Suggestions for a 2nd vehicle
Submitted: Tuesday, Nov 18, 2003 at 17:36
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Michelle from ExplorOz
We are currently a one-vehicle family and currently drive the 80 series diesel but practicalities dictate that we need another set of wheels.
Not sure whether to go for a smaller 4WD or a regular CAR, as this will predominantly be my runabout - domestic duties.
There are a few considerations such as:
1. big enough to fit pram for 2nd child and full load of shopping, 4 doors plus big enough boot/hatch storage for transporting
shop orders to
post office.
2. price under $20K
3. 2nd hand ok but not more than 7 yrs.
4. considering small 4WD to have ExplorOz 2 as the number plate and do the whole signwriting thing on the side if the accountant will let us get away with it
So please give me some suggestions - for both CARS and smaller 4WDS to suit that criteria. We simply havent looked at cars for about 6yrs so have no ideas
where to start.ExplorOz
Reply By: Member - Alan- Tuesday, Nov 18, 2003 at 18:27
Tuesday, Nov 18, 2003 at 18:27
Michelle, buy a Camry Wagon, good build quality, really reliable and not overly expensive if you go for late second hand ........... or should that be "pre-loved"?
The cooks had one for 10 years or so, still in good nick and I've just got a 97 model for the daughter (not sure what to call her!) at around $7000.
Excellent condition with air con.
Now that's not bad comimg from a Land Rover owner is it?
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Reply By: Member - Melissa - Tuesday, Nov 18, 2003 at 18:30
Tuesday, Nov 18, 2003 at 18:30
Hi Michelle,
Must be a "nesting" thing, LOL. Just last week we upgraded our 2nd car to a Commodore 'S' cause like you, we need 2 cars and having a 2nd child made my husbands "commuter car" totally unsuitable. I do luv our 4WD but I have to admit, it's really nice to have the
sedan to get around in day to day and much easier to get Matty in and out of. Cheaper to run too! The Commodore is a nice big family car that
well suits our needs as a growing family.
I'm not a real car buff - my approach with the last few cars we've bought is you (meaning my husband) do the research and leg-work and when you've found something you think is suitable, call me to have a look. But one suggestion is that when looking at various makes/models, sit Leigh's car
seat in them with her in it and make sure she's got enough leg room. Might seem a funny thing to do at her age but car seats do sit the kids up higher and more forward than otherwise and we found that in some of the small and medium size sedans Matty was resting or kicking his feet on the back of the seats.
Good luck!
:o) MelissaPetrol 4.5L GU Patrol &
Camprite TL8 offroad camper
http://members.westnet.com.au/flatdog
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Reply By: Martyn (WA) - Tuesday, Nov 18, 2003 at 19:02
Tuesday, Nov 18, 2003 at 19:02
Michelle,
There's a Rangie for sale in Osbourne park for $23K at the carpet joint there, looks good driving past going
home from ARB, one owner, usual oil leaks, electric everything sunroof etc tec it's a Vogue ES I think, got a 3.9 so it will satisfy the "hoon" in you, you'll no doubt be able to afford the fuel and if you want to do some serious off road stuff you take the Rangie and leave the L/C at
home. What more can you ask for. Instruction, "Light blue touch paper stand
well back". Keep the shiny side up
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Follow Up By: Michelle from ExplorOz - Tuesday, Nov 18, 2003 at 19:05
Tuesday, Nov 18, 2003 at 19:05
Thanks Martyn but can you pls explain your last sentence? "light blue touch paper stand
well back"... I must be blonde or something? I don't get it...ExplorOz
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Follow Up By: Martyn (WA) - Wednesday, Nov 19, 2003 at 01:10
Wednesday, Nov 19, 2003 at 01:10
Michelle,
On the side of fireworks is a like public warning, 1, light fire work with a smolder stick not a match, 2, light blue touch paper stand
well back, 3, never return to a firework once. It may explode in your face, regarding the comment about the superior off road performance of the Rangie versus the Landcruiser, hence "light the blue touch paper", you get it now? Keep the shiny side up
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Follow Up By: Michelle from ExplorOz - Wednesday, Nov 19, 2003 at 01:31
Wednesday, Nov 19, 2003 at 01:31
Thanks for the explanation - its rather original, never heard it before. But I did get that you were being cheeky with the mere suggestion that I would ever consider a Rangie and even more ridiculous that I could afford such a gas gusling beast of a thing! ha haExplorOz
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Follow Up By: GaryInOz (Vic) - Wednesday, Nov 19, 2003 at 08:22
Wednesday, Nov 19, 2003 at 08:22
I've got to admit when I read it, the image of a Rangie in total self destruct mode came to mind....
