What kind of car should I get?

My current car is is a 21 year old Nissan Bluebird, proudly made in Australia (that means a couple of the panels aren't properly aligned). Now my poor old car which has taken me to many parts of Oz will not survive another hot Australian summer unless I spend mega bucks on it.

I don't want to get/need a big 6 or even V8, nor SUV 4Wheel Drive etc.

I have tested a Toyota Corrolla and a Nissan Pulsar (may be called differently overseas). Of the 2 the Corolla has mightly impressed me. What a rocket.

The Nissan although a bit slower also is a very nice device.

Although I am reasonably wealth these days, it still pains me to spend $25.000 on a car on the road.

Another option is to pick up a 2-3 year old example at the government fleet auctions for around 16-17 grand. Actually I'm tempted to do this.

Any opinions.

But seriously, how's the price of gas there?

i own a saturn SL2 and i'm very pleased with it. it handles impacts well (i rear-ended a truck in a stupid accident that was all my fault. thank god the other driver was nice because his truck suffered more damage than my car), and the dealership is great with maintenance--very courteous and fast.

bLuE oRdEr wrote: But seriously, how's the price of gas there?

Its getting close to $1.30 a liter, and rising. I have no idea what that is per gallon.

Ronald Kirsch wrote:

bLuE oRdEr wrote: But seriously, how's the price of gas there?

Its getting close to $1.30 a liter, and rising. I have no idea what that is per gallon.

there are about 4 liters in a gallon, i think.

Ronald Kirsch wrote:

bLuE oRdEr wrote: But seriously, how's the price of gas there?

Its getting close to $1.30 a liter, and rising. I have no idea what that is per gallon.

But is that expensive? I don't know the conversion rate from Aussie to US, let alone metric to US.

The reason I ask is because diesel engines get better fuel economy, last two or three times as long as a petrol car, and I think diesel is cheaper as well. Plus you can run on biodiesel, which is the most ecological way to go right now. Plus you guys have some great choices available to you that we don't have:

Alfa Romeo

Audi

Volkswagen

Volkswagen

But I think they may be priced higher than what you're planning on spending.

AgentWood wrote:

Ronald Kirsch wrote:

bLuE oRdEr wrote: But seriously, how's the price of gas there?

Its getting close to $1.30 a liter, and rising. I have no idea what that is per gallon.

there are about 4 liters in a gallon, i think.

No, it's somewhere between 3 and 4 per gallon.

One of our South Pacific Pesos is currently about 75 US cents. Much better than a couple of years ago when we dipped below 50cents US.

Our petrol is still cheap compared to europe. We pay in dollars about the same what they pay in Euros. One Euro is about 2 of our dollars. So, they pay double the price we do. But I know we still pay more than you citizens of the USA.

any car that runs really

bLuE oRdEr wrote:

AgentWood wrote:

Ronald Kirsch wrote:

bLuE oRdEr wrote: But seriously, how's the price of gas there?

Its getting close to $1.30 a liter, and rising. I have no idea what that is per gallon.

there are about 4 liters in a gallon, i think.

No, it's somewhere between 3 and 4 per gallon.

Hmmm, AgentWood was awfully close, though. Aprroximately 3.8 liters/gallon.

bLuE oRdEr wrote:

Only if he wants the car asking him "What is it, Michael?" all the time.

bLuE oRdEr wrote:

Only if he wants the car asking him "What is it, Michael?" all the time.

Ronald Kirsch wrote:

bLuE oRdEr wrote: But seriously, how's the price of gas there?

Its getting close to $1.30 a liter, and rising. I have no idea what that is per gallon.

$3.72 per gallon...

bLuE oRdEr wrote:

Ronald Kirsch wrote:

bLuE oRdEr wrote: But seriously, how's the price of gas there?

Its getting close to $1.30 a liter, and rising. I have no idea what that is per gallon.

But is that expensive? I don't know the conversion rate from Aussie to US, let alone metric to US.

The reason I ask is because diesel engines get better fuel economy, last two or three times as long as a petrol car, and I think diesel is cheaper as well. Plus you can run on biodiesel, which is the most ecological way to go right now. Plus you guys have some great choices available to you that we don't have:

Alfa Romeo

Audi

Volkswagen

Volkswagen

But I think they may be priced higher than what you're planning on spending.

Diesel cars here are not very popular yet. Diesel usually costs the same if not more than petrol here. Plus diesel powered cars are probably 25% more expensive here than normal ones, so you'd have to do many ks to get your money back. Also we don't have any dedicated car diesel filling places, so you have to do it where the trucks do it, ie in a dirty smelly spot.

I know about the economy, and yes I have been in one of these modern turbo diesels, and I know they have plenty of get up and go.

bLuE oRdEr wrote:

Ronald Kirsch wrote:

bLuE oRdEr wrote: But seriously, how's the price of gas there?

