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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
812484	2009-09-21 14:29:00	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. Try the '93 and up, they got a 3.0 turbo motor, hauls ass and still cheaper than petrol. Buy one anyway Gary, you won't regret it!	Cato (6936)
812485	2009-09-21 19:56:00	Surfs roll like crazy in the corners and will make you seasick, oh and I'm not Greg	gary67 (56)
812486	2009-09-21 20:31:00	Buy something with low kilometres below 100,000 kms otherwise the money you save on petrol will go towards repairs. I've never done that. If its done less than 100,000 then either it's been wound back and is lies or it isn't cheap. My current Corolla has done 325000km, I bought it for $1500. I had the cam belt done at 310,000 as I had no idea when it was last done. Other than that I have done nothing other than buy 2 more tyres. It had 285000 or so on it when I bought it.	pctek (84)
812487	2009-09-21 20:50:00	Thanks guys - Diesel owners, once you add RUC does it actually work out to be cost effective? A good friend of mine owns a Toyota Corolla (diesel) and although it seems cheap at the pump, after paying RUC he says it is barely worth the effort. A big dilemma at the moment is whether I spend more and get a newer car (maybe a fresh Jap import) that would have lower kms, better safety features, and will probably be in better condition than a 2nd or 3rd hand local vehicle as a 10-year investment - versus buying a cheap 2nd hand car that may need repairs in a couple of years and need to be replaced in the next 5 years or so. Thoughts?	somebody (208)
812488	2009-09-21 20:53:00	Before you buy check it out here by entering the rego number. http://www.carjam.co.nz/ I have entered random car plates here and have found a few with wound back speedos, one as much as 97,000 Km. :)	Trev (427)
812489	2009-09-21 20:59:00	If you don't mind driving a tank, go get yourself a diesel hilux surf or a Prado. You can get a Hilux cheap as chips these days. I filled up for 42$ 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: I had the 1994 Toyota diesel super custom, with same engine as the Hilux (1KZ-TE), with the turbo, good pick up. Pretty reliable. Tricky to do own repairs in terms of engine access (for vans). Took more time to remove accessories (seat, cover plate, hand brake, hoses, etc) than the cam belt when I replaced it. The starter motor also... But economical engine for sure...	kahawai chaser (3545)
812490	2009-09-21 21:01:00	The two makes that are both good and cheap, are Toyota and Nissan. I have both and never a problem.	Cicero (40)
812491	2009-09-21 21:03:00	I worked out about 20 % less for diesel against petrol. Any one else similar? Don't forget road license fees are higher...	kahawai chaser (3545)
812492	2009-09-21 21:05:00	The two makes that are both good and cheap, are Toyota and Nissan. I have both and never a problem. Totally agree. Some of the later small Nissan's "look" economical, e.g. Sentry, Pulsar, and Sunny saloons.	kahawai chaser (3545)
812493	2009-09-21 21:08:00	I worked out about 20 % less for diesel against petrol. Any one else similar? Don't forget road license fees are higher... Downside to diesel,cost on repairs. Best to be safe than sorry,stick with petrol.	Cicero (40)
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