At least if you bought a Rangie you would never get lost, just follow the line of oil from where the vehicle ceased to procede, all the way back
home. Who needs GPS, bah, humbug.....
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Reply By: Colin - NSW (Bungendore area) - Tuesday, Nov 18, 2003 at 23:45
Tuesday, Nov 18, 2003 at 23:45
Guess what I'm going to recomend ?
Others have beat me to it but - 2nd hand Forester will come in at the right $$
If you were lucky maybe an auto GT - did the CSR easy in 2001!
If the accountant would let you, I would go for a new auto XT Forester - same power as a WRX and great off road as well.
Contact the Subaru Club for assistance.
Good luck.Subaru Forester
"size isn't everything"
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Follow Up By: ExplorOz Team - Michelle - Friday, Nov 21, 2003 at 04:08
Friday, Nov 21, 2003 at 04:08
Colin,
Thanks for the recommendation - I continued on my mery way doing my research of all my confusing options and now I have indeed narrow my choice down to the Forester. I saw the XS to today and loved that, but the price is too much of course, but I think I'll try and see if I can find a 1999 model. Seems the GX mans are around the $ I want to spend, but fingers crossed I'll find a GT auto. Now I know what I'm talking about... spent hours on the internet... amazing what you can learn in just a couple of days!Regards Michelle,
Spread the word - ExplorOz.com
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Reply By: Michelle from ExplorOz - Wednesday, Nov 19, 2003 at 01:01
Wednesday, Nov 19, 2003 at 01:01
OK lots of ideas here and now I've done some homework in the various weekend papers I had lying around... I probably even more confused!
I'm wondering what's wrong with the Hyundai Nubuira - they are so cheap! brand new hatch for $16990, right size etc.
I like the look of the Maxda Astina, but haven't yet sat in one - is it too small? Other specs seem ok and price brand new $1990 so a 2nd hand one could be got for even less.
And is the Holden Astra just too small? or about the same as the Astina - in the 5 door versions.
I would love to drive the Crysler PT Cruiser but at $26990 for a 2002 model its above the max. budget is $20K Im told by "he who must be obeyed".
I could't find a Forester for under $20K unless I went down to a 1997 model...and also found that 5 door RAV4s were hard to get under $20K unless I went to a 1997 model. I like the idea of the AWD Subaru - eg. Outback, but also most I see in the paper are around $26K. Don't want to get too old on the model if I can help it.
Any more
feedback?ExplorOz
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Follow Up By: Member - Al & Mrs Al (Vic) - Wednesday, Nov 19, 2003 at 07:26
Wednesday, Nov 19, 2003 at 07:26
Hi Michelle
Sister in Law had an Astina hatch..it had quite a bit of room in the back, but don't know about getting a pram in...very comfortable and sporty, other sister in law drives the sedan version but complains of the lack of go....also the Astina didn't have points for car seats - at least hers didn't. Sister in law that just had a baby traded her RAV4 in as there wasn't adequate room in the back for her requirements.
As for the Astra Wombat drives the convertable type so he might be able to give you and idea of room...looks pretty roomy to me...nemo me impune lacessit
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Follow Up By: Member - Al & Mrs Al (Vic) - Wednesday, Nov 19, 2003 at 08:26
Wednesday, Nov 19, 2003 at 08:26
rewind that bit about the car
seat points...I could be getting confused with another vehicle....not hard in my old age...
Lyn
Fearr an mhaith atá ná an dá mhaith do bhí
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Follow Up By: Member - Melissa - Wednesday, Nov 19, 2003 at 12:09
Wednesday, Nov 19, 2003 at 12:09
Michelle,
The cars you mention all seem pretty good but they are small. It was a Ford Festiva hatchback that we just got rid of because of that very reason. On the positive, these smaller cars are VERY cheap to run and you could get a brand new one for your $20K.
:o) MelissaPetrol 4.5L GU Patrol &
Camprite TL8 offroad camper
http://members.westnet.com.au/flatdog
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Reply By: Michelle from ExplorOz - Wednesday, Nov 19, 2003 at 14:14
Wednesday, Nov 19, 2003 at 14:14
Thanks everyone, this has been a very intersting thread. I have a much better idea of what's out there now and spent some time this morning looking at cars in the carpark at the local shops whilst I collected the morning mail.
I think I'm off to the strip of car dealerships in Wanaroo this weekend to inspect the sizes of the various cars I'm starting to look at and start to whittle down the choices a little.
David and I are having a Ford/Commodore disagreement and I don't think he felt I needed such a large car anyway, so I'm starting the bottom end and will work my way up to the .... PT Cruiser (I hope)! ha ha Santa I promise I'll be good to you!
ExplorOz
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Follow Up By: Member - Des Lexik(SA) - Wednesday, Nov 19, 2003 at 19:15
Wednesday, Nov 19, 2003 at 19:15
Eric offered you some help earlier as that is the trade he is in. From the Mexican's in
Victoria who have had dealings with him, they do sing his praises. Trucking across from there to WA might still see you save some hard earned dollars.ne cede malis
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Reply By: Andrew - Wednesday, Nov 19, 2003 at 14:21
Wednesday, Nov 19, 2003 at 14:21
Subaru Forester, keep looking, they are available from $17K in the east
-Right Size
-Economical
-Still has lots of space
-Great touring vehicle with reasonable level of off-road ability
-Baby seats fit and kids can see out heaps better than standard cars
-Good height for getting kids and luggage in a nd out
-Love mine and everyone I have spoken to who has one thinks they are great.
-Better offroad than everything soft except suzukis and sportage, but handles heaps better and is more comfortable
downside, you need the limited model to get the standard aircon, cruise control etc which is a must have. adds to the price a bit.
Mine's been to Darwin, Fraser and all round NSW, hasn't missed a beat despite the load. 28mpg with swags on the roof, 32 + without at 100 to 110kmh
Great backup vehicle when you have a heavy duty 4x4 for the really hard stuff
Andi
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Follow Up By: Michelle from ExplorOz - Wednesday, Nov 19, 2003 at 14:25
Wednesday, Nov 19, 2003 at 14:25
Thanks Andrew, I will do some more looking at the Forrester since this post has quite a few recommendations on it. Any idea of what year model I can get a limited edition in for under $20K?ExplorOz
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Follow Up By: Andrew - Wednesday, Nov 19, 2003 at 14:47
Wednesday, Nov 19, 2003 at 14:47
Not sure but I would imagine you will be looking at the '98 ish era
regards
Andi
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Reply By: Member - Bigbear - Wednesday, Nov 19, 2003 at 15:43
Wednesday, Nov 19, 2003 at 15:43
Michelle
I have a 98 Suzuki Vitara 4 door. is the wifes runabout great for shopping etc and seats fold up for larger items. Also very capable off road if you ever wanted to tyake it there. Has air con. man trans, bullbar, electronic rustprofing etc plus lots of other bits. AND it is for sale for around $14k.
The wife said sell it as she has just been given a work car, Fairmont, so we no longer need it.
You may have seen it at the Swapmeet the other weekend as we just up from you guys, we actually bought the
tyres off David.
Just a long shot but you dont know if you dont try
Bush Bappo's 4WD Club
Get out there & have a look
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Reply By: UB.1 - Wednesday, Nov 19, 2003 at 20:45
Wednesday, Nov 19, 2003 at 20:45
Hello Michelle
As you only want an around town runabout which can do the odd long trip consider the mazda 323/Ford laser as you already like it (Astina is luxury version as is Eunos).
We have one as a second car. It is 4sp auto 1.8L and goes like stink but if not pushed is very economical 8.5l/100km highway at 110kph with ac on. It has central locking ac, 4 discs, ABS, cruise control and is comfortable for both of us. I'm 6' and she is 5'2". It can carry 4 adults at a pinch in reasonable comfort but only up to 5'10" in the back. Trips to
Sydney & Newcastle, or down the coast from Canberra are a breeze. It is the 4 door sedan and has a higher rear roofline than the hatch. The rear seat splits and folds down for larger loads. Get at least the GLXi to obtain this specification in the Ford. We bought it 18 months ago at the government auctions for $14,500 when dealers wanted $17,999 for the 1.6L Gli.
It's a late 99 model and is brilliant and fun to drive despite being auto. The only criticism is the
suspension which is up for renewal as it has 125,000km on it.
If you do want another small 4wd consider the Subaru forrester or Kia Sportage. Another option some might scoff at is the Volvo XC or cross country as they are larger but much underated. They might be out of the price range though. Ignore the "bloody Volvo" ads except for a laugh and to acknowledge how an Ozzie expression has gone worldwide. A test drive will give and interesting perspective.
Read reviews at
http://www.drive.com.au/
Happy hunting
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Reply By: Wombat (Victoria) - Thursday, Nov 20, 2003 at 11:54
Thursday, Nov 20, 2003 at 11:54
Hi Michelle,
You seem to have your heart set on a PT Cruiser. From the perspective of a small family car they are the ultimate in practicality, even to the extent of having a rear fold out picnic/change table. If they came out with a soft top I would have bought one to replace my beautiful little MX5, when our Special K came along.
I know David has set the limit at $20k . . . . . but . . . . have a think about this scenario. If you take out a chattel mortgage through the business, (assuming IT Beyond is registered for GST) for the total purchase price of the car, you can claim the entire GST component back on your next Business Activity Statement. This, in effect creates a positive cash flow, as you have only physically paid GST on the deposit and first loan repayment/s. In other words Mr Costello is giving you money to invest or do what you like with.
The tax implications of the business supplying you with a vehicle are advantageous, for if you keep a log book (documenting a major percentage of business kilometres) a large component of the purchase and running costs will be tax deductible and the vehicle depreciation will also be claimable. If you have a good accountant they should be able to advise you in this sort of matter.
Don't compromise on your purchase - you go for it girl. You only get one chance at this thing called life, don't spend it wishing and hoping.
And if David puts his foot down suggest that maybe he'd be happier in a cheaper 4WD, such as a Diahatsu Terrios.
"Live today as if there may be no tomorrow"
Wombat
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Follow Up By: Michelle from ExplorOz - Thursday, Nov 20, 2003 at 12:22
Thursday, Nov 20, 2003 at 12:22
Hi Wombat,
The issue is not about getting the accountant to agree to put the 4WD on the company books, but to agree to put a 2nd vehicle on the company books - the 80 is already there and is fully tax ded already.
Eric has talked me out of the PT cruiser I'm afraid, plus the Daewo - had a good chat with him on the phone yesterday.
In my mind, I've narrowed down the choices to:
4WDs - Foresters and Kia Sportage
Cars - Camry, V6 Magna, Lancer, Ford Au series 111
but I'll let you all know how it turns out after a weekend at the car yards... oh joy!ExplorOz
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