Its getting close to $1.30 a liter, and rising. I have no idea what that is per gallon.

$4.10 per gallon...

So what's the price in the US of A?

bLuE oRdEr wrote:

Ronald Kirsch wrote:

bLuE oRdEr wrote: But seriously, how's the price of gas there?

Its getting close to $1.30 a liter, and rising. I have no idea what that is per gallon.

$4.10 per gallon...

So what's the price in the US of A?

I made a mistake-- it's 3.72 per gallon. That's still higher than here. I think people are paying about $2.50 or $2.60 per gallon.

Buy Burnout 3 (or 4 when it's released) and test drive some of those beauties...

How about one of these bad boys......

http://www.fpv.com.au/index.asp?link_id=2.455

I'm jealous of the cars you guys get and we don't. (Unless you're a Holden Monaro fan. It's badged as a Pontiac GTO here in the States.)

a hybrid

Spotnick wrote:

I love 1987 wrote: If I could afford the gas, I'd be looking at the new Dodge Charger R/T...

Your country invaded Iraq to make sure the price of gaz would continue to be half of what they are elsewhere and you still can't afford it?

Oh my............

It's possible I'll needing a replacement car thanks to the ass that decided the red light wasn't for him. Still waiting to hear what the insurance company decides.

FAC 51 wrote: It's possible I'll needing a replacement car thanks to the ass that decided the red light wasn't for him. Still waiting to hear what the insurance company decides.

Hey buddie whats that grab rail thing stuck on the trunk? :D

How about a Mustang?? or are they expensive to run..

How about a Mustang??

Respectfully, I HATE Fords. Even more now that I know W drives one.

I'm gonna wait to I know if the car is a write-off or if it's gonna be repaired.

get yerself an icecream van. at least you can make money on the way home from work on hot days.

I've got a 1.3 litre turbo diesel 2005 Fiat Panda. 60-odd mpg, runs on cheaper fuel, and I managed to take a Porsche 996 GT3 in it, due to it having incredible low-end power.

I've got a 1.3 litre turbo diesel 2005 Fiat Panda. 60-odd mpg, runs on cheaper fuel, and I managed to take a Porsche 996 GT3 in it, due to it having incredible low-end power.

Sounds interesting, however I don't think they are available in the US, yet.

Spotnick wrote:

Tex wrote:

Spotnick wrote:

I love 1987 wrote: If I could afford the gas, I'd be looking at the new Dodge Charger R/T...

Your country invaded Iraq to make sure the price of gaz would continue to be half of what they are elsewhere and you still can't afford it?

Oh my............

I was kidding Mr McDermott... I hope you got it ;)

;) :D

FAC 51 wrote:

How about a Mustang??

Respectfully, I HATE Fords. Even more now that I know W drives one.

I'm gonna wait to I know if the car is a write-off or if it's gonna be repaired.

Hate aside, the new V6 Mustang (210 hp) is rated at 19/25 mpg and the Mustang GT (300 hp) is rated at 17/25 mpg.

A SAAB, of course

:)

Rian wrote: A SAAB, of course

:)

A GM, then, instead of a Ford-- I mean, Volvo? :D

bLuE oRdEr wrote:

Rian wrote: A SAAB, of course

:)

A GM, then, instead of a Ford-- I mean, Volvo? :D

Yeah, something like that

Bugger.....

believe it or not, I'm with you on that one.

The new Corolla really goes with its standard 100KW engine.

Other cars that could be considered are the 4 cylinder GM and Ford products. We get them from Europe these days, as opposed to badge engineered Japanese products, or even the locally assebled products of the past. You know the Focus, Fiesta, Vectra, Astra. Are they any good?

i bet you'd be the only man in oz drivin' one of these bad boys:

He could always go with a Camry.

bLuE oRdEr wrote: He could always go with a Camry.

"Let's get a few things straight. I don't want the South to rise again. I've never been to a Civil War reenactment. I don't even know the words to "Dixie." But I did grow up in rural Colorado surrounded by all things redneck, and there's a special place in my heart for The Dukes of Hazzard (especially Bo)."

jesus christ...she's my twin!

My current car ain't a chick magnet. Maybe I should get one.

If you have money enough, you should buy a certain red car with a horse on it.

ON it...

Ronald Kirsch wrote: My current car ain't a chick magnet. Maybe I should get one.

this chick doesn't care what kind of car a man drives--all that matters is who's driving it.

AgentWood wrote:

Ronald Kirsch wrote: My current car ain't a chick magnet. Maybe I should get one.

this chick doesn't care what kind of car a man drives--all that matters is who's driving it.

Awwww...

Anyway I have to go now and fight the insurance company, so I can get the money for mum's car.

Server Error in "/" Application wrote: If you have money enough, you should buy a certain red car with a horse on it...

Doing well with VWs for years now... Currently driving a little green bastard called VW Polo (60 hp).

What the F&*k has this to do with NO?

