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| Thread ID: 103388 | 2009-09-21 07:33:00 | Car buying advice | somebody (208) | PC World Chat |
| Post ID | Timestamp | Content | User | ||
| 812474 | 2009-09-21 09:16:00 | We tend to get from the auctions cos it is cheaper and we don't like car dealers and with re: to past experiences. They can do financing too... I think the cheaper cars but still in good nick might be a 2000-2002 model. Those compact cars tend to be more efficient and a 1.3L or such if you just do urban driving. We have a 1.3 corolla 95 model also a Mazda familia 1.5 also a 95 model the Mazda is more economical both around town and on long distances, because the Toyota doesn't quite have enough power to get up hills or overtake anything so you have to change down and rev the nuts off it. 1.5 engines are known in Europe as Economy engines as they use less than a 1.6 but still ahve the power. |
gary67 (56) | ||
| 812475 | 2009-09-21 09:23:00 | Thanks guys - keep the advice coming. | somebody (208) | ||
| 812476 | 2009-09-21 09:44:00 | My dragon has a Ford Ka they dont have a rubber cam belt its frugal on gas and been reliable only thing as a bit of a cult car you are paying more than its real value for similar car. | prefect (6291) | ||
| 812477 | 2009-09-21 10:07:00 | If you don't mind driving a tank, go get yourself a diesel hilux surf or a Prado. You can get a Hilux cheap as chips these days. I filled up for 42$ last week. How many people can say that? :D You will never find someone at the lights wanting to race you, people will not cut you off. People will not tale gate you. And everyone's always looking up at you! You have a lot of legroom even in the back and don't even mention cargo space! Toyota + Diesel = :thumbs: |
Cato (6936) | ||
| 812478 | 2009-09-21 10:22:00 | At the risk of sounding cautious, I also strongly suggest you look at the safety rating of the vehicles you may be looking at. No sense in getting someone reliable and economical if you end up incapitated or worse in a vehicle know to not be a safe model. I do understand that, in general, the later the technology the better. Nevertheless, some older cars are safer than others. You will want a few more birthdays, presumably ! :horrified Misty :) |
Misty (368) | ||
| 812479 | 2009-09-21 10:35:00 | If you don't mind driving a tank, go get yourself a diesel hilux surf or a Prado. You can get a Hilux cheap as chips these days. I filled up for 42$ last week. How many people can say that? :D You will never find someone at the lights wanting to race you, people will not cut you off. People will not tale gate you. And everyone's always looking up at you! You have a lot of legroom even in the back and don't even mention cargo space! Toyota + Diesel = :thumbs: Gotta agree...One of my younger brothers has a 1992 diesel Toyota Surf. It's done nearly 200 000 k's. It runs really well. Fuel consumption is very good. It's a bit tame when it comes to power, even though it's a turbo model. But it's spacious and really useful for transporting a lot of luggage and passengers. I've borrowed it a couple of times for driving on the beach. No rust whatsoever. It has recently developed a diesel pump leakage problem, but that's kinda to be expected given it's age and km's. The worst thing is the cost of decent tyres. And oh yeah... if you do have a mechanical problem... finding a decent diesel meachanic would be helpful (although the engines are so reliable you may not need one for years!) I was very tempted to buy one myself recently. |
Greg (193) | ||
| 812480 | 2009-09-21 11:14:00 | Robin Reliant were pretty good in their day. Not so good if you want a car that lasts a week or more though. ;) |
R2x1 (4628) | ||
| 812481 | 2009-09-21 12:03:00 | Thanks guys - I don't want to waste money paying interest to finance companies, so my preference is to buy a cheaper car which I can afford (and pay cash for). The car would mostly be used for city driving, with the occasional long distance trip. I highly recommend a Honda Civic, mid to late 90s, anything under 200,000kms but preferably around 160,000 or less. Very reliable, cheap to maintain, and if anything DOES go wrong parts are in plentiful supply. Second choice would be a Corolla. If you like a slightly bigger car, a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry would be good. Watch the transmission on the Accords though if it's an auto, some of them at around 160,000km+ start to slip a bit etc. Also check the torque converter locks properly (it looks and feels like a 5th gear change at around 90km/h). I have owned a Civic and an Accord and found both to be good cars. Do not under any circumstances buy a Ford Taurus even if it's only $1200 at auction and seems nice :D. Trust me on that one :) |
george12 (7) | ||
| 812482 | 2009-09-21 12:34:00 | ^ x2 :thumbs: Happy civic owner here. |
Erayd (23) | ||
| 812483 | 2009-09-21 12:58:00 | A corolla will go forever, I wont recommend honda because none of them take my fancy and IMO feel cheap. Anything toyota is a go'er Or a later model Holden Vectra |
hueybot3000 (3646) | ||
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