03-02-2007, 10:43 PM
Jetta...
Base is 24k here, dunno what that is in Aussie money...26?
fpv_gtho
03-02-2007, 10:52 PM
http://volkswagen.com.au/pdf/price_List/Volkswagen%20Jetta%20Price%20List%20March%202007.p df
For that money, you'd be better off going for a Mazda 6 http://mazda.com.au/mazda6/prices.aspx?id=64 or the Accord Euro http://www.honda.com.au/wps/wcm/connect/Honda.com.au/Home/Showroom/Accord+Euro/
SlickHolden
03-03-2007, 02:01 AM
I like the Honda Accord also but love the Mazda 6 with a nice kit.
Ferrer
03-03-2007, 02:21 AM
What does the base 159 cost in Australia? If it's within the budget, what about one of those?
SlickHolden
03-03-2007, 02:28 AM
Alfa wont be cheap:D
$49,990... http://www.carpoint.com.au/new-car/ALFA%20ROMEO/159/car.aspx?id=cp20060606.09:49:34.5200
fpv_gtho
03-03-2007, 02:34 AM
Yep, and the V6 comes in at $75K http://alfaromeo.com.au/media/pdfs/Alfa_Price_List.pdf
Ferrer
03-03-2007, 02:35 AM
Alfa wont be cheap:D
$49,990... http://www.carpoint.com.au/new-car/ALFA%20ROMEO/159/car.aspx?id=cp20060606.09:49:34.5200
Wow... :eek: We get the 1.9 JTS (160bhp) as the entry level car here, and it starts at 24.200 € ($40,740). Altough that's still out of reach.
Another car I really like is the Subaru Legacy (or Liberty for you). That starts at $32k, maybe he can find a used one within his budget.
Small update, mum has an eye for the Mazda 3 at the moment, we've only contacted a few dealers but best price for a new Maxx drive away is around the 30 - 31K mark, im hoping that there are some good deals for the SP23 around WA actually.
$30-31k for a Mazda 3 Maxx is over the top, even including on-road costs
http://www.discountnewcars.com.au/Mazda/Mazda-Mazda3-Maxx-Sedan.cfm
Does the buyer want manual or auto? Dependant on this, I'd be thinking about the value of Ford Focus (cheaper than Mazda 3) and Mazda 6 (not much more expensive than Mazda 3) or maybe Renault Megane 2.0 to provide a comfortable, stylish & distinctive drive for Mum. Secondary suggestions include new Holden Astra Diesel (better as manual) or maybe a Mitsu 380 'Platinum' (with standard sunroof!) for about the same 'best price' she's been quoted for a Maxx 3
SlickHolden
03-03-2007, 07:19 AM
Wow... :eek: We get the 1.9 JTS (160bhp) as the entry level car here, and it starts at 24.200 € ($40,740). Altough that's still out of reach.
Another car I really like is the Subaru Legacy (or Liberty for you). That starts at $32k, maybe he can find a used one within his budget.
I would chose the Liberty legacy over the RX WRX:D.. They look better.
http://www.carpoint.com.au/new-car/SUBARU/LIBERTY/car.aspx?id=cp20060905.15:58:24.707168
Don't forget the Focus is being released as a diesel soon and there adding side bags to the options list.
fpv_gtho
03-03-2007, 07:58 PM
Its had side airbags since the Mk2 went on sale here, its curtain airbags the South African built ones are missing from the Euro ones.