Friendchip wrote: What the F&*k has this to do with NO?

He wants a car driving 60mph.

Friendchip wrote: What the F&*k has this to do with NO?

Nothing, thta's why he posted this on the "general chat" forum...

I love 1987 wrote:

Monsieur Round & Round wrote:

Friendchip wrote: What the F&*k has this to do with NO?

Nothing, thta's why he posted this on the "general chat" forum...

don't go getting all philosophical on us!!!

Yes, Our Beloved Co-Moderator!

A SAAB, of course

Of course.

I've done a couple of laps of the Nurburgring in my Saab "family hatchback". And overtook bikes.

It does have a couple of tricks up it's sleeve though.

Saab tricks

Barney Army wrote:

A SAAB, of course

Of course.

I've done a couple of laps of the Nurburgring in my Saab "family hatchback". And overtook bikes.

It does have a couple of tricks up it's sleeve though.

Saab tricks

What kind of SAAB do you have? And what tricks does it have?

I have a 95 Aero. 2004.

Yours is bigger than mine!

93 Aero

• Trionic power upgrade
• Viggen Rescue kit to get rid of the v. dangerous torque steer and keep the front pointing in the right direction!

Black, of course.

Ronald Kirsch wrote: The new Corolla really goes with its standard 100KW engine.

Other cars that could be considered are the 4 cylinder GM and Ford products. We get them from Europe these days, as opposed to badge engineered Japanese products, or even the locally assebled products of the past. You know the Focus, Fiesta, Vectra, Astra. Are they any good?

Kirschy, if you're in the market for those local models, consider the Mazda 3. Excellently reviewed and not a bad looker. Take one for a spin.

:\pimp3:

depthcharge wrote:

Ronald Kirsch wrote: The new Corolla really goes with its standard 100KW engine.

Other cars that could be considered are the 4 cylinder GM and Ford products. We get them from Europe these days, as opposed to badge engineered Japanese products, or even the locally assebled products of the past. You know the Focus, Fiesta, Vectra, Astra. Are they any good?

Kirschy, if you're in the market for those local models, consider the Mazda 3. Excellently reviewed and not a bad looker. Take one for a spin.

I think I'll go to the government ex-fleet auction tommorrow, see if I get something there

:\pimp3:

AgentWood wrote:

Ronald Kirsch wrote: My current car ain't a chick magnet. Maybe I should get one.

this chick doesn't care what kind of car a man drives--all that matters is who's driving it.

What a smart chick this one is.
Unfortunately your sisters aren't all like you. Then again do I want someone who likes my car or me.

Friendchip wrote: What the F&*k has this to do with NO?

Ok you want a link my old car got me to 2 New Order gigs. I hope the new one will do at least the same.

I went to the ex government fleet auctions on Saturday. I ended getting a 2003 Ford Focus, 2 liter, duel airbags, abs alloy wheels, front power windows, etc ect, 13000 km , for $15.800. Its insured now for $21.000. I was originally after a Corolla, but I just couldn't go past the low milage. Plus it still has a year warranty.

Ronald Kirsch wrote: I went to the ex government fleet auctions on Saturday. I ended getting a 2003 Ford Focus, 2 liter, duel airbags, abs alloy wheels, front power windows, etc ect, 13000 km , for $15.800. Its insured now for $21.000. I was originally after a Corolla, but I just couldn't go past the low milage. Plus it still has a year warranty.

Oh no, that's not the kind of car you should get. Not at all.

bLuE oRdEr wrote:

Ronald Kirsch wrote: I went to the ex government fleet auctions on Saturday. I ended getting a 2003 Ford Focus, 2 liter, duel airbags, abs alloy wheels, front power windows, etc ect, 13000 km , for $15.800. Its insured now for $21.000. I was originally after a Corolla, but I just couldn't go past the low milage. Plus it still has a year warranty.

Oh no, that's not the kind of car you should get. Not at all.

Why not? I did say I'd do the sensible thing. Ah yes, I never did see myself owning a Ford either. Actually I always thought Fords were crap. This one however is designed and engineeried in Germany and made in Belgium. Should be a good highway cruiser.

Well, if you're going for sensible, it sounds like you made a good choice. Congratulations!

PS-- what model Focus?

bLuE oRdEr wrote: Well, if you're going for sensible, it sounds like you made a good choice. Congratulations!

PS-- what model Focus?

I don't know if the model designations translate, but its an LX. It has everything except for a trip computer, automatic climate control (it has air conditioning) and cruise control.

forget it just get a bmw new or used

Gaurav Rana wrote: forget it just get a bmw new or used

2 reasons. New BMW are rediculously exxcy here due to government tax, and old beemers are notoriously expensive to maintain and repair.

New BMWs look too Japanese or Korean. Especially the 3 Series that they are flooding the States with. Now a 7 series....

Saw a dude driving a VW pickup with a diesel engine. Claims 40 mpg in the city.