Suggestions for a 2nd vehicle

what about a dual cab?

Brother and his wife just traded in 2 Rav4 for 2 more practical cars [though he got a WRX !] Sister in law is drivng a Grandeur [hyandai I think] she likes it...big boot, plenty of room in back for pram and her dancing stuff [she's a dance instructor]..

Lynnemo me impune lacessit

Hey Michelle,
Check-out the Nissan Pulsar ST sedan and take it out for a test drive...should give you enough bang for you're buck ( $19,990 ) A well made Japanese car with the upsized 1.8 ltr motor and comes with an impressive list of standard features....

1.8 DOHC 16 Valve (90kW)
4-cylinder engine
Air-conditioning
Central locking w/keyless entry
Power body coloured door mirrors
Engine immobiliser
Radio / CD player
4 speakers
Driver's side SRS airbag

More at Nissan's website http://www.nissan.com.au/pulsarsedan/msummary_st-man.asp

Kindest regards

LP

Michelle , give me a call tomorrow , and ill go through some cars with you. Prices , pros cons. ect.

0418364781Venus Bay

OK - here's the next qn... if I've always driven manuals and the cruiser is a manual (which we'll keep), is there any point in paying extra for an auto? and will we adjust when we switch between vehicles? or will I always find myself stomping on the brake in the auto when I think I'm going for the clutch!!ExplorOz

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?

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

We had a Pathfinder last up and it was really comfy and had all the extras you wanted + and performed well, never had a prob.
The rear lift-up door was great as it allowed you to get at the back area really well and gave protection from the rain. You have to check prices etcCarpe Diem

You guys are all legends! Thanks for so many quick responses so far. I'm getting excited about this.ExplorOz

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

how about a forrester gt auto?????? in tomorrows 'west' motor section around
$22,000 will see you drive away.

Our 2nd car(my opinion) is a Suburu Outback. It's all wheel drive, very comfortable, roomy, quiet, great resale value and needless to say very reliable. Subies seem to go for ever. All the models (Forrester, Liberty, etc) are well put together.ne cede malis

1999 Forester or 2000 Pajero iO. Bob

Michelle - I agree with earlier response by LP. A Nissan Pulsar. My wifes vehicle is a 2000 Model 1.8 litre, manual. Easy to drive, plenty of boot space and great to drive. We often go to Melbourne (300ks) so take the Pulsar to save on fuel and easy to get around the City. We find the Patrol is a problem getting into multi story carparks because of the lift and roof rack.

I love driving the Pulsar when I can - though wife tells me that I am not on a race track when I use its cornering ability. GaryDead in the City - Alive in the Bush

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"

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

my 2 cents worth for what it is .........get a camry wagon in the v6 auto.....they are good on juice 10l/100 kms around town better on highway.....reliable comfortable have plenty of power if you do choose to go on the odd jaunt down the freeway without the cruiser and with that new addition expected will have the room for your prams etc etc parcels and two kids you should be able to get a good late model one with a few nice electric bits..windows/cruise for your twenty .......and still claim part of it on the business....

G'Day Michelle,
I'ts a shame your not located in NSW. I could offer you my two year old Ford AU111 Futura Wagon. A one owner with 73,000k on the clock for $18,600 still with one year factory warrentee. OH well ... that's life.

Good luck finding something.
Regards,
Bazza.

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

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

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

can recommend the Suburu Outback. my folks just downsized from a Falcon Futura wagon to one. Plenty of up and go and being all whell drive, its just holds the corners really well ;-) they are ecconomical and very comfortable to drive. in terms of space, they are not much different to a Forrester (may even have more space) The body shape of the Forrester is misleading in this respect. They are very reliable aswell.

Michelle,

I need to sell the '67 Valiant 225 slant six Auto. In showroom condition with just 81,000 miles on the clock. New tyres and shocks. Faultless paintwork. Has a radio.

Pros:
15l/100km
Huge chrome bumpers,
Quarter vent windows
Enormous boot
Plenty of space for bubs
NO COMPUTER !!!
Easy to drive

Cons:
No aircon
No powersteering

Will deliver it to Perth.

Price...the equivalent of 90 EO membership fees or thereabouts :-)

Cheers,

Willem

Always going somewhere

Michelle,

You said you would prefer a WRX. Well my son has one for sale.

Would willingly deliver it from NSW for you if interested, you just pay for a cheap Virgin flight home for me as well as the fuel cost. I reackon thats a bargain.

Can just imagine the canning I could give it accross the Nullabor.

